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Dirty Little #2
Dirty Little Lies
Ben Williams is a billionaire CEO at the top of his game. He’s a handsome, eligible bachelor who could have any woman…except the one he wants. Marisa Blake is the love of his life, the one who got away. Ben is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back.
Marisa is a young entrepreneur whose family is falling apart. Her parents are involved in a well-publicized scandal, and both her and her sister’s names are being dragged through the mud. Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, Ben shows up at her doorstep. He was her college boyfriend, and a serial cheater.
Great sex is the only thing they ever had in common, and Marisa is determined to keep things physical. Still, she finds herself falling for him. Again.
When a stranger blackmails Marisa with information that will destroy what’s left of her family, Marisa is forced to make a decision: sacrifice Ben to protect her sister, or forsake her family to follow her heart?
It’s not long before Marisa gets caught up in some dirty little lies…
Dirty Little Lies is a stand alone story - no cliffhangers - and the first book in the Dirty Little Series.
Marisa is a young entrepreneur whose family is falling apart. Her parents are involved in a well-publicized scandal, and both her and her sister’s names are being dragged through the mud. Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, Ben shows up at her doorstep. He was her college boyfriend, and a serial cheater.
Great sex is the only thing they ever had in common, and Marisa is determined to keep things physical. Still, she finds herself falling for him. Again.
When a stranger blackmails Marisa with information that will destroy what’s left of her family, Marisa is forced to make a decision: sacrifice Ben to protect her sister, or forsake her family to follow her heart?
It’s not long before Marisa gets caught up in some dirty little lies…
Dirty Little Lies is a stand alone story - no cliffhangers - and the first book in the Dirty Little Series.
166 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Cross
40 books423 followersCassie Cross is a Maryland native and a romantic at heart, who lives outside of Baltimore with her two dogs and a closet full of shoes. Cassie’s fondness for swoon-worthy men and strong women are the inspiration for most of her stories, and when she’s not busy writing a book, you’ll probably find her eating takeout and indulging in her love of 80′s sitcoms.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 6, 2015
This book is appalling in every single way. I was grossed out in the end and all I wanted to do was bang my head on the wall. Repeatedly. It's horribly written and don't even get me started on how easy it was for our disgusting hero to get the girl back.
(I can tolerate cheating in a book if there are enough grovelling scenes tbh)
If you're gonna write about a cheating hero redeeming himself, then make it good! Make him fucking work for it. This is the guy who repeatedly cheated on his woman because he's a fucking coward. There's nothing cute about that. But alas, the heroine took him back with zero resistance. It's appalling.
And I honestly don't give a damn how sexually compatible they are. Cheating is not okay. A hefty donation isn't enough.
(I can tolerate cheating in a book if there are enough grovelling scenes tbh)
If you're gonna write about a cheating hero redeeming himself, then make it good! Make him fucking work for it. This is the guy who repeatedly cheated on his woman because he's a fucking coward. There's nothing cute about that. But alas, the heroine took him back with zero resistance. It's appalling.
And I honestly don't give a damn how sexually compatible they are. Cheating is not okay. A hefty donation isn't enough.
April 18, 2018
She gave him ANOTHER chance way too easily, considering how many times he cheated on her, and the reason she finally left him. He should have been jumping through hoops for her, proving that he's not going to do it again, not have his friends tell her he's changed and that's it back again.
December 28, 2020
Brilliant
Loving the series light hearted very romantic just the read you need on holiday or a Sunday morning lye in
Loving the series light hearted very romantic just the read you need on holiday or a Sunday morning lye in
December 3, 2015
This is a super example of a second chance to recover a love you should never have given up on in the first place – and it was a really enjoyable read.
Ben Williams had everything back in college but the love he shared with his girlfriend Marisa wasn’t enough to keep him faithful, more fool him. Marisa loved him but in the end, she run out of the inclination to let his behaviour slide and was left with no choice but to walk away. I was surprised that she put up with him as long as she did to be honest and in a way I think that said more about her than him.
But when you get a chance to correct your mistakes years later – what won’t you do to put right the errors of youth?
In Ben’s case the answer to that would be absolutely nothing
The years since they split have been hard for Marisa, her folks took the family down a path that was scandal strewn and she is still trying to stave off the hounds that don’t seem to think that both she and her sister have suffered enough.
The last person she expected to see on her doorstep in the midst of her struggle was Ben but letting him in to her life again is not a done deal because no matter the fact that he seems to be sincere, she still has the events of the past in her head and trust is not something that she is able to do easily. Life has taught her to play her cards very close to her chest.
But together they have the opportunity to turn back the clock so to speak.
Ben has the chance to show Marisa that he can help her to solve the problems that have her drowning in despair.
I liked the fact that Ben was willing to step up and be the man that she needed.
I also liked the fact that she was eventually willing to give him the benefit of the doubt – to show him that his actions were not a waste of time.
The story was much as I would have anticipated and I liked that, it made for a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea and a couple that I was rooting for.
A well written and charming romance, that looked back in order to serve the characters up the tools they need to move forward.
Ben Williams had everything back in college but the love he shared with his girlfriend Marisa wasn’t enough to keep him faithful, more fool him. Marisa loved him but in the end, she run out of the inclination to let his behaviour slide and was left with no choice but to walk away. I was surprised that she put up with him as long as she did to be honest and in a way I think that said more about her than him.
But when you get a chance to correct your mistakes years later – what won’t you do to put right the errors of youth?
In Ben’s case the answer to that would be absolutely nothing
The years since they split have been hard for Marisa, her folks took the family down a path that was scandal strewn and she is still trying to stave off the hounds that don’t seem to think that both she and her sister have suffered enough.
The last person she expected to see on her doorstep in the midst of her struggle was Ben but letting him in to her life again is not a done deal because no matter the fact that he seems to be sincere, she still has the events of the past in her head and trust is not something that she is able to do easily. Life has taught her to play her cards very close to her chest.
But together they have the opportunity to turn back the clock so to speak.
Ben has the chance to show Marisa that he can help her to solve the problems that have her drowning in despair.
I liked the fact that Ben was willing to step up and be the man that she needed.
I also liked the fact that she was eventually willing to give him the benefit of the doubt – to show him that his actions were not a waste of time.
The story was much as I would have anticipated and I liked that, it made for a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea and a couple that I was rooting for.
A well written and charming romance, that looked back in order to serve the characters up the tools they need to move forward.
December 3, 2015
Sometimes we make mistakes that we regret years later, and that's exactly what Ben Williams did. He played and betrayed his college girlfriend and didn't appreciate the person who cared the most for him, cheating on her over and over and losing her because of it.
Marisa Blake took Ben's indiscretions in stride, but in the end she just loved herself more and let Ben go knowing the heartache that she was putting herself through. Years later, after a well publicized scandal thanks to her dear parents, she finds herself alone except for her younger sister and fighting the press that tries to bring her down because of what her parents did. She never thought it would happen, but one day she finds the man that she was never able to forget and who she still loved at her doorstep.
He seems like a changed man, but can Marisa trust someone who put her through so much in her past when she's battling to survive her present and make a better future for herself and her sister?
I really enjoyed this book, both Marisa and Ben are very likable characters and both have old wounds they're looking to heal. I can certainly understand why some people won't understand how she was able to forgive Ben rather quickly, but reality is the heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes we can fight that. I loved that Ben recognized his past mistakes and took responsibility for his actions, he knew he screwed up royally when it came to Marisa and the second time around he was all for redeeming himself.
This is a fairly quick read and one that fans of second chance at love are going to really like. I'm looking forward to read more from this author and more of this series in the near future.
Marisa Blake took Ben's indiscretions in stride, but in the end she just loved herself more and let Ben go knowing the heartache that she was putting herself through. Years later, after a well publicized scandal thanks to her dear parents, she finds herself alone except for her younger sister and fighting the press that tries to bring her down because of what her parents did. She never thought it would happen, but one day she finds the man that she was never able to forget and who she still loved at her doorstep.
He seems like a changed man, but can Marisa trust someone who put her through so much in her past when she's battling to survive her present and make a better future for herself and her sister?
I really enjoyed this book, both Marisa and Ben are very likable characters and both have old wounds they're looking to heal. I can certainly understand why some people won't understand how she was able to forgive Ben rather quickly, but reality is the heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes we can fight that. I loved that Ben recognized his past mistakes and took responsibility for his actions, he knew he screwed up royally when it came to Marisa and the second time around he was all for redeeming himself.
This is a fairly quick read and one that fans of second chance at love are going to really like. I'm looking forward to read more from this author and more of this series in the near future.
October 20, 2016
Cassie Cross does not disappoint! Ben and Marisa were made for each other. I loved how both characters were independent, yet they made each other better. I also liked how Caleb and Mia made appearances. I loved them from the first book. *It is a stand-alone book.*
So basically Ben is a terrible guy who turned a new leaf. He became more responsible, he matured, and he stopped cheating on Marisa.
Marisa has been given the choice of giving him a second chance, after he has broken her heart many times. They go very well together, and I am so glad at the way it turned out. Their scenes were steamy, and you could just fall in love with them.
I definitely commend Marisa for doing what she thought was right, then asking for help, when she realized it wasn't right. I'm sure that was not an easy thing to do, but she did it.
However, one thing that did bother me was how easily Marisa forgave him. Especially knowing the reason why she finally called it quits that last time. I have been with a serial cheater, and there is no way in hell I would forgive him that easily and move on. Second chances are great, but I feel like she gave in wayyy to easily.
Cross has a way of drawing you in, and keeping you hooked up until that very last sentence. I would definitely enjoy reading more books written by her! Here's to hoping there will be a third book; this time, hopefully, it will be about Oliver. I'd love to know more about him!
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
So basically Ben is a terrible guy who turned a new leaf. He became more responsible, he matured, and he stopped cheating on Marisa.
Marisa has been given the choice of giving him a second chance, after he has broken her heart many times. They go very well together, and I am so glad at the way it turned out. Their scenes were steamy, and you could just fall in love with them.
I definitely commend Marisa for doing what she thought was right, then asking for help, when she realized it wasn't right. I'm sure that was not an easy thing to do, but she did it.
However, one thing that did bother me was how easily Marisa forgave him. Especially knowing the reason why she finally called it quits that last time. I have been with a serial cheater, and there is no way in hell I would forgive him that easily and move on. Second chances are great, but I feel like she gave in wayyy to easily.
Cross has a way of drawing you in, and keeping you hooked up until that very last sentence. I would definitely enjoy reading more books written by her! Here's to hoping there will be a third book; this time, hopefully, it will be about Oliver. I'd love to know more about him!
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 17, 2016
The description states that this is a standalone story in the Dirty Secrets series, but I don't think there is enough backstory or character development so that Ben & Marisa's story could stand on its own. Had I not read Dirty Little Secrets just before reading this one, I would have known less about their history than I did; which wasn't included here...and that was just a small snip it in a conversation from Caleb & Mia's story at the end.
I was 30% in when I started getting the urge to not finish but I continued through to the end. The author's writing is good. Her characters are likeable, but the story wasn't strong enough. The "suspense" that appeared and ended in the middle of the book all but fizzled for me. If felt like it was thrown in to just give a taste of what the story could have been.
I see the trend in both books where the author wanted to focus on the development of the budding relationships between the heroes & heroines but when introducing the suspense factor, it felt like I was being taken in a dead end trail that just disappointed me.
Perhaps if the suspense plot was left out and something else was in its place or the story was written in a way that it wasn't needed, there would have been a steady rhythm from beginning to end and my rating would have been different.
I was 30% in when I started getting the urge to not finish but I continued through to the end. The author's writing is good. Her characters are likeable, but the story wasn't strong enough. The "suspense" that appeared and ended in the middle of the book all but fizzled for me. If felt like it was thrown in to just give a taste of what the story could have been.
I see the trend in both books where the author wanted to focus on the development of the budding relationships between the heroes & heroines but when introducing the suspense factor, it felt like I was being taken in a dead end trail that just disappointed me.
Perhaps if the suspense plot was left out and something else was in its place or the story was written in a way that it wasn't needed, there would have been a steady rhythm from beginning to end and my rating would have been different.
December 3, 2015
Ben and Marisa have a history between them. When it was good it was hot. When it was bad, the lies and deceit threatened to hurt them beyond repair. Now five years later, a second chance has arrived.
Ben Williams is a handsome, smart, sexy billionaire who has realized what he really wants in life and sets out to go get it. The only he wants more than anything else - is Marisa. He has caused so much pain for her he is not sure she will give him a chance.
Marisa has already been through so much lately that one more crack may cause a flood. Her parents have been stealing from others to cover their debts, she is being blackmailed to protect her sister, and the only man to have access to cause pain to her heart has walked back into her life. Can she even breathe at the end of the day?
Together, they are stronger and may even find a solution to all Marisa has been scared over. The attraction still pulls them like magnets. Ben is proving he can step up. Now all they need is a little faith, a little love, and some time.
I felt so much with this book! The story takes you through some dark places and shows you the tunnel. I thought the characters were so sweet and enduring. I loved the honesty and second chances are really what love is about.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Ben Williams is a handsome, smart, sexy billionaire who has realized what he really wants in life and sets out to go get it. The only he wants more than anything else - is Marisa. He has caused so much pain for her he is not sure she will give him a chance.
Marisa has already been through so much lately that one more crack may cause a flood. Her parents have been stealing from others to cover their debts, she is being blackmailed to protect her sister, and the only man to have access to cause pain to her heart has walked back into her life. Can she even breathe at the end of the day?
Together, they are stronger and may even find a solution to all Marisa has been scared over. The attraction still pulls them like magnets. Ben is proving he can step up. Now all they need is a little faith, a little love, and some time.
I felt so much with this book! The story takes you through some dark places and shows you the tunnel. I thought the characters were so sweet and enduring. I loved the honesty and second chances are really what love is about.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
December 3, 2015
After an on-again off-again, mostly for benefits, relationship (and then a solid 5-years of no talking), Marissa does not want to pick up where she and Ben left off -- she can't do it anymore. But there are things that she didn't know about Ben...
I really enjoy second chance romances, especially when the growth of the characters is extremely evident. As Ben states time and again, both to Marissa and himself, he wasn't in the right place five years ago to consider keeping Marissa with him forever, and while it was the right decision, he certainly kicks himself for it.
I loved how supportive Ben was of Marissa, again and again -- even when she figured she was the furthest thing on his mind. Marissa was a bit too easy-to-give in, in hindsight, but Ben had that type of power over me even so I suppose I could forgive her. Ben was definitely my favorite of our two main characters, but as strong and supportive Ben was of Marissa, Marissa was equally strong and protective over her sister, so she definitely had major personality points herself.
An altogether good second-chance romance!
*received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy second chance romances, especially when the growth of the characters is extremely evident. As Ben states time and again, both to Marissa and himself, he wasn't in the right place five years ago to consider keeping Marissa with him forever, and while it was the right decision, he certainly kicks himself for it.
I loved how supportive Ben was of Marissa, again and again -- even when she figured she was the furthest thing on his mind. Marissa was a bit too easy-to-give in, in hindsight, but Ben had that type of power over me even so I suppose I could forgive her. Ben was definitely my favorite of our two main characters, but as strong and supportive Ben was of Marissa, Marissa was equally strong and protective over her sister, so she definitely had major personality points herself.
An altogether good second-chance romance!
*received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
I enjoyed seeing Mia and Caleb again that we met in Dirty Little Secrets, and being introduced to Ben & Marisa. A nice second-chance romance!
Marisa Blake hasn't seen Ben Williams in almost 5 years, when they broke up for the last time. They met and dated in college and broke up and got back together a few times. It was always about him cheating. Finally Marisa had enough and walked away for good.
Ben is living a good life as a billionaire CEO of his own software company and could have any woman he wants, but he can't forget "the one that got away".
Ben stops by out of the blue to check on Marisa because of the huge scandal in the media about her parents. She's alone and needs a distraction, so she decides to use him for the best thing their relationship ever had ... hot sex! ... but isn't going to allow him back into her heart again.
Can Ben convince her that he's changed and he's ready for the love that he feels for her this time?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
Marisa Blake hasn't seen Ben Williams in almost 5 years, when they broke up for the last time. They met and dated in college and broke up and got back together a few times. It was always about him cheating. Finally Marisa had enough and walked away for good.
Ben is living a good life as a billionaire CEO of his own software company and could have any woman he wants, but he can't forget "the one that got away".
Ben stops by out of the blue to check on Marisa because of the huge scandal in the media about her parents. She's alone and needs a distraction, so she decides to use him for the best thing their relationship ever had ... hot sex! ... but isn't going to allow him back into her heart again.
Can Ben convince her that he's changed and he's ready for the love that he feels for her this time?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
April 8, 2016
I liked this book. I really liked Ben and Marisa's Characters.
This book is about cheating in the past tense.
Marisa has broken up with Ben for good. The cheating has finally
worn her down. She'd rather be unhappy alone instead of unhappy
with him.
Ben has always been a player. Yes, he is in a relationship with Marisa,
but he is too immature to realize his feelings or to be in a serious relationship
with anyone. He continues to hurt her over and over with the promise that it
will never happen again.
Ben has always been there for Marisa whenever she's needed him. Now is no
different, even if they are now both single.
Marisa doesn't trust him and doesn't want his help, but she is willing to accept
anything physical that Ben is willing to give her.
Now that Ben is a changed man, he will do anything that it takes to make Marisa
see that he is finally ready to be the man that he should have been all those years
ago.
Marisa only wants a physical relationship with Ben because even though he's been
really sweet to her, she just isn't sure is she should or can trust him again.
This book is about cheating in the past tense.
Marisa has broken up with Ben for good. The cheating has finally
worn her down. She'd rather be unhappy alone instead of unhappy
with him.
Ben has always been a player. Yes, he is in a relationship with Marisa,
but he is too immature to realize his feelings or to be in a serious relationship
with anyone. He continues to hurt her over and over with the promise that it
will never happen again.
Ben has always been there for Marisa whenever she's needed him. Now is no
different, even if they are now both single.
Marisa doesn't trust him and doesn't want his help, but she is willing to accept
anything physical that Ben is willing to give her.
Now that Ben is a changed man, he will do anything that it takes to make Marisa
see that he is finally ready to be the man that he should have been all those years
ago.
Marisa only wants a physical relationship with Ben because even though he's been
really sweet to her, she just isn't sure is she should or can trust him again.
November 30, 2015
Dirty little lies is the second book in the Dirty little series,Ben Williams can have any woman except the one he wants. Marisa Blake is his college girlfriend who he cheated on repeatedly, Ben can't move on from her and is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back.
Marisa's family us falling apart and only Ben can help her but can she forgive and forget?
This book draws you straight in, I read it in one sitting. You really feel for Marisa and understand the decision she makes to protect her sister. Ben is such a sweetheart! He really tries to make things right with Marisa and tries so hard to become the boyfriend Marisa deserves. I love the ending, it is so them, I'm pleased Caleb and Mia pop up in this book and fingers crossed the next book is about Oliver!
** Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads-ARC provided for honest review **
Marisa's family us falling apart and only Ben can help her but can she forgive and forget?
This book draws you straight in, I read it in one sitting. You really feel for Marisa and understand the decision she makes to protect her sister. Ben is such a sweetheart! He really tries to make things right with Marisa and tries so hard to become the boyfriend Marisa deserves. I love the ending, it is so them, I'm pleased Caleb and Mia pop up in this book and fingers crossed the next book is about Oliver!
** Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads-ARC provided for honest review **
March 4, 2016
Good read
I found this a little boring at times pretty typical storyline the main characters follow the usual pattern girl gets in trouble hero gets her out and romance blossoms, fairly run of the mill but a good read if you just want a quick romantic read.
I found this a little boring at times pretty typical storyline the main characters follow the usual pattern girl gets in trouble hero gets her out and romance blossoms, fairly run of the mill but a good read if you just want a quick romantic read.
December 10, 2015
A simple second chance love story with just the right amount of drama to keep you intrigued. Looking forward to the next book Cassie
July 22, 2016
a good sweet story about second chances.
March 30, 2016
Second chances
I loved it. It's hard to get a second chance at love but when it happens, take it and make the best of it. Can't wait to see what cassie cross has next!
I loved it. It's hard to get a second chance at love but when it happens, take it and make the best of it. Can't wait to see what cassie cross has next!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews