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Hope Falls #10

Secret Kiss

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Adam Dorsey was used to living a life of deceit and falsehood both professionally and personally. The former CIA operative—with an extremely high IQ—was ready for a quieter, more authentic life. Enter Jane, a gorgeous and adorable hazel eyed beauty that complicated his plan. No matter what she made him feel, he knew that he had to stay away from her for fear of damaging more than just her innocence…

Jane Marshall always believed in the power of positive thinking and all that could create. She felt accomplished in her career, and was blessed with great friends and family. And yet, she questioned whether or not there existed a man that would be able to unleash and explore her inexperienced heart…until she laid eyes on Adam.

Will Adam be able to let go of his past and accept Jane for the genuine soul she truly is? Will Jane be able to navigate through never before had feelings? Are there some things that are even beyond the control of two highly intelligent people? Discover the truth in …Secret Kiss

**Author's Note: Each Hope Falls full-length novel can be read as a stand-alone**


248 pages, ebook

First published July 27, 2015

213 people are currently reading
502 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Shawn

134 books1,849 followers
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

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5 stars
572 (57%)
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316 (31%)
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90 (9%)
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11 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Katrina Wiese.
217 reviews
January 26, 2016
Melanie Shawn has been one of my favorite authors since I was introduced to her Crossroads Series, and since starting to read the Hope Falls Series I have been just as enamored with her characters and story lines. I thoroughly enjoy that we still have character reappearances through the series and we get to continue on in their stories as well.

Secret Kiss has been my absolute favorite book of this series! In addition to an unfolding love story there was so much humor and laugh out loud situations in this book that at times my sides hurt from laughing. The characters are just so loveable. I also once again have to complement the chemistry and crazy heat, all the things that make Melanie Shawn's books so amazing. I loved this set of main characters.Melanie Shawn has an ability to keep their readers engaged in the story. They make you want to live with these people and be friends with them. All of Melanie's books always have the perfect blend of romance, sex and plot.

This can be ready as a standalone novel, even though reading just this book will not be enough, you will have to read the entire series!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
July 28, 2015
Paige Turner's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 Stars

I thought Secret Kiss is a great addition to the series. It can be read as a standalone but it's nice to reconnect with the other characters from the Hope Falls series.

Jane Marshall is the sweet girl next door who has had her share of "Lucy" moments. These are the embarrassing moments that happen to you when you're around the one guy you are totally heads over heals for. Jane has come along way from being the plain Jane that she was in high school. She is smart, sweet, caring and ready to break free from the mundane.

Adam Dorsey is everything that you look for in a partner. He's charming, he's sexy, he's got a take charge attitude. Adam's also the one that will help Jane break out. He's willing to play her game to keep her grandparents happy and in return he's able to show Jane the real Adam.

Adam and Jane had great chemistry and I found their story plausible despite all the shenanigans that it took to get them together. I also thought her grandparents were adorable and helped bring reality into the book.
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2015
I am a huge Melanie Shawn fan!! Adam and Jane's story did not disappoint. They were both strong loveable characters and a great addition to the Hope Falls series. Looking forward to book # 11. Well done ladies!!
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,377 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2020
I always love going back to Hope Falls! Its like a big reunion every time. Jane and Adam were everything! I loved that Jane had her "Lucy" moments especially in front of Adam. I also loved that Adam was being so sweet and protective of Jane it was really just so sweet! Plus that ending was perfect! ❤
Profile Image for Dani.
178 reviews39 followers
August 1, 2015
Oh, man! I really, really liked this book. It is good to be back in Hope Falls and reunite with so many loveable characters, especially Nikki and Mike. They have always been my favorites; but this story is not about them. No, it centers around Mike's assistant: Jane.

Jane thinks of herself as a pretty normal, vanilla person. Plain Jane. No one has ever made her feel special or cherish except for the grandparents who raised her. Still, she has a good life and works in a place that makes her happy. But at the end of the day, she's lonely.

Enters Adam. Levi's cousin who popped into town in the previous Melanie Shawn book, Perfect Kiss, it's still in town due to a series of unfortunate events, a much needed clean slate and the perfect job offer from Mike.

I found Adam's crush on Jane hilarious. No, really. It was hilarious to see him trying to make sense as to how a 31 year old man was having a good old school girl crush and still trying to stay away. He wanted nothing to do with women, ever again. Sure buddy, keep telling yourself that.

On the other hand, Jane's crush on Adam was equally entertaining. A mix of I love Lucy moments with her sweet personality, made Jane a really great leading lady. She is smart, caring and charming... too bad she can't see herself like that. It is pretty clear that despite her grandparents efforts, Jane really needed someone outside her family to make her believe she is all that. Thank God for Nikki and her matchmaking ways!

Adam didn't need any of those things but it was a high time for him to have a talk with his ex-wife and his mother. I won't go into details but what happened to him wasn't pretty and it wasn't until he met Jane, someone he truly wanted to built a future with, that he could acknowledge how much he needed closure from things in the past that were ruining his present.

This was the perfect continuation to the Hope Falls series after the last book, mainly because it's a much lighter and easy romance. Full of funny and sexy moments between our leads, cool and understanding grandparents, and a great support system in friends.

There is also a shut out from the older books in the series. For example, I was really surprised to find out Kyle Austen Reed is still in town and it made me laugh out loud a good two minutes. Scratch that, still makes me laugh. For those who don't know who he is, Kyle Austen Reed is a infinite source of entrainment in the form of a well meaning, not so smart actor who thinks everyone is in love with him and yet he is so sincere in his actions you can't help but love him. I guess he is right after all, we are all in love with him. It was good to see him again.

Even if you haven't read the other Hope Falls books, it doesn't matter. This is a great novel and the perfect weekend read to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or at the beach in the sun.
Profile Image for Dee.
197 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2015
Adam Dorsey: HOT, genius, wealthy and all around great guy.
Jane Marshall: sweet, shy, loyal friend, incredible worker and unknown to her, a beauty.
Jane has been working in Hope Falls at the headquarters of Latch Key to Success a year ago. Because Jane was so close to her grandparents, who raised her, she looked forward to her weekly chats and did whatever she could to put their minds at ease. One evening, during one of these chats, Jane lied to her Grandmother telling her she was dating someone. Hopefully, if they didn't have to worry, their health issues would improve. When Nana asked who Jane was dating, the first name that popped into her head was "Adam". The Adam she'd been mooning over since he came to Hope Falls. The Adam that would soon be sharing her workspace, the Adam who recently moved across the street!!!! That ADAM! With that one little lie, Pandora's box of lies spilled open and Jane kept finding herself telling little lies to make life better for everyone.
Adam hadn't realize he was living across from Jane until after the move. He, too, had Jane on his mind constantly, but really wasn't in a situation to do much more than dream from afar, until one day Jane's Nana and Papa popped in for a surprise visit while Adam and Jane were kissing in the office. Being the good guy that Adam was (and because it really wasn't a hardship), Adam went along with Jane's story. Suddenly, Jane's boss Nikki was throwing Jane and Adam into sticky situations and the room temperature began to rise! Although there was definitely interest on both sides, Adam knew he wasn't a "forever" guy and that's what Jane needed. Yet every time Adam tried to say something to Jane, something stopped the words from flowing, but not the passion from rising.
As a reader, I couldn't help but love Jane and Adam. Jane had always felt like a wallflower and Adam made her feel like a princess. The heat between the two of them is steamy, yet there is so much humor and sweetness throughout the story. Nana and Papa are a hoot and their meddlesome friends' hearts are in the right places.
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Profile Image for Alima Livzletlivz.
767 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2015
Once in a while it’s just utterly serene and delicious to read a romance without too much frills and shrills. A quite romance with just the hero and heroine, finding their way with each other, connecting with their thoughts and feelings, a few supportive friends and an uncomplicated family thrown into the mix, there’s nothing more romantic and enchanting than falling into a pure, simple love story.

The duo sisters of Melanie and Shawna have been one of my all time top favorites and have read all their books; the Sloans being one of their most sizzling and charming creations to date. And the Hope Falls Series continues its journey of romance and entertainment with perfect kisses, secret crushes and happily-ever-after.

“Secret Kiss” is such charmer of a story and even more dazzling are Adam Dorsey and Jane Marshall. Ex-CIA and used to living a life of undercover and deceit, all Adam wants is to take it easy and put his nerdy brain to work on his software. But fate had a different plan and throws him into the path of his destiny, Jane Marshall. Lovable, innocent and ever helpful Jane crushes on Adam and circumstances makes Adam her boyfriend.

As Adam tries to put a closure to a thorny past, Jane infiltrates into his heart with no hope of escape. Acting as her boyfriend sparks the flames of desire and the proximity only ignites the passion both can’t resist. As lust heats the sheets, humor coats their days and family fuels their relationship, it is only a matter of time for love to build a nest in their hearts.

Full of humor and warmth, friendship and support, witty banter and family teasing, Secret Kiss is just perfect to heal a heart, bring a smile to the lips and fill us with hopes of goodness all around us.


Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
August 3, 2015
I don't think that before this one, I have ever read a book that is at the same time, so funny, that you can't help but laugh out loud, so delightfully adorable that you are in a constant state of swooning while reading, and so sexy that I thought my Kindle is going to catch on fire! This was one of those books that you want to devour, to find out what happens, and at the same time savor every word, cause you don't want it to end.
The Hope Falls series are full of charming, charismatic characters, and Adam and Jane are no different. The socially awkward Jane is so easy to relate to, and when her 'Lucy' moments double fold, when Adam is around, and he thinks that is just the cutest thing ever, you can't help but feel for the girl, and sigh deeply with a big smile on your face.
The attraction they have for each other is captivating, turning both of these brilliant, smart people into a fumbling mess. But when Adam and Jane finally open up about the feelings they have for each other, it is poetry, so beautiful and emotional. Adam truly adores Jane, the affection, appreciation, and tenderness is palpable, and whom ever even sees them together, can sense the feelings between them.
When you add into the mix the lovely folks of Hope Falls, Jane's fabulous grandparents, who seems to have a comic timing, and Adam's past, there's a lot of meddling interference, a little gossip around the town, and several serious conversations that has to happen, for things to work out.
All the Hope Falls novels are stand-alone stories, but each one of them delivers the same kind of bang, and joy, as Secret Kiss, so I would recommend to read them all!
~ Five Spoons
Profile Image for Kay Pflueger.
330 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2015
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all the Hope Falls series and I have to say I think this one was my favorite. Every time I read one of the books, I wish I could move there and be a part of the lives of all the characters. And this book was no exception.
Jane is a bit socially awkward and I love the internal dialogue she has with herself when she finds herself in uncomfortable situations. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her comments. She lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandparents. She is very close to them and in order to keep them from worrying, she tells them she has a boyfriend who is watching out for her.. which is a bit of a little white lie!
Enter Adam... they share an office space at work and the chemistry between them is off the charts. He cannot stop thinking about her and Jane finds herself in a few "bumbling" situations when she is around him. He keeps telling himself he does not want to get involved with her.. he is dealing with a broken relationship and is not ready to make a commitment to anyone.
Watching Adam and Jane fight their attraction to each other was a big part of the humor I found in the book. They both come from difficult pasts and are wary of allowing themselves to give in to their feelings. But fate intervenes and the little white lie Jane told her grandparents comes back to bite her.. with some humorous situations along the way.
Take the time to visit Hope Falls.. you will be glad you did.
Profile Image for Becca Moree.
Author 4 books42 followers
August 8, 2015
Ahhh! This book...just wow! I knew it was going to be good...I mean come on what Melanie Shawn book doesn't rock?

But seriously...

I didn't expect it to be this damn good! I literally could not put it down once I got started! I adore Adam and Jane both as characters that we got a glimpse of in past books in the Hope Falls series but I can honestly say that I never expected their story to be this explosive!

The chemistry between Adam and Jane was literally jumping at me through my Kindle and had me begging for more!

So what if the 'fake boyfriend' story line has been done before! I can guarantee you that it hasn't be done quite this way! Melanie Shawn has a way of taking something that you are just sure you know what will happen and throwing ni twists and turns that leave you panting with whiplash and yet dying for more!!

The relationship flows so realistically and the witty banter between characters is epic! The fact of the matter is, Melanie Shawn's writing style is just so damn realistic so down to earth that I feel like I am a part of the story watching my friends relationship unfold. What more could you ask for?

I am obsessed with the residents of Hope Falls and am always on the edge of my seat ready to hit that 1-click button as soon as the next is released. After reading Secret Kiss I know that that hasn't changed!
Profile Image for Jen.
84 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2015
Jane and Adam in Secret Kiss are two of my favorite characters in a long time. First Jane is a super smart woman who has always struggled to fit in to social situations. I loved everything about Jane! I loved that she was a total klutz, adorably clueless, a terrible liar, and the funniest person who has no idea she was funny. Adam is a man who has had a rough childhood and then has spent the last 10 years working for the CIA. An extremely intelligent man who has been burned by love and is convinced he is never going to open his heart again. That is until he meets Jane.

I loved reading this book mostly because Jane is such a wonderfully refreshing character. She is just so likeable and is so real you can see parts of yourself in her or in someone you know. Watching Jane and Adam fall in love was funny and heartwarming. I enjoyed watching these two fake it until they made it. The real scene stealers in my opinion were Jane’s grandparents. They will make you laugh so hard your sides will hurt. This book can be read as a standalone however, I would personally recommend you start at the beginning of the hope falls series and work your way through all of the books in this series are like precious gems.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,578 reviews26 followers
August 2, 2015
I love returning to Hope Falls! In this installment of this fantastic series, we are treated to the story of Adam Dorsey, the CIA agent turned app designer, and Jane Marshall, the positive thinker, who strives to be as independent as she can be.

Adam has just gotten out of a relationship that has turned him off of the opposite sex. He wants nothing to do with a relationship, but the trouble is, he meets Jane and sparks fly immediately, however he's not sure if it's one-sided.

Jane has always wanted to meet that perfect for her guy, but every relationship she's ever had has been a disaster. Now she has her well meaning grandparents breathing down her neck worrying about her and wanting her to settle down. Will the slip of Adam's name to them be the start of something great or will it once again backfire in her face?

I love reading Melanie Shawn books because I always know I'm going to get a fantastic story with well developed plots and characters; this book was no exception. While it can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend any book in this series and for that matter, any book this duo has written!
1,605 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2015
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review* I loved this book. Definitely 5 stars !! It was romantic, sexy, funny and so many more things. The chemistry between Adam and Jane was off the charts. I loved the book from start to finish and I thought that adding in her Nana Dolores and Papa Walter made the book so much more interesting and funny. Jane was a beautiful smart woman who was a little uncertain of herself. Adam was sexy, hot, and nice all rolled into one. Adam knew how to use his words because when he gave Jane a compliment even I swooned. When you put Jane and him in the same room you could feel the chemistry just oozing off the pages. The story progressed quickly and flowed nicely. The ending was amazing. I loved all the people in Hope Falls and I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I would highly recommend that pick up this book and give it a read.
Profile Image for Amalia.
112 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2015
I loved this book! I say that about all of Melanie Shawn's book but it's just the truth. I was able to read this book during a cross country road trip and there was some moments in the car where I just LOL'd. I love the story line between Jane and Adam, especially because they had to fake a relationship to appease her grandparents. Fake relationship books make a great story line. Just like all her books this book had heart, warmth, humor, swoon moments and sexiness. It's getting harder and harder to decide which book is my favorite. I love them all and I just want to live in Hope Falls. If only Melanie Shawn could write me in one of her books I would die a happy woman.

This book is a fun and sexy read, perfect to add some extra hotness to your reading. READ THIS BOOK!! Thanks Melanie Shawn for writing books that take you away from your every day life.
178 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. The opinions in this review are my own. I really enjoy reading the Hope Falls series by Melanie Shawn. This installment in the series definitely sticks to the standards Melanie has set for her work. I was drawn to the character of Jane when I met her in the earlier books, so I was glad to learn more about her in Secret Kiss. I found Adam Dorsey and Jane very relatable in this book. Melanie Shawn has a great way of telling a story. I loved the popculture references that Jane uses to explain herself at times I the book. The chemistry between Adam and Jane is thrilling and adorable at the same time. The pacing was perfect and the characters were consistent and well written. I would recommend this book for other readers.
Profile Image for Talking Books.
870 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2015
If there is ever a book hero you could fall for, Adam is it! He's intelligent, witty, considerate and hot as heck with the perfectly matched heroine, Jane right beside him with her sweet demeanor and total crush for our hero and her mumbling nervous chatter just makes her appear even sweeter :) Their antics, more so Janes :D had me laughing throughout the read. So many hawt moments between these two combined with a mix of events and a tonne of chemistry between had this reader glued to the book.
Another great addition to the Hope Falls series by Melanie Shawn.
5 Stars
*Review copy received from the author
Profile Image for Maureen Bartlett.
84 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2015

In this latest release from Melanie Shawn we get to know Adam and Jane. The two have chemistry that's off the charts, and while they may try to ignore it they are not very successful. When a fake relationship becomes one that's not so fake, things really start to heat up. Secrets make themselves known and they'll have to face the past before building their future together. Another great read, pick it up today and you won't want to put it down!
Profile Image for Sheri.
352 reviews
August 12, 2015
Jane and Adam were perfect for one another. I loved the tension these two had and the passion that hit them when they finally realized what was happening. I'm a huge fan of the fake relationships and this one did not disappoint. Jane's grandparents were a fun addition to the story line and her "Lucy" moments were laugh out loud worthy. I love the people of Hope Falls and each book gets even better.
A copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kim Drouillard.
6 reviews
September 14, 2015
Once again Melanie Shawn has written a Oscar worthy book!!!! Loved Adam and Jane's story so much i didn't want it to end!!! I will read anything from Melanie Shawn without reading anything about the book before hand. I have never been disappointed by this author and highly recommend this book to anyone who love a great love story that is well written and keeps the reader entertained from the first word to the last.
Profile Image for Alison Davies.
391 reviews
August 6, 2015
I'm so in love with Melanie and Shawna, they never fail in making their next book better than the one before... The Hope Falls series captured my heart from the very beginning and I'm so glad there is more to come.. The chemistry between Adam and Jane is off the charts, quite a few times I was worried my kindle might explode from the heat.. Whether or not you have read any of their books, I guarantee you will love this series..
I was given this ARC by the author for an honest review!!
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2015
A sigh-worthy romance that just about melted my Kindle at times! Hunky nerd and beautiful nerd have insane chemistry. Although he is in the process of getting a divorce, he neglects to tell her in time before the almost-ex shows up (oops-bad boy!). The almost-ex doesn't create too much angst so HEA eventually happens - which is as it should be! Excellent read - looking forward to the next release in the Hope Falls series.
Profile Image for Amy Jackson.
53 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2015
Awesome

I absolutely love the Hope Falls Series. I love the characters and the humor. It's always fun to catch up with old characters and fall in love with the current characters.
Jane and Adam's story did just that. It made me fall in love with them and I loved Jane's grandparents. My only complaint is I finished it too quickly and there's not another book out yet!
Profile Image for Marlene.
856 reviews8 followers
August 7, 2015
I loved it! this book made me smile, laugh out loud, upset me and wowed me! Jane is a marvel, her character was so charming. And Adam well you cant say too much about him! I like the alternate POV. The side characters, the town of Hope Falls and even Alexis are great. The grandparents are a hoot and the chemistry OH MY!!! This will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Karla Andrews.
544 reviews9 followers
August 2, 2015
Adam and Jane. I can't say enough about them. My favorite hope falls book so far. I'm a hopeless romantic. And Adam is has well. He buys flowers, opens doors, getting electric fixed, flat tires fixed, and kiss her on the fourhead. I truly loved this book. And highly recommend to anyone.
316 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2015
Wow.....what an intense book. I am really loving this series! Jane and Adam are a mismatched couple that make it work. I love how everyday Jane is.....not some perfect gal! Adam is a wounded soul who needs the balance he finds in Jane. ****I received an ARC in exchange for a fair review***
97 reviews
July 29, 2015
Another hit from Melanie Shawn! Two slightly socially awkward characters flirt with each other. I loved this book, my favourite part was Adam and Jane 'sparring'! WOW! Again this one was similar to Perfect Kiss as it had a slow build at first but it works so well. Can't wait for the next one!
465 reviews
August 8, 2015
Loved this book

Wonderful read, no surprise as I have truly loved each book in the Hope Falls Series. I can't wait to read Logan's story. Definitely a must read series if you haven't read these books..What are you waiting for?
Profile Image for Chastity Gregory.
77 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2015
I love Hope Falls. Melanie Shawn did a great job with this book just like all the rest of her books. I loved Adam and Jane. They have awesome chemistry and I enjoyed having my laughing moments. You won't stop reading until the end. I highly recommend all of Melanie Shawn's books.
Profile Image for Kim Andrade.
221 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2015
Never a dull moment in a Melanie Shawn book!! Have read all of their books/every series and NEVER been disappointed and Secret Kiss is no different!! Well written, sexy romance grabs you in from page 1 - I couldn't put it down until the end!! LOVED it and Can't wait for the next one!!!
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