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Wild Rose Ranch #1
Dirty Little Secret
Meet the women from Wild Rose Ranch—and the men who want them—in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Ryan’s breathtaking series of romance and scandal . . .
Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know.
Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up.
As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret?
Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know.
Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up.
As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret?
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2018
450 people are currently reading
3087 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
50 books1,884 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 23, 2018
3.5 stars (rounded up)
I have read nearly every book Ms. Ryan has written over the years, “The McBrides” series being my favorite. I think she has another hit on her hands for readers who love a Harlequin like romance and drama.
“Dirty Little Secret” is the perfect title to go with this storyline. Reputations are a hard thing to overcome. The judgements, the assumptions, the cruelty.
This is a sweet, yet sexy read with lovable characters, Noah and Roxy, who know who they are, know what they want, and fight to get what we all want ... to be accepted and find true love, despite the odds, despite the rumors.
Although this is a modern day story, I had to keep reminding myself I wasn’t reading an old time, western romance.
December 18, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Dirty Little Secret is the start to Jennifer Ryan's new series, Wild Rose Ranch. Following Roxy, a resilient woman who's trying to put her past behind her, and Noah, a strong man who trying to make sense of why the man who raised him kept so many secrets. These two had an amazing romance full of thought provoking moments along with some swoon worthy ones.
Roxy didn't have an easy go of life but she never let that stop her from putting her best foot forward and making the best out of any hard situation. I really liked the confidence she had to stand up for herself, especially in a town with small minded people that didn't exactly accept her. She was really the shining star of this book for me, and the character I loved the most.
Noah still gets some love from me though and I really enjoyed his characters as well. He had such a big shock but he really tried to put it in the best light and accept that his father had some secrets. Together, he and Roxy dealt with a lot which brought out all the emotions of this story and had me captivated. The characters were brilliantly depicted in a way that had me loving them, and the story was full of so many moments that had me intrigued. Overall, definitely a book I recommend and one that has me dying for the next installment.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Dirty Little Secret is the start to Jennifer Ryan's new series, Wild Rose Ranch. Following Roxy, a resilient woman who's trying to put her past behind her, and Noah, a strong man who trying to make sense of why the man who raised him kept so many secrets. These two had an amazing romance full of thought provoking moments along with some swoon worthy ones.
Roxy didn't have an easy go of life but she never let that stop her from putting her best foot forward and making the best out of any hard situation. I really liked the confidence she had to stand up for herself, especially in a town with small minded people that didn't exactly accept her. She was really the shining star of this book for me, and the character I loved the most.
Noah still gets some love from me though and I really enjoyed his characters as well. He had such a big shock but he really tried to put it in the best light and accept that his father had some secrets. Together, he and Roxy dealt with a lot which brought out all the emotions of this story and had me captivated. The characters were brilliantly depicted in a way that had me loving them, and the story was full of so many moments that had me intrigued. Overall, definitely a book I recommend and one that has me dying for the next installment.
May 2, 2021
I'm rating this a 3.5 out of 5. Started off great: plenty of melodrama and heartbreak.
The ending had some anxious moments and lots of action - all in all, an interesting read, but like Ryan's other stories, the endings seem a bit rushed or less structured than the first half.
An enjoyable read, and the writing is more than decent!
The ending had some anxious moments and lots of action - all in all, an interesting read, but like Ryan's other stories, the endings seem a bit rushed or less structured than the first half.
An enjoyable read, and the writing is more than decent!
November 8, 2025
Dirty Little Secret had me from the first page. The characters all have suffered lost and end up finding that common ground even when faced with completely different circumstance.
Roxy was amazing. Strong, courageous, forgiving and a heart of gold, I flat out loved the character Ryan created in Roxy. She took and faced each circumstance that came her way and still managed to stay positive. When her father throws more responsibility at her, she took it on in spades…and added a few extra hard cases on the side because they needed it.
Noah is struggling with the loss of the only father he’s ever known but manages to be exactly what Annabelle, his adoptive sister, needs. His concern and willingness to fight for the family that has chosen him makes him into a swoon worthy character. The attraction between Noah and Roxy sizzles.
The family they create is simply delightful. Although, they face some horrific life circumstances, they all find home in each other…whether its in sisterhood, brotherhood or a chosen family…
I can’t wait to see where this series will head next. Ryan writes a cast with a heavy dose of genuine, real, heartfelt and sometimes tragic situations without the overwhelming internal dialog that grinds the storytelling flow to a halt…In other words, Dirty Little Secret was my kind of read.
I received this ARC copy of Dirty Little Secret from Avon Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Dirty Little Secret is set for publication December 18, 2018.
Roxy was amazing. Strong, courageous, forgiving and a heart of gold, I flat out loved the character Ryan created in Roxy. She took and faced each circumstance that came her way and still managed to stay positive. When her father throws more responsibility at her, she took it on in spades…and added a few extra hard cases on the side because they needed it.
Noah is struggling with the loss of the only father he’s ever known but manages to be exactly what Annabelle, his adoptive sister, needs. His concern and willingness to fight for the family that has chosen him makes him into a swoon worthy character. The attraction between Noah and Roxy sizzles.
The family they create is simply delightful. Although, they face some horrific life circumstances, they all find home in each other…whether its in sisterhood, brotherhood or a chosen family…
I can’t wait to see where this series will head next. Ryan writes a cast with a heavy dose of genuine, real, heartfelt and sometimes tragic situations without the overwhelming internal dialog that grinds the storytelling flow to a halt…In other words, Dirty Little Secret was my kind of read.
I received this ARC copy of Dirty Little Secret from Avon Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Dirty Little Secret is set for publication December 18, 2018.
December 9, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dirty Little Secret is the first book in the newest series of Jennifer Ryan. I absolutely adore this author and even though her previous series I struggled with at times, this book was AMAZING. I just didn't want to put this one down and I easily breezed through it like I have in many of Jennifer Ryan's Earlier books. I simply loved the set up of the story and seeing everything fall into place as it does. I definitely believe if you are a fan of Jennifer Ryan (even if you didn't care for her previous series) you will love this one. But I will warn you it deals with an aspect in romance that I don't normally go for but Jennifer Ryan wrote it so well that I don't think you will have a problem with it. Read below for more information.
Our tale in Dirty Little Secret begins with Roxy who is our delightful female lead in the story. Roxy grew up with a mother who was into drugs, drinking and being a prostitute. Her birth father, is a highly respected rancher in a small town in Montana. Roxy has had to deal with her mother's drama, only seeing her father a handful of times, who for some reason unknown to her was unable to take her away from the abusive lifestyle her mother was in. But Roxy is tough and strong and has had to be self-sufficient. Her father eventually led them to the Wild Rose Ranch which is where she met her sisters who are also daughters of women who work at the Wild Rose Ranch which is a modern day brothel of sorts. Roxy has never understood why women sell themselves like that, and her mother has influenced much of that. Roxy has worked hard at rodeos and making herself to be a success. But she has never earned her father's love, she feels he is ashamed of her because of who her mother is. But now her father is on his deathbed and is asking for her and so she heads to Montana to get her answers and say goodbye.
Noah Cordero grew up on the spread in Montana where he learned everything to do about ranching and learning to love the man that raised him even if he wasn't his birth father. He and his sister have loved living on the ranch and have a close relationship with their father. But when Noah's father collapses and finds out that he is dying, he is devastated. But is shocked to learn that his father had a birth child that he never knew about, a daughter and whom he left half of his ranch to. At first, Noah is furious because he doesn't understand why his father never told him of Roxy. But he soon realizes that she deserves a place on the ranch as much as he does because she didn't have the loving home that Noah did. There is a chemistry that builds between Noah and Roxy. But Roxy has some secrets and she wonders if she can trust Noah with them or will he spurn and mock her like everyone else in her life has...
This book was simply incredible. And yes I don't normally go for the whole step sibling romance but this wasn't quite like that. Since Noah and Roxy have NO blood ties and didn't grow up together at all. I found the way that Jennifer Ryan wrote this book to be very interesting and once I understand the complexity of the relations between Roxy and Noah, then I really delved into this book. I absolutely adore it when an author spins an issue that isn't commonly used in romance and tackles a tough subject like for example prostitution and the consequences of being connected to it and how people view you differently. We see how small town people treat Roxy and its NOT pretty. Men view her as an easy lay in the sheets and women view her with contempt. But Roxy, has lived with it all of her life and handles it with such great care. She is not ashamed of who she is. She knows that she is a strong independent woman who creates her own success but you see how challenging it is for her. But I love how she handles it though, and how she treats others. She treats other with respect even while they ridicule her but speaks with them honestly about their treatment and how wrong it is but without mocking them in return and I admired that so much. She becomes such a great guardian for the teenager (Noah's sister) and I love seeing their relationship bloom in this book. You see how Roxy wants to be her friend but also won't tolerate any bad behavior but she handles her with care.
The romance that forms between Noah and Roxy is so delectable and sweet and heartwarming. We see them grow together and seeing them develop a strong bond in addition to the powerful sexual chemistry. You just feel how strong they want each other sexually and there are many moments that you become lost in the moment for them. In the beginning they both have many reservations and misunderstandings about each other. But as they learn each other and start being open and honest with one another, their relationship develops into one you can get on board with very easily. I had a blast seeing them find some common ground and deal with issues and learning to accept each other.
There are some other aspects in the plot that you will recognize as a Jennifer Ryan aspect in her books. There is a villain or two, there is some complex issues put into play and the main characters are put in danger and there is some suspense and what I find enjoyable is that it didn't detract from the story overall. I liked that it was a small aspect of the story and slowly builds into the climax at the end. I find that I really got a kick out of the way that this story played out overall. Its a romance that adds complexity, diverse issues and vibrant emotion. It will bring you to tears, have you laughing in public and making you want to grab your partner due to the sensuality that packs a punch. Simply a romance that is outsanding in every way, shape and form!
Dirty Little Secret is the first book in the newest series of Jennifer Ryan. I absolutely adore this author and even though her previous series I struggled with at times, this book was AMAZING. I just didn't want to put this one down and I easily breezed through it like I have in many of Jennifer Ryan's Earlier books. I simply loved the set up of the story and seeing everything fall into place as it does. I definitely believe if you are a fan of Jennifer Ryan (even if you didn't care for her previous series) you will love this one. But I will warn you it deals with an aspect in romance that I don't normally go for but Jennifer Ryan wrote it so well that I don't think you will have a problem with it. Read below for more information.
Our tale in Dirty Little Secret begins with Roxy who is our delightful female lead in the story. Roxy grew up with a mother who was into drugs, drinking and being a prostitute. Her birth father, is a highly respected rancher in a small town in Montana. Roxy has had to deal with her mother's drama, only seeing her father a handful of times, who for some reason unknown to her was unable to take her away from the abusive lifestyle her mother was in. But Roxy is tough and strong and has had to be self-sufficient. Her father eventually led them to the Wild Rose Ranch which is where she met her sisters who are also daughters of women who work at the Wild Rose Ranch which is a modern day brothel of sorts. Roxy has never understood why women sell themselves like that, and her mother has influenced much of that. Roxy has worked hard at rodeos and making herself to be a success. But she has never earned her father's love, she feels he is ashamed of her because of who her mother is. But now her father is on his deathbed and is asking for her and so she heads to Montana to get her answers and say goodbye.
Noah Cordero grew up on the spread in Montana where he learned everything to do about ranching and learning to love the man that raised him even if he wasn't his birth father. He and his sister have loved living on the ranch and have a close relationship with their father. But when Noah's father collapses and finds out that he is dying, he is devastated. But is shocked to learn that his father had a birth child that he never knew about, a daughter and whom he left half of his ranch to. At first, Noah is furious because he doesn't understand why his father never told him of Roxy. But he soon realizes that she deserves a place on the ranch as much as he does because she didn't have the loving home that Noah did. There is a chemistry that builds between Noah and Roxy. But Roxy has some secrets and she wonders if she can trust Noah with them or will he spurn and mock her like everyone else in her life has...
This book was simply incredible. And yes I don't normally go for the whole step sibling romance but this wasn't quite like that. Since Noah and Roxy have NO blood ties and didn't grow up together at all. I found the way that Jennifer Ryan wrote this book to be very interesting and once I understand the complexity of the relations between Roxy and Noah, then I really delved into this book. I absolutely adore it when an author spins an issue that isn't commonly used in romance and tackles a tough subject like for example prostitution and the consequences of being connected to it and how people view you differently. We see how small town people treat Roxy and its NOT pretty. Men view her as an easy lay in the sheets and women view her with contempt. But Roxy, has lived with it all of her life and handles it with such great care. She is not ashamed of who she is. She knows that she is a strong independent woman who creates her own success but you see how challenging it is for her. But I love how she handles it though, and how she treats others. She treats other with respect even while they ridicule her but speaks with them honestly about their treatment and how wrong it is but without mocking them in return and I admired that so much. She becomes such a great guardian for the teenager (Noah's sister) and I love seeing their relationship bloom in this book. You see how Roxy wants to be her friend but also won't tolerate any bad behavior but she handles her with care.
The romance that forms between Noah and Roxy is so delectable and sweet and heartwarming. We see them grow together and seeing them develop a strong bond in addition to the powerful sexual chemistry. You just feel how strong they want each other sexually and there are many moments that you become lost in the moment for them. In the beginning they both have many reservations and misunderstandings about each other. But as they learn each other and start being open and honest with one another, their relationship develops into one you can get on board with very easily. I had a blast seeing them find some common ground and deal with issues and learning to accept each other.
There are some other aspects in the plot that you will recognize as a Jennifer Ryan aspect in her books. There is a villain or two, there is some complex issues put into play and the main characters are put in danger and there is some suspense and what I find enjoyable is that it didn't detract from the story overall. I liked that it was a small aspect of the story and slowly builds into the climax at the end. I find that I really got a kick out of the way that this story played out overall. Its a romance that adds complexity, diverse issues and vibrant emotion. It will bring you to tears, have you laughing in public and making you want to grab your partner due to the sensuality that packs a punch. Simply a romance that is outsanding in every way, shape and form!
January 17, 2019
Coffee Dates with Dirty Little Secret
First Date: Noah Cordero and is teenage sister thought of John Cordero as their father, even though DNA would state otherwise. When John unexpectedly dies it surprises them to learn that John had a biological daughter, and he has left half of the ranch to her. From the onset Ryan pulled me in. None are related, but a family they must form and the terms of the will fan the chemistry that already exists between Noah and Roxy. I am not a fan of stories involving step-brothers etc, but this is not like that at all. So have no fear. Outside threats, character growth, lessons, laughter and swoons await you.
Second Date: I love strong women who overcome enormous obstacles and Roxy is impressive from her skills on a horse to financial management. She has had to grow up fast and while some may have faltered it drove her to succeed. What she doesn't have is a lot of trust or faith in others, so it was interesting seeing her slip into this arrangement and watch her open up. Secondary characters from sisters to villains added interests and helped move the romance along. I enjoyed the banter, stumbles and delicious heat that developed.
Third Date: The last part of the book was intense as it not only set up the beginnings of the next Wild Rose sister but a suspenseful plot unfolded that had me flipping the pages. Ryan really outdid herself from the pacing to character development. I felt connected and cannot wait to return. My third date with Dirty Little Secret left me smiling. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: Noah Cordero and is teenage sister thought of John Cordero as their father, even though DNA would state otherwise. When John unexpectedly dies it surprises them to learn that John had a biological daughter, and he has left half of the ranch to her. From the onset Ryan pulled me in. None are related, but a family they must form and the terms of the will fan the chemistry that already exists between Noah and Roxy. I am not a fan of stories involving step-brothers etc, but this is not like that at all. So have no fear. Outside threats, character growth, lessons, laughter and swoons await you.
Second Date: I love strong women who overcome enormous obstacles and Roxy is impressive from her skills on a horse to financial management. She has had to grow up fast and while some may have faltered it drove her to succeed. What she doesn't have is a lot of trust or faith in others, so it was interesting seeing her slip into this arrangement and watch her open up. Secondary characters from sisters to villains added interests and helped move the romance along. I enjoyed the banter, stumbles and delicious heat that developed.
Third Date: The last part of the book was intense as it not only set up the beginnings of the next Wild Rose sister but a suspenseful plot unfolded that had me flipping the pages. Ryan really outdid herself from the pacing to character development. I felt connected and cannot wait to return. My third date with Dirty Little Secret left me smiling. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 18, 2018
4.5 stars
When ranch Owner John Cordero passes away it is assumed that his stepson Noah would take over the reins at Speckled Horse Ranch. That is until his daughter shows up and throws a wrench in to Noah’s plans. Now they must learn to work together for the sake of the ranch.
This was a really great story about betrayal, redemption and secrets that could threaten the relationship that is blooming between Noah and Roxy. Noah knows that Roxy is definitely hiding something. When he learns what it is, he is shocked. I loved the interaction between the main characters. It was funny, sexy and a lot of fun. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
When ranch Owner John Cordero passes away it is assumed that his stepson Noah would take over the reins at Speckled Horse Ranch. That is until his daughter shows up and throws a wrench in to Noah’s plans. Now they must learn to work together for the sake of the ranch.
This was a really great story about betrayal, redemption and secrets that could threaten the relationship that is blooming between Noah and Roxy. Noah knows that Roxy is definitely hiding something. When he learns what it is, he is shocked. I loved the interaction between the main characters. It was funny, sexy and a lot of fun. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
December 19, 2018
Pretty predicable which I may have been okay with but the characters just felt flat.
December 21, 2018
This one was so good and the last few hours were so intense. I could not stop listening even though I should have been sleeping.
And omg it made me so mad. ARGhhhhhh those close minded inbred townsfolk. I wanted to hit them all! I mean hello! Just cos someones mum is a prostitute does not make her one! Just cos she is pretty she should be one? Right, cos if she was ugly then she would not have followed her mum. I mean anyone growing up like that might think that maybe they could do something else. SO yes there will be people that you just want kick straight in the nuts.
Roxy grew up without a dad. Her mum was a prostitute, alcoholic, drug user and the best thing was when her mum started to work at a fancy brothel. Horrible but true. Then Roxy had time to breathe. She raised herself, strong and independent. Her dad did send money, but in the end she was his dirty little secret. But as the book progresses you do realise why he made some of the choices he did. Her mum was a real piece of work.
Noah grew up with his step father. He loves his ranch and his dad thought him everything he knows. He had a happy life, well to a point, his father's ex was evil, but he did get a sister he loved from it.
Then their father dies and secrets come out. Not all at once though, which brings the drama cos when people do find out. Oh I wanted to smash heads together.
I did feel Noah moved a bit too fast though. But maybe that was because I knew her past and he didn't? I just felt he tried too hard and thought too much about it. I wished he had tried to keep his hands to himself. Cos sure she wanted him too, but at the same time, that is a place of business and the ranch hands are gossiping.
They get close, there is romance, and there is suspense since not everyone is happy with her there. And yes I was at the edge of my seat for those last hours. I wanted to know how it all would work out!!!!
Great book
Narrator
Coleen really got the right voice for Roxy. She really did it as the author described and it fit her so well. I liked her other voices too. She brought the hardness to Roxy's voice that felt so real after all she had gone through
And omg it made me so mad. ARGhhhhhh those close minded inbred townsfolk. I wanted to hit them all! I mean hello! Just cos someones mum is a prostitute does not make her one! Just cos she is pretty she should be one? Right, cos if she was ugly then she would not have followed her mum. I mean anyone growing up like that might think that maybe they could do something else. SO yes there will be people that you just want kick straight in the nuts.
Roxy grew up without a dad. Her mum was a prostitute, alcoholic, drug user and the best thing was when her mum started to work at a fancy brothel. Horrible but true. Then Roxy had time to breathe. She raised herself, strong and independent. Her dad did send money, but in the end she was his dirty little secret. But as the book progresses you do realise why he made some of the choices he did. Her mum was a real piece of work.
Noah grew up with his step father. He loves his ranch and his dad thought him everything he knows. He had a happy life, well to a point, his father's ex was evil, but he did get a sister he loved from it.
Then their father dies and secrets come out. Not all at once though, which brings the drama cos when people do find out. Oh I wanted to smash heads together.
I did feel Noah moved a bit too fast though. But maybe that was because I knew her past and he didn't? I just felt he tried too hard and thought too much about it. I wished he had tried to keep his hands to himself. Cos sure she wanted him too, but at the same time, that is a place of business and the ranch hands are gossiping.
They get close, there is romance, and there is suspense since not everyone is happy with her there. And yes I was at the edge of my seat for those last hours. I wanted to know how it all would work out!!!!
Great book
Narrator
Coleen really got the right voice for Roxy. She really did it as the author described and it fit her so well. I liked her other voices too. She brought the hardness to Roxy's voice that felt so real after all she had gone through
July 22, 2019
Well as usual with this author, I either really enjoy her stuff or hate it.
Fortunately this was the former!
Roxy is a bit of a special snowflake in that she's young (25?) but a pro at horse training and breeding, designing phone crap, doing paperwork, barrel racing, and always knows the right answer.
She had no faults really, which made her seem kinda super human but I still liked her 'take charge' character.
I guess the drawback to being her was the way she grew up, with a manipulative, dead beat prostitute mother and a father who never acknowledged her.
She was forever envious of her father's 'real' kids, who weren't actually blood related to him like she was. Noah, the oldest has been running the family ranch and resents Roxy when she gets pulled into his life by the stipulations of his father's will.
He's resentful of the daughter his father had that he never knew about but is totally attracted to.
'Cause on top of all her other talents she is drop dead gorgeous. But wait, that's a bad thing, because everyone treats her like she's a whore because of how she looks and her mother's occupation.
This gets a little over played but I still enjoyed the book.
There's an evil step-mom, lawyer, bitter ex girlfriend and close minded small town folks.
But other than that, it's pretty smooth sailing. Noah gets over his resentment and the two of them actually communicate. He does let her down at one point but grovels well.
Definitely overall a fun listen. The reader for the audiobook, Coleen Marlo, was good.
safety is good
Fortunately this was the former!
Roxy is a bit of a special snowflake in that she's young (25?) but a pro at horse training and breeding, designing phone crap, doing paperwork, barrel racing, and always knows the right answer.
She had no faults really, which made her seem kinda super human but I still liked her 'take charge' character.
I guess the drawback to being her was the way she grew up, with a manipulative, dead beat prostitute mother and a father who never acknowledged her.
She was forever envious of her father's 'real' kids, who weren't actually blood related to him like she was. Noah, the oldest has been running the family ranch and resents Roxy when she gets pulled into his life by the stipulations of his father's will.
He's resentful of the daughter his father had that he never knew about but is totally attracted to.
'Cause on top of all her other talents she is drop dead gorgeous. But wait, that's a bad thing, because everyone treats her like she's a whore because of how she looks and her mother's occupation.
This gets a little over played but I still enjoyed the book.
There's an evil step-mom, lawyer, bitter ex girlfriend and close minded small town folks.
But other than that, it's pretty smooth sailing. Noah gets over his resentment and the two of them actually communicate. He does let her down at one point but grovels well.
Definitely overall a fun listen. The reader for the audiobook, Coleen Marlo, was good.
safety is good
July 30, 2023
This was a near dnf for me, somewhere around the halfway point, but I manged to push through and finish it which contributed to the rating being as high as it is.
The main problem I had with this book is that an idea, a good one, was there but the execution fell a bit flat. Basically the biggest conflict is that everyone thinks Roxy is just like her mother, who is a prostitute. Every time they find out who she is it all goes around in circles.
And this never changes, even the hero at certain points starts thinking of her that way not only because of her mother but also because she has a hot body. Seriously??? And she KNEW he was thinking like this and ended up with him anyway, of course.
I listened to the audio, and while the narrator was good, the beginning of the book was very confusing, trying to figure out who was who...it wasn't easy. I honestly wanted to give up just for that, but I said no, no come on you got this. Did it get easier? A little, but I don't even know if I would've figured out the characters if I was reading it myself.
Because all of a sudden new people would pop up and I felt like we were supposed to know who they were before they were even introduced.
Overall though it wasn't that bad. And I'm glad I managed to finish it. I started the second book too which will hopefully turn out to be better.
The main problem I had with this book is that an idea, a good one, was there but the execution fell a bit flat. Basically the biggest conflict is that everyone thinks Roxy is just like her mother, who is a prostitute. Every time they find out who she is it all goes around in circles.
And this never changes, even the hero at certain points starts thinking of her that way not only because of her mother but also because she has a hot body. Seriously??? And she KNEW he was thinking like this and ended up with him anyway, of course.
I listened to the audio, and while the narrator was good, the beginning of the book was very confusing, trying to figure out who was who...it wasn't easy. I honestly wanted to give up just for that, but I said no, no come on you got this. Did it get easier? A little, but I don't even know if I would've figured out the characters if I was reading it myself.
Because all of a sudden new people would pop up and I felt like we were supposed to know who they were before they were even introduced.
Overall though it wasn't that bad. And I'm glad I managed to finish it. I started the second book too which will hopefully turn out to be better.
December 18, 2018
I don’t even know where to start with this review of Dirty Little Secret as I loved the romance between Noah and Roxy so much. There was something that was just so electrifying to me about them—that they had so many things stacked against them including their pasts and their relationship with their father—one by blood the other by marriage. But their father nonetheless.
I adored Roxy and her ability to pull up her bootstraps and take on the world. She had to grow up way too quickly and learn to defend herself from life’s cruelty. And she’s made a name for herself professionally, but she’s struggled to find “the one” personally.
Noah’s lived the majority of his life with his step-father. He’s run the ranch side by side, helped raise his younger sister, and now must figure out the way forward when the rug has been pulled out from his feet. He’s struggling to balance his old life with his new reality and struggling to rein in his surprising feelings for Roxy.
But all is not sunshine and roses for Noah and Roxy. And the past has a way to taint the present and future. But, damn, Roxy and her ability to stand up for herself and put people in their place. I absolutely loved her strength and determination as well as her sense of self. And I loved her kind and generous heart—because seriously, her ability to forgive and move on is something that we all should strive for in our lives.
I loved Noah and Roxy together—loved their dynamic, especially once Roxy’s past is revealed. I loved Noah for standing by her side and showing their small-minded town that rumors and innuendos were just that.
I cannot wait for more in this series. It’s going to be a fun ride seeing how the Wild Rose sisters find their way to love. ~ Missy, 5 stars
I adored Roxy and her ability to pull up her bootstraps and take on the world. She had to grow up way too quickly and learn to defend herself from life’s cruelty. And she’s made a name for herself professionally, but she’s struggled to find “the one” personally.
Noah’s lived the majority of his life with his step-father. He’s run the ranch side by side, helped raise his younger sister, and now must figure out the way forward when the rug has been pulled out from his feet. He’s struggling to balance his old life with his new reality and struggling to rein in his surprising feelings for Roxy.
But all is not sunshine and roses for Noah and Roxy. And the past has a way to taint the present and future. But, damn, Roxy and her ability to stand up for herself and put people in their place. I absolutely loved her strength and determination as well as her sense of self. And I loved her kind and generous heart—because seriously, her ability to forgive and move on is something that we all should strive for in our lives.
I loved Noah and Roxy together—loved their dynamic, especially once Roxy’s past is revealed. I loved Noah for standing by her side and showing their small-minded town that rumors and innuendos were just that.
I cannot wait for more in this series. It’s going to be a fun ride seeing how the Wild Rose sisters find their way to love. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Read
November 18, 2018You know how when start reading a book and the first few pages let you know if the book is any good. Well this book sucked you in right off the bat. You feel the pain that Roxy dealt with in her life and shed tears. Then feel the anger of Noah that he has over what his step- father had done to Roxy and how is it transformed into love, respect and awe of what she has accomplished. Roxy showed more wisdom in raising and discipling Annabelle then most people do today. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
December 17, 2018
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
There is nothing better then falling into a book and become lost! That's just what happened with me and this new book, new series by Jennifer Ryan.
I started reading it when I put my nephew down for a nap. He wasn't feeling good so I laid him in my bed then couldn't leave him so I grabbed my kindle. A hour and half later and I was almost done with Dirty Little Secret.
I'm not even sure how that happened. The older I get the slower I read. My mind is always on what I need to do next which makes it hard to be in the here and now. But with Dirty Little Secret I didn't have that issues. I just started reading and kept going.
One of the things I love a Jennifer Ryan's books is her ability to make you feel when you read her books. You heart will break for what Roxy has gone though. No one, especially a child should have to deal with what Roxy dealt with. Her childhood was nothing but abuse and it was both her parents fault.
It's one of those times that I want so badly to tell you more but feel you truly need to read it on your own to understand everything. I don't want to take a chance ruining anything for anyone. Just believe when I say that this one is well worth the time it takes to read it.
I really enjoyed Noah and felt for the most part he was a great guy. He did faultier one with Roxy but made up for it. He wanted so badly for her to be happy and would do anything he could to make that happen. Noah's sister is a great character too. I also enjoyed Roxy's sisters and can't wait to learn more about them.
Dirty Little Secret's is a wonderful story that will at times pull at your heart strings and make you want to cry and then on the other hand your pissed off at the idiots around. This is a perfect start to a new series and it makes me want more!
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ARC received for a honest review
There is nothing better then falling into a book and become lost! That's just what happened with me and this new book, new series by Jennifer Ryan.
I started reading it when I put my nephew down for a nap. He wasn't feeling good so I laid him in my bed then couldn't leave him so I grabbed my kindle. A hour and half later and I was almost done with Dirty Little Secret.
I'm not even sure how that happened. The older I get the slower I read. My mind is always on what I need to do next which makes it hard to be in the here and now. But with Dirty Little Secret I didn't have that issues. I just started reading and kept going.
One of the things I love a Jennifer Ryan's books is her ability to make you feel when you read her books. You heart will break for what Roxy has gone though. No one, especially a child should have to deal with what Roxy dealt with. Her childhood was nothing but abuse and it was both her parents fault.
It's one of those times that I want so badly to tell you more but feel you truly need to read it on your own to understand everything. I don't want to take a chance ruining anything for anyone. Just believe when I say that this one is well worth the time it takes to read it.
I really enjoyed Noah and felt for the most part he was a great guy. He did faultier one with Roxy but made up for it. He wanted so badly for her to be happy and would do anything he could to make that happen. Noah's sister is a great character too. I also enjoyed Roxy's sisters and can't wait to learn more about them.
Dirty Little Secret's is a wonderful story that will at times pull at your heart strings and make you want to cry and then on the other hand your pissed off at the idiots around. This is a perfect start to a new series and it makes me want more!
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
October 26, 2023
“When I kiss you, you hesitate for a split second, and then it’s like you give yourself permission to give in, let go, and you fall into me. It’s sexy as hell and makes me want you even more.”
Jennifer Ryan has, once again, proven why she’s a go-to author for me. Her smart, sexy writing is complemented by incredibly likable characters and interesting stories, and never fails to leave me wanting more.
Dirty Little Secret is no exception. I loved that this series focuses on a family—made, not born, which is absolutely my jam—of sisters, and kicking off with Roxy, who is strong and honest, was a wise choice. Like most of Ms. Ryan’s heroine’s, Roxy is loyal, caring and kind, but still flawed in a personable way. For her alone, I would recommend this book.
But it’s not just Roxy. Noah was a hero I could swoon for—one who saw value but was never preachy, who made mistakes and admitted them, and who had that cowboy sexiness that draws me back to this genre time and again.
Like I said, this author always leaves me wanting more, and it’s inevitable that I’ll end up re-reading Dirty Little Secret while I wait for that more in the form of Roxy’s sisters (and Austin!).
“Sometimes the unexpected is exactly what we’ve been looking for all along. We just didn’t know it.”
June 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. This book was a great read. It had very strong and likeable characters. Noah and Roxy had a great chemistry between them. The secondary characters were great and I can't wait until the next book in the series. I can't wait to continue the adventures of the Wild Rose Ranch.
January 8, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Originally posted on Undeniably Book Nerdy book blog:
My mom read Dirty Little Secret before I did and she highly recommend I pick it up because it helped her get out of her reading slump. She devoured it very quickly in two days. While I didn't love Dirty Little Secret as much as my mom did, I did enjoy it overall despite my issues with it.
The Dirty Little Secret in the novel is our heroine, Roxy, whose mother was a prostitute. And because of her mother's partying, drug use, and revolving door of men, she did not have it easy growing up. Her father, John Cordero, was rich rancher, but while he visited her a few times a year, he had his own family including a stepson, Noah, and a stepdaughter, Annabelle.
When Roxy's father died unexpectedly, she was surprised to learn that she inherited half of his ranch with smaller percentages going to Noah and Annabelle. However, the inheritance comes with some stipulations, including co-parenting Annabelle until she turns eighteen, which put Noah and Roxy in very close proximity, heightening the friction between them. But, there's also undeniable attraction between them, and soon their strictly business relationship is turning into anything but...
Dirty Little Secret was a great start to Jennifer Ryan's series--I really like the overarching premise of the four women and their connection to the Wild Rose Ranch, a high-end brothel operating outside of Las Vegas, and their involvement in the ranching business, which gives it a great Wild West feel.
I thought the first half of the book, where we learned about Roxy's background, Wild Rose Ranch, John Cordero's secrets, Noah and Annabelle's reaction to finding out about Roxy and them working out their new arrangement, was fantastic! But, once we get into the romance part, which really only got going around the mid-way point, I started to lose some interest in the story and it took me longer to read the second half than I did the first. I think it's because I wasn't really sold on Noah as much as I was with Roxy and once Roxy got together with Noah she lost some of her fire. I loved Roxy as soon as she stood up to Annabelle's mom and put her in her place and she didn't take her mom's BS. But, then, I wanted to reach into the book and tell her to fire those ranch (especially that really awful smirky one) hands who were verbally harassing her. She's their boss and she owns half of the Cordero holdings--she didn't have to take their derisive comments. It pissed me off that it went on for a while, and in the end Noah did nothing more than to threaten unemployment.
My favorite part of the book, though, was Roxy's relationship with her sisters (in every way but blood) and how close they all were and supported each other and the little family they formed. It really warmed my heart when they welcomed Annabelle with open arms. I'm looking forward to reading their own stories and learning more about them.
Having read several of Jennifer Ryan's books in the past year, Dirty Little Secret is my new favorite of hers and I'm glad I was able to kick off the new year with it.
Originally posted on Undeniably Book Nerdy book blog:
My mom read Dirty Little Secret before I did and she highly recommend I pick it up because it helped her get out of her reading slump. She devoured it very quickly in two days. While I didn't love Dirty Little Secret as much as my mom did, I did enjoy it overall despite my issues with it.
The Dirty Little Secret in the novel is our heroine, Roxy, whose mother was a prostitute. And because of her mother's partying, drug use, and revolving door of men, she did not have it easy growing up. Her father, John Cordero, was rich rancher, but while he visited her a few times a year, he had his own family including a stepson, Noah, and a stepdaughter, Annabelle.
When Roxy's father died unexpectedly, she was surprised to learn that she inherited half of his ranch with smaller percentages going to Noah and Annabelle. However, the inheritance comes with some stipulations, including co-parenting Annabelle until she turns eighteen, which put Noah and Roxy in very close proximity, heightening the friction between them. But, there's also undeniable attraction between them, and soon their strictly business relationship is turning into anything but...
Dirty Little Secret was a great start to Jennifer Ryan's series--I really like the overarching premise of the four women and their connection to the Wild Rose Ranch, a high-end brothel operating outside of Las Vegas, and their involvement in the ranching business, which gives it a great Wild West feel.
I thought the first half of the book, where we learned about Roxy's background, Wild Rose Ranch, John Cordero's secrets, Noah and Annabelle's reaction to finding out about Roxy and them working out their new arrangement, was fantastic! But, once we get into the romance part, which really only got going around the mid-way point, I started to lose some interest in the story and it took me longer to read the second half than I did the first. I think it's because I wasn't really sold on Noah as much as I was with Roxy and once Roxy got together with Noah she lost some of her fire. I loved Roxy as soon as she stood up to Annabelle's mom and put her in her place and she didn't take her mom's BS. But, then, I wanted to reach into the book and tell her to fire those ranch (especially that really awful smirky one) hands who were verbally harassing her. She's their boss and she owns half of the Cordero holdings--she didn't have to take their derisive comments. It pissed me off that it went on for a while, and in the end Noah did nothing more than to threaten unemployment.
My favorite part of the book, though, was Roxy's relationship with her sisters (in every way but blood) and how close they all were and supported each other and the little family they formed. It really warmed my heart when they welcomed Annabelle with open arms. I'm looking forward to reading their own stories and learning more about them.
Having read several of Jennifer Ryan's books in the past year, Dirty Little Secret is my new favorite of hers and I'm glad I was able to kick off the new year with it.
December 23, 2018
Excellent
Very enjoyable read. Loved the concept of this story. A strong heroine making it her way without letting her past or where she came from hold her back. Definitely a book I recommend and I'm looking forward to the next in this new series.
Very enjoyable read. Loved the concept of this story. A strong heroine making it her way without letting her past or where she came from hold her back. Definitely a book I recommend and I'm looking forward to the next in this new series.
December 28, 2018
Thank you to Jennifer Ryan and Goodreads.com I won this book in a Giveaway.
Loved the characters, loved the story which wasn't the same old story line. Hated the ending. Didn't fit with the rest of the book's theme. Overall a fun quick read and I did enjoy it !
Loved the characters, loved the story which wasn't the same old story line. Hated the ending. Didn't fit with the rest of the book's theme. Overall a fun quick read and I did enjoy it !
January 14, 2019
This is my first book to read by Jennifer Ryan. This is a wonderful first book of a new series. I cannot wait to read more in the series. Under difficult circumstances multiple characters are blended together to become a family. Ryan takes time to develop each character, especially Roxy and Noah. The romance is so sexy and exciting. The many twists and turns always keep you wondering. I loved this book!
December 18, 2018
Do what Roxy does: drop the haters in your life.
This was probably one of the most memorable quotes for me in Jennifer Ryan’s newest novel, Dirty Little Secret. Roxy Cordero has used that mantra her entire life considering her mother’s profession – a prostitute at the notorious Nevada based Wild Rose Ranch. With a knock out figure like her mother’s, she’s had to fight the stigma that came along with growing up on the WRR and prove to all that she is a fierce, independent woman to be reckoned with. The fact that her wealthy Montana ranching father left her with her mother, first in the slums and then around the scummy lifestyle her mother worked, stung and hurt her more than her mother’s neglect and hard partying ways.
Since the age of 10, Roxy raised herself along with her sisters (not by blood, but through the bond they shared of their mother’s shared professions). To protect herself from the haters who spread rumors and from the men who assumed the worst about her, Roxy put up permanent walls to protect her heart thus losing the potential of ever finding an honest man who could see beyond her past and truly see the real her. She had her horses, that was enough. Right?
Noah Cordero. Oh sweet, Noah. Unexpectedly losing the only man he ever knew as a father broke his heart. He was now left to raise his younger sister (not by blood but by circumstances) and a successful ranch he loved and had always put his blood and sweat into. He loved his father with all his heart so why in the hell would he give 50% to some stranger? A beautiful knockout who shares his same last name and knows nothing about. As Noah sinks deeper and finds out every single dirty little secret about Roxy Cordero, he sees beyond the rumors, beyond the tough exterior, and into the heart of the one woman he's been waiting for.
This is the 1st in Jennifer's new Wild Rose Ranch series and I simply cannot wait to see what she has in store for the other sister's! ENJOY!
This was probably one of the most memorable quotes for me in Jennifer Ryan’s newest novel, Dirty Little Secret. Roxy Cordero has used that mantra her entire life considering her mother’s profession – a prostitute at the notorious Nevada based Wild Rose Ranch. With a knock out figure like her mother’s, she’s had to fight the stigma that came along with growing up on the WRR and prove to all that she is a fierce, independent woman to be reckoned with. The fact that her wealthy Montana ranching father left her with her mother, first in the slums and then around the scummy lifestyle her mother worked, stung and hurt her more than her mother’s neglect and hard partying ways.
