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Bowen Boys #3.5

Heavy Secrets

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Christy Sheridan has come a long way from the physical and emotional wreck she used to be. She's made Alden her home and is happily engaged to a man who loves and accepts her for who she is, curves, quirks, and geekiness included. Life is good. Until mommy dearest blows into town to "help" her clueless daughter seal the deal.

Cole Bowen is experiencing a world of first time in love, first engagement, first Valentine's, first in-laws. He's found the woman of his dreams, so he figured dealing with Martha Sheridan was a small price to pay. That is before his monster-in-law plants herself in their home and inside Christy's head, stirring up old demons and destroying her newly regained self-esteem. And while his hands are full with trying to neutralize their meddlesome guest, a mysterious phone call turns his world upside down.

With ghosts from the past resurfacing and threatening to tear Cole and Christy apart, can they make it to the wedding they both so desperately want, or will heavy secrets send their relationship to the breaking point?

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2015

39 people are currently reading
667 people want to read

About the author

Elle Aycart

16 books1,886 followers
After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.

Keep up with Elle by subscribing to her mailing list at http://eepurl.com/c9QHLX

Elle loves to hear from readers!
elleaycart@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews2,250 followers
August 10, 2015
4,5 Sexy Stars.

description

This is one of my favorite series ever, so when I discovered this novella I jumped right on it. It didn’t disappoint.
If you’ve read Cole and Christy’s book you know that he as a problem of opening up to people and she has a problem with self-esteem. And despite both of them have a gone a long way since the beginning of their relationship, they still have some issues. Join a visit from Christy’s mother and Cole’s past suddenly becoming very present and we have the ingredients for a sweet, with some drama, absolutely sexy novella.
If you’re a fan of the series you can’t miss this!

description
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews739 followers
June 30, 2015
5 - "Were we chipping in for a bodyguard?" Stars!

IT's LIVE!!

Elle Aycart is an author whose work I never tire of. The Bowen brothers and the series of books that Elle has built around them are some of my all-time favorite reads. Why? Because although they are essentially romance/erotica at its best, she always manages to add just a little something to each one to make them completely different from anything else you are currently reading. James, Cole & now Max have all found and are happily settled with their women. One married, one engaged and one well on the way. Heavy Secrets gives us a chance to catch up with the dark, dirty and dominant Cole, and bubbly, curvy, and geeky Christy.

”I love you… but butt the fuck out.”

This is a quick, completely entertaining and extremely funny read. Cole and his brothers have such a way of interacting with each other that you can’t help but giggle at their antics.

”You’re a Valentines Day virgin, aren’t you?”

Cole’s inner monologue and dry sense of humor as well as acceptance of Christy’s geek hobbies had me laughing away at points as well, but there is a deeper and more emotional aspect to this novella in relation to both of them dealing with the darker parts of their pasts.

”You are not fat. I won’t stray. And you do not need to get knocked up to keep me.”

If you have read the previous books you know that Christy’s weight and food addiction issues have played a massive part in making her the strong character she now is, adding her one weak link back into the chain for this novella, Elle gives the reader a glimpse of the mother from hell, and just how manipulative a bitch she really is.



It makes this novella all the more poignant for me, having dealt with a lot of Christy’s issues myself it was good to see her stand up for herself, and not fall back into the old habits she had left behind. But on the flip we also see Christy call Cole out on his shit, when issues from his past are unexpectedly bought back to the fore, forcing him to address parts of his past or try and rebuild those walls that being with Christy had bought down in the first place.

God how I love this pair, I love the Bowen Family in general, and this little catch-up offers plenty of entertainment and surprises to make it a worthwhile and enjoyable and sexy addition to the series.



ARC generously provided by the author, it was as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews428 followers
June 24, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ! ☆

To say I was ecstatic when Elle Aycart approached me with the chance to review is an understatement.

I literally did a happy dance when I received my ARC.

description

That all said,

Heavy Secrets primarily focuses on Cole and Christy but also tags along the rest of the Bowen men and their women.

With everyone either married, engaged, and or pregnant, Cole and Christy find themselves confronting their toughest fears yet.

Whether it comes to body issues, mother's/mother in law's from hell, old scars from their pasts, and even Valentine's Day plans, this book has it all. Even down to the nitty gritty of couple's issues and hot sex.

I really felt that this book touched upon a lot of everyday occurrences, that we face; and the unforeseen harsh realities and conflicts that we come across in our lives.

