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Chesterton Scandal #1
Best Kept Secrets
“Feisty, flirty, and smart…Shelly Ellis is a new favorite to our list.”—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author
Between the fall-out from his father’s latest shady business dealings and his wife Charisse’s alcoholism, Evan Murdoch has his hands full. But he should be most concerned about the scandalous affair Charisse is having right under his nose—with his half-brother. Evan’s being pushed to the edge, and no one knows that better than Leila Hawkins…
Leila is back in Chesterton, divorced, penniless, and desperate enough to do anything to save her mother’s home from foreclosure—including turning to Evan, her former best friend. But Evan isn’t interested in friendship. Instead he makes Leila a shocking indecent proposal…
Meanwhile, Evan’s newlywed sister, Paulette, wants to be the perfect wife. But a blackmailing bad boy ex has reappeared in her life—and he’s threatening to reveal her most painful secret...
The scandals just won’t quit—and for everyone involved, desire, betrayal, and lies are all in a day’s work…
Praise for The Player & the Game
“A high adventure tale with one jaw-dropping moment after the other.” --RomanceinColor.com
“From the first page to the last she keeps your interest by weaving a story that mixes love and deception. A must-read.” --RT Book Reviews
Between the fall-out from his father’s latest shady business dealings and his wife Charisse’s alcoholism, Evan Murdoch has his hands full. But he should be most concerned about the scandalous affair Charisse is having right under his nose—with his half-brother. Evan’s being pushed to the edge, and no one knows that better than Leila Hawkins…
Leila is back in Chesterton, divorced, penniless, and desperate enough to do anything to save her mother’s home from foreclosure—including turning to Evan, her former best friend. But Evan isn’t interested in friendship. Instead he makes Leila a shocking indecent proposal…
Meanwhile, Evan’s newlywed sister, Paulette, wants to be the perfect wife. But a blackmailing bad boy ex has reappeared in her life—and he’s threatening to reveal her most painful secret...
The scandals just won’t quit—and for everyone involved, desire, betrayal, and lies are all in a day’s work…
Praise for The Player & the Game
“A high adventure tale with one jaw-dropping moment after the other.” --RomanceinColor.com
“From the first page to the last she keeps your interest by weaving a story that mixes love and deception. A must-read.” --RT Book Reviews
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
53 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Ellis
16 books378 followersShelly Ellis is a NAACP Image Award-nominated women's fiction/romance author and creator of the Gibbons Gold Digger and Chesterton Scandal series. Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in a First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was a publishing contract and having her first short-story romance appear in an anthology. She has since published ten novels and was a finalist for 2015 NAACP Image Award in the Literary Fiction Category, a three-time finalist for the African American Literary Award in the romance category (2012, 2016, and 2017), and a finalist for the 2015 RT Reviewers' Choice Award in Multicultural Romance category.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 3, 2023
Wow! This is a well-written story demonstrating the consequences of making really stupid decisions.
Both Evan and Leila married the wrong people and detest the lives they are forced to live. And there are no words for Paulette. It never fails to astound me how a character will allow themselves to be robbed, enslaved, assaulted, demeaned and disrespected in order to protect "the secret", that the blackmailer is now using for control. Hard to believe that Paulette keeps sinking deeper into that pit instead of asking her family for help.
Awesome story! I received this book, free, in a Goodread's First Read's Giveaway. Thank you!
Both Evan and Leila married the wrong people and detest the lives they are forced to live. And there are no words for Paulette. It never fails to astound me how a character will allow themselves to be robbed, enslaved, assaulted, demeaned and disrespected in order to protect "the secret", that the blackmailer is now using for control. Hard to believe that Paulette keeps sinking deeper into that pit instead of asking her family for help.
Awesome story! I received this book, free, in a Goodread's First Read's Giveaway. Thank you!
June 8, 2016
WOW...the little town of Chesterton is certainly full of DRAMA and SCANDAL...the Marvelous Murdoch family and their circle of friends and enemies will DEFINITELY have you turning the pages. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series to see if this family will EVER get out from under all the scandalous turmoil surrounding them and to one day ENJOY a happily-ever-after. Well done Shelly Ellis!
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December 6, 2016Juicy Page Turner!!!
From the first page to the last this book kept me on edge, I had to know what all the secrets were and who were keeping them. As a reader I love books that have me thinking about getting back to them as soon as possible. Shelly Ellis achieved this with Best Kept Secrets, I am glad I read this one right as the next one was about to come out so I won't be on edge to long. Great book!!
From the first page to the last this book kept me on edge, I had to know what all the secrets were and who were keeping them. As a reader I love books that have me thinking about getting back to them as soon as possible. Shelly Ellis achieved this with Best Kept Secrets, I am glad I read this one right as the next one was about to come out so I won't be on edge to long. Great book!!
June 7, 2016
This book was really good. I finished it in like 2-3 days. That's how good it was.
August 23, 2015
So, I started reading this book during a bit of a slump. I'd rolled through several novels, many of them being romances, SWEET ROMANCES and I was frankly just OVER IT. I needed something I could sink my teeth into, something that would make me want to pop some popcorn to eat while reading it. Lemme tell ya'll... Best Kept Secrets IS. THE. BUSINESS.
Took me a liiiiiiitle bit to get into it, but around chapter 3, Shelly Ellis had a sis by the eyeballs. The story bounces from Paulette to Leila (high school best friends), to Evan to Dante(half brothers) with some other characters thrown in to round out the wealthy Murdoch Family, well known in Chesterton, Va. Throughout the novel, we take a roller coaster ride through the secrets that each of them is keeping-- from the public, from each other.
Evan is the successor to the Murdoch fortune and legacy. On the outside, he appears happy and successful next to his wife, Charisse. No one knows that their marriage is a sham and has been for some time. Evan harbors a long-held affection for a woman that he pushed out of his life long ago. When she resurfaces, the feelings he thought he'd buried come back to life... but Evan is stuck in a faux rendition of Happily Ever After and to extract himself would bring shame to the Murdoch name. Is he stuck, or can he make a move?
Paulette has an enormous secret that few know about, but when an old enemy pops up from her past, her loving, happy marriage and "Sweet Pea" standing in the family are in danger of being uprooted and destroyed. The more she tries to keep her past missteps under wraps, the harder it gets to keep everyone she loves in the dark. When her life explodes around her Paulette is left wondering who she's REALLY married to.
Leila and Evan hadn't spoken in years, so when she shows up at Paulette's wedding, no one is more surprised- and angry - to see her than Evan. Old feelings resurface, old wounds pulse with renewed fervor. Leila desperately needs Evan's help... but first she has to get him to forgive her.
The stories in this novel intertwine so intricately, and are woven together so well. It's like a game of dominoes where one when one falls, everything behind it tumbles. This book is intriguing, full of romance, scandal and mystery.... and also some good lovin'.
Ellis issues a warning that the books in this series end on cliffhangers... Knowing that going in, I was okay when I got to the end but it wasn't the end and WHEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW...... the end of this book you aren't even going to BELIEVE. Already can't wait for the next book!
Took me a liiiiiiitle bit to get into it, but around chapter 3, Shelly Ellis had a sis by the eyeballs. The story bounces from Paulette to Leila (high school best friends), to Evan to Dante(half brothers) with some other characters thrown in to round out the wealthy Murdoch Family, well known in Chesterton, Va. Throughout the novel, we take a roller coaster ride through the secrets that each of them is keeping-- from the public, from each other.
Evan is the successor to the Murdoch fortune and legacy. On the outside, he appears happy and successful next to his wife, Charisse. No one knows that their marriage is a sham and has been for some time. Evan harbors a long-held affection for a woman that he pushed out of his life long ago. When she resurfaces, the feelings he thought he'd buried come back to life... but Evan is stuck in a faux rendition of Happily Ever After and to extract himself would bring shame to the Murdoch name. Is he stuck, or can he make a move?
Paulette has an enormous secret that few know about, but when an old enemy pops up from her past, her loving, happy marriage and "Sweet Pea" standing in the family are in danger of being uprooted and destroyed. The more she tries to keep her past missteps under wraps, the harder it gets to keep everyone she loves in the dark. When her life explodes around her Paulette is left wondering who she's REALLY married to.
Leila and Evan hadn't spoken in years, so when she shows up at Paulette's wedding, no one is more surprised- and angry - to see her than Evan. Old feelings resurface, old wounds pulse with renewed fervor. Leila desperately needs Evan's help... but first she has to get him to forgive her.
The stories in this novel intertwine so intricately, and are woven together so well. It's like a game of dominoes where one when one falls, everything behind it tumbles. This book is intriguing, full of romance, scandal and mystery.... and also some good lovin'.
Ellis issues a warning that the books in this series end on cliffhangers... Knowing that going in, I was okay when I got to the end but it wasn't the end and WHEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW...... the end of this book you aren't even going to BELIEVE. Already can't wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
2.5 stars
**I won a copy of this book as part of a giveaway on Goodreads**
I tried not to judge this story by it's cover but it was really difficult. Let me tell you that the cover did little to entice me to want to read the story. It's terrible. I however try not to judge a book by its cover and entered with an open mind.
This story read to me like a late night soap opera. Think Dallas in the 80's (although I was too young) where the characters have plenty of money and even more drama in their lives. If you are a fan of these types of stories this one will be right up your ally. It has all the stereo-types covered
There could be spoilers here depending on how you look at it..
Evan - the squeaky clean perfect heir to Murdoch business. Tolerates more than he should in order to avoid any scandal to the family name
Clarisse - the extremely annoying self serving obnoxious drunk who also happens to be married to Evan
Dante - the evil brother who did not know he was a Murdoch as he grew up poor because his mother had an affair with Mr. Murdoch however the child was denied. Only upon his death did Dante get accepted in to the family by the siblings however this was not enough for him. He wanted to take over everything "Murdoch"
Leila - The girl who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks however was always Evan's true love.
Paulette - the gullible sister who would rather dig herself in to a hole than to admit her secrets so that she can be freed from them.
There are more characters but I| think you can get the drift. Looks like the casting call for a pilot for the next soap opera doesn't it?
While at times I found myself engaged in the story, I found myself more often than not a little frustrated at all of the drama as it seemed a little over the top, unnecessary and unbelievable.
2.5 stars
**I won a copy of this book as part of a giveaway on Goodreads**
I tried not to judge this story by it's cover but it was really difficult. Let me tell you that the cover did little to entice me to want to read the story. It's terrible. I however try not to judge a book by its cover and entered with an open mind.
This story read to me like a late night soap opera. Think Dallas in the 80's (although I was too young) where the characters have plenty of money and even more drama in their lives. If you are a fan of these types of stories this one will be right up your ally. It has all the stereo-types covered
There could be spoilers here depending on how you look at it..
Evan - the squeaky clean perfect heir to Murdoch business. Tolerates more than he should in order to avoid any scandal to the family name
Clarisse - the extremely annoying self serving obnoxious drunk who also happens to be married to Evan
Dante - the evil brother who did not know he was a Murdoch as he grew up poor because his mother had an affair with Mr. Murdoch however the child was denied. Only upon his death did Dante get accepted in to the family by the siblings however this was not enough for him. He wanted to take over everything "Murdoch"
Leila - The girl who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks however was always Evan's true love.
Paulette - the gullible sister who would rather dig herself in to a hole than to admit her secrets so that she can be freed from them.
There are more characters but I| think you can get the drift. Looks like the casting call for a pilot for the next soap opera doesn't it?
While at times I found myself engaged in the story, I found myself more often than not a little frustrated at all of the drama as it seemed a little over the top, unnecessary and unbelievable.
March 10, 2023
This was delightfully distracting during a stressful time.
Much appreciated.
Much appreciated.
May 9, 2018
Chesterton kinda reminds me of my small hometown. Everybody knows everybody's business!!! The patriarch of the Murdoch family dies and all hell breaks loose. There is adultery, blackmail, and even murder to keep you interested. Definitely moving on to book 2
September 30, 2015
Best Kept Secrets by Shelly Ellis is one of the best dramatic romances readers will ever find. Shelly takes her readers deep into the juiciest plots I have ever read. So many secrets and so many what if's, the female characters have to decide what they are going to do and when. Timing is never what we want it to be. Readers will find themes like family, loyalty, and trust broken again and again. Just when things seem to be going for the best, tey turn out for the worst. But are the females ready for what's in store?
Best Kept Secrets is about two women trying to get their lives in order. One is desperate to do anything to her mother's home and the other is being blackmailed by an ex who is determined to destroy her happily ever after. Lelia turns to her former best friend who has a plan on what he wants from her. Paulette is happily married to the man she loves, until a former lover and bad boy comes knocking it all down. I loved how I got to feel and see everything from both the characters stand point and as an audience stand point. Shelly Ellis surely knows what her readers want in a romance and how to make them pop into her stunningly brilliant world where her characters are real. Drama, hot sex, and betrayals are all wrapped up in this addicitve yet well written story. Some secrets are meant to be kept. I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere. Overall, I rate it a five out of five stars and look forward to reading more by Shelly Ellis.