Since the age of 10, Roxy raised herself along with her sisters (not by blood, but through the bond they shared of their mother’s shared professions). To protect herself from the haters who spread rumors and from the men who assumed the worst about her, Roxy put up permanent walls to protect her heart thus losing the potential of ever finding an honest man who could see beyond her past and truly see the real her. She had her horses, that was enough. Right?
Noah Cordero. Oh sweet, Noah. Unexpectedly losing the only man he ever knew as a father broke his heart. He was now left to raise his younger sister (not by blood but by circumstances) and a successful ranch he loved and had always put his blood and sweat into. He loved his father with all his heart so why in the hell would he give 50% to some stranger? A beautiful knockout who shares his same last name and knows nothing about. As Noah sinks deeper and finds out every single dirty little secret about Roxy Cordero, he sees beyond the rumors, beyond the tough exterior, and into the heart of the one woman he's been waiting for.
This is the 1st in Jennifer's new Wild Rose Ranch series and I simply cannot wait to see what she has in store for the other sister's! ENJOY!
June 23, 2019
We have a book share bin at work and I always enjoy scooping up any corny straight romance books. Shirtless (or semi-shirtless) guy on the cover? I'm in.
Unfortunately, this talky "You're mother's a whore" cheesefest spends the first five chapters either shoveling back story or bogged down in John the ranch patriach's illness, death, funeral, wake, etc, that it's not easy to get into.
The subsequent will-reading scene's straight of 'Dallas/Dynasty' territory, with two female villains (and a corrupt male lawyer) inserting themselves in the family drama. Roxy's entrance upsets the family balance, and she get majority of the ranch! Oh no! What will Noah do? Fight her or romance her?
Tropes are needed in a romance, and this one has 'em all; the teen daughter who needs a mother, the wizened senior ranch hand, the caring housekeeper, etc., etc. Roxy, while buxom and stubborn, is also a computer genius, master horse trainer and accounting genius!
But the entire "Roxy's mother's a hooker!" side story (she inherits a brothel where she grew up) is repeated so many times, in lengthy monologues and inner thoughts, it's overplayed.
Page after page of dialogue from most main characters repeat the side story without the main proceeding. And oh my gosh, these lady writers love to over-describe home decorating!
The twisted finale (bitter divorced mom and corrupt lawyer drug and kidnap Roxy! They might as well have tied her to a railroad) makes for some unintentional giggles.
As for sex/love scenes, despite a number of inappropriately timed smooch sessions, the real humping doesn't get going until the end. Noah's abrupt shower masturbation scene is a hottest moment.
Unfortunately, this talky "You're mother's a whore" cheesefest spends the first five chapters either shoveling back story or bogged down in John the ranch patriach's illness, death, funeral, wake, etc, that it's not easy to get into.
The subsequent will-reading scene's straight of 'Dallas/Dynasty' territory, with two female villains (and a corrupt male lawyer) inserting themselves in the family drama. Roxy's entrance upsets the family balance, and she get majority of the ranch! Oh no! What will Noah do? Fight her or romance her?
Tropes are needed in a romance, and this one has 'em all; the teen daughter who needs a mother, the wizened senior ranch hand, the caring housekeeper, etc., etc. Roxy, while buxom and stubborn, is also a computer genius, master horse trainer and accounting genius!
But the entire "Roxy's mother's a hooker!" side story (she inherits a brothel where she grew up) is repeated so many times, in lengthy monologues and inner thoughts, it's overplayed.
Page after page of dialogue from most main characters repeat the side story without the main proceeding. And oh my gosh, these lady writers love to over-describe home decorating!
The twisted finale (bitter divorced mom and corrupt lawyer drug and kidnap Roxy! They might as well have tied her to a railroad) makes for some unintentional giggles.
As for sex/love scenes, despite a number of inappropriately timed smooch sessions, the real humping doesn't get going until the end. Noah's abrupt shower masturbation scene is a hottest moment.
December 17, 2018
This is a story about a girl with a girl trying to find her place in the world and a cowboy with a heart of gold who helps her find it. The book is full of villains, close minded people, loving sister, father and mother figures, not to mention horses. I rather enjoyed the premise of the story that brought the two protaganists together and I definitely kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the cover art, but what can you do? Not everything is always as you see it in your mind's eye.
I recommend this to someone who enjoys Western Romances.
I gave an honest review in exchange for a free copy of this book from Avon. Thank you.
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the cover art, but what can you do? Not everything is always as you see it in your mind's eye.
I recommend this to someone who enjoys Western Romances.
I gave an honest review in exchange for a free copy of this book from Avon. Thank you.
September 27, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from AVON books. I think the writing and editing quality of this book is much better than Ms. Ryan's previous publications (I didn't notice the repetitive use of the same adjectives as in previous books). This book had less of a thriller edge to it (which appeals to me). I look forward to the continuation of this series as it revolves around a group of sisters (instead of brothers as her previous series all do). I enjoy the strong, intelligent, driven female characters in all of Ms. Ryan's books and I think that is what keeps me interested in reading them.
December 16, 2018
Ryan does it again. Dirty Little Secret steams up the bookshelf as it puts a move on even the hardest heart. Roxy and Noah are forced their painful pasts to have a chance at a happy future. She's run long enough. Now's the time to face some hard truths about herself and the people who were supposed to love her. He's the heartache she never saw coming. She's the drama he can't forget. Can a father she lost, a last name she shares and a ranch she never wanted, give her the chance at the family she never hoped to have. A heartwarming scorcher.
January 5, 2019
Perfect!
January 28, 2019
A great book...could not put it down. Can't wait for the next book in the series Restless Rancher!
January 30, 2019
DNF at 54%. Paper-thin characters, the “zing” when they incidentally touch substituting for actual relationship development, stilted dialogue.
December 1, 2019
Better than I thought it would be. Interesting story line for the heroine.. Never really thought of what that kind of life would be like. But still, not my favorite of Jennifer Ryan's books.
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