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Dirty Little Secret
Not yet published
Expected 2 Apr 26James
I’m forty years old, a tenured professor with investments, property, and a 401k.
But what I crave is to submit. To hand over control to Colton. We met on an app. His needs matched mine. It was only supposed to be once, then twice. No commitment, so I don’t feel bad cutting contact.
Then my world implodes when I get custody of siblings I didn’t know I have.
Everything would have been fine, I would have survived on my own, if not for Sir, my hookup, walking through the doors of my classroom.
He’s over a decade younger than me, and now I’m his professor, yet Sir is giving me schedules I need and caretaking from a distance. I know I should stay away, but I can’t. No matter what he gives me, I want more.
Colton
I’m twenty-eight years old, starting my first semester as a transfer student at a local university, finally following my dreams.
And then I see him, the sub I haven’t stopped thinking about, the one who comes undone for me in ways I’ve never experienced before. He makes all my Dominant instincts flare to life. I’ve always loved caretaking, but James makes me need it on a bone-deep level.
It’s not long before he’s on his knees for me again, surrendering in ways we both crave. He’s forbidden, my professor, my good boy, and I’m his Sir…his dirty little secret. But it’s not enough. I want it all from him, if only he’ll let me have it.
Dirty Little Secret is a student/professor romance, with an older sub and a younger Dom. Please use the look inside feature for a more in-depth content description and warning.
I’m forty years old, a tenured professor with investments, property, and a 401k.
But what I crave is to submit. To hand over control to Colton. We met on an app. His needs matched mine. It was only supposed to be once, then twice. No commitment, so I don’t feel bad cutting contact.
Then my world implodes when I get custody of siblings I didn’t know I have.
Everything would have been fine, I would have survived on my own, if not for Sir, my hookup, walking through the doors of my classroom.
He’s over a decade younger than me, and now I’m his professor, yet Sir is giving me schedules I need and caretaking from a distance. I know I should stay away, but I can’t. No matter what he gives me, I want more.
Colton
I’m twenty-eight years old, starting my first semester as a transfer student at a local university, finally following my dreams.
And then I see him, the sub I haven’t stopped thinking about, the one who comes undone for me in ways I’ve never experienced before. He makes all my Dominant instincts flare to life. I’ve always loved caretaking, but James makes me need it on a bone-deep level.
It’s not long before he’s on his knees for me again, surrendering in ways we both crave. He’s forbidden, my professor, my good boy, and I’m his Sir…his dirty little secret. But it’s not enough. I want it all from him, if only he’ll let me have it.
Dirty Little Secret is a student/professor romance, with an older sub and a younger Dom. Please use the look inside feature for a more in-depth content description and warning.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 22, 2026
16 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
115 books7,220 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 21, 2026
This book is really 🔥and really sweet at the same time ❤️ Love their story and that both MC are ‘older’ (28 and 40) Parts of the story made me tear up, I’m so happy they got they HEA❤️ Very well written❤️
February 17, 2026
Beautiful and exactly what I needed
March 24, 2026
Really fun standalone book by Riley Hart. I really enjoyed the different dynamic of the younger Dom. Colton and James were really interesting characters and it was nice to see them change throughout the story. Can’t wait to read more of Riley’s work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You want to keep me your dirty little secret?"
I literally dropped everything today, who needs that boring work anyway, and I can’t be happier 🙃
I went in expecting a spicy, kinky, secret relationship story, - and don’t get me wrong, all of that is absolutely there, and it’s top tier 🥵
What I didn’t expect was how emotional it would be.
I didn’t expect James’s siblings to add so much to it.
I didn’t expect to be on a verge of - good - tears several times and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I had to fight them back over people making a fort of blankets! 🫠
So believe me when I say - it’s that good.
It has everything and just the right amount of it all.
The spice is delicious, the story feels grounded and real, but two things stood out for me - the side characters - literally all of them!! - and the dynamic between James and Colton 💜
I am not an expert on D/S relationships, but I can safely say that the way it’s portrayed here feels surprisingly gentle, caring, and deeply emotional. Colton is just a picture-perfect caretaker with an enormous heart, exactly the right person to show James how beautiful and deserving of happiness he is. It may not be a heavy, trauma-centered story, but it is a very healing journey ❤️🩹
“It’s okay.” He kisses the tip of my nose, then my cheek and my lips. What’s with all the kissing everywhere, and why do I like it so much?”
The side characters were incredibly done, every single one of them felt meaningful and added something to the story. I love when a romance doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and here the world around the characters feels alive, warm, and supportive.
Also, an honorary mention for the cultural representation 🙌
And of course, Riley's writing just flows, it’s effortless to read, it’s funny, emotional, spicy, and completely absorbing.
“I’ve never been in a situation to be someone’s baby. How can I be forty years old and never have been someone’s baby?” 🥹
The only tiny thing that pulled me out a couple of times was the phrase “this is such a bad idea” 😬 my brain is damaged since last November and I can only hear it in Hudson Williams’s voice 😅
I am very thankful for this wonderful story and for the opportunity to be an ARC reader! 💜
I literally dropped everything today, who needs that boring work anyway, and I can’t be happier 🙃
I went in expecting a spicy, kinky, secret relationship story, - and don’t get me wrong, all of that is absolutely there, and it’s top tier 🥵
What I didn’t expect was how emotional it would be.
I didn’t expect James’s siblings to add so much to it.
I didn’t expect to be on a verge of - good - tears several times and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I had to fight them back over people making a fort of blankets! 🫠
So believe me when I say - it’s that good.
It has everything and just the right amount of it all.
The spice is delicious, the story feels grounded and real, but two things stood out for me - the side characters - literally all of them!! - and the dynamic between James and Colton 💜
I am not an expert on D/S relationships, but I can safely say that the way it’s portrayed here feels surprisingly gentle, caring, and deeply emotional. Colton is just a picture-perfect caretaker with an enormous heart, exactly the right person to show James how beautiful and deserving of happiness he is. It may not be a heavy, trauma-centered story, but it is a very healing journey ❤️🩹
“It’s okay.” He kisses the tip of my nose, then my cheek and my lips. What’s with all the kissing everywhere, and why do I like it so much?”
The side characters were incredibly done, every single one of them felt meaningful and added something to the story. I love when a romance doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and here the world around the characters feels alive, warm, and supportive.
Also, an honorary mention for the cultural representation 🙌
And of course, Riley's writing just flows, it’s effortless to read, it’s funny, emotional, spicy, and completely absorbing.
“I’ve never been in a situation to be someone’s baby. How can I be forty years old and never have been someone’s baby?” 🥹
The only tiny thing that pulled me out a couple of times was the phrase “this is such a bad idea” 😬 my brain is damaged since last November and I can only hear it in Hudson Williams’s voice 😅
I am very thankful for this wonderful story and for the opportunity to be an ARC reader! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
4.25⭐️
This book starts out as a light BDSM, Sir/Good Boy, kink book with the Dom being younger by 12 years.
Colton has always acted older than his years since his father left his mother and his younger brother when he was little. He’s always been a caretaker and loves being in control (gently) and being the one who solves problems and helps others.
James’s life is full of anxiety and loneliness, he needs things to be in order and exactly so, he needs his routines, and yet is always second guessing when it comes to other people. Being a sub is the only time he lets go, but even that cannot happen as often as he likes.
Colton and James have done scenes a couple of times but suddenly James cancels his account and disappears.
James finds out he his toxic neglectful mother that he hasn’t seen or spoken to since he was 18 dies and left him 2 siblings, 15 and 11, who will go into the system if he won’t take them. They were abused the same way he was, and even though kids don’t fit into his life as a 40 y/o college professor with anxiety and self esteem issues, he brings them home. Anger and trust issues plague their new relationship and no one knows how to talk to or relate to eachother.
Then the semester starts, and James looks up to see his ex-Dom is now his student. And the desire and attraction hasn’t gone away.
I’m not always interested in the uber emotional, sad storylines, and this one starts that way. I could really feel the sadness and feelings of hopelessness that James was feeling. His anxiety, sadness, and his lack of understanding of what to do to make his brother and sister feel happy, safe, and loved was pressing on my heart. Every time Colton was on page he was like sunshine. It made ME feel better that he was present.
This book is really about James and his growth and relationships with his siblings, Colton, and a friend maybe. He and Nash, his 15 y/o brother are so similar yet their reactions to things are so different and it takes nearly the whole book for him to realize.
I really enjoyed this book. A lot. There is certainly spice and kink, but the author weaved it into a story about being accepted and loved because you deserve to be, having family because they want to be, and letting people be in Your life because it’s ok to let them.
4.25⭐️
This book starts out as a light BDSM, Sir/Good Boy, kink book with the Dom being younger by 12 years.
Colton has always acted older than his years since his father left his mother and his younger brother when he was little. He’s always been a caretaker and loves being in control (gently) and being the one who solves problems and helps others.
James’s life is full of anxiety and loneliness, he needs things to be in order and exactly so, he needs his routines, and yet is always second guessing when it comes to other people. Being a sub is the only time he lets go, but even that cannot happen as often as he likes.
Colton and James have done scenes a couple of times but suddenly James cancels his account and disappears.
James finds out he his toxic neglectful mother that he hasn’t seen or spoken to since he was 18 dies and left him 2 siblings, 15 and 11, who will go into the system if he won’t take them. They were abused the same way he was, and even though kids don’t fit into his life as a 40 y/o college professor with anxiety and self esteem issues, he brings them home. Anger and trust issues plague their new relationship and no one knows how to talk to or relate to eachother.
Then the semester starts, and James looks up to see his ex-Dom is now his student. And the desire and attraction hasn’t gone away.
I’m not always interested in the uber emotional, sad storylines, and this one starts that way. I could really feel the sadness and feelings of hopelessness that James was feeling. His anxiety, sadness, and his lack of understanding of what to do to make his brother and sister feel happy, safe, and loved was pressing on my heart. Every time Colton was on page he was like sunshine. It made ME feel better that he was present.
This book is really about James and his growth and relationships with his siblings, Colton, and a friend maybe. He and Nash, his 15 y/o brother are so similar yet their reactions to things are so different and it takes nearly the whole book for him to realize.
I really enjoyed this book. A lot. There is certainly spice and kink, but the author weaved it into a story about being accepted and loved because you deserve to be, having family because they want to be, and letting people be in Your life because it’s ok to let them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**I was gifted an ARC of this book**
I always love everything Riley Hart writes, and this book was no exception. It was a solid 4.5⭐️ read for me. Yes, James and Colton’s story is definitely spicy, but it’s also really tender and sweet, with an actual storyline that balances everything out—which I loved.
Colton and James originally hook up twice through a bdsm kink site and fully expect to never see each other again… until Colton walks into his first day of class and realizes his professor is James. The tension is immediate, and they fall right back into each other, starting up a forbidden relationship.
And honestly, the way their relationship develops was one of my favorite parts. It’s not physical at first —Colton shows up for James in these really thoughtful, everyday ways. Bringing him lunch to make sure he eats, leaving him little notes, calling him every night, challenging him to take time for himself… it was all so soft and sweet.
There’s also a really emotional layer to the story. While they’re apart, James finds out he has two younger siblings he never knew about, and after their mom passes, he takes them in. All three of them come from a really traumatic background, and I loved seeing James try to step up and build a relationship with Sadie and Nash. Colton supporting him through all of that just made me love him even more.
Colton is such a caregiver, and the way he takes care of James—emotionally and physically—was everything. You really get to see James start to heal and grow once he finally feels safe and supported. And I also loved how Colton’s friends and family kind of rally around James, Sadie, and Nash and become part of that support system too.
And don’t get me wrong—this book is very spicy, which I definitely enjoyed—but it never felt like that was all the story had to offer. The emotional depth and character growth really made it stand out for me.
Riley Hart delivered another great MM romance, and I had such a good time with this one.
Tropes: Forbidden romance, professor/student, found family, hurt/comfort, bdsm dynamic, Older sub/younger Dom, healing from trauma
I always love everything Riley Hart writes, and this book was no exception. It was a solid 4.5⭐️ read for me. Yes, James and Colton’s story is definitely spicy, but it’s also really tender and sweet, with an actual storyline that balances everything out—which I loved.
Colton and James originally hook up twice through a bdsm kink site and fully expect to never see each other again… until Colton walks into his first day of class and realizes his professor is James. The tension is immediate, and they fall right back into each other, starting up a forbidden relationship.
And honestly, the way their relationship develops was one of my favorite parts. It’s not physical at first —Colton shows up for James in these really thoughtful, everyday ways. Bringing him lunch to make sure he eats, leaving him little notes, calling him every night, challenging him to take time for himself… it was all so soft and sweet.
There’s also a really emotional layer to the story. While they’re apart, James finds out he has two younger siblings he never knew about, and after their mom passes, he takes them in. All three of them come from a really traumatic background, and I loved seeing James try to step up and build a relationship with Sadie and Nash. Colton supporting him through all of that just made me love him even more.
Colton is such a caregiver, and the way he takes care of James—emotionally and physically—was everything. You really get to see James start to heal and grow once he finally feels safe and supported. And I also loved how Colton’s friends and family kind of rally around James, Sadie, and Nash and become part of that support system too.
And don’t get me wrong—this book is very spicy, which I definitely enjoyed—but it never felt like that was all the story had to offer. The emotional depth and character growth really made it stand out for me.
Riley Hart delivered another great MM romance, and I had such a good time with this one.
Tropes: Forbidden romance, professor/student, found family, hurt/comfort, bdsm dynamic, Older sub/younger Dom, healing from trauma
Review of advance copy received from Author
MM romance | BDSM | Secret relationship | Student/Professor | Age gap (28/40) | Younger Dom/Older sub | Opposites Attract | caretaking | humiliation | cockwarming | orgasm control | cock cage | praise | discipline | spanking | light impact play | watersports | spit
Que si me leí este libro antes que todos mis pendientes del mes? Definitivamente. Pero es que le tenía muchísimas ganas desde que la autora empezó a subir los adelantos y WIPs en Instagram! Jajaja🫣
Tengo que admitir que la parte spicy fue lo que me llamó la atención al principio, pero terminé devorándolo por la historia. Me sentí muy identificada con la vida de James; no podía parar de leer para saber más de él. De hecho, me atrevo a decir que disfruté más de sus capítulos que de los de Connor, ¡y eso que Connor también me gustó muchísimo!
Siento que ambos personajes conectaban de maravilla y eran exactamente lo que el otro necesitaba. Además, las cenas familiares me encantaron; disfruté cada momento de esa dinámica. Y Nash, sin duda, se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos también. 🥹
Fue tan bueno que ahora necesito muchísimo más de ellos💖✨.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Did I read this book before all my other monthly reads? Definitely. But I’ve been dying to read it ever since the author started posting teasers and WIPs on Instagram! Lol😅
I have to admit the spicy scenes were what initially caught my eye, but I ended up staying for the story. I felt so identified with James's life; I just couldn't stop wanting to know more about him. In fact, I’d go as far as to say I enjoyed his chapters even more than Connor’s—and I liked Connor a lot too!
I feel like both characters shared a great connection and were exactly what the other needed. Also, I absolutely loved the family dinners; I enjoyed every bit of those scenes. And Nash was definitely one of my favorite characters too! 🥹
It was so good that now I’m left wanting so much more of them💖✨
Que si me leí este libro antes que todos mis pendientes del mes? Definitivamente. Pero es que le tenía muchísimas ganas desde que la autora empezó a subir los adelantos y WIPs en Instagram! Jajaja🫣
Tengo que admitir que la parte spicy fue lo que me llamó la atención al principio, pero terminé devorándolo por la historia. Me sentí muy identificada con la vida de James; no podía parar de leer para saber más de él. De hecho, me atrevo a decir que disfruté más de sus capítulos que de los de Connor, ¡y eso que Connor también me gustó muchísimo!
Siento que ambos personajes conectaban de maravilla y eran exactamente lo que el otro necesitaba. Además, las cenas familiares me encantaron; disfruté cada momento de esa dinámica. Y Nash, sin duda, se convirtió en uno de mis personajes favoritos también. 🥹
Fue tan bueno que ahora necesito muchísimo más de ellos💖✨.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Did I read this book before all my other monthly reads? Definitely. But I’ve been dying to read it ever since the author started posting teasers and WIPs on Instagram! Lol😅
I have to admit the spicy scenes were what initially caught my eye, but I ended up staying for the story. I felt so identified with James's life; I just couldn't stop wanting to know more about him. In fact, I’d go as far as to say I enjoyed his chapters even more than Connor’s—and I liked Connor a lot too!
I feel like both characters shared a great connection and were exactly what the other needed. Also, I absolutely loved the family dinners; I enjoyed every bit of those scenes. And Nash was definitely one of my favorite characters too! 🥹
It was so good that now I’m left wanting so much more of them💖✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
The second time James meets Colton for a hook up, he tells himself it’s the last time. They might fit together very well for the needs they both need, but James can’t let himself go deeper than that. And turns out stopping their relationship from becoming more may have been a good call when he gets a phone alerting him that he has two young siblings he had no idea about and need him to take custody. To say his life turned upside is putting it light. He has an angry brother who doesn’t trust to do right by him or their sister and James is trying to figure out how to be a parent. And then when fall semester starts at the college he teaches at, he is shocked to find Colton as his student. Could things be more complicated? Colton can’t help but admit that he misses James and wishes they could keep seeing one another. But he knows that wasn’t the deal. Neither wanted a relationship. And when Colton is finally able to get his chance to go back to school at 28, he jumps on it. But shocked to discover that James is his professor. They do their best to keep their distance, but Colton finds he can’t. Not when James needs someone in his corner. He can do that at least. It doesn’t have to be more…until they can’t. Not with the connection between them and the friendship that is so much more. James has a lot at stake, but Colton isn’t ready to let him go. Not when he has never felt this way before. Great story with these two! James has really never had someone who wanted to stick around and it takes him a while to accept that Colton wants to be that person for him. With so much at stake, he is scared to risk it but with Colton he feels safe for the first time. I loved seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story. It became so much more meaningful the more they got to know another. And it so wonderful to watch these two get the happy endings they both more than deserve!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Thank you The Author Agency and Riley Hart.
Going into this story, I didn't know what to expect, but the title and synopsis intrigued me, especially after coming off a Riley Hart high with Bittersweet Revenge.
I had stumbled across a younger dom-older submissive before and the trope quickly became a guilty pleasure. Still, I've been unfulfilled by the basic and generic execution of most of the stories with this trope but not this time around.
Sweet lord did this book tick all that I've needed for this trope, in a way I'm like James in that aspect(see what I did there hehe). I was so consumed by this book that I never even realized I was at the end until “We already do,” I reply. And we always will.” And it hit me that this was James and Colton’s conclusion!
The balance, the sensuality, the intimacy, the passion, the care, and the realism were all so well done. As an avid reader for me simplicity can be bold and captivating and Dirty Little Secret did it for me.
There wasn't any unnecessary drama, miscommunication, or life-changing dramatic shenanigans that destroyed the core of the story.
Each obstacle that these two men faced was overcome both together and individually, James and Colton were partners. They thrived concurrently while giving each other the space and grace to sort through their own burdens and feelings which made them a better team.
We started the story spicy yet full of anxiety but we ended still spicy but with oh so much love.
Dirty Little Secret I highly recommend for those who crave a well-written and executed younger dom-older sub with sprinkles of sweetness and a little bit of tears.
I received an ARC complimentary, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Going into this story, I didn't know what to expect, but the title and synopsis intrigued me, especially after coming off a Riley Hart high with Bittersweet Revenge.
I had stumbled across a younger dom-older submissive before and the trope quickly became a guilty pleasure. Still, I've been unfulfilled by the basic and generic execution of most of the stories with this trope but not this time around.
Sweet lord did this book tick all that I've needed for this trope, in a way I'm like James in that aspect(see what I did there hehe). I was so consumed by this book that I never even realized I was at the end until “We already do,” I reply. And we always will.” And it hit me that this was James and Colton’s conclusion!
The balance, the sensuality, the intimacy, the passion, the care, and the realism were all so well done. As an avid reader for me simplicity can be bold and captivating and Dirty Little Secret did it for me.
There wasn't any unnecessary drama, miscommunication, or life-changing dramatic shenanigans that destroyed the core of the story.
Each obstacle that these two men faced was overcome both together and individually, James and Colton were partners. They thrived concurrently while giving each other the space and grace to sort through their own burdens and feelings which made them a better team.
We started the story spicy yet full of anxiety but we ended still spicy but with oh so much love.
Dirty Little Secret I highly recommend for those who crave a well-written and executed younger dom-older sub with sprinkles of sweetness and a little bit of tears.
I received an ARC complimentary, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🪢 ARC Review
MC's: James & Colton
5/5⭐️
5/5 🌶️
Tropes I would recommend for.
🔥 BDSM
🔥 forbidden relationship
🔥 secret relationship
🔥 student/professor
🔥 age gap
🔥 guardian of surprise siblings
🔥 opposite attract
🪢This forbidden romance between a student and his professor was unexpectedly hard hitting. Not only because of the BDSM component and associated exploration of kink, but James, our lonely middle-aged professor has such a painful history--it’s easy to see how he could be at significant risk for exploitation in the wrong hands. Add in the layer of suddenly being a guardian to two equally traumatized siblings and I kept waiting for the inevitable nervous breakdown.
James' methods of compensating for the insecurity of his early life and the insight into his history produced a complex character--he is simultaneously fragile and resilient. Colton, his younger, golden retriever love interest defies stereotypes as his dom. While Colton has the potential to be truly perfect for him--the question remains— can James really accept someone that cares into his life.
Colton is such a thoughtful and meticulous person & despite all of the obstacles James tries to throw in the way, the way Colton is drawn to care for this broken man was really moving
I really enjoyed the story and recommend this read. Do check out the trigger warnings.
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
MC's: James & Colton
5/5⭐️
5/5 🌶️
Tropes I would recommend for.
🔥 BDSM
🔥 forbidden relationship
🔥 secret relationship
🔥 student/professor
🔥 age gap
🔥 guardian of surprise siblings
🔥 opposite attract
🪢This forbidden romance between a student and his professor was unexpectedly hard hitting. Not only because of the BDSM component and associated exploration of kink, but James, our lonely middle-aged professor has such a painful history--it’s easy to see how he could be at significant risk for exploitation in the wrong hands. Add in the layer of suddenly being a guardian to two equally traumatized siblings and I kept waiting for the inevitable nervous breakdown.
James' methods of compensating for the insecurity of his early life and the insight into his history produced a complex character--he is simultaneously fragile and resilient. Colton, his younger, golden retriever love interest defies stereotypes as his dom. While Colton has the potential to be truly perfect for him--the question remains— can James really accept someone that cares into his life.
Colton is such a thoughtful and meticulous person & despite all of the obstacles James tries to throw in the way, the way Colton is drawn to care for this broken man was really moving
I really enjoyed the story and recommend this read. Do check out the trigger warnings.
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I don’t know how she does it but somehow Riley always knows exactly what I need even when I don’t. And this book was an absolutely need! I didn’t know I needed an older sub, younger dom, but omg, I definitely did. I devoured this book in one night, it was too good to put down!
The story starts with the spice and kink right of the gate! Colton and James have amazing chemistry and the spice is sooooo hot!! The writing was so well done and the BDSM was written in a way that felt passionate and loving. Although BDSM played a major role in the book, there was so much more too. I don’t expect to have so many emotions while reading this. James and his siblings went through so much and my heart broke for them but it was also heartwarming seeing them slowly began to heal. Colton was so supportive and caring, exactly what they needed. The side characters helped made the story beautiful too! I loved how they surrounded James, Nash and Sadie in love and gave them a family.
James and Colton had some issues they had to work through and I always love when they do it like adults by communicating and working through things together. No third act breakup, no crazy unnecessary drama, just a well earned HEA.
🔥 Age Gap
🔥 Professor/Student
🔥 BDSM
🔥 Younger Dom/Older Sub
🔥 Secret Relationship
🔥 Found Family
🔥 “Good Boy”
The story starts with the spice and kink right of the gate! Colton and James have amazing chemistry and the spice is sooooo hot!! The writing was so well done and the BDSM was written in a way that felt passionate and loving. Although BDSM played a major role in the book, there was so much more too. I don’t expect to have so many emotions while reading this. James and his siblings went through so much and my heart broke for them but it was also heartwarming seeing them slowly began to heal. Colton was so supportive and caring, exactly what they needed. The side characters helped made the story beautiful too! I loved how they surrounded James, Nash and Sadie in love and gave them a family.
James and Colton had some issues they had to work through and I always love when they do it like adults by communicating and working through things together. No third act breakup, no crazy unnecessary drama, just a well earned HEA.
🔥 Age Gap
🔥 Professor/Student
🔥 BDSM
🔥 Younger Dom/Older Sub
🔥 Secret Relationship
🔥 Found Family
🔥 “Good Boy”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emotional, tender, and way more heartfelt than I expected
This book really surprised me in the best way. Yes, the chemistry between James and Colton is strong right from the start, but what made this stand out was how much care sits at the center of their relationship. Their dynamic feels intimate not just because of the attraction, but because of the trust, gentleness, and emotional safety between them.
James was such an easy character to feel for. Watching his life shift so suddenly gave the story a lot of heart, and it made the quieter moments hit just as much as the romantic ones. Colton also completely won me over. He’s younger, but the way he shows up for James feels steady, thoughtful, and deeply reassuring.
What I loved most was that this never felt like it was relying on the taboo setup alone. There’s real warmth here, real vulnerability, and a healing quality to the story that made me even more invested. The side characters added a lot too and made the whole world feel fuller and more lived in.
This book really surprised me in the best way. Yes, the chemistry between James and Colton is strong right from the start, but what made this stand out was how much care sits at the center of their relationship. Their dynamic feels intimate not just because of the attraction, but because of the trust, gentleness, and emotional safety between them.
James was such an easy character to feel for. Watching his life shift so suddenly gave the story a lot of heart, and it made the quieter moments hit just as much as the romantic ones. Colton also completely won me over. He’s younger, but the way he shows up for James feels steady, thoughtful, and deeply reassuring.
What I loved most was that this never felt like it was relying on the taboo setup alone. There’s real warmth here, real vulnerability, and a healing quality to the story that made me even more invested. The side characters added a lot too and made the whole world feel fuller and more lived in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
James needs the release he gets with a Dom, but he is conflicted about those feelings and only ever meets up with someone once or twice, unable to let anyone close. After a second meeting with Colton, who is 28 to his 40, he cuts ties - only to find he is now a student in his class at university. Oh and he also finds himself with two much younger siblings to care for after his mother passes - who he didn’t know existed.
James needs Colton more than ever now, after snapping at him about what’s been going on, Colton takes some control back from James. Making his lunches and telling him to eat, which becomes nightly phone calls, and more.
Though they both weren’t looking for a relationship, they really stumbled their way into one. Unable to keep away from each other.
Absolutely adored this story! They were of course so hot together, but their emotional connection was so beautiful. The way Colton is able to read and understand James and his needs was excellent and I just had a lovely time while reading!
James needs Colton more than ever now, after snapping at him about what’s been going on, Colton takes some control back from James. Making his lunches and telling him to eat, which becomes nightly phone calls, and more.
Though they both weren’t looking for a relationship, they really stumbled their way into one. Unable to keep away from each other.
Absolutely adored this story! They were of course so hot together, but their emotional connection was so beautiful. The way Colton is able to read and understand James and his needs was excellent and I just had a lovely time while reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So happy to see Riley has gone back to their kinky side! What starts with a casual hook up turns to two men needing more of each other. James is a professor with a submissive side who falls for a dominant student who is about to change everything. Colton cannot help going back to James, these two just keep crashing into each other's orbits. When James life gets in the way of their fun Colton shows the true maturity of his character. Loved the budding relationship not only between James & Colton, but of Nash and Sadie. All of this growth shows how rounded all the characters Riley writes are.
Riley shows that even when they go back to kink that does not take from their quality of their writing. For me this is one of those authors I will keep going back to just to see them show how diverse of a writer they truly are. As always I look forward to seeing what they have next in store for us.
Riley shows that even when they go back to kink that does not take from their quality of their writing. For me this is one of those authors I will keep going back to just to see them show how diverse of a writer they truly are. As always I look forward to seeing what they have next in store for us.
March 23, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
5 🌶️
ARC review
I love Riley Hart, and still have a lot of her catalogue I want to get through, but I can never pass up an ARC!
I love a “good boy” but have mixed feelings about when a character is referring to their Dom as “sir”. I was able to get past that knowing that the plot and the spicy scenes would more than make up for that in my mind.
I was right.
This plot was beautifully layered and emotionally complex. Something about people finding their safe place/person, and that there’s no age limit to when that can happen.
The spice - wow! Hart never ceases to amaze me in finding beauty and creating intimacy in absolute filth. The connection these MC’s share, in and out of the bedroom, was remarkable
Age gap (40/28)
BDSM
Younger dom / older sub
Watersports
Toys
Custody of surprise siblings
Professor/Student
5 🌶️
ARC review
I love Riley Hart, and still have a lot of her catalogue I want to get through, but I can never pass up an ARC!
I love a “good boy” but have mixed feelings about when a character is referring to their Dom as “sir”. I was able to get past that knowing that the plot and the spicy scenes would more than make up for that in my mind.
I was right.
This plot was beautifully layered and emotionally complex. Something about people finding their safe place/person, and that there’s no age limit to when that can happen.
The spice - wow! Hart never ceases to amaze me in finding beauty and creating intimacy in absolute filth. The connection these MC’s share, in and out of the bedroom, was remarkable
Age gap (40/28)
BDSM
Younger dom / older sub
Watersports
Toys
Custody of surprise siblings
Professor/Student
Review of advance copy received from Author
phenomenal, Riley Hart has another sexy winner with James and Colton, in Dirty Little Secret. we delve into the world of bdsm with an older Sub and younger Dom.
James grew up in a rough situation, so as an adult he needs structure and control. Submission gives him the control he needs. Colton is a caretaker at heart and having Subs rely on him feeds that need.
They had played together a couple of times then ended their association.
James is a college professor. imagine his surprise when he sees his Sir walk into one of his classes, as a student.
this is a well written, sexy story of two men who has what the other needs. grab and devour this awesome book. wish there was more coming.
5+/5 stars
James grew up in a rough situation, so as an adult he needs structure and control. Submission gives him the control he needs. Colton is a caretaker at heart and having Subs rely on him feeds that need.
They had played together a couple of times then ended their association.
James is a college professor. imagine his surprise when he sees his Sir walk into one of his classes, as a student.
this is a well written, sexy story of two men who has what the other needs. grab and devour this awesome book. wish there was more coming.
5+/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve read a lot of Riley Harts books at this point but I gotta say this might honestly be my favorite. I totally get why Riley doesn’t want it being apart of the Desires Unleashed collection. This story truly doesn’t fit there, there’s such depth to these characters and while BDSM plays a massive role in their relationship their story was SO much more than that! James and Colton absolutely stole my heart with their story. I love seeing the age gap of younger Dom older sub so that was a lot of fun but seeing James backstory and how he came to care for his two siblings absolutely won my heart. He was so afraid to be loved or let anyone in before Colton and Colton just broke down every wall in an effort to give him the love he deserves. I will be thinking about this book for a while, these characters were perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
Dirty Little Secret by Riley Hart is a standalone, steamy, romantic and emotional book. Right from the beginning, the story had me hooked onto not just the characters, but also the writing and the depth of emotions that were written on the page. The kids, the supporting characters were so perfectly blended in with the main characters, and their love story, it was very well intended that they too are an integral part of their romance journey. This is what I love the most about Riley Hart's books and the writing. Highly recommended.
Dirty Little Secret by Riley Hart is a standalone, steamy, romantic and emotional book. Right from the beginning, the story had me hooked onto not just the characters, but also the writing and the depth of emotions that were written on the page. The kids, the supporting characters were so perfectly blended in with the main characters, and their love story, it was very well intended that they too are an integral part of their romance journey. This is what I love the most about Riley Hart's books and the writing. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so hot! The spice between these two was molten hot. I loved the relationship between the siblings as well. It added to the story in a beautiful way and made it have depth and not just kink. The kink, though, was beautiful. I loved how this read so genuine in kink. It wasn't awkward, and these two were perfectly written together. I loved Nash and his standoffish personality while also being the best big brother. I cannot even imagine what those kids went through and to see them grow in the story was so sweet.
Review of advance copy
This is the first Riley Hart book that I have read, but it certainly won't be my last. I assumed it was going to be some k!nky shenanigans, but what I was not expecting was the heartfelt, emotional wallop it packed. Hart did a fantastic job of telling the story of James, an emotionally repressed older man, who finds freedom and acceptance with Colton. The underpinning plotline of James unexpectedly raising siblings he didn't even know he had added a dimension to the book that took it to the next level. Apparently, come for spice, but stay for the catharsis. Really loved this!
4.5⭐
4.5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always love everything Riley Hart writes, and this was no exception!
James and Colton’s story is definitely spicy, but it’s also sweet. What starts as a no strings hookup turns into a forbidden professor/student relationship. I especially loved how their connection grew through small, thoughtful moments. We got to see Colton showing up for James in ways that really mattered.
Really a heartfelt and addictive MM romance.
I received a ln ARC in exchange for an honest review.
James and Colton’s story is definitely spicy, but it’s also sweet. What starts as a no strings hookup turns into a forbidden professor/student relationship. I especially loved how their connection grew through small, thoughtful moments. We got to see Colton showing up for James in ways that really mattered.
Really a heartfelt and addictive MM romance.
I received a ln ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Another Riley Hart book to add to the list of absolute perfection that is her books! Loved the relationship dynamics so much in this book! It was fun, sexy and adorably sweet! I honestly am in love with these two. They are both so big hearted and loving. The kids are so much fun in the story! The progression will rip your heart out for a bit but in Riley fashion she puts you back together!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I fear it is time that Riley and I break up. Something about her writing keeps me from falling into a story and I am left feeling like everything is a the surface. I wanted to love this one so much too. Definitely seems like it's probably a me thing, as everyone else loves this one.
Probably closer to 2.5 stars, but rounded up.
Probably closer to 2.5 stars, but rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is the first book I've read by this author. I very much enjoy her writing style. This story is quite introspective as these two men from completely different backgrounds learn to know and trust each other. There's an element of BDSM in the relationship but it's also tender and I found myself smiling often.
Review of advance copy
I don't know what I expected when reading this one, but it wasn't the absolute beauty in not only James and Colton's relationship but also the relationship both of the guys have with Nash and Sadie. And Colton's family with James, Nash, and Sadie. It was truly a wonderful read. The emotion you could feel pouring off the pages was great. James and Colt's Dynamic was perfect. Truly a great read.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I dropped everything to read this and I'm so glad I did. It was so freaking good, I love James and Colton's dynamic so much. James's relationship with his siblings is rough but its worth it to see the growth. And Nash's note almost had me crying.
March 21, 2026
I’ve read a few books by Riley and this is one of my favorites. It was definitely more emotional than I was expecting. That being said I really enjoyed this read. The character growth and the way the bonds were formed was beautiful. This is an honest review.
Review of advance copy
I loved James and Colton! This was spicy, but also really, really sweet and I’m here for it!! I always know I’m in for a good story when I read Riley Hart and I really enjoyed James and Colton’s relationship, and all of the side characters.
Review of advance copy
Wow! I really enjoyed this book, fantastic characters, dynamics between characters. I loved watching them all grow. This book was extremely emotional and I was so there for it! There were many heartbreaking moments. It also had such powerful friendships and wow the spice was oh so very spicy!
March 23, 2026
This was such a sweet book!! I will read basically anything Riley Hart writes, so I knew James and Colton’s story was gonna be good. I loved the family dynamic and the growth of the characters, especially the relationship between James and Nash.
Thank you to the author for providing this arc!
Thank you to the author for providing this arc!
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