I loved ColeXChristie as well as the rest of the Bowen crew, and by the looks of it, it seems that Ms. Elle Aycart has more surprises up her talented sleeve for us regarding the Bowen familia.

I can't wait for more!

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Kawehi
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
July 1, 2015
description

“She was magnificent. The love of my life.”

Short, sweet and hot – Elle Aycart comes back with a companion novella featuring Cole and Christy our beloved couple from Heavy Issues. I absolutely loved this couple and remember how touching Christy’s story was and how the dominant and controlling Cole made me cry with his childhood memories and struggles which made him come across almost arrogant and rude.

‘He used to hate intimacy. Used to feel suffocated. Now? Now he didn’t seem to be able to breathe without Christy nearby.’

I welcomed them back into my life and read with a smile on my face as we also get to catch up with the other Bowen brothers and their pregnant wives. A reunion if you will. However, this story is Cole’s and Christy’s and old demons resurface for both culminating into a problematic time for our passionate couple.

“Don’t let me fuck this up,” he begged, his voice breaking. “Please.”

Body issue is a terrible thing to live with and it doesn’t help when those you love and hold dear assert their low opinion on you, continuously grinding that self-esteem into the ground. Our Christy still suffers but you can see and feel her strength simmering beneath the surface growing and waiting to be unleashed into a permanent residence. Love her to bits!

As for Cole; this stoic man who doesn’t suffer fools gladly is softening from the Christy effect, the love of his life. Old habits are hard to break though and that emotional barrier is still there. Sure a few layers have been knocked off but it soon rebuilds when a name from the past reinserts itself into his present with a shock to the system.

‘She demanded surrender and intimacy at a level that scared the living shit out of him, but being without her terrified him even more.’

So, Elle Aycart sets a little ‘something something’ up very nicely in a story full of passion, laughs and emotion. If you’re a fan of this Author already, you’ll love Heavy Secrets. If Elle Aycart is new to you go start at the beginning with James – filthy mouth – Bowen & Tate’s story in More than Meets the Ink (Bowen #1). You’ll fall in love with both this Author as well as her Bowen Brothers!

“What do my poor bros have to do for Valentine’s Day so that their Steak and BJ Day a month from now won’t degrade into a handy and a hamburger?”

**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks **

♥ ♥ ♥

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Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,379 reviews330 followers
July 4, 2015
Cole and Christy are living their HEA, and dealing with small road bumps along the way relating to their relationships with their mothers.

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Cole is one of my favoritest dirty talkers ever : Oh Cole. The man has a way with the dirty words that makes me fluttery. He’s just as gruff, cranky yet loving and completely devoted to Christy as I remember. Love him.

Christy doesn’t backslide : She’s struggled with her weight, and this novella just reinforces the strength of will that Christy has. Her mother Martha is as horrible as ever, but it’s great to see Christy handle her business.

A love note for nerds : Part of Christy’s appeal for me is her inner/outer nerd. It’s on full display here and the finale’s a fun postscript to their love story.

Novella length : very quick and satisfying read for fans of Heavy Issues. Which means…

Not a standalone : It really is a continuation of their story and you need to have at least a cursory knowledge of their romance. You also get a glimpse of Cole’s brothers and their women, which is lovely.


description

description

So, so good, I really enjoyed it. Makes me want to re-read Heavy Issues (which I would read first before this book). Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
November 23, 2015

4.0 RATING- So the beginning of this was a little rough for me with Christy letting her mom walk all over her. I actually almost DNF because of that. Pathetic characters are a major pet peeve of mine. After reassurances from more than one GR friend that Christy pulled through in the end, I stuck with it, and am glad I did. Christy did end up getting a backbone and taking care of business. As always, the author did not skimp on the sexiness. The story ends on a bit of a twist perhaps setting up another story in the Bowen series down the line. Crossing fingers it won't be too far out. I love this series and seriously love these hero's.
Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews481 followers
April 15, 2016
3.5 STARS!

Another novella from Bowen Boys series. It's about Cole and Christy's upcoming wedding. Preparation is the hardest part, especially when the nightmare has started since her mother came. Martha always scold Christy's choice of wedding. She's doubting about the wedding, Christy and Cole. Christy is trying to didn't care because she love Cole and vice versa.

Cole Bowen don't have any experience with love. Christy will be his first of everything and he already has a great plan for them. Unfortunately, there was a turnout of events that made Cole distanced himself. From Christy and his family. He's become the old Cole; away and reserved.

description

I know this couple is the least my favorite because both of them have heavy issues. Christy with her body and Cole's skeptical thinking. But they're already passed that issues when they're agree to married. Remember the saying 'Time heals everything' and that's happened with them. They're more likable in this story; less annoying. But this time, Cole turns to an asshole with his childish attitude towards her. Christy wouldn't leave Cole alone and she's trying so hard to make him realize. They're so perfect together. Completed each other.
“We are a team. I will never leave you. I will never quit on you. I will always call you out on your shit and be waiting for you to come back to me, because you, Cole Bowen, are mine.”
Yes, he was hers. Completely. Irrevocably.

Well, there is always HOT SEX with Bowens. In bedroom, Cole always be the boss. He's a dominant without label with his alpha male and sexiness. The most entertaining part is their marriage. Oh my gosh... Cole is such a dream husband. He's get along with all Christy's weirdness and nerd-ism. Aside the imperfect of both characters, I enjoyed their story. They have a long and rough journey to be together. They're work out their issues with communication and love.
“You understand you’ll never live this picture down, don’t you?” Max asked with a smirk, pointing at the wedding shot Elle had enlarged and placed on the wall of fame at Rosita’s.
“I know,” Cole said, studying the image.
Not a bride and a groom alone, a sunset on the backdrop, but surrounded by a bunch of aliens, all of them, the bride included, making hand signs that Cole didn’t understand for shit..

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Profile Image for Jen .
814 reviews624 followers
Want to read
June 30, 2015
Oh F**k Yes!
Profile Image for Victoria Paige.
Author 32 books1,044 followers
July 2, 2015
Loved it! Trust a Bowen brother (or Elle Aycart) to get me out of a funk. This was to the point, funny, and smutty. I liked seeing how Cole and Christy helped the other worked through their hangups. Christy with her weight and Cole had a surprise that had him retreating, but I LOVED how Christy stood up to him.
Cole is definitely growly, possessive and dirty-talker to the max in this one. Just what I needed.
Profile Image for Sivutha.
634 reviews79 followers
November 26, 2015
Short but I love it. The ending left with a cliffhanger!! That's so unexpected by this author!! I was in shocked!!

“Cole kissed her, deep and sweet, and then spoke against her lips. “Love, you and I, we are as permanent as it gets. Kids or no kids, I won’t let you go. Ever.”
Profile Image for Jennifer.
239 reviews
June 30, 2015
*****Received an ARC for an honest review*****

Elle Aycart has done it again!!! Gahhhh I have missed the Bowen men and this novella solidified it. This is the perfect companion to an incredible series. I love all of the Bowen boys, but Cole? Oh my. Cole is just Cole. The Master of the Universe, the master of the bedroom and quite certainly the master of Christy Seridan's heart. I love this couple. He's strong and domineering, and she's quirky, and full of spunk. She knows what her man needs and gives it to him willingly in the bedroom, out of the bedroom, she gives as good as he does.

Their dynamic plays out perfectly. In true Aycart fashion, the story is well written and the characters wonderfully depicted. I fell in love with this series from the first chapter of book one and this just had me falling all over again. Now I'm going to re-read the entire series from the beginning, because I suspect the journey for this crew is far from over, and that makes me all kinds of happy.


Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,727 reviews83 followers
July 13, 2015
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.**

I LOVE this series and was a very happy person when I was asked if I would like to review this novella.

All of the Bowen men are Allah's, however Cole still struggles to let down his emotional barriers. Christy has come such a long way with her body issues and confidence. She is able to see the bigger picture even though her mother is doing her best to knock her confidence back down.

The book finishes on a cliff hanger of sorts leading into another book that I cannot wait to read.
Profile Image for Cem73.
384 reviews19 followers
July 12, 2015
1- too short! :-(
2- i would have liked more intimate scene between our heroes.
3- the interesting scenes are more suggested than described, which is a pity
4- oh my! ...Want to see the 3 Bowen reaction when they find the "surprise" :D
Profile Image for Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog).
1,746 reviews564 followers
July 30, 2015


After six months together Cole and Christy’s relationship has just grown stronger. That is, until Christy’s mum comes to stay, bringing back to life Christy’s old insecurities, driving Cole insane. But, an unexpected call brings back past hurts for Cole, driving him back to his old way of distancing himself from those he loves, mainly Christy.

Do you know when you manage, through fluke or excellent planning, to read the perfect book for your mood? Well, that was exactly what happened with Heavy Secrets, I fancied something a little bit sexy, a little bit sweet, with a hero that was willing to sweep me off my feet. Well. Heavy Secrets delivered me just that.

I really enjoyed Heavy Issues, the book that shows you Cole and Christy getting together, so I was looking forward to checking up on them in this novella. It is kind of essential that you read Heavy Issues before this, I definitely wouldn’t have liked it as much if I didn’t know Cole and Christy’s background. Although I haven’t read any of the other books in the Bowen series; an oversight I mean to correct!

If you like your heroes all alpha and bossy, with a dirty dirty mouth than Cole is the man for you. He was certainly the man for me; he knows how to get gal all hot and bothered. Of course, he only has eyes for Christy, the only woman who has managed to take him on an get past his defences.

A great quick read and like a pint of Ben & Jerry’s I managed to get through it all in one sitting and unlike a Ben & Jerry’s there was no guilt at the end when you realise you have just taken the last spoonful; however, it was just as moreish.
Profile Image for Dee.
172 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2015
I loved this!!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!

So apparently Christy's mom is staying with them and the woman starts to drive Cristy nuts!!! I laughed at all the suggestions Cristy gave on wanting to kill her mother, freaking hilarious. Her mother was a definite bitch and I myself wanted to strangle her and bury her in the desert lol.We get a little of the Bowen brothers and the hilarious Max. Did I ever mention how much I love Max!!!! Lol. Then there's the scene with Cole and Cristy at the convention. Reading Cole's point of view had me laughing because my husband loves going to the comic con convention and he is a comic geek.so I could totally understand and relate at the fact that he had no idea what was going on but because he loved Cristy he went through with it. The whole thing about Cole's mom storage unit had me feeling for him the guy has some deep rooted issues but the revelation at the end had me screaming!!! How could just leave us hanging like that Ms. Aycart!? Please tell me there is going to be more about that little revelation in books to come!!? Now I am anxious!! Lol none the less I loved this now to just sit and wait for Jacked up which I hope and pray will be coming soon :)
Profile Image for The Book Avenue.
400 reviews33 followers
July 1, 2015
Elle Aycart has done it again!!! Gahhhh I have missed the Bowen men and this novella solidified it. This is the perfect companion to an incredible series. I love all of the Bowen boys, but Cole? Oh my. Cole is just Cole. The Master of the Universe, the master of the bedroom and quite certainly the master of Christy Seridan's heart. I love this couple. He's strong and domineering, and she's quirky, and full of spunk. She knows what her man needs and gives it to him willingly in the bedroom, out of the bedroom, she gives as good as he does.

Their dynamic plays out perfectly. In true Aycart fashion, the story is well written and the characters wonderfully depicted. I fell in love with this series from the first chapter of book one and this just had me falling all over again. Now I'm going to re-read the entire series from the beginning, because I suspect the journey for this crew is far from over, and that makes me all kinds of happy.


jennThis review was originally posted on The Book Avenue
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
August 9, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads~~

This is one of a series - and follows on from Heavy Issues, so I recommend that you read them in order, as the characters are recurring.

This is a lovely dip into Cole and Chrissy's world as they settle into life together. Her issues with food are seriously affected by her mother's presence. (Almost everyone reading this will be rethinking how bad they thought their own mother was!) I loved the dynamic between the leads - it was an amazing way of showing us just how close they are. I really felt we were allowed in behind the private curtain in their minds and hearts (which sounds silly when so much is laid bare in Ms Aycart's books ... ).

If you are reading this series, then this is definitely not one to miss - and it keeps us going until the next one is ready!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Miranda Whore.
937 reviews86 followers
July 1, 2015
Review for Heavy Secrets by Elle Aycart

Heavy Secrets is a companion novella to Heavy Issues (Bowen #2) by Elle Aycart. You do need to read Heavy Issues prior to enjoying this novella — if you haven’t read it yet you will find some spoilers in this review.

This one picks up with Cole and Christy enjoying their engagement. Cole is planning his first ever Valentine’s Day and it’s going to be exactly what his nerd-girl will want. Christy’s psycho mother has come to visit and is systematically breaking her down. When Cole grows distant, she is left to fight for what she wants and to stand up for herself like she’s never done before.

I love, love, loved this novella. It has everything you would want and then some… let me just say there are more secrets than you see coming. This is a must read for anyone following the Bowen series! And if you haven’t already read the series —- do it! Five Sexy Stars and Five Drenched Panties!

ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,637 reviews23 followers
July 9, 2015
Sweet little peek into Cole and Christy's life and how they worked through a couple of bumps. Surprising reveal at the end!
Profile Image for Jammi.
88 reviews32 followers
February 19, 2016
You did not just do that to us Elle!! It's not a cliffie but it seems like one. It's okay though? The more Bowen books the better! Hopefully the wait won't be too long.
Profile Image for Juletta Gilge.
1,234 reviews23 followers
May 7, 2016
I felt like this one may have been overkill to add to the series, but it was still good. Shit finally gets sorted out in this one, and people finally start standing up for themselves!
Profile Image for Angela Goodrich.
1,608 reviews102 followers
June 30, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I love all of the Bowen brothers and their ladies, but Christy and Cole’s story is my favorite among them. As a plus-sized gal myself, I felt an almost immediate connection to Christy the first time I read Heavy Issues. Needless to say, when I found out that their story was going to continue in Heavy Secrets I was beside myself with glee and that increased exponentially when I was offered the chance to read it early! And it was AWESOME!!!

It’s been a while since I last read Heavy Issues, so I don’t remember if Christy’s mother Martha was introduced before and I merely blocked her horrid character from my mind or not, but I was ready to crawl inside my Kindle and throttle that woman…multiple times. Good grief! With a mother like that, who needs enemies? But her presence helped to highlight the love that Cole had for Christy as evidenced by the fact that he didn’t confront Martha at Christy’s request. And when Christy finally reached her breaking point with her mother, the love that she had for Cole was even more apparent. But there was far more to the story than dealing with Martha and her constant attacks on Christy’s self-esteem as Cole found himself confronted with his past and the havoc his mother’s desertion and death wreaked on him emotionally. But you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens because that’s one spoiler I won’t reveal.

Heavy Secrets provided the same reading experience as every book in the Bowen series has for me – the opportunity to hang out with great friends. I laughed...A LOT. I teared up a few times. I cheered Christy on when she confronted Cole. I cheered her on even more when she dealt with her mother. I felt Cole’s pain. I squirmed while reading the freaking hot sex scenes. And my jaw dropped at the unexpected revelation at the end of the book. Oh! My!! GOD!!! Ms. Aycart I cannot wait to see where you take the series now.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Pam.
1,704 reviews16 followers
July 1, 2015
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...

I am a huge fan of the Bowen Series. As different as those men are they are just as much the same in their fierce love they find when they least expect it. Cole and Christy were my favorite couple from the series and even more so after this Novella.

Elle does a wonderful job of explaining Christy's self esteem and food issues and I think that might be why I have such a strong connection to Christy from the very beginning. I love how she gets Cole to help her with those issues. Christy's meddling mother is surely something else and I give cuddos to Christy for having to deal with that, I know I would not be as successful.

Cole if by far without his issues. When you have spent your entire life keeping things to yourself as to not bother anyone else, it is very hard to change your ways. His love and protection he feels for his family and loved ones is like none I have seen before. I love that Christy feels she can call him out on trying to push her away and deal with things on his own.

Elle..... you are killing me here. A novella was not even close to being long enough and I certainly will be stalking you for more!!!!!

** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,993 reviews60 followers
January 2, 2018
I love that Elle Aycart gave us more of Cole and Christy as these two have been my favourite couple from the series so far. These two have come a long way in the time they have been together, Christy with her self esteem problems and Cole with not trusting people to see he can be vulnerable. However things start to suffocate these two as Christy's mum comes to visit bringing all her self worth and image problems to the surface and Cole's past comes back to haunt him. These two would have to be the strongest couples of all the Bowen's and when Christy decides to trust in her man and confront both of their problems head on your heart will want to explode out of your chest at what she will do to show Cole he can trust her and show his vulnerability. Sometimes you stumble across characters in books that you just don't want their story to ever end due to the connection you have with them and Cole and Christy is that couple for me.
Profile Image for Kait.
164 reviews
November 30, 2015
Christy is attempting to plan her wedding, keep her fiance happy, and manage her food issues all the while her mother is in town. Instead of stuffing herself with food at every snide comment her mother makes she's stuffing her emotions which isn't sitting well with Cole. Determined to brighten her spirits, Cole has planned a surprise get away where he'll travel to Vegas to enter her world of scifi. Romance doesn't get any deeper than trying out new things for the one you love, even if it means letting your inner geek flag fly high.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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