Daniele Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
Best Kept Secrets is about two women trying to get their lives in order. One is desperate to do anything to her mother's home and the other is being blackmailed by an ex who is determined to destroy her happily ever after. Lelia turns to her former best friend who has a plan on what he wants from her. Paulette is happily married to the man she loves, until a former lover and bad boy comes knocking it all down. I loved how I got to feel and see everything from both the characters stand point and as an audience stand point. Shelly Ellis surely knows what her readers want in a romance and how to make them pop into her stunningly brilliant world where her characters are real. Drama, hot sex, and betrayals are all wrapped up in this addicitve yet well written story. Some secrets are meant to be kept. I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere. Overall, I rate it a five out of five stars and look forward to reading more by Shelly Ellis.
Daniele Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
June 12, 2016
CATION: There may be spoilers in this review.
This the second book I've read/listened to by Shelly Ellis. Her books always catch my attention. I may check out more of her books.
I just wanted to throw my phone across the floor when I was listening to this book. The family in this book irked me so much. Like they rather keep the secrets and or mess up their marriage or stay in a bad marriage. The only people in the book that didn't make me right were Leila, Antonio, and Terrance.
But end the end they finally reveal their secrets and finally told. I was so glad of that. I got excited and said YES when Evan caught his wife Clarisse and his half brother Dante in the slower I'm like FINALLY.
And last but not least I had to laugh at the end when Paulette was watching the news. I was glad Antonio didn't leave her. I did to know what else happen between those too I didn't like how it ended I felt like it should've been more on Paulette and Antonio part.
This the second book I've read/listened to by Shelly Ellis. Her books always catch my attention. I may check out more of her books.
I just wanted to throw my phone across the floor when I was listening to this book. The family in this book irked me so much. Like they rather keep the secrets and or mess up their marriage or stay in a bad marriage. The only people in the book that didn't make me right were Leila, Antonio, and Terrance.
But end the end they finally reveal their secrets and finally told. I was so glad of that. I got excited and said YES when Evan caught his wife Clarisse and his half brother Dante in the slower I'm like FINALLY.
And last but not least I had to laugh at the end when Paulette was watching the news. I was glad Antonio didn't leave her. I did to know what else happen between those too I didn't like how it ended I felt like it should've been more on Paulette and Antonio part.
October 16, 2015
I am a fan of author Shelly Ellis and I have read all of her work to date and I have to say that she has gone to another level with this new series. I was not at all disappointed the twist, turns and surprises whew. The Murdoch's have some secrets and when they start to come out who knows who will survive. Leila and her best friend since childhood Evan Murdoch have not spoken in over 10 years, but she's back and needs his help. Paulette Murdoch has just gotten married, but her marriage is threatened by secrets and a mother-in-law who seems to always be in her home. Terrence seems to be the leveled headed one however I'm sure he's hiding something that will be in the next installment. Last Dante the brother from another mother is hell bent on getting revenge on the other three siblings. What happens is absolutely a wonderful story. You will not go wrong with this book.
February 25, 2016
I was engaged from beginning to end! Nothing like some rich folk drama and the not so rich or entitled throwing a wrench in the game however they can. This book had good common folk but also it's share of shady ones. Likewise with the rich, so of course it was realistic in that aspect. Having money or not having money doesn't make you a kind or unkind person in this world and you get thrown blows when you're on top and when you're down. That's life... but I enjoyed reading the juicy drama that flowed in this story all the while rooting for those who did not deserve the blows thrown their way. If you like family and relationship drama, secrets, betrayal, blackmail and some love then you'll probably enjoy this read. I actually listened and the narrator did a great job as well.
June 12, 2016
This was the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it I can't wait for the second book.
January 20, 2017
Wow
This book was a page TURNER for sure. This is my first book by this author. I must say I enjoyed it. I'm on to part 2.
This book was a page TURNER for sure. This is my first book by this author. I must say I enjoyed it. I'm on to part 2.
October 12, 2019
This was my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed it! The only reason I did not give it a five star rating is the grammatical errors. I could not put this one down!
March 20, 2019
Ngl the cover threw me off and the beginning was kinda sus BUT once I got into it I was hooked. I didn’t really like the beginning where Evan was so pissed at Leila for nothing and he wouldn’t tell her why was annoying. It was also funky when he propositioned her and then she angrily refused and like days later he just tells her why he’s mad and they’re a ok again? That and the constant feeling of not knowing something crucial was pretty annoying.
Ok other than that WOW! A really good book. The plot twists and crazy changes were crazy. I loved how Evan found out about Charisse right before he was going to divorce her and his Charisse got what was coming for her in the end.
I felt really bad about Paulette’s situation and couldn’t help but get angry at her for not just telling Antonio about the abortion and avoid all the other repercussions but nonetheless she really went through it. Also the cliff hanger!?!?!? I am sure Antonio killed Marques I mean why else would he leave.
Dante was an ass and I’m glad he got what he did coming to him.
Anyways I am so glad I picked this book up and I will be looking forward to the other books!
Ok other than that WOW! A really good book. The plot twists and crazy changes were crazy. I loved how Evan found out about Charisse right before he was going to divorce her and his Charisse got what was coming for her in the end.
I felt really bad about Paulette’s situation and couldn’t help but get angry at her for not just telling Antonio about the abortion and avoid all the other repercussions but nonetheless she really went through it. Also the cliff hanger!?!?!? I am sure Antonio killed Marques I mean why else would he leave.
Dante was an ass and I’m glad he got what he did coming to him.
Anyways I am so glad I picked this book up and I will be looking forward to the other books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
Missed its mark
This novel started off fast passed and I was really into it. I could barely put it down then it was like it took a certain turn and everything that happened was predictable. I can’t blame the author cause her writing was impeccable and she really can develop a story into something special but I believe I’m just more into exploring the new and unexpected and this book was a bit mundane.
Lastly I felt like the book was rushed in the second half.
This novel started off fast passed and I was really into it. I could barely put it down then it was like it took a certain turn and everything that happened was predictable. I can’t blame the author cause her writing was impeccable and she really can develop a story into something special but I believe I’m just more into exploring the new and unexpected and this book was a bit mundane.
Lastly I felt like the book was rushed in the second half.
March 17, 2016
3 stars. This story was pretty good with the exception of one character. This book tells the story of the Murdoch family and it seems over the course of the series, secrets about this family will be revealed. The family is brothers Evan and Terrance and a younger sister named Paulette. There is also an illegitimate older brother Dante.
I like Evan and Leila together but I do feel Evan should have just moved on. Leila was a little to undecided for me. I kinda feel like she only wanted Evan because her initial life didn't pan out the way she thought it would so she went with plan b. She was a nice enough person though but I also didn't like how she went out with Dante knowing how Evan felt about her.
Paulette.....don't get me started on her. She was the worst. I understand she didn't like her family treating her like the baby but if she would make adult choices in her life maybe they wouldn't treat her that way. She was just a wreck, making one bad decision after another. I can't wait to see how she gets herself out of this mess though.
Dante....he was bitter but he took that bitterness out on the wrong people. He got what he deserved.
Overall I think it was a pretty good book. There was an excerpt of the next book in this one and lets just say it starts off with a bang. Looking forward to reading that one.
I like Evan and Leila together but I do feel Evan should have just moved on. Leila was a little to undecided for me. I kinda feel like she only wanted Evan because her initial life didn't pan out the way she thought it would so she went with plan b. She was a nice enough person though but I also didn't like how she went out with Dante knowing how Evan felt about her.
Paulette.....don't get me started on her. She was the worst. I understand she didn't like her family treating her like the baby but if she would make adult choices in her life maybe they wouldn't treat her that way. She was just a wreck, making one bad decision after another. I can't wait to see how she gets herself out of this mess though.
Dante....he was bitter but he took that bitterness out on the wrong people. He got what he deserved.
Overall I think it was a pretty good book. There was an excerpt of the next book in this one and lets just say it starts off with a bang. Looking forward to reading that one.
January 12, 2019
Truly amazing! I randomly picked this book up at the local library and I am so happy that I did! It is based upon this prominent family in Chesterton, Virginia (Evan (oldest Murdock brother), Clarisse (wife of Evan Murdock), Paulette (sister to Murdock brothers), Antonio (Paulette's husband), Terrance (Murdock brother), Dante (an outside child conceived by Mr. Murdock) and "the Murdocks," Leila Hawkins (childhood friend to Evan and Paulette Murdock), Diane Hawkins (Leila's mom), Marques Whitney (old boyfriend to Paulette), Reina (Antonio's mom), Izzy (Leila's daughter) and Brad (Leila's ex husband)). Like most small towns, Chesterton is no exception. It's close knit and everyone each another. The Murdocks have everything anyone could wish for but happiness. Leila is recuperating from a bad marriage. She returns to Chesterton with her daughter, moves in with her mother and is reunited with the Murdock family and the drama begins.
This is a roller coaster ride that I literally could not get off of! Kudos Ms. Ellis, you have a new fan!
This is a roller coaster ride that I literally could not get off of! Kudos Ms. Ellis, you have a new fan!
March 27, 2016
Simply Scandalicious!
Wow. I really enjoyed this first novel in Shelly Ellis' new series featuring the Murdochs. Talk about drama. Evan was a multifaceted character and I think the author did a heck of a job. Evan had always been in love with Leila and was heartbroken when she fell for and married someone else. And when his lady love finally does come back to town seeking his help, boy does he let her have it and I was not mad at him. Leila reminded me of a lot of women who had fallen in love with a man who didn't appreciate her while overlooking the one man who always had. And then to top it all off, Leila started dating Evan's half brother. I was ready to smack her, but she soon came to her senses. I won't spoil all the drama but let's just say the Murdoch kids are something else. I can't wait to see what they are up to in the next book.
Wow. I really enjoyed this first novel in Shelly Ellis' new series featuring the Murdochs. Talk about drama. Evan was a multifaceted character and I think the author did a heck of a job. Evan had always been in love with Leila and was heartbroken when she fell for and married someone else. And when his lady love finally does come back to town seeking his help, boy does he let her have it and I was not mad at him. Leila reminded me of a lot of women who had fallen in love with a man who didn't appreciate her while overlooking the one man who always had. And then to top it all off, Leila started dating Evan's half brother. I was ready to smack her, but she soon came to her senses. I won't spoil all the drama but let's just say the Murdoch kids are something else. I can't wait to see what they are up to in the next book.
April 3, 2017
Good read.. I enjoyed reading a book about African Americans that was not based around the usual characters.. drug dealers, ballers and jackers.. It was an interesting read and it gave you the insight on reality to be aware that drama can follow you regardless of your status. More money more problems.
September 10, 2015
I received this book threw Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. I thought this was a very well written book. I liked it.
January 12, 2017
This book was very entertaining. There were parts that upset me with characters, but it kept my nose in the book. I can't wait to read the next book of this saga.
February 3, 2018
Enjoyed the story line, enjoyed the characters. Sometimes Paulette could be very foolish. But for the most part MS Ellis kept me interested and very entertained.
November 5, 2021
This book has so many twists and turns involving love,hate, blackmail and eventually murder.
This book mainly kept my interest because I was curious as to what would be the outcome of Evan and Leila relationship and I was also curious as to how Paulette was going to handle her disgusting situation.
I really enjoyed this book and I couldn't keep my eyes from reading it.
I very anxious to read the follow up, because from the ending,it seems it will be a good and exciting read.
This book mainly kept my interest because I was curious as to what would be the outcome of Evan and Leila relationship and I was also curious as to how Paulette was going to handle her disgusting situation.
I really enjoyed this book and I couldn't keep my eyes from reading it.
I very anxious to read the follow up, because from the ending,it seems it will be a good and exciting read.
February 29, 2024
This book was good but I just couldn't get past how stupid Paulette acted. She let some dude blackmail her over a secret that could've easily been explained to her husband! Something that happened when she was 16 years old! Dude blackmailed her for thousands of dollars, and raped her, and forced her to have an affair with him! Your actions to cover up the original issue were way worse!
Otherwise good story.
Otherwise good story.
March 21, 2022
I have so many questions. Yet, I feel justice was served. I know this was a fictional book but it was a lesson learned. Our pass will catch up with up, one lie only lead to another one. Most likely importantly a blackmailer will never stop. Unless you or someone else stops him. Great read! Very interesting 🧐!
January 12, 2024
Amazing book!!! I’ve never been so upset at a book though. These characters (especially Paulette) were a hot mess! Shelly Ellis is a great author! I’ve read her books before and she never disappoints. Already downloaded the next book to read. Check it out! You will NOT be disappointed. Not a dull or boring moment in the book at all!
August 8, 2018
This book was just okay. It packed the flow and prose that I like in books. The story line was good but there were times when the story flow seemed to not flow. The ending is abrupt and leaves room for another novel.
September 12, 2019
I won an autographed copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews