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I meet him in the bar of a town where people run to get away from their past. That's why I'm here. His dark eyes promise a good time, and I take him up on it. Maybe I'm weak, or maybe I'm just lonely. Except it isn't only one night, because with one touch, we're addicted.

We're both in town for a different purpose. I want to save a life, and he wants to end one. The truth won't set us free--it will destroy us. Unless he keeps his promise, and I give up mine.

HIDDEN TRUTHS is a standalone romance that was originally published as a newsletter serial. It has since been revised and expanded. Enjoy the ride!

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2017

130 people are currently reading
283 people want to read

About the author

Megan Erickson

50 books1,844 followers
Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.

For more, visit meganerickson.org

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5 stars
56 (26%)
4 stars
90 (42%)
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48 (22%)
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13 (6%)
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7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Aisling Zena.
634 reviews521 followers
December 17, 2017
4 stars

I read the newsletter version of this so I don't know what was revised or expanded on in the published version. But I will say that I really enjoyed the newsletter version just as it was.

Tara and Lance are one of the most combustible couples I've read and their get togethers were hot but filled with so many different layers of emotions.

"He was growling, and I was moaning, and the hotel room was a cacophony of pain and desire and anguish."

As usual I enjoyed Megan Erickson's writing and her story of these two unusual protagonists sucked me in and kept me waiting for her newsletter and a new chapter.

P.S.My apologies for the short review, I will try to edit and expand at a later date. My spare time is being swallowed up by Christmas preparations and obligations.
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,420 followers
June 26, 2018
I originally started reading this as part of a special serial in my newsletter subscription. However, I've never been known for my patience, so I gave up on keeping up with it pretty quickly. I was incredibly happy to hear that the story would be published and I'd get the chance to read it. So here we are and in the end, I have no regrets. It was impossible not to fall in love with Lance and Tara. From their first meeting, all the times they meant to call it quits but couldn't give each other up, and their sweet AF ending, they were a couple worth rooting for. I loved how the author gave us so much angst, but it was more within the characters themselves than with each other.

Lance had lost his baby brother and was out for revenge. He's stuck himself in this small town waiting on his prey. He never thought he'd lose his heart along the way. Tara was in this town waiting for her brother to come back. She was tough as nails and finally free from being ruled by the men in her life, she was looking for a good time. No way did she think she'd be falling in love with the very next man she meets.

Boots was all kinds of fun. It was sweet and sultry and steamy and suspenseful. It was definitely a blast to read and I for one am looking forward to reading more about Tara's brother, Bryan. I just can't resist knowing more about this not-so-reformed bad boy!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,069 reviews857 followers
January 13, 2018
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Hidden Truths by Megan Erickson
Book One of the Boots series
Publication Date: December 3, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Newsletter serial

Summary (from Goodreads):

I meet him in the bar of a town where people run to get away from their past. That's why I'm here. His dark eyes promise a good time, and I take him up on it. Maybe I'm weak, or maybe I'm just lonely. Except it isn't only one night, because with one touch, we're addicted.

We're both in town for a different purpose. I want to save a life, and he wants to end one. The truth won't set us free--it will destroy us. Unless he keeps his promise, and I give up mine.

HIDDEN TRUTHS is a standalone romance that was originally published as a newsletter serial. It has since been revised and expanded. Enjoy the ride!

What I Liked:

Hidden Truths was originally a standalone newsletter serial, in which the author released one chapter every Friday, via her newsletter. I was hooked from the start and dying for more every Friday! In all honesty, this might sound dramatic but anticipating each chapter got me through some tough work weeks, believe it or not. I kept up with chapters 1-12, but then got crazy busy with work and missed chapters 13-15 and the epilogue. But as of last night, I am all caught up, so here is my review!

This is a story about a woman named Tara and a man named Lance, who meet under coincidental circumstances but are more connected than they think. How? You'll have to read the book to find out. (No, they aren't blood-related or anything creepy like that.) Lance and Tara can't stay away from each other, but their budding relationship might not be up to them. With Tara's past and Lance's thirst for revenge, they may not have had a chance from the start.

There is something simply addicting about Erickson's stories, but especially this one! It's suspense/thriller and every chapter had me captivated and ready for more. Releasing a chapter at a time was clever because the author always ended each chapter on a bit of a cliffhanger... basically ensuring that I (and many other eager readers) would be back for more. I'm not mad about it! Now that the book is available in a singular form, it would be a different reading experience, but I liked the newsletter serial (even if I did want to scream after some chapters' endings).

I adore Tara! She is a tough lady who does what she wants, says what she wants, and doesn't play games. I love her directness and lack of shyness - she went after what she wanted with no shame. I am this type of person so it was fun to see this type of woman in the story.

Lance is so complex and deep, and I loved the guy. He is complicated, with a complicated past and a complicated future (what he wants for his future, anyway). He is a good person despite his past, and he has a strong set of morals (despite his past). I liked his quiet brooding nature, and how straightforward he was. He and Tara got along well, with both of them being so direct and open.

The pair has some serious chemistry! There was sexual tension from the moment they saw each other, and that tension did not go away even long after the first sexy times. Erickson is really good at cooking up chemistry and keeping the tension going, and she always writes some good sexy times.

She also writes really good romance in general - meaning the emotional side of things. Lance and Tara have great chemistry but they also click and begin to like each other more than physically. They start to trust each other and that trust becomes unbreakable as the story goes on. Both of them had reason to stop trusting and liking the other, but they both kept level heads and didn't jump 90 miles to some ridiculous conclusions. I loved how well they communicated with each other, even when they were so angry at and/or upset with the other.

Minimal romance drama (yay!), no love triangle (yay!), and a HEA. Also, super steamy sexy times. What more could you want?

I don't want to give away the twists and turns so I won't say much about the story outside of the romance. It has to do with Tara's past including her brother and his shady dealings, and Lance's past as well as his own brother. The thriller/suspense part of the story gets super intense and you'll be wanting to scream at the author as that part of the story unfolds. But hang in there!

The climax of the story is intense but the ending is very satisfying! It's not a perfect rainbows-and-sunshine ending but it is a HEA and I loved it. Erickson always leaves readers happy no matter how intense the story gets, which is great. I loved the ending, and I'm glad this book is a standalone. But I'm excited for the next book (which features Tara's brother!).

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specific!

Would I Recommend It:

If you like romantic suspense/thrillers, this is one for you! It's longer than a novella but shorter than a full-length novel, but the story is very complete and well-written. It's a standalone but there will be a companion sequel that will follow Tara's brother Bryan. I find Erickson's romance novels very addicting, so prepare to be sucked into the story if you give it a chance!

Rating:

4 stars. This book was sexy, romantic, intense, nail-biting, and in the end, very satisfying. I was hooked and I never wanted to stop reading. This is a story worthy of rereading many times over, because it's that addicting. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
Profile Image for h o l l i s .
2,743 reviews2,311 followers
July 26, 2018
For an expanded serial freebie, BOOTS was actually pretty good. It's hot almost from the get-go, there's angsty backstory, a wee bit o'violence and action, and family love and loss. Some of it might be a little ridiculous (in a good way) but considering I had a busy day without a lot (any) time to commit to a solid span of reading, being able to jump in and out of something I wasn't too invested in but that I was also enjoying, was pretty satisfying. BOOTS delivers on a bit of mindless entertainment and sexytimes. Side note, I think this is most I've enjoyed a solo Erickson in a long time, so, yay.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 5, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/5/2018)!💝

Blurb:
I meet him in the bar of a town where people run to get away from their past. That's why I'm here. His dark eyes promise a good time, and I take him up on it. Maybe I'm weak, or maybe I'm just lonely. Except it isn't only one night, because with one touch, we're addicted.

We're both in town for a different purpose. I want to save a life, and he wants to end one. The truth won't set us free--it will destroy us. Unless he keeps his promise, and I give up mine.

HIDDEN TRUTHS is a standalone romance that was originally published as a newsletter serial. It has since been revised and expanded. Enjoy the ride!
Profile Image for Mandy.
59 reviews13 followers
December 16, 2017
This book was action packed right from the start! I loved it, and it was an awesome change from Megan Erickson’s other books. Super hot and I couldn’t get enough! Lance and Tara have become one of my favorite couples. I can’t wait for Bryan’s story! (Tara’s brother) The teaser already has me hooked!
Profile Image for Timitra.
1,761 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2017
Rated 4.5 Stars

Hidden Truths was an emotional rollercoaster. It toyed with my emotions like a puppet master manipulates the strings on his marionette. I eagerly anticipated and awaited the arrival of each new chapter on Fridays. I couldn't get enough of these characters, Lance and Tara and their story. I'm looking forward to reading the expanded published version and also the next book in the series.

I recommend this book to lovers of romantic suspense.



Read as a newsletter serial from 17th August-1st December
Profile Image for Alex.
342 reviews30 followers
December 26, 2017
Megan Erickson definitely write one of the best female character...
Feisty, Passionate, Sassy. I loved them. And Tara is NOT an exception!

This story was short but really HOOOT.
I really liked it.
Sometimes I really enjoyed some angst. Pure and desperate. 'I Love you but I can't be with you' kind of angst... Very intense.

description

The sex was really, really hot. I mean, it's been a long time since MF made me squirm on my couch...

Tara and Lance met in a bar. It starts as a normal hook-up. Not much is shared but they really felt something there.

But Tara's life is complicated and Lance's is even more grim. The pull is very strong and they keep going at it. Until they realized they both have a connection that make it so they just CAN'T be together...

I think I will look for more books from Erickson. MF, MM. Doesn't matter. She never disappointed me until now!

description
Profile Image for Deborah G..
637 reviews11 followers
September 20, 2018
Lance & Tara are two tortured souls, not so much from their own actions but from activities/behavior of their respective siblings. This is the story about two people hooking up, feeling a connection without the knowledge that this person should be the last person with whom they should get involved.
Tara is tough, street smart & willful. She desperately loves her brother & wishes only for a happy & safe environment for them both. Throughout the book, I cursed Tara's brother, found him reckless, selfish & arrogant. But he was her brother & she felt she had to take his side, always.
Lance at first glance seems very rough around the edges but slowly we learn he is kind, protective & dependable. He will do anything, even risk his own life to help those he cares about.
The first part of the book is a getting to know the characters, their back story & hints at what could possibly happen next. Then the action & suspense jump through the pages & it is here where I am glued to every word.
This was an original storyline for me which made it quite refreshing. I never felt confident that I knew where the author was going next or how the story would end. If there was a bit more angst, I would have rated this 5 stars. A great read!
Profile Image for Nomims.
1,795 reviews12 followers
November 28, 2018
Reread
Like the first time i really loked Tara, she's human but doesn't take bullshit. But this time around i wasn't taken as much as the first time into the story ...

4,5 stars

It's short but very intense and sexy !
I really liked Tara and while the start of the book frightened me a little, the story became quickly very interesting !
I can't wait to read about Bryan !
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
March 4, 2018
http://celebrityreaders.com/2018/03/0...

4 stars — I’m actually a newsletter subscriber for Ms. Erickson, and I remember seeing the chapters coming one at a time in my email. I think I read the first chapter and was definitely intrigued, but little known fact: I’m not a fan of the serial format. I don’t have a good memory, and I hate waiting, I’m super impatient! So after the first chapter I just kept saving the emails but not reading them. So when I saw it was being released all in one chunk on my favourite retailer, I was stoked!! And after having read it just now, I’m glad I didn’t read it as it came, it would have given me anxiety!!

I’m not usually a big reader of romantic suspense, but it seems I’ve been delving in more lately. This book was super sexy, intriguing, and it kept me on the edge of my seat a few times! I loved the sort of gritty feel of it, where our characters weren’t actually very shiny, but still redeemable and lovable.

Tara was this fascinating blend of tough and vulnerable. I loved her attitude, and how she didn’t take shit from many people. But at the same time she really just wanted some of the good in the world to touch her…she could take care of herself, but she wanted to not always have to. I loved that despite her brother’s faults, she still loved him, but she wasn’t blind to who he was. She went on a bit of a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and I felt them right with her.

Lance broke my heart. When I read the first chapter, I totally had a certain picture in my head of him, b/c he was just so no-nonsense, blunt, and forthright. But there was a lot more to him, and there were things that probably made him come across so abrupt initially. I will admit that sometimes I still had a hard time reconciling who he ended up being with who we saw in that first chapter, but honestly? In the end I don’t really care. I loved how deep inside he was a good, moral person, he’d just been kicked when he was down, and he didn’t know how to survive in that new world.

The chemistry between Lance and Tara totally worked for me. It was really raw in its sexuality, and in other books I might not always appreciate that, but it worked for these characters. And while their sexual chemistry was a big component of what brought them together, it wasn’t all there was, and we got to see that.

This book reads really fast, but I didn’t feel like we got cheated out of a story. And I’m definitely intrigued to find out what’s going on with Bryan. But as with this one, I’ll probably be waiting until it’s all finished before I dive in.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,550 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2019
do you ever go into your kindle and think ... okay books tell me what to read?!! come on. i had just finished another read and i was like what is next ... the cover totally pulled me in ... what a great read. what is it about boots that pull us ladies in? they look so comfortable and just look great with any outfit ... i gotta see what is in the next read ... are they connected? these characters ... great style! awesomely written!! i thought i had read something from Megan before ...but i must be thinking of some1 else??! I see there is Heels (standalone, mystery, curious how or why authors link certain books together when they are not a series??!) i didn't read much i'll go back and see if i can see why they are connected or linked together??! i got this bad boy for FREE .. do u ever do that ... pay nothing for a book and u think to yourself the one time I would not hesitate to pay for a book ... so worth time to read it and enjoy ... these characters will get into your mind and u will love it! great read. must read. well written. such a new fan. WELL DONE!!!
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,400 reviews42 followers
June 5, 2018
Really good. I had zero expectations, bought this because Ms. Erickson is an auto-buy author for me. Soap opera plot elements, beautiful execution. I am def buying Brian’s story.

Bought from kobo
Profile Image for Danny.
973 reviews60 followers
December 30, 2018
”(...) for once in my life, I want to point the arrow of my life in the direction I chose and that arrow to actually hit the target. Can you do that for me, lance? Can you make my arrow hit the bullseye?”
Lance lifted his chin, eyes glued to mine.
“You aim, baby, and I’ll help you fire.”


Wow... I had this ebook for so long and now that I’ve read it, I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

This one already starts with action and so much excitement!!! It was thrilling to read it.

At the same time, this read was funny, exciting and scary. It kept me on edge the whole time since I kept expecting all bad things to go down.
Their interaction was hot and funny, the perfect combination.

I loved reading this book and now I can’t wait to read Bryan’s story. He really deserves a happy ending. 🖤
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
June 26, 2019
Tara was just hanging out in a small town waiting for her brother Bryan to return.

Lance was looking for the guy who killed his brother and waiting for his return.

They meet at a bar and hit it off and then figure out who they really are to one another. They are both waiting for the same man to return.

Once Bryan is in the picture again, things become more clear. Tara's ex wants her back and does not care what she wants in this life. Lance wants who killed his brother to pay for that. And Bryan wants his sister to be happy anyway that she can be.

This was a cute story of 2 people destined to meet one another. Their relationship was sexy and sweet. I loved Bryan's willingness to protect his sister as well as Lance's. I liked Tara's independence of standing up for herself and fighting.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Profile Image for Leigh Kramer.
Author 1 book1,422 followers
December 7, 2017
I signed up for Megan Erickson's newsletter just so I could access this story, originally titled Boots. She'd already shared several chapters by the time I signed up so I inhaled those and then waited on pins and needles every Friday for the next installment.

It was the perfect amount of angst and heat and romance and I could not get enough of Lance and Tara's story. They were such gritty, interesting characters. Both dealing with painful circumstances in their pasts and their present drawing them together in an unusual way. I loved the twists and turns!

I'm also pleased Erickson will be giving us another newsletter serial next year and based on the hints at the end of Hidden Truths, it's going to be a doozy. I can't wait!
Profile Image for Megan Loves Books.
220 reviews
May 18, 2018
5++++ stars

I positively LOVED this book!!! I am a huge fan of romantic suspense...the combo of heat and intrigue is my favorite. Boots had both elements in spades! The characters were lovable,the story was gripping, it was perfection. I know this came out in Megan's newsletters as a serial,but I am so glad I waited so i could devour it all at once. I could have died waiting for the next installment! Now, I can't wait to get my mitts on Bryan's story! Bravo, Megan, bravo 👏!
5+++++ stars for storyline
5 flames for heat
Profile Image for Megan.
666 reviews60 followers
December 5, 2017
I LOVE this story! I first read it as a serial in the author's newsletter (then titled BOOTS), and I loved it so much I bought it to read again! I just finished my re-read, and I loved it even more. When you can still make me cry (and laugh out loud) within such a short time-frame re-read, you are doing it right! Love this author, and if this is how much I enjoy her romantic suspense, I CANNOT WAIT for her new hackers series releasing soon!
Profile Image for Manon the Malicious.
1,305 reviews69 followers
December 6, 2017
*3.75 Stars*

I read this through Megan’s Newsletter, week after week.

I really enjoy that format from time to time and this book was one of those times.
The suspense was pretty good and I was captivated at first.
Sadly as the weeks went by, it became more and more predictable.
Still, it has great characters, plot and romance and I will read it again at some point.
I’m also really looking forward to the next book is the series...
Profile Image for Susan Swiderski.
Author 3 books40 followers
June 21, 2018
This was some kinda book with a little bit of something for just about everybody. Some scenes absolutely throb with erotic heat, some are fraught with action and danger, and some are downright sweet. There's even a one-of-a-kind scene involving a motel-bound drunken game of Truth or Dare that's guaranteed to make you laugh. And yeah... there are some tearful parts, too.

So yeah, I enjoyed this book. All of it. A lot.
Profile Image for Lynn J.
496 reviews
July 9, 2018
I had no expectations going in as this is the first story I have read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
For being a short book it was action packed with a lot going on yet it never really felt rushed which I think shows good writing skills.
Our 2 main characters are hardened by the hand life has dealt them up to now but they both have a softness inside that the other is able to reach.
This author is on my ones to watch list.
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,687 reviews282 followers
December 9, 2017
Hurry, $0.99 for release week only! (12/5) http://amzn.to/2jVeWQ5


A hot, quick read with a bit of suspense/action and Erickson's usual fantastic writing and characters. I'm glad to hear that Tara's brother will be getting a story next year!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~


I will be talking about the book on my next Whatcha Reading? podcast which will go up on TBQ's Book Palace Saturday (12/16).


If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
November 17, 2020
I liked the tone of this book, it was a little rough but sweet. This was a easy and enjoyable read.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Well described characters with different personalities
The storyline progresses nicely to a happy ending

If you like a love story with a bit of action I recommend this story.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,640 reviews23 followers
December 10, 2017
What a great read. I loved the bit of suspense mixed in with all the romance. I thought Tara was fantastic. And Lance was just what she didn't know she needed. When the action picked up, there were a couple of little twists that I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Debbie.
882 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
Starts out with a lot of sex. I was a bit put off by a woman going home with a man the 1st time she meets him at a bar, no matter how much chemistry there seems to be.
A pretty good bit of suspense too.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,088 reviews448 followers
December 25, 2017
Wowza! Don't read this one in public! *fans face*
Profile Image for Molli Moran.
Author 7 books227 followers
December 25, 2017
I originally read this when Megan wrote it as a newsletter serial. This version is just as hot and suspenseful. *heart eyes*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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