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The Safeguarded Heart #4
Her Dirty Secret
A forbidden affair that's practically irresistible...
Emily Hoyt is often referred to as a "free spirit," but she knows that's just a nice way to say "flake." She doesn't normally let it bother her, but when her perfect big brother unexpectedly announces he's gotten married, Emily once again feels the pressure to be more than the meandering musician she is.
Alessandro Giordano is the lying, selfish bastard Emily had pegged as bad news. But when they meet at the engagement-turned-wedding celebration, they're both looking to escape, and the instant chemistry they have pushes them together. Is their attraction just a diversion, or could it really be more?
Note: Though this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Emily Hoyt is often referred to as a "free spirit," but she knows that's just a nice way to say "flake." She doesn't normally let it bother her, but when her perfect big brother unexpectedly announces he's gotten married, Emily once again feels the pressure to be more than the meandering musician she is.
Alessandro Giordano is the lying, selfish bastard Emily had pegged as bad news. But when they meet at the engagement-turned-wedding celebration, they're both looking to escape, and the instant chemistry they have pushes them together. Is their attraction just a diversion, or could it really be more?
Note: Though this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
12 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Melanie A. Smith
29 books297 followersMelanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 19, 2019
If I could hug this author then I would.
Having LOVED The Safeguarded Heart book series, I was ecstatic to discover there was going to be a fourth book.
Focusing on Emily and Alessandro, the story pulls you straight in and makes you want to turn the page, but also makes you want to savour every word.
More Alessandro ✔️
More Emily ✔️
More Sera ✔️
And more Bryce ✔️ ✔️
I loved this sweet, delicious romance.
Each character has their own appeal, and I can’t wait to see what Melanie writes next...
Five, well and truly deserved, stars!
Having LOVED The Safeguarded Heart book series, I was ecstatic to discover there was going to be a fourth book.
Focusing on Emily and Alessandro, the story pulls you straight in and makes you want to turn the page, but also makes you want to savour every word.
More Alessandro ✔️
More Emily ✔️
More Sera ✔️
And more Bryce ✔️ ✔️
I loved this sweet, delicious romance.
Each character has their own appeal, and I can’t wait to see what Melanie writes next...
Five, well and truly deserved, stars!
August 19, 2019
Perfection. That’s all I’ll say. Thank you so much Melanie for letting me read an arc copy of this book. I loved it. 5 well deserved stars. I won’t say any more, I don’t want to give anything away! Enjoy!
August 24, 2019
As a fan of Melanie's work, I jumped at the opportunity to read the ARC for Her Dirty Secret and I was not disappointed.
I have read the other books in the series but you can read this as a standalone.
Alessandro is a hot blooded Italian who calls her 'Cara Mia' (swoon!)
Emily is trying to deal with finding her own happily ever after.
On a whim, she jumps on a plane to Italy with him!
The chemistry is undeniable and hot, very hot. The epilogue left me with a big fat grin on my face!
“Do you still like our crazy?” she asks, a note of concern in her voice. My eyes snap open, and I turn her head so I can look into her eyes. “Love. I love our crazy.”
It's a well deserved five star!
I have read the other books in the series but you can read this as a standalone.
Alessandro is a hot blooded Italian who calls her 'Cara Mia' (swoon!)
Emily is trying to deal with finding her own happily ever after.
On a whim, she jumps on a plane to Italy with him!
The chemistry is undeniable and hot, very hot. The epilogue left me with a big fat grin on my face!
“Do you still like our crazy?” she asks, a note of concern in her voice. My eyes snap open, and I turn her head so I can look into her eyes. “Love. I love our crazy.”
It's a well deserved five star!
September 1, 2019
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I’ve been a fan of Alessandro since book one and I’m so happy we get more of him in this book! ***SWOON***
Melanie Smith just keeps getting better and better! Her writing in this book is sexy and beautiful. The characters are well developed and you just can’t help loving them!
I was honored to receive an ARC copy of this book and am now an even bigger fan of her work.
This is a beautiful conclusion to The Safeguarded Heart Series.
Melanie Smith just keeps getting better and better! Her writing in this book is sexy and beautiful. The characters are well developed and you just can’t help loving them!
I was honored to receive an ARC copy of this book and am now an even bigger fan of her work.
This is a beautiful conclusion to The Safeguarded Heart Series.
May 1, 2020
Her Dirty Secret ties up The Safeguarded Heart Series nicely with a bow. It gives us who have read and loved the series a closure to Alessandro's story. In Melanie A. Smith's manner, this novella is full of hot, steamy scenes without sacrificing any emotional connection between the two characters. I'm so glad that Alessandro found his happily-ever-after.
Though you could read this novella as a standalone, I would recommend reading the whole series beforehand just so you understand Alessandro's backstory.
Though you could read this novella as a standalone, I would recommend reading the whole series beforehand just so you understand Alessandro's backstory.
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November 2, 2021An Amazon international best-seller and multi-award-winning steamy vacation romance that can be read as a standalone. Available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audio! Check out the book trailer and buy links at https://melanieasmithauthor.com/books...
"This is the perfect weekend read if you love hot, satisfying romances with a sexy taste of Italy!" -Amanda V. Shane, author of the Tides of Atlantis Series
"A short but sexy story." -The Guide to Romance Novels
"This book is equal parts sweet and sexy, with Italian riviera beauty thrown in for good measure." -Eve Kasey, author of the All In Series
"This is the perfect weekend read if you love hot, satisfying romances with a sexy taste of Italy!" -Amanda V. Shane, author of the Tides of Atlantis Series
"A short but sexy story." -The Guide to Romance Novels
"This book is equal parts sweet and sexy, with Italian riviera beauty thrown in for good measure." -Eve Kasey, author of the All In Series
September 30, 2019
Dove right into this one after finishing Never Forget. While it lacked the suspense I loved in the other books of the series, it certainly made up for it in tension throughout the whole novella. Emily is an interesting, heavy-hearted free spirit (quite the contradiction) and I found her journey of self-doubt and self-discovery particularly relatable.
December 21, 2019
Loved it!
Her Dirty Secret was an adorable, sweet conclusion to The Safeguarded Heart series. Seeing both Emily and Alessandro get their well deserved happy endings, while still touching in on Sera and Bryce was perfect. It's a nice quick read that sends you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Another great story by Melanie A Smith!
Her Dirty Secret was an adorable, sweet conclusion to The Safeguarded Heart series. Seeing both Emily and Alessandro get their well deserved happy endings, while still touching in on Sera and Bryce was perfect. It's a nice quick read that sends you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Another great story by Melanie A Smith!
February 6, 2022
This is the fourth in the series and even though I do feel like it was good as a standalone, I wish I would have read the other 3 first (or at least Sera and Bryce’s story). I recommend it whether you want to read it as a series or just as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
February 18, 2022
I read this as a stand-alone and whilst you don’t need to read the previous novels to understand the plot in this one I feel it may help add depth to the story. Otherwise a short little face-paced romance novel with a perfect balance of feelings and steam!
(I received this book for free through Voracious Readers Only)
(I received this book for free through Voracious Readers Only)
December 6, 2022
Loved Emily and Alessandro
This book took me away into its story almost immediately! The chemistry was high and it was a light, enjoyable read with plenty of steam! Although this is my first time reading this author’s work, it won’t be the last.
This book took me away into its story almost immediately! The chemistry was high and it was a light, enjoyable read with plenty of steam! Although this is my first time reading this author’s work, it won’t be the last.
February 22, 2023
This is my first time reading this author’s book, I was not disappointed. Thoroughly enjoy this book, bit short but still enough enjoyment and tension to keep me hooked. I look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you for allowing me to read.
February 25, 2022
Very well written and good character development. It was a quick read so it was important to take the author's word at the male leads history but it still felt like a hole in the story.
March 8, 2022
Short, sweet, delicious!
June 1, 2020
This may be short, but it pulled me in and had me from start to finish! Emily’s brother brings all his friends and family together to announce he has gotten married. Shocked into feeling the guilt of not being grounded, Emily does the unthinkable. She flirts and goes off with her new sister-in law’s ex, Alessandro. And not just on a date, but to Italy! Both of these free spirits find themselves falling, but neither will give in and say it. They definitely have obstacles, but will they find their way through them? This is my first Melanie A Smith book, and I will be going back and listening to the first 3 in this series. I loved this couple, fiery and impulsive, their chemistry is hot and immediate. Emily is definitely that artsy girl, and Alessandro is much the opposite, it’s the perfect match. Now just to let them realize it!
Monica King narrates this little gem, and she breathes life into these characters. Easy to distinguish
voices, fantastic emotional pull and that accent…it’s perfection! I loved every minute of this story!
Monica King narrates this little gem, and she breathes life into these characters. Easy to distinguish
voices, fantastic emotional pull and that accent…it’s perfection! I loved every minute of this story!
June 30, 2020
(audiobook) It was too short to get bored–and quite steamy–so I can’t really complain, but there wasn’t much story here. Characters were cardboard, not much conflict, quick resolution.
But if you want to listen to something short, hot, with a sexy Italian, that’s what you’re looking for. And for once, the ‘aggressive’ character is the woman, not the man.
Narration was good, especially the various voices. Not so much the Italian accent, I thought. But with a female narrator and a male Italian character, I suppose that was quite a challenge.
A nice quickie nonetheless!
Quickie
- Series: The safeguarded heart #4 (can be read as a standalone, but spoilers for the previous books of the series)
- Hashtags: #no strings attached #sexy italian #musician
- Triggers: N/A
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + hot hot hot with a woman on top
- – not much character development, but I suppose I’d have been more invested if I had read the previous books
But if you want to listen to something short, hot, with a sexy Italian, that’s what you’re looking for. And for once, the ‘aggressive’ character is the woman, not the man.
Narration was good, especially the various voices. Not so much the Italian accent, I thought. But with a female narrator and a male Italian character, I suppose that was quite a challenge.
A nice quickie nonetheless!
Quickie
- Series: The safeguarded heart #4 (can be read as a standalone, but spoilers for the previous books of the series)
- Hashtags: #no strings attached #sexy italian #musician
- Triggers: N/A
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + hot hot hot with a woman on top
- – not much character development, but I suppose I’d have been more invested if I had read the previous books
June 3, 2020
There are a lot of feels thrown into this short romance. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but didn't need to. I did wonder why Emily's brother would not like her hooking up with Alessandro, but it is a good stand alone. The two are obviously right for each other.
In this Audible version, I really enjoyed the voice of Emily. But the Italian accent of Alessandro was a little too much. Even then, I fell in love with Alessandro. Both characters were a joy to experience. All told, a very entertaining read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
In this Audible version, I really enjoyed the voice of Emily. But the Italian accent of Alessandro was a little too much. Even then, I fell in love with Alessandro. Both characters were a joy to experience. All told, a very entertaining read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 31, 2020
Wonderful!
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I loved the audio book so much that I had to read the book in print on jingle unlimited! I loved this book and I now have found a new author to add to my must read list! Emily and Alessandro are so impulsive and perfect for each other! This is a must read(and now I MUST go back and read the rest of the series! The audio version really does bring the book to life and really boosts the narrative in my eyes,
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I loved the audio book so much that I had to read the book in print on jingle unlimited! I loved this book and I now have found a new author to add to my must read list! Emily and Alessandro are so impulsive and perfect for each other! This is a must read(and now I MUST go back and read the rest of the series! The audio version really does bring the book to life and really boosts the narrative in my eyes,
June 23, 2020
Amazing audiobook. The narrator did exceptionally great job by performing all of the characters and I loved every word of this novel. It was somewhat on the shorter side but really just the perfect story while in between other books.
December 31, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed every moment. I loved Emily and Alessandro's story, it was quick but deliciously dirty. The narration was well done. Her Dirty Secret by Melanie A. Smith is an EPIC book that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed every moment. I loved Emily and Alessandro's story, it was quick but deliciously dirty. The narration was well done. Her Dirty Secret by Melanie A. Smith is an EPIC book that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
December 27, 2021
A fun combination of steamy scenes and real romance. Alessandro is someone I definitely didn't expect to like and Emily's insecurity is totally relatable so together they were a great match and I enjoyed watching them flourish.
Looking forward to checking out the other books in the series!
Looking forward to checking out the other books in the series!
December 21, 2021
*Disclaimer* I received a complimentary copy of this book.
The book was well written with satisfactory grammar and was well edited. It was a fast paced novella, with minimal drama. The book was set over the course of a few weeks, and had an ending, with no cliff hangers.
The book was an easy read, if you’re looking to kill a few hours.
The book was well written with satisfactory grammar and was well edited. It was a fast paced novella, with minimal drama. The book was set over the course of a few weeks, and had an ending, with no cliff hangers.
The book was an easy read, if you’re looking to kill a few hours.
June 9, 2020
I really loved this book. Who doesn't dream of falling in love on an Italian vacation? It was fun getting to know Emily a bit more, and I was glad to see Alessandro get a happy ending too. Perfect way to end the series.
February 11, 2020
Quick and steamy read.
Love the characters and first person was well done.
Love the characters and first person was well done.
December 7, 2021
Not so dirty
Love at first sight - they were definitely both surprised at themselves because neither expected it to happen. Both characters had questionable experiences in the past that left them in a bad place with future relationships.
Love at first sight - they were definitely both surprised at themselves because neither expected it to happen. Both characters had questionable experiences in the past that left them in a bad place with future relationships.
October 8, 2021
Emily Hoyt has a bad track record with relationships. She is shocked when gorgeous Italian Alessandro Giordano wants more than just a holiday fling. Why - when their situation is already complicated?
Easy dialogue flows smoothly between the well-defined and believable characters. A sexy, fun read.
(The author kindly made a copy of this novel available for review via Voracious Readers – with thanks).
Easy dialogue flows smoothly between the well-defined and believable characters. A sexy, fun read.
(The author kindly made a copy of this novel available for review via Voracious Readers – with thanks).
November 13, 2021
Quick, little romance novella. This is the perfect beach/airplane/light-weight read. These aren't really my normal, go-to reads but I was engaged from the start and found it easy to engage in the story.
This is also part of a series, which I was unaware of, however, it works as a standalone story. You won't feel lost and I believe you could pick up any one of the books in the series and continue on, if you wish.
Emily Hoyt is a flight, free-spirited musician with a string of failed relationships lining her past. That never mattered too much to her before until her brother's engagement sent her into a bit of a self-reflective tailspin. At the engagement party, she meets Alessandro, a super-sexy Italian made up of equal parts charm and arrogance. When he offers to sweep her away on a last-minute trip to Italy, she decides to throw caution to the wind and see what happens. However, while her intent was a fun little vacation fling, neither she nor Alessandro expected an insane amount of passion AND feelings to start breaking down the walls both of them had up.
I was gifted a copy of this to read by Voracious Readers for an honest review.
This is also part of a series, which I was unaware of, however, it works as a standalone story. You won't feel lost and I believe you could pick up any one of the books in the series and continue on, if you wish.
Emily Hoyt is a flight, free-spirited musician with a string of failed relationships lining her past. That never mattered too much to her before until her brother's engagement sent her into a bit of a self-reflective tailspin. At the engagement party, she meets Alessandro, a super-sexy Italian made up of equal parts charm and arrogance. When he offers to sweep her away on a last-minute trip to Italy, she decides to throw caution to the wind and see what happens. However, while her intent was a fun little vacation fling, neither she nor Alessandro expected an insane amount of passion AND feelings to start breaking down the walls both of them had up.
I was gifted a copy of this to read by Voracious Readers for an honest review.
August 31, 2019
Officially my first read by the author but I do have the previous books also, which I am getting to. So, yes I am jumping ahead but I think it'll be fine. Also, this author has been a long time follower of all my everything's and I want to thank her for always being there and this ARC!!
This was rather short obviously being a Novella so one sitting read and it was really steamy. Started off with Emily feeling like things in life may not happen to her...the relationship and marriage type. When she attends her brother's engagement party she runs into the infamous Alessandro and things kind of just GO from there on. From thinking of him of all the things she has heard and see her soon to be sister in law go through, she had him pegged one way and to a delightful surprise he was nothing like.
When Alessandro takes her home and doesn't follow what she is offering a IN THE MOMENT happens where she ends up going to Italy with him on a whim. Then the ADVENTURE begins! It's a short but sexy story and for it being my first read, it was very enjoyable. Like I said at the beginning I do have the whole series to catch up on too!!
"You have a fire in you." -Alessandro
Rating: 4.5★
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Recommended: ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
June 24, 2022
Unputdownable 😥
This 4th book was a wonderful addition to the Safeguarded Heart series and I found to be just as captivating and creative. It is suppose to be a stand-alone but books 1 to 3 is a must 👌 so get them if you can, you will not regret it.
It was nice to catch up with Serafina and Bryce's lives even though the story's focus is on Emily and Alessandro.
The characters and the plot was simply wonderfully written and I loved every single moment, it simply held me in its grasp from start to finish. The Chemistry, passion and love between Alessandro and Emily is sensational, intoxicating and magnetic. They were both at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives when they were trying to get past the pain of lost love, self doubt, regrettable mistakes and other questionable experiences was still affecting their ability to readily trust and commit to future relationships.
Their story shows that it is possible for two broken souls to come together and heal each other's ❤heart (Kindred spirits) I loved Alessandro in the previous books and I want him to be happy but I just didn’t think he was right for Serafina. Now he has his perfect love match with Emily. Their HEA is long time coming and ecstatic for them.
Melanie A. Smith you are brilliant 👏 and so were the narrators for all four books.
Thanks for the free audio codes. They were absolutely heartbreaking, dramatic, suspenseful, but a delightfully stimulating and enjoyable listen
This 4th book was a wonderful addition to the Safeguarded Heart series and I found to be just as captivating and creative. It is suppose to be a stand-alone but books 1 to 3 is a must 👌 so get them if you can, you will not regret it.
It was nice to catch up with Serafina and Bryce's lives even though the story's focus is on Emily and Alessandro.
The characters and the plot was simply wonderfully written and I loved every single moment, it simply held me in its grasp from start to finish. The Chemistry, passion and love between Alessandro and Emily is sensational, intoxicating and magnetic. They were both at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives when they were trying to get past the pain of lost love, self doubt, regrettable mistakes and other questionable experiences was still affecting their ability to readily trust and commit to future relationships.
Their story shows that it is possible for two broken souls to come together and heal each other's ❤heart (Kindred spirits) I loved Alessandro in the previous books and I want him to be happy but I just didn’t think he was right for Serafina. Now he has his perfect love match with Emily. Their HEA is long time coming and ecstatic for them.
Melanie A. Smith you are brilliant 👏 and so were the narrators for all four books.
Thanks for the free audio codes. They were absolutely heartbreaking, dramatic, suspenseful, but a delightfully stimulating and enjoyable listen
November 14, 2021
It was a good story but too short. Having said that, I have realized that this is the ending story of two characters that had introductions in previous books. I was given a free copy for review so had no beforehand knowledge of Emily or Alessandro. Although it's promoted as a standalone, I believe that it's lacks completeness without the back story of the characters. Otherwise, a good steamy romance between two individuals known to "not do" relationships because of previous baggage and the "one" that turns them around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews