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Love Stings #2

Secret Love

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Competition is healthy. Except Carrington Carter can’t ever seem to win…

Carrington has never been good enough, between competing with the ghost of a sister she never met and a brother who can do no wrong in their parents’ eyes. She’s convinced finishing nursing school will finally make her parents proud until she finds out she didn’t pass her boards. Now she needs money, more than she’d make working as a nurse’s aide.

A secret life of late nights and fast cash may be the only way to keep the news of her most recent failure from her parents…

While driving to the hospital, she spots a gentlemen’s club, the Thirsty Beaver, and decides to apply for a job as a dancer. She’s danced her whole life—how hard could it be? The only problem is it’ll have to be a secret because if her parents found out, it’d be one more thing for them to be disappointed with her about.

David “Damien” Michaels loves his job with the DEA. Posing as a bouncer at a strip club is just another assignment…

Damien lives the single life, scratching his itch one woman at a time while jumping his career up the ladder. The fact-finding case at the Thirsty Beaver goes perfectly until one gorgeous redhead complicates everything. She doesn’t belong there, and he knows it.

One look leaves him mesmerized, and he realizes she’s gotten under his skin. He knows he should stay away from her. It could jeopardize her safety and his case, but when he can’t convince her to leave the club…rules no longer apply.

Will the truth set them free, or will Carrington and Damien finally be consumed by their…

Secret Love?

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2016

95 people are currently reading
264 people want to read

About the author

Evan Grace

77 books1,719 followers
https://www.authorevangrace.com

A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.

During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
July 22, 2016
Title: Secret Love
Author: Evan Grace
Series: Love Stings Series, Book 2
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Release Date: July 19, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 185
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Competition is healthy. Except Carrington Carter can’t ever seem to win…

Carrington has never been good enough, between competing with the ghost of a sister she never met and a brother who can do no wrong in their parents’ eyes. She’s convinced finishing nursing school will finally make her parents proud, until she finds out she didn’t pass her boards. Now she needs money, more than she’d make working as a nurse’s aide.

A secret life of late nights and fast cash may be the only way to keep the news of her most recent failure from her parents…

While driving to the hospital, she spots a gentlemen’s club, the Thirsty Beaver, and decides to apply for a job as a dancer. She’s danced her whole life—how hard could it be? The only problem is it’ll have to be a secret because if her parents found out, it’d be one more thing for them to be disappointed with her about.

David “Damien” Michaels loves his job with the DEA. Posing as a bouncer at a strip club is just another assignment…

Damien lives the single life, scratching his itch one woman at a time, while jumping his career up the ladder. The fact-finding case at the Thirsty Beaver goes perfectly until one gorgeous redhead complicates everything. She doesn’t belong there, and he knows it.

One look leaves him mesmerized, and he realizes she’s gotten under his skin. He knows he should stay away from her. It could jeopardize her safety and his case, but when he can’t convince her to leave the club…rules no longer apply.

Will the truth set them free, or will Carrington and Damien finally be consumed by their…

Secret Love?


Review:
“All night that fucking dress has tortured me. I’ve never seen a more perfect female form. Her legs are long and lean…. She’s got a luscious ass on her.”

5 secretive stars!!! Love, love, love Carrington and Damien!!

Carrington is tired of being a disappointment to her parents, especially after her sisters death. So she starts nursing school, but she fails her tests. Desperate for money, she applies to be a dancer at the strip club, The Thirsty Beaver. Except this job, will have to be a secret, because if her parents find out, imagine the disappointment that would cause. Here she meets bouncer Damien, who’s secretly undercover for the DEA. Damien enjoys being single and free and he’s loving his undercover job, until Carrington walks in. He sees her and he knows he needs to have her. Because of his case, he fights to stay away from her but he can only deny his attraction for so long, thus putting her and the case in jeopardy. Will his secret be blown?

I’ve read other Evan Grace books, but there was something about this one that I absolutely loved. I can’t put my finger on what though. I think it’s a combination of the unique story and the mind blowing characters. I was hooked the minute I started reading it and I couldn’t put it down!! For sure, one of my favorite Evan Grace books to date!!

me alphabookclub
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,417 reviews628 followers
June 8, 2019
This should go without having to be said but I'm gonna do it anyways lol ... Well done, Evan Grace, WELL DONE!

This was a really exciting story for me. However, not because of the plot. Because quite frankly, that was a little cliche ~~ girl needs money, turns to dancing and the club she turns to is being investigated .. **le sigh** lol But you know what, that didn't even phase me because it was the people that made this book exciting for me. It was their story that made me turn the page.

Both Damien and Carrington carry the weight of untruths and secrets in their own lives and in each others lives. For Damien, secrets were out of his control. They weren't his to divulge. Makes thing s a little trickier...For Carrington, her secrets are different. They come from self-preservation.

It's obvious this story is going to have a lot of twist and turns with a little angst twisted in there sprinkled with a little suspense. But obvious or not, it will keep you on your toes because #secrets are running amok! #TRUTH

The build-up of Damien and Carrington was seriously well written. It could have easily gone wrong with the environment Evan Grace chose for Secret Love. But it didn't. It was OH SO RIGHT. It was a slow burn you couldn't get enough of. These two were ridiculously sexy together. **fans self**

Don't be fooled into thinking this story is predictable in any way ... it's quite the opposite AND it's not just the story of two people to HEA. It's a story of growth and self-worth and being proud of who you are, of necessary secrets and trust. And it is written perfectly :)

Copy provided for blog tour review
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,629 reviews37 followers
October 5, 2016
This is a bit of a first for me....I loved the story but not the female lead - Carrington. Evan really knows how to engage her readers. The secrets and suspense in this story are great. One of the things I really enjoy about this grou/family is that you don't need to be perfect to be loved...something that Carrington seemed to forget and what made me dislike her a little. Damian was great as was the DEA story line. I got a giggle seeing when Abby stopped by the apartment from another point of view.
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,674 reviews51 followers
July 30, 2016
DAMIEN MICHAELS IS A MAN TO FALL IN LOVE WITH......

This is the first book of Evan Grace's that I have read and I must say that I have thoroughly fallen in love with her writing. Yes this is the 2nd Book in her Love Stings series....but obviously they can be read as standalones, however I will be going backwards and reading Book 1, Broken Love. I fell in love with her characters and with this story....now I want to find out more about this world.

Carrington Carter, wants to be a nurse but has failed her board exams. Now she needs to find employment in order to live in her apartment with her cousin Abby. By chance she drives past a Club that is advertising for staff. Not her ideal job, but she takes on waitressing and later dancing at the club. While working there she meets a man who will change her life.

David "Damien" Michaels, undercover agent, trying to put an end to the illegal happenings at the Thirsty Beaver's Gentlemen's Club, even the name has you thinking!!! He is in charge of security and is trying to gain the trust of his employers, Rafe and Tucker. Everything changes when a stunning redhead walks into the Club and turns his life upside down. Carrington Carter has him completely mesmerized from the minute he spots her - he has to have her.

What ensues is a story full of EXTREME HEAT between Damien and Carrington - it is so HOT it's off the charts. First he tries ignoring her, so as not to put her in any danger, but when this fails, all bets are off and the exteme chemistry begins. It was wonderful to watch their relationship go from friendship to love. The fact that this happened over a period of time wa even better, as the reader is given the opportunity to watch the characters grow, see their strengths and weaknesses.

Carrington's family is amazing. Both her immediate and extended family play a huge part in her life and all she wants to do is please them. Growing up she always felt that she was constantly letting her parents down, she felt that she was not good enough for them, but mostly she felt like a substitute for another child that was no longer there.

Damien is torn between his agency duties and his growing affection for Carrington. He is constantly debating if he should continue his relationship with her, simply because he does not want to put her life in danger. He also wants to tell her the truth, who he really is.

Unfortunately it is a tragic situation that brings everything to the forefront. The big question is, will their relationship survive his deception and his inability to tell Carrington the truth?

I absolutely loved the ending to this book. The way in which Ms Grace showed the reader what was happening to our hero and heroine in the future. I also love reading the two scenes from Carrington's parent's POVs. What a brilliant idea it was to do that.

Without exception, this book definitely deserves FIVE STARS - possibly more.

Review written for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.
Profile Image for Angela Lamb.
296 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2016
5 Secret Stars

Loved loved loved this book! It grabbed me from page one and I never looked up until it was finished. I didn’t want it to end! Carrington has always wanted to be a nurse, but when she fails her boards she is devastated. Not wanting to tell her parents or back out on moving in with her cousin Abby, she decides to work at the Thirsty Beaver just until she can save some money and retake her boards. What she didn’t decide on was to be drawn to Damien, the head bouncer. Damien is an undercover DEA agent posing as a bouncer at the Thirsty Beaver, and is determined to not get involved with anyone there. That is until Carrington walks in. There’s just something about the gorgeous redhead that has him entranced.

The chemistry between Damien and Carrington is off the charts HAWT! Even though Damien tries his hardest to stay away from her, he just can’t. And not just because the sex is great, because it so is, their connection is just unbelievably amazing. I loved that it wasn’t insta-love, that I got to experience their love grow as they got to know one another. Damien is torn wanting to tell her the truth about himself, but doesn’t want to put her in harms way.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. A hot Alpha male, a beautifully strong, yet vulnerable woman, secrets for protection, angst, suspense, and a lot of steamy sexiness. Even though it is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Another job well done Evan Grace! I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,701 reviews99 followers
July 25, 2016
5 Secret Stars

Loved loved loved this book! It grabbed me from page one and I never looked up until it was finished. I didn’t want it to end! Carrington has always wanted to be a nurse, but when she fails her boards she is devastated. Not wanting to tell her parents or back out on moving in with her cousin Abby, she decides to work at the Thirsty Beaver just until she can save some money and retake her boards. What she didn’t decide on was to be drawn to Damien, the head bouncer. Damien is an undercover DEA agent posing as a bouncer at the Thirsty Beaver, and is determined to not get involved with anyone there. That is until Carrington walks in. There’s just something about the gorgeous redhead that has him entranced.

The chemistry between Damien and Carrington is off the charts HAWT! Even though Damien tries his hardest to stay away from her, he just can’t. And not just because the sex is great, because it so is, their connection is just unbelievably amazing. I loved that it wasn’t insta-love, that I got to experience their love grow as they got to know one another. Damien is torn wanting to tell her the truth about himself, but doesn’t want to put her in harms way.

Overall, this was a fantastic book. A hot Alpha male, a beautifully strong, yet vulnerable woman, secrets for protection, angst, suspense, and a lot of steamy sexiness. Even though it is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Another job well done Evan Grace! I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
564 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2016
I've read a few books written by Evan Grave ,and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Evan Grace has given us a very consuming ,intriguing ,suspenseful story that will grab you and hold you in it's pages from start to finish, and then will leave you wanting more from this author. This story is sexy, hot and the chemistry is totally off the charts ,and this whole story was written so well and flowed smoothly. Carrington is really tired being a disappointment to her parents very since her sisters death. So she decides to start nursing school, but when she fines out she failed her exams , she's desperate for money so she applies for a job in a strip club called the (Thirsty Beaver). But her new job needs to be a secret mainly because of her parents would find out ,and what a disappointed that would be for them. But well at the club she meets Damien who's happens to be the club bounce , but he really is a secret undercover DEA. Damien is a sexy hot and single and care feel and likes it that way, and he totally loves and enjoys his undercover job, that is until he sees Carrington walk in.As so as he spots her ,he instantly knows he needs and wants her. But because of the case he's on he must stay away from her, so he fights his attraction for her for awhile, this would put his job and her in danger , and would his secret possible be blown. Can Damien protect his secret and Carrington from danger? I could tell you more about this great story,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this great story,you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,684 reviews85 followers
July 25, 2016
Secret Love is written beautifully and smoothly. The story flows nicely and the characters are developed and relatable. Carrington comes off as a little babyish, but the growth is there when she finally has to step out on her own. Damien is strong and protective, alpha male material. Their relationship is hot, steamy and they are perfect for each other. I look forward to the next in the series.

Review by Raychel
Profile Image for Sarah Armstrong.
653 reviews20 followers
November 12, 2017
Great addition

This was a great addition to the series. This book will keep you entertained from start to finish. Loved the writing style.
Profile Image for Mary Winstead.
1,263 reviews16 followers
December 10, 2017
This book made me cry, laugh and get mad at the same time. Great read. This book is about Carrington. Bellamy and Luke's daughter from starting over. Need to read.
Profile Image for Jos.
1,834 reviews141 followers
April 9, 2018
5 Stars

I absolutely LOVED this.....Damien and Carrington were perfect and their storyline was equally beautiful. The storyline was great, it flowed smoothly and perfectly. I loved that it had a mix of heartbreak (Carrington's backstory had my heart breaking) and a whole lot of sexiness!!!!

I have loved this series so far and look forward to much more!!!!!! PS The Epilogue was PERFECT:)
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
July 16, 2019
I've been reading this series in the box set, so I'm diving into them one after the other. Again, I'll say that I enjoyed the Starting Over series, so when the children got their own stories, I couldn't wait to see how things were going for them.

Carrington is Luke and Bellamy's "Care Bear." I'll be honest and say I wasn't as enthralled with Carrington's story like I was with Abby's in Book 1 of this Love Stinks series. Everything moved rather quickly, and it felt too juvenile for me, or should I say I was hoping these characters were going to be (and act) a little older.

I was also kind of surprised to see Luke, Carrington's father, behave so immaturely and was borderline mean in the way he spoke to her sometimes. If I hadn't read and adored him from The Starting Over series, I'd swear he was just cruel. It didn't fit with what his character was like from the previous books. I know that when we become parents, our protective nature gets turned up a notch and sometimes we can become a bit overbearing thinking we know what's best for our kids. But the father, as well as her brother never even gave her a chance to really explain what she was going through, and they didn't seem to care about what a hard time she was having.

I'm a fan of Evan Grace's writing, but things happening in the story was quite a reach...even for me. Just seemed like an easy excuse for Carrington to end up as a dancer at a gentlemen's club. She had a job...may not have paid much, but she was still a CNA. There's a lot of family, and her mother, Bellamy was a sweetheart. I think if Carrington had confided in her mother, a lot of issues could have been resolved; especially about the pressures she felt to be successful and always feeling like a failure. You know what?! Maybe I'm just being a little picky. She did have background as a talented dancer so...

Anyway, Carrington meets David aka Damien, security at the club, but also an undercover DEA agent. I'm not sure how the undercover thing works in the small town where everyone runs into each other everywhere. But I did love Damien. He supported Carrington emotionally and did his best to protect her. Their chemistry was hot, and they were a very sexy couple, even if they did behave like teenagers sometimes. Crazy things happened that exposed who he really was and from there, everything escalated quickly to danger mode.

The stuff I wanted to explore basically happened off-screen--so to speak--and kind of explained briefly in the epilogue. Carrington, along with Damien went through some emotional things similiar to her parents that I thought were (or could have been) the more interesting aspects of the story. Again, I'm probably just being picky, so don't mind me!🤦🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 28, 2016
Carrington Carter grew up believing she could never live up to her siblings in her parents eyes. She thought when she finished Nursing School, her parents would finally be proud, but when she fails her boards, she's beside herself. Carrington needs money quickly because she can't pay her bills on an aide's paycheck, so when she passes a gentlemen's club, The Thirsty Beaver, she applies to be a dancer until she can take her test over again. But she can't tell anyone, because her parents cannot find out. David "Damien" Michaels is a DEA Agent working undercover as a bouncer at the strip club. With his job, he can't afford the distraction of a relationship, so he hooks up with random women when he feels the need to scratch an itch, but never repeats with any of them. The case is finally picking up speed when he spots Carrington for the first time. She quickly complicates things when he can't get her out of his head, and he is doing his best to get her to leave the club for her safety. When she refuses, he can't make himself stay away from her. Will he be able to keep her safe if their secrets are revealed?

WOW! I absolutely love this author's writing, and I have yet to come across a book of hers that I didn't love and devour. Secret Love is no exception. The character development is great, with an entertaining, and colorful cast of secondaries. The palpable chemistry simmers until it finally ignites until FIERY flames of sexy scene goodness that tried to melt my kindle. Evan Grace's diabolical writing style had twists and turns swirling around every corner, which made the story super exciting, and kept me on the edge of my seat, with heart racing, cover to cover. I was drawn in from the beginning, fell hard for Carrington & Damien quickly, and felt like I lost my best friends when I finished the last page as I was so invested in the brilliant story. I cannot wait for more books, hopefully in the near future, so guess you could say that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AMAZING STORY!
Profile Image for Samantha Ortegon.
Author 1 book50 followers
July 21, 2016
I found that I really liked Secret Love ( Love Stings book 2) by Evan Grace. It had all the excitement I enjoy in a story; falling in love, lies, passion, suspense and the built up of all the lies and suspense coming to fruition.

Carrington Carter has her dreams set on becoming a RN and having failed the board exam and needing time and money to prepare for the next time she will be able to retake it. Carrington finds herself sitting in the parking lot of a gentlemen's club, as a experienced dancer she decides that this will be the best chance to take to save money for the board exam and the new apartment she is sharing with her cousin. The only problem is she has always felt like a failure to her parents and finding out that she is dancing would truly be another disappointment. Will she be able to keep this secret from them?

Damien Micheals, is a DEA agent that has been assigned to work as a bouncer at the gentlemen's club. He is trying to bring down the person in charge of all the illegal actions (drugs and sex trafficking) taking place in this club. He has had his share of women with trying to keep away from the ladies that dance where he works. Damien is finding it difficult to keep his mind off of the new hire a feeling of protecting and making her his has consumed him. Will she be a distraction to his case and will the secret of who he really is come between them?

When Damien and Carrington come together it is a instant heated passion. With all the secrets and lies between Damien, Cari and Carrington's family this story grabs you from page one and builds up to the suspense of lies, love, and bringing down the bad guys that will do whatever it takes not to get caught. Will Damien be able to protect the woman that he loves once his secret is discovered? This really is one good read!
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,864 reviews32 followers
December 13, 2017
description



This is the kind of story that I read next to my camp fire on a lazy week night. It was the perfect summer read. This is a 5 star story.

Carrington is waiting to pass her nursing boards a second time. She needs money in order to redo them and to pay rent. So she takes a second job as a dancer in a gentleman's club. Damien is the heads security there. He doesn't have time for a distraction like her. The instant attraction can't be stopped. Soon they will be in a whole lot of trouble.

This story is so intriguing, consuming and suspenseful that I read it in an evening. Not a lengthy read but a book packed with an awesome storyline with great writing. There were no unnecessary details that makes me sometimes skim them. There was never a dull moment. This story flowed well, not rushed either. What I admire about this story is that the author has done her researches on the nursing part of the book.
This is a sweet, sexy romantic story with plenty of scorching hot steamy scenes. Bottom line I loved this story.

This standalone is told in a dual POV with an HEA. Great epilogue too. This is the second book in the Love Stings series. Although I prefer to read books in a series in order, the author wrote it so that no information was missing. The other characters from the other story only play a minor role that does not impact the present story. I highly encourage the readers to check out the first book from this series and also Evan's previous titles. Can't wait for the next story, Forbidden Love.
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
May 26, 2017
Secret love is the second book in the love strings series. This book is Carrington’s story.
I really really really enjoyed this book. I would definitely say that Secret love is my favourite of the series. I was instantly gripped from page one. I can’t wait for the next book in the love strings series, I need it now!

I have to admit that, I felt really sorry for Carrington throughout the book. Carrington loves her parents but for years, she has felt like a replacement for the child they lost. And to be fair, I didn’t like the way Carrington’s father talked to her when she was playing pool with Damien.

All Carrington has ever wanted, is to be a nurse. After she fails her boards for a second time she is devastated. Having just moved into an apartment with her best friend and cousin, Abby. She can’t back out and let her down. Not being able to afford to resit her boards, she gets a job in a strip club.

Damien is an undercover DEA agent, working undercover as a bouncer for the strip club, the thirsty beaver. Damien is there for one reason only: to get information and to takedown the club owners. He isn’t looking for love, he doesn’t have the time. When he see’s the new girl, Carrington, he’s instantly attracted to her. The chemistry between Damien and Carrington is sizzling hot!

Damien tries his best to stay away from her but he’s like a moth to a flame when he is around Carrington. He hates lying to her about who he really is, but he has to protect her.

When Damien uncovers the truths of what the club owners are up to, will he be able to protect Carrington? Will Carrington ever forgive Damien for not telling her the truth?
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,057 reviews66 followers
July 24, 2016
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

This was actually book two of a series, I didn't know that when I started, I still read it... but you probably would like to read book one before hand that way you get the couple from book ones story before you see their HEA. Make sense?

OK so we have Carrington, who just found out she failed her nursing boards, and doesn't really have the money for the make up... what does she do?... stops at a strip club and applies for a job. Damian is the head of security for the club... and when he first sees Carrington, he knows he will do anything to get her out of here... so he is an absolute butt to her... but Carrington doesn't let it phase her one bit. Damian has a secret.... one that could really destroy everything he has been working on... so he can't feed this attraction to Carrington... but the heart wants what the heart wants.

I really did like this story... it had really steamy sexy time, some violence, and of course the right amount of drama. The one thing that really bugged the crap out of me is I believe the formatting is off on the copy I have, that drove me crazy and at times made it a bit confusing. I will go and try book one.. hopefully that one is formatted correctly. I give this 4 stars, would have given it 5 but... I was annoyed.
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,920 reviews117 followers
July 27, 2016
4.5 Stars!

On the heels of book one in this series, Evan Grace is back with book two and it couldn't have been more perfect. Sexy, sweet, intense, passionate, and suspenseful, this book takes you on a roller coaster ride with loads of sexual tension, drama, and angst to keep you on your toes. I devoured this book in one sitting... and wow! What a beautiful love story.

Carrington is down on her luck and needs an out. Failing her nursing exam and disappointing her parents, she needs to find a way to skate by until she can retake the exam. Enter the strip club she passes on the way to work one day. She is a dance, born with a natural gift. One decision and her life will forever change starting with Damien.

Damien is sexy, hot-headed, and working undercover as security at the strip joint. When he sees Carrington, he knows she doesn't belong there. He tries to resist but the pull to Carrington is to strong and intense to ignore. And as his case begins to close in, danger lurks and presents itself. Secrets. Action. Drama. Can they keep the love they found?

I highly recommend this book.

Review Post---> http://bit.ly/2a9ub23
Profile Image for Brandy Castenada.
267 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2016
Secret Love by Evan Grace. Secret Love is the 2nd book in the love strings series. Evan Grace is one of my favorite authors I was so excited to get to read Secret Love. She has an amazing talent writing stories her books capture your attention from beginning to end. The storyline was amazing and I loved every minute of reading it. There is so much emotion in this story. There is a story within the story and it helps keep you hooked in the book. Secret Love is about a girl named Carrington Carter who dream is to be a nurse, However she failed her board exams and now has to find away to pay to retake the board exams. Carrington drives past a Club that is advertising for staff. She takes the job at the club as a waitress and that is where she meets Damien. Damien works as an undercover agent, trying to put an end to the illegal happenings at the Thirsty Beaver's Gentlemen's Club. He is in charge of security at Thirsty Beaver's Gentlemen's Club, and is trying to gain the trust of his employers, Rafe and Tucker. Once again, I find myself in awe of Evan Grace's creative talent, consumed by the way she writes. I absolutely loved Secret love.

Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2016
When you team up a strip club, a hot DEA Agent and a studying nurse the end result is Secret Love by Evan Grace. This book has a little bit of everything a reader could ask for, a secretive romance, a secret identity, a secret life...and a love story that will have you wanting your own Damien.

Carrington was waiting to once again take her nursing boards but she needed a way to support herself in the meantime so having a dance background, she decided to apply at the local strip club. That's where she meets head of security Damien. What Carrington doesn't know is that Damien is an undercover DEA Agent looking to take down the owners of the Thirsty Beaver. Damien starts to fall for Carrington but he tries to keep their relationship on the down low so he doesn't put her in danger, a danger she is oblivious to.

What ensues once their relationship becomes public knowledge and she becomes the main attraction for the club is a story of the movies. You will need to read this book to find out how it turns out for this unlikely pair.

Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
662 reviews22 followers
July 22, 2016
My rating: 4

While this book could technically be read as a standalone... I would recommend reading Broken Love, Book 1, first. It helps you understand the quick timing of this story a little better.

In Secret Love, we get the inside scoop on Carrington, Abby's roommate, and her secret lover that we were wondering about in book one. Damien is a badass - covered in tattoos and gauges in his ears, but don't let that fool you. He's a great guy with an interesting job working in a place that could be seedy! He's a bouncer, but he's so much more! Carrington is a girl just trying to live out her dreams but can't find the cash to pass her nursing boards... so she turns to a profession that isn't the most well known for professionalism. Things get hot and steamy real quick, and the attraction goes way more than skin deep!

A steamy, hot romance with some sweet moments too! A fun second in a series!
Profile Image for Annamaria.
702 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2016
Five Fabulous Stars! Carrington is going to school to be a nurse when she doesn't pass her boards she needs money. She then applies to be a dancer in a gentleman's club, because she feels that she can make money quickly this way. Damien is working undercover for the FBI in the same club when he meets Carrington and there is an instant attraction. He tries to keep his distance because he does not want her to find out that he is an FBI agent. What will happen when he can't stay away, will his secret destroy their relationship? I was hooked from the first chapter and could not put the book down. Carrington and Damien had fantastic chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the author's style of writing. Highly recommend!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Profile Image for Wendy Fisher.
181 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and kept reading in hopes for the "wait for it" moment...and boy when it came...I was wow'd!!! A nice simple story of a woman, Carrington, who makes a decision to work at a gentleman's club after receiving some bad news. Damien is DEA working undercover at the club and when he first meets Carrington...there is chemistry! But he tries so hard to keep away from her so he doesn't ruin his cover or her life. What happens when that plan goes south...real quick!? Can these 2 keep their relationship secret? What will happen if she finds out who he really is? Will she be able to keep her secret from her family? Truly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It had every element I enjoy in a book. I definitely recommend this and it is worth the one click!
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,360 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2016
Carrington's life is not going to plan and she is left in limbo and not wanting to disappoint her family. Instead she tries to find her way out by herself, which leads to waitressing at a Gentleman's Club. Bouncer Damian has his own secrets to hide and as much as he tries to stay away from Carrington the temptation is too great.

Carrington has always felt like second best in her family but her strength of character in not letting life defeat her is admirable.

The suspense elements were just as strong as in the first of this series but in a different way as the threat is an unknown one. Coupled with a strong romance, this was a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable book.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Tracy.
520 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, and yes... I may have had my heart stolen by a certain character!!!
Carrington has failed her nursing board! So to pay for the re-sit, she gets a job in a gentleman's club... Where she meets Damien!!!
Damien works as security at the club, but he's hiding a secret... A huge one!!!
This was a brilliant story that pulled me right in and made me not want to stop reading... Because i needed to know... What happens next!!!
With twists and turns throughout... I was gob smacked in places and in others... I was panting!!! (Yes it's that hot!!!)
A truly amazing read and i can't wait to find out what Evan has planned next, but i know that whatever it is... Is sure to be fantastic!!!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
710 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2016
Let's talk about secret loves....I'm sure everyone has had one at one time or another. Someone you didn't quite want anyone to know about yet or you kept the true you a secret from that person because of circumstances. That is this book! Damien is one hot undercover cop!! He is working at the strip club when Carrington comes in all long legs and red Flowy hair. He can't take his eyes off of her but he can't risk his cover for her. After one hot performance, he can't deny it anymore. Let's talk about some HAWT fierce wall sex!! I had to fan myself with that one!! Follow their harrowing journey from secret to not do secret. Can they survive it?!
Profile Image for Socially Book Nerd .
511 reviews48 followers
July 25, 2016
I was given a free copy for an honest review, this series is the bomb!!!! The little secrets always have a way of becoming a bigger problem, one little lie what harm can it do.... Until it snowballs into something bigger.... David or Damien struggles to keep his cover as a agent in the DEA when Carrington comes into the club where he is on assignment undercover. The big eye's red headed hottie is to innocent for the club, but Carrington knows she can handle what ever comes her way, challenges and competition get her going, but she has little lies of her own to conceal. This hard headed due clash and its oh so awesome to watch!
Profile Image for Ebbie ~Author Groupies.
558 reviews10 followers
July 27, 2016


Secret Love, wow what can I say without giving too much away? This is an amazing, fast, hot, sexy read.

I fell in love with Carrington from the first page. She was such a great female lead. She was just as gorgeous on the inside as she was on the outside. Damien was sexy, sweet, mysterious and had a bad boy vibe to him. Yep, I think I fell in love with him for real. He was an absolutely perfect book boyfriend.

This book is full of so much action, angst, greed, lust, and some super hot sex scenes. It kept my attention from the beginning until the end. Secret Love is the perfect day read book. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,430 reviews274 followers
July 27, 2016
Oh my 5 lovin stars to this book. I was pulled in from the start of this book and couldn't put it down. There was laughter, there was crying and there was me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting on how this book was going to go. Even though I hadn't read the first book in this series I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Although I have now purchased the first one...lol
I first feel for Evan Grace's words at Nico and she keep getting better and better and I don't know how. The characters are so well developed it feels like you've known them for years. I highly recommend this book and all of her books!!!
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2020
Loved it.

I really enjoyed this book. As with all of the books I have read by Evan Grace I got pulled in right from the beginning. I love the two main characters in this book, they were made for each other. I love it when I can picture what people look like or what places are like and I managed that with this book. I would highly recommend this book, this I'd turning into a brilliant series I look forward reading the next book in the series.
Evan Grace you truly are blessed with a brilliant talent, your books are magical, thank you for sharing your stories with us.
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