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Visitation, North Carolina #2
The Secret Life Of Bryan
Jaded bounty hunter Bryan Kelly is head-over-hormones in lust with a woman. . .and what she does to his senses is criminal.
Double Trouble
Bryan Kelly has a few rules. Rule #1: Women are for fun, not commitment. Rule #2: He'll do anything for his twin brother, even switch places with him to find out who's sabotaging his charity. But playing a really good guy isn't easy around a luscious Shay Sommers. Which brings him to Rule #3: If you can't avoid temptation, succumb with abandon...
Society pages icon Shay Sommers has made her name in charity work. And she'll go to any length to help these girls from the inside out. It certainly won't be hard to act the street siren with the gorgeous man who runs the place, even if he does seem less like a shepherd and much more like a wolf...one with a hungry look that's making Shay feel she might be his next dinner...
Double Trouble
Bryan Kelly has a few rules. Rule #1: Women are for fun, not commitment. Rule #2: He'll do anything for his twin brother, even switch places with him to find out who's sabotaging his charity. But playing a really good guy isn't easy around a luscious Shay Sommers. Which brings him to Rule #3: If you can't avoid temptation, succumb with abandon...
Society pages icon Shay Sommers has made her name in charity work. And she'll go to any length to help these girls from the inside out. It certainly won't be hard to act the street siren with the gorgeous man who runs the place, even if he does seem less like a shepherd and much more like a wolf...one with a hungry look that's making Shay feel she might be his next dinner...
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First published March 1, 2004
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About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 20, 2025
This was a quick, easy read. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the characters too. I don’t think the storyline was what I had in mind but it was very enjoyable.
September 26, 2010
Ok, but I can't recommend buying it.
I loved Shay's personality and her actions. I did not like how the author separated Shay and Bryan after they got together. The plot was ok, but nothing surprised or delighted me. I can't put my finger on what was missing, other than the feeling that the author was just churning out another book, similar to her prior work.
Story brief: Shay is a wealthy contributor to charitable causes. She is in a seedy part of town one evening, and the rain makes her clothes appear see-through. Bryan sees her and thinks she is a prostitute and takes her to a nearby safe house. Bryan is a bounty hunter, pretending to be his twin brother, Bruce, who is a preacher. Bruce had been beaten up, and Bryan is trying to find the bad guy. Bryan lets Shay think he is a preacher. Shay initially lets him think she is a prostitute. Shay wants to stay in the safe house for awhile to see how she can help the other women.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
I loved Shay's honesty and directness. Initially she lets Bryan think she is a prostitute, but soon after she tells him she is not. When he asks her name she says "I can't tell you." He asks why. She says "Because if I told you the truth, you'd hate me. And you were being so nice to me, I didn't want you to send me away. I wanted to get to know you better." Later, when he asks again, she says she will tell him later. To me, this is honorable. She is not lying. She is simply telling him that she chooses not to tell him for awhile. I loved it.
What I did not like was the author's method of separating the couple after they had sex. A reporter called Shay by her name in front of Bryan. Bryan was mad and said "You lied to me." (because she hadn't told him her name.) However, per the previous paragraph, she had been open about not telling him. Besides, he had gotten to know the real person who was different, wonderful and much better than the Shay negatively and incorrectly portrayed by the media. Bryan then left her and stayed away from her which was wrong and illogical. She grieved because of this.
I loved Shay's directness. From the very beginning she was the one to initiate the first kiss, and later kisses and to say that she wanted him. Toward the end, she was the first one to say "I love you." She said it matter-of-factly without expecting any words back from him. She was a neat lady.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: current day Ohio and Visitation, N. Carolina. Copyright: 2004. Genre: contemporary romance with a little suspense.
I loved Shay's personality and her actions. I did not like how the author separated Shay and Bryan after they got together. The plot was ok, but nothing surprised or delighted me. I can't put my finger on what was missing, other than the feeling that the author was just churning out another book, similar to her prior work.
Story brief: Shay is a wealthy contributor to charitable causes. She is in a seedy part of town one evening, and the rain makes her clothes appear see-through. Bryan sees her and thinks she is a prostitute and takes her to a nearby safe house. Bryan is a bounty hunter, pretending to be his twin brother, Bruce, who is a preacher. Bruce had been beaten up, and Bryan is trying to find the bad guy. Bryan lets Shay think he is a preacher. Shay initially lets him think she is a prostitute. Shay wants to stay in the safe house for awhile to see how she can help the other women.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
I loved Shay's honesty and directness. Initially she lets Bryan think she is a prostitute, but soon after she tells him she is not. When he asks her name she says "I can't tell you." He asks why. She says "Because if I told you the truth, you'd hate me. And you were being so nice to me, I didn't want you to send me away. I wanted to get to know you better." Later, when he asks again, she says she will tell him later. To me, this is honorable. She is not lying. She is simply telling him that she chooses not to tell him for awhile. I loved it.
What I did not like was the author's method of separating the couple after they had sex. A reporter called Shay by her name in front of Bryan. Bryan was mad and said "You lied to me." (because she hadn't told him her name.) However, per the previous paragraph, she had been open about not telling him. Besides, he had gotten to know the real person who was different, wonderful and much better than the Shay negatively and incorrectly portrayed by the media. Bryan then left her and stayed away from her which was wrong and illogical. She grieved because of this.
I loved Shay's directness. From the very beginning she was the one to initiate the first kiss, and later kisses and to say that she wanted him. Toward the end, she was the first one to say "I love you." She said it matter-of-factly without expecting any words back from him. She was a neat lady.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: current day Ohio and Visitation, N. Carolina. Copyright: 2004. Genre: contemporary romance with a little suspense.
October 28, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 12, 2017
Bryan is definitely the kind of preacher I want in my life.
Crass talking, alpha type male in the possessiveness he has with Shay early on and throughout the book, but one that also has more of what I like in him, in terms of the heart of gold he displays. The way he wants to help these women who he is now in charge of while keeping secrets from them in order to protect his brother.
He was a great hero just as Shay, with her stubbornness, assertiveness, and downright sassiness at times, made for a great heroine.
This story is pretty formulaic of the genre it finds itself in, with romantic suspense, there was nothing in that regard that stood out, but it is also very true to other books this author has written before this one and even after, which honestly makes it work for me. I know what I'm getting with this author. She always delivers, only this time, she delivered on the best "man of God" ever.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the part that the ladies play in this book. The ones Bryan's brother Bruce, along with Shay and Bryan are trying to save and protect. They brought the best elements of humor to an otherwise stressful situation and I enjoyed that almost as much as I did these two stubborn people finding love.
Crass talking, alpha type male in the possessiveness he has with Shay early on and throughout the book, but one that also has more of what I like in him, in terms of the heart of gold he displays. The way he wants to help these women who he is now in charge of while keeping secrets from them in order to protect his brother.
He was a great hero just as Shay, with her stubbornness, assertiveness, and downright sassiness at times, made for a great heroine.
This story is pretty formulaic of the genre it finds itself in, with romantic suspense, there was nothing in that regard that stood out, but it is also very true to other books this author has written before this one and even after, which honestly makes it work for me. I know what I'm getting with this author. She always delivers, only this time, she delivered on the best "man of God" ever.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the part that the ladies play in this book. The ones Bryan's brother Bruce, along with Shay and Bryan are trying to save and protect. They brought the best elements of humor to an otherwise stressful situation and I enjoyed that almost as much as I did these two stubborn people finding love.
March 4, 2012
The Visitation, North Carolina series by Lori Foster really isn't turning out at all like I expected. When I picked up this set of books I thought they would be light, humorous reads. Nothing too serious. Just lots of silly, laugh out loud moments. There still are some really funny moments and absurd conversations and situations that get you snickering but the books are much more serious than I would have guessed. With serious subject matters that society tends to push under the run. You really just can't judge a book by it's cover. Even though they've been a bit of a surprise I'm enjoying the series so far.
With The Secret Life of Bryan we get a preacher in hiding, a bounty hunter pretending to be a preacher, a fake hooker and a bunch of lusty, flirty, grabby ex prostitutes all thrown in together which ends up in some rather odd conversations and situations.
"You look great, too, Morganna."
"I know, sugar. I can't help it." She winked. "It's not the digs, but the body underneath."
"Exactly," Bryan said, agreeing with her.
She gave an evil grin. "I probably shouldn't tell, but it's only the top layer that's spiffed up anyway, because I ain't giving up my sexy undies for no one. I just wouldn't be me without a little leopard print or peekaboo lace or leather."
Bryan raised a brow."Leather?"
"Yeah, you think that's sexy, doncha?"
Patti swatted at her. "He's a preacher, idiot."
"He's still a man." She drawled that out, trying to make Bran blush, Shay knew.
Instead, he said, "Actually, I'm more partial to cotton. Soft cotton. But every guy is different."
The women went mute for a single second before Morganna roared with laughter. "A simple man, huh? Well, as you said, to each her own."
"You should wear whatever you want underneath, Morganna." he said in encouragement. "Whatever makes you feel good."
Patti giggled in coy, rehearsed delight. "Nothing at all makes me feel good, so I'm bare as a baby underneath."
Bryan looked dumbfounded.
"Shay said it was okay, long as I remember not to bend over--"
"So Bryan," Shay rushed out, interrupting Patti's awesome admission.
After his twin brother, Bruce, is attacked Bryan takes over his brother's identity so he can figure who is after both his brother and the charity he runs. His brother, the Preacher, runs a women's safe house for ladies trying to turn their lives around and get themselves off the streets. Bryan has his hands full, to say the least, with these ladies while trying to act the part of the innocent preacher. Not an easy thing for a bad ass, foul mouthed bounty hunter.
Bryan and Shay are both great people. She's a natural nurturer and spends her time helping women get their lives back. She becomes friends with all of the women staying at he safe house and uses her own resources to help build their confidence and find good jobs. She looks out for them, greets them when they get back home, gives them hugs and sees that meals become a group affair. Just shows them that someone does care about them and that they're worth it. Even though he doesn't always see it Bryan is just as good with the women. He's the first man who doesn't want anything from the women and is actually there for them when they need help, protection or just a friend. It was touching to see the changes in the women at the safe house. How excited they were about getting the chance for a decent job, going to the library, celebrating birthdays and just experiencing normal every day life experiences they've never really gotten a chance to have. Knowing they were safe and someone cared about them and what happened to them.
Relationship-wise things were pretty steamy between Shay and Bryan. I'm really not a fan of the hidden identity storyline and both characters were doing just that even if they were doing so for a good reason. It always blows up in their faces at the worst time and just grates on my nerves a little. When things finally did come out in the open I was pretty disappointed in Bryan and his reaction to the news especially since he had been just as dishonest with Shay. He completely abandoned her to the wolves even though she really needed him. Very hypocritical of him and a let down since he really isn't the type of man to leave a woman in need. Shay definitely handled Bryan's deception much better than he did and I was pretty proud of her for that. The reveal of who the real preacher was and Bryan and Shay's reunion was entertaining. Has me interested in Bruce too.
"Don't tease, Bryan." And again she wigled close enough to kiss him. When he tried to pull back, she bit his bottom lip.
It was... quite erotic. Who knew? Biting. Hmmm.
Suddenly the driver's door opened and Bryan slid in. His brother looked like a thundercloud. "Get off her, Bruce."
Bruce almost sputtered. "I'm trying."
Shay jereked back but retained her hold on Bruce.
With a knowing look, Bryan growled, "Honey, let my brother go before he faints."
She looked ready to scream. Or pass out. Or both.
The villain behind the attacks on the charity and Bryan's brother was somewhat easy to figure out. There was one little surprise that I didn't see coming right there at the end but for the most part it's easy to see what's coming. I don't read Foster for the great suspense though but instead for the wonderful characters she creates and The Secret Life of Bryan did not disappoint.
Originally posted at Herding Cats & Burning Soup
With The Secret Life of Bryan we get a preacher in hiding, a bounty hunter pretending to be a preacher, a fake hooker and a bunch of lusty, flirty, grabby ex prostitutes all thrown in together which ends up in some rather odd conversations and situations.
"You look great, too, Morganna."
"I know, sugar. I can't help it." She winked. "It's not the digs, but the body underneath."
"Exactly," Bryan said, agreeing with her.
She gave an evil grin. "I probably shouldn't tell, but it's only the top layer that's spiffed up anyway, because I ain't giving up my sexy undies for no one. I just wouldn't be me without a little leopard print or peekaboo lace or leather."
Bryan raised a brow."Leather?"
"Yeah, you think that's sexy, doncha?"
Patti swatted at her. "He's a preacher, idiot."
"He's still a man." She drawled that out, trying to make Bran blush, Shay knew.
Instead, he said, "Actually, I'm more partial to cotton. Soft cotton. But every guy is different."
The women went mute for a single second before Morganna roared with laughter. "A simple man, huh? Well, as you said, to each her own."
"You should wear whatever you want underneath, Morganna." he said in encouragement. "Whatever makes you feel good."
Patti giggled in coy, rehearsed delight. "Nothing at all makes me feel good, so I'm bare as a baby underneath."
Bryan looked dumbfounded.
"Shay said it was okay, long as I remember not to bend over--"
"So Bryan," Shay rushed out, interrupting Patti's awesome admission.
After his twin brother, Bruce, is attacked Bryan takes over his brother's identity so he can figure who is after both his brother and the charity he runs. His brother, the Preacher, runs a women's safe house for ladies trying to turn their lives around and get themselves off the streets. Bryan has his hands full, to say the least, with these ladies while trying to act the part of the innocent preacher. Not an easy thing for a bad ass, foul mouthed bounty hunter.
Bryan and Shay are both great people. She's a natural nurturer and spends her time helping women get their lives back. She becomes friends with all of the women staying at he safe house and uses her own resources to help build their confidence and find good jobs. She looks out for them, greets them when they get back home, gives them hugs and sees that meals become a group affair. Just shows them that someone does care about them and that they're worth it. Even though he doesn't always see it Bryan is just as good with the women. He's the first man who doesn't want anything from the women and is actually there for them when they need help, protection or just a friend. It was touching to see the changes in the women at the safe house. How excited they were about getting the chance for a decent job, going to the library, celebrating birthdays and just experiencing normal every day life experiences they've never really gotten a chance to have. Knowing they were safe and someone cared about them and what happened to them.
Relationship-wise things were pretty steamy between Shay and Bryan. I'm really not a fan of the hidden identity storyline and both characters were doing just that even if they were doing so for a good reason. It always blows up in their faces at the worst time and just grates on my nerves a little. When things finally did come out in the open I was pretty disappointed in Bryan and his reaction to the news especially since he had been just as dishonest with Shay. He completely abandoned her to the wolves even though she really needed him. Very hypocritical of him and a let down since he really isn't the type of man to leave a woman in need. Shay definitely handled Bryan's deception much better than he did and I was pretty proud of her for that. The reveal of who the real preacher was and Bryan and Shay's reunion was entertaining. Has me interested in Bruce too.
"Don't tease, Bryan." And again she wigled close enough to kiss him. When he tried to pull back, she bit his bottom lip.
It was... quite erotic. Who knew? Biting. Hmmm.
Suddenly the driver's door opened and Bryan slid in. His brother looked like a thundercloud. "Get off her, Bruce."
Bruce almost sputtered. "I'm trying."
Shay jereked back but retained her hold on Bruce.
With a knowing look, Bryan growled, "Honey, let my brother go before he faints."
She looked ready to scream. Or pass out. Or both.
The villain behind the attacks on the charity and Bryan's brother was somewhat easy to figure out. There was one little surprise that I didn't see coming right there at the end but for the most part it's easy to see what's coming. I don't read Foster for the great suspense though but instead for the wonderful characters she creates and The Secret Life of Bryan did not disappoint.
Originally posted at Herding Cats & Burning Soup
October 24, 2017
Bryan Kelly, bounty hunter from the previous book in the series is pretending to be his twin brother, Bruce, a preacher who runs a safe house for women in need. He's trying to find the person who assaulted his brother by acting as bait while "being" Bruce. Unfortunately, Bryan is no preacher and this shows in his interactions with the prostitutes living in the safe house and with one woman in particular, Shay Sommers (who we met in the introductory novella to this series). Shay also helps women in need, but she's uber-wealthy and Bryan mistook her for a prostitute before revealing his prejudices against the wealthy and particularly his perspective on her after all her media coverage. So Shay, who is determined to help and equally determined to get to know Bryan in and out of bed, continues to pretend to be a woman in need, so she can stay in the safe house and with Bryan. But her secrets may come back to bite her in the ass. As Bryan becomes closer and closer to Shay, Shay's deceit could have an even greater impact.
Not my favorite story ever, but it was engaging for the most part. In a different twist, we have the heroine as the aggressor and poor Bryan trying to do the right thing, remember he's supposed to be a preacher and keep his hands to himself. Shay refuses to take no for an answer and gets pretty assertive about her wants and needs. Likewise Bryan is also on the receiving end of a lot of attention from the prostitutes living in the safe house...which was a bit of a bother for me, mostly because the author portrays these women as either scared and broken or brassy and vulgar. In fact, she pretty much insinuates that prostitutes are sexually needy and are seeking out sex when they're not "working." These women are definitely stereotypes. Which has me wondering how Bryan didn't immediately see the difference with Shay...for such a smart detective like type, he kept himself pretty ignorant about who Shay was. All it would have taken was a little bit of digging and he'd have known all her secrets, but he doesn't do it. Which didn't strike me as in character for him. I also couldn't help but wonder how Shay didn't realize that Bryan wasn't actually a preacher...I mean sure there are preachers who are okay with swearing, but not many men of God would have a box of condoms on their nightstand table and be totally fine with having premarital sex. That would be a dead giveaway I'd think. These little things all added up and made this just an average story for me. I'm curious about Bruce though, and will continue the story. I'm mostly curious about Jamie. That man intrigues me, so well done author.
Not my favorite story ever, but it was engaging for the most part. In a different twist, we have the heroine as the aggressor and poor Bryan trying to do the right thing, remember he's supposed to be a preacher and keep his hands to himself. Shay refuses to take no for an answer and gets pretty assertive about her wants and needs. Likewise Bryan is also on the receiving end of a lot of attention from the prostitutes living in the safe house...which was a bit of a bother for me, mostly because the author portrays these women as either scared and broken or brassy and vulgar. In fact, she pretty much insinuates that prostitutes are sexually needy and are seeking out sex when they're not "working." These women are definitely stereotypes. Which has me wondering how Bryan didn't immediately see the difference with Shay...for such a smart detective like type, he kept himself pretty ignorant about who Shay was. All it would have taken was a little bit of digging and he'd have known all her secrets, but he doesn't do it. Which didn't strike me as in character for him. I also couldn't help but wonder how Shay didn't realize that Bryan wasn't actually a preacher...I mean sure there are preachers who are okay with swearing, but not many men of God would have a box of condoms on their nightstand table and be totally fine with having premarital sex. That would be a dead giveaway I'd think. These little things all added up and made this just an average story for me. I'm curious about Bruce though, and will continue the story. I'm mostly curious about Jamie. That man intrigues me, so well done author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2010
Bounty hunter Bryan Kelly has a few rules. Rule # 1: Women are for fun, not commitment. He's been jilted too many times for that. Rule #2: He'll do anything for his twin brother, even switch places in order to find out who wants to sabotage the naive preacher's charity organization. Playing benefactor to a bunch of sassy, flirtatious prostitutes means that Bryan will have to be his brother - in every way that counts. But then, he hadn't counted on Shay Sommers. Keeping his cool around the luscious lady of the night with the big heart is doing nothing to keep his thoughts pure, which brings him to Rule #3: If you can't avoid temptation, succumb with abandon...Being mistaken for a hooker. Well that's certainly a new one for Shay. The society pages icon has made her name in charity work. Still, this could be her chance to help these girls from the inside out, if she can play the part just right. It certainly won't be hard to act the street siren with the gorgeous preacher who runs the place, even if he does seem less like a shepherd and much more like a wolf in a clerical collar...one with a hungry look that's making Shay feel she might be his next dinner.
December 14, 2013
The second book in the Visitation, North Carolina series by Lori Foster. Bryan Kelly is a bounty hunter we met in the first book of the series, Say No To Joe. Bryan is posing as his preacher brother, Bruce, to catch the person who has attacked his brother. Shay Sommers is a widow who tries to help prostitutes get a better life. Bryan thinks she's a prostitute and she thinks he's a preacher. I enjoy Ms Foster's blend of romance and humor with the suspense element. It works for me.
August 20, 2010
I really do like Lori Foster's books and this was the first I've read in the "Visitation" series (my library didn't have #1 so I started here). The only problem I had with this one, is that everything about Shay and Bryan's romance was based on lies and deceit, and I got really tired of the "I'm going to tell him, but not yet . . . " scenario. Won't stop me from reading more in the series though.
February 14, 2017
pues el libro me ha gustado mucho.... aunque menos que el de joe...
lo malo del libro, es que bryan me cansa hablando de joe como si fuera dios...
aun asi, ha sido un libro muy muy entretenido
mi nota un 7.5
lo malo del libro, es que bryan me cansa hablando de joe como si fuera dios...
aun asi, ha sido un libro muy muy entretenido
mi nota un 7.5
February 12, 2018
Unlike most Lori Foster books, this one took me a really long time to get into. A really long time. I don’t know what it was but I just wasn’t connecting to it, the storyline, or the characters. Just something was off for me.
I think the big thing for me was that both Bryan and Shay were basically deceiving each other of who they truly were. Bryan by pretending to be his twin brother and Shay pretending to not be a famous socialite that Bryan admitted not being to crazy about based on what he heard in the papers about her. I could handled it better if it was just one was doing the deception, but it was both. I understood why they did what they did, but I just felt it was too much, and I thought that Bryan was being way too hypocritical when he found out the truth about Shay.
Also I wasn’t too find with the storyline either with the prostitutes either. It wasn’t the subject matter per say, and I liked that Shay wanted to help these women, but the fact was that part of the story took up too much of the first half of the book, and there was less build up in the romance portion of the book. The attraction and connection were there, but it wasn’t overly romantic either. Usually Lori Foster creates a balance between the outside storyline and the romance, but in this case, at least in the beginning, I just felt that took over to much of the story. I wanted more of Bryan and Shay together.
The story got much better once the romance came on display, and that started with them coming together in a very passionate love scene. It was very hot and sexy yet at the same time there was meaning between them at that very special moment. This was where I could see them as a couple, and them actually working as a couple. They had insane chemistry that translated into the their first time together. It was worth all that first half of the book, and it was so satisfying. Also that was where the focus became after that point from the last third on.
I did like Shay and Bryan, and once they were together as couple I liked them even more, but I have to admit that Shay was a little too over the top in the beginning. She was almost too forward especially with Bryan, even when she thought he was a preacher. Now, I am all for a heroine to know what she wanted and going after it hard, but in this case it was just a little too much. Too in your face. It wasn’t until her vulnerabilities and insecurities were on display that I enjoyed her a whole heck of a lot more. She just felt like a more complete person. I could also understand more about her and appreciate her forwardness in the beginning. But I liked her mostly because of her heart of gold and just how far she was willing to go to help these women. She did things without expecting anything in return just out of the goodness of her heart. She wanted to do more in the world, and she did. So once the complete picture came into display with her then I liked her a lot more.
As for Bryan I really liked him, even from the beginning. I loved seeing the interaction between him and his brother Bruce and just that bond they had. Bryan went undercover for his twin because he wanted to know who was going after his brother so he was willing to put himself in danger in order to do so even if that meant being a preacher. Bryan had a gruff and rough and tough side to him, but there was also a sweetness and tenderness to him that I couldn’t help swoon over. He had a Rae ally caring heart, and I liked seeing that side to him as well as his protective side.
Even though I was disappointed for a majority of the book, I did enjoy it. The last third of the story, in my opinion was the best part of the story. It was the turning point that really got me there, and all the stuff that had happened previously was almost worth it to get to that point in the story. If that turning point hadn’t happened, then I don’t think I would have liked this book or its story. I was so happy that a stuck it out and made it all the way, which just made it all the more satisfying. Once Bryan and Shay were a couple and building this relationship together was when I finally got it, and it turned my entire prospective around about this book. This may not have been my favorite Lori Foster book, but it was still good.
Can’t wait to read Bruce’s book when it comes out in the near future. I’m definitely curious to see how his love story will play out especially since he denied that in his life for quite awhile. It should be an interesting ride.
I think the big thing for me was that both Bryan and Shay were basically deceiving each other of who they truly were. Bryan by pretending to be his twin brother and Shay pretending to not be a famous socialite that Bryan admitted not being to crazy about based on what he heard in the papers about her. I could handled it better if it was just one was doing the deception, but it was both. I understood why they did what they did, but I just felt it was too much, and I thought that Bryan was being way too hypocritical when he found out the truth about Shay.
Also I wasn’t too find with the storyline either with the prostitutes either. It wasn’t the subject matter per say, and I liked that Shay wanted to help these women, but the fact was that part of the story took up too much of the first half of the book, and there was less build up in the romance portion of the book. The attraction and connection were there, but it wasn’t overly romantic either. Usually Lori Foster creates a balance between the outside storyline and the romance, but in this case, at least in the beginning, I just felt that took over to much of the story. I wanted more of Bryan and Shay together.
The story got much better once the romance came on display, and that started with them coming together in a very passionate love scene. It was very hot and sexy yet at the same time there was meaning between them at that very special moment. This was where I could see them as a couple, and them actually working as a couple. They had insane chemistry that translated into the their first time together. It was worth all that first half of the book, and it was so satisfying. Also that was where the focus became after that point from the last third on.
I did like Shay and Bryan, and once they were together as couple I liked them even more, but I have to admit that Shay was a little too over the top in the beginning. She was almost too forward especially with Bryan, even when she thought he was a preacher. Now, I am all for a heroine to know what she wanted and going after it hard, but in this case it was just a little too much. Too in your face. It wasn’t until her vulnerabilities and insecurities were on display that I enjoyed her a whole heck of a lot more. She just felt like a more complete person. I could also understand more about her and appreciate her forwardness in the beginning. But I liked her mostly because of her heart of gold and just how far she was willing to go to help these women. She did things without expecting anything in return just out of the goodness of her heart. She wanted to do more in the world, and she did. So once the complete picture came into display with her then I liked her a lot more.
As for Bryan I really liked him, even from the beginning. I loved seeing the interaction between him and his brother Bruce and just that bond they had. Bryan went undercover for his twin because he wanted to know who was going after his brother so he was willing to put himself in danger in order to do so even if that meant being a preacher. Bryan had a gruff and rough and tough side to him, but there was also a sweetness and tenderness to him that I couldn’t help swoon over. He had a Rae ally caring heart, and I liked seeing that side to him as well as his protective side.
Even though I was disappointed for a majority of the book, I did enjoy it. The last third of the story, in my opinion was the best part of the story. It was the turning point that really got me there, and all the stuff that had happened previously was almost worth it to get to that point in the story. If that turning point hadn’t happened, then I don’t think I would have liked this book or its story. I was so happy that a stuck it out and made it all the way, which just made it all the more satisfying. Once Bryan and Shay were a couple and building this relationship together was when I finally got it, and it turned my entire prospective around about this book. This may not have been my favorite Lori Foster book, but it was still good.
Can’t wait to read Bruce’s book when it comes out in the near future. I’m definitely curious to see how his love story will play out especially since he denied that in his life for quite awhile. It should be an interesting ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2018
Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless
When I first encountered Shay in Fantasy she was the strong-willed, loving sister of Brandi and I will admit to hoping that Shay would get her own story one day. She is so determined, driven and certain of her path in life that I knew, even then, that she’d need a hero who was even stronger than she is. Then Bryan showed up in Joe’s story and my imagination went… hmm, I wonder if. It would be hard to find a more stubborn, stronger, driven hero than Bryan. Together they are explosive — two strong, stubborn people who are not exactly who or what they reveal to each other.
Now, to be frank, I’m not a huge fan of the “living a lie for a good reason” romance. Even in fiction, love is a fragile thing and lies upon lies just damage that emotion for me. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I completely got why Bryan and Shay were pretending to be what they were not naturally. It’s simply at some point those lies are going to come back to bite them on the butt… and it’s gonna hurt, big time. Yet, it truly did work well for this particular couple… it added an edge to an already tense storyline – mainly because the reader is constantly thinking “Tell her or Tell him” knowing what that lie will mean to the relationship. As expected, the truth blows up in their faces at the worst possible moment. I understood Bryan’s reaction, even if I did think it was a bit hypocritical since his lie was just as bad. Shay’s devastation can be felt so clearly, and I hurt for them both in that moment.
We get the chance to meet up with Joe and Luna, and others from the earlier stories… and of course, Jamie. As well as some hints for what is to come. I completely enjoyed my time with Bryan and Shay in The Secret Life of Bryan. They are hot, hot-headed, tender and prickly, and exactly what the other needs in their life. There are villains to figure out, some might not be as obvious as others, a really good, believable twin switch situation and lots of steamy moments. I was captured by several elements of this story and I believe you will be, too. I’d recommend The Secret Life of Bryan and the entire Visitation, North Carolina series to any Contemporary Romance reader who loves a good romance, believable characters, a host of secondary characters who bring the story alive and a puzzle to figure out. A romance doesn’t have to be ‘hot off the presses’ to capture my attention or guarantee my enjoyment, and this classic proves that very well.
I own a Kindle edition of this story,
When I first encountered Shay in Fantasy she was the strong-willed, loving sister of Brandi and I will admit to hoping that Shay would get her own story one day. She is so determined, driven and certain of her path in life that I knew, even then, that she’d need a hero who was even stronger than she is. Then Bryan showed up in Joe’s story and my imagination went… hmm, I wonder if. It would be hard to find a more stubborn, stronger, driven hero than Bryan. Together they are explosive — two strong, stubborn people who are not exactly who or what they reveal to each other.
Now, to be frank, I’m not a huge fan of the “living a lie for a good reason” romance. Even in fiction, love is a fragile thing and lies upon lies just damage that emotion for me. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I completely got why Bryan and Shay were pretending to be what they were not naturally. It’s simply at some point those lies are going to come back to bite them on the butt… and it’s gonna hurt, big time. Yet, it truly did work well for this particular couple… it added an edge to an already tense storyline – mainly because the reader is constantly thinking “Tell her or Tell him” knowing what that lie will mean to the relationship. As expected, the truth blows up in their faces at the worst possible moment. I understood Bryan’s reaction, even if I did think it was a bit hypocritical since his lie was just as bad. Shay’s devastation can be felt so clearly, and I hurt for them both in that moment.
We get the chance to meet up with Joe and Luna, and others from the earlier stories… and of course, Jamie. As well as some hints for what is to come. I completely enjoyed my time with Bryan and Shay in The Secret Life of Bryan. They are hot, hot-headed, tender and prickly, and exactly what the other needs in their life. There are villains to figure out, some might not be as obvious as others, a really good, believable twin switch situation and lots of steamy moments. I was captured by several elements of this story and I believe you will be, too. I’d recommend The Secret Life of Bryan and the entire Visitation, North Carolina series to any Contemporary Romance reader who loves a good romance, believable characters, a host of secondary characters who bring the story alive and a puzzle to figure out. A romance doesn’t have to be ‘hot off the presses’ to capture my attention or guarantee my enjoyment, and this classic proves that very well.
I own a Kindle edition of this story,
April 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. For it gave you a perspective of a twin taking the others place. Talk about a ride to see. Poor Bryan. They say you need to walk a mile in someone's shoes to learn and I think Bryan did. For meeting the "crown princess" as Shay was dubbed tested Bryan. Its a book filled with laughter and in some ways education. Alot of people don't end up were there by choice all the time. Its full of action and definitely suspense. We get to meet the infomase Jamie. Can't wait to read his story. There is alot of surprises in the story. We get to meet his twin Bruce on and off. Can't wait to read his story. I loved Shay. Watching Bryan fall for her was a joy to watch for he was pretending to be his brother. Talk about a challenge. Shay's character was special. For to many times people see the outside not the inside. Its funny how people are. I look forward to finding another
February 29, 2020
Whilst I sort of enjoyed this I expected more after meeting Bryan in book 1.
The background story was really good but I just didn't click with these two as a couple, they seemed mismatched.
I only really liked them after the lies were out in the open but found it silly Bryan didn’t twig Shay was not a prostitute and Shay didn’t twig Bryan wasn't a preacher.
Starting out with lies you know it is going to blow up but how Bryan reacts was very poor. Bruce was a better man in behaviour.
Shay was okay, I could feel where she was coming from and how she really needed to be understood for who she really is but she just accepted being ignored for two weeks.
The background story was really good but I just didn't click with these two as a couple, they seemed mismatched.
I only really liked them after the lies were out in the open but found it silly Bryan didn’t twig Shay was not a prostitute and Shay didn’t twig Bryan wasn't a preacher.
Starting out with lies you know it is going to blow up but how Bryan reacts was very poor. Bruce was a better man in behaviour.
Shay was okay, I could feel where she was coming from and how she really needed to be understood for who she really is but she just accepted being ignored for two weeks.
March 14, 2020
Bryan Kelly is undercover pretending to be his twin brother, the Preacher. Bryan is looking for the guy who beat his brother up but pretending to be a preacher may be a little bit too much for the bounty hunter. Especially when he meets Shay Sommers. Shay has secrets of her own. When they first meet, Bryan thinks she is a prostitute. How does she convince him she's not a prostitute? Will Bryan find the guy who jumped his brother? Is it the same person who is now after Shay? Can Bryan protect Shay? The Secret Life of Bryan is a delightful story.
January 17, 2024
I picked this book up from the library discard pile because my husband’s name is Bryan. 😆
I got 40 pages in…. Bryan’s * m0rdered cheating * first wife is named …. Megan. 🥸
The coincidence level was uncanny. Creepy even. 😅
The actual book wasn’t a thrilling read. H00kers using the words bawdy and toots… I had to check the publishing date. It was older but not toots older, lol.
3/5, not a re-read. I’m tempted to shelf it solely because of the creepy name situation, but may pass it on.
4hrs, paperback.
I got 40 pages in…. Bryan’s * m0rdered cheating * first wife is named …. Megan. 🥸
The coincidence level was uncanny. Creepy even. 😅
The actual book wasn’t a thrilling read. H00kers using the words bawdy and toots… I had to check the publishing date. It was older but not toots older, lol.
3/5, not a re-read. I’m tempted to shelf it solely because of the creepy name situation, but may pass it on.
4hrs, paperback.
December 31, 2018
Great read
Great addition to the series and it was good to catch up with Joe and family. Bryan and Shay make an awesome couple and will be a really good addition to the town of Visitation. The drama and tension is handled very well and the mystery was great. The characters and situations capture and hold your attention throughout the book. Learning more about Jamie is always a plus. I would recommend this story to any adult reader.
Great addition to the series and it was good to catch up with Joe and family. Bryan and Shay make an awesome couple and will be a really good addition to the town of Visitation. The drama and tension is handled very well and the mystery was great. The characters and situations capture and hold your attention throughout the book. Learning more about Jamie is always a plus. I would recommend this story to any adult reader.
February 13, 2023
Awesome series.
I loved this book and have read this series several times. Bryan is undercover, pretending to be his twin brother (a preacher). Shay doesn’t come clean about who she really is. Had some laughs when he thought she was a hooker. Loved how hard they fall for each other. Loved being shocked by the plot too. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book and have read this series several times. Bryan is undercover, pretending to be his twin brother (a preacher). Shay doesn’t come clean about who she really is. Had some laughs when he thought she was a hooker. Loved how hard they fall for each other. Loved being shocked by the plot too. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2023
Me ha gustado el libro sobre todo porque aunque era una novela romántica, el inicio y sobre todo la trama, han sido muy originales. Al principio no entendía muy bien de qué iba porque aparecieron desde el principio muchos personajes, pero a medida que iba avanzando la historia todo ha cobrado sentido. Me ha gustado ella porque era muy real, una mujer que lo que quería por lo menos lo intentaba hacer. Al final todo acaba muy bien. Lo recomiendo para pasar un buen rato. 29/12/2023.
September 10, 2020
As much as I enjoyed the first book, this one missed the mark a little. I like Shay’s directness, but I felt Byran would have figured her out sooner or at least checked into her past more. I am liking the series and will continue with next book.
June 2, 2021
Absolutely love the chemistry between Shay and Bryan. They can't keep their secrets forever, so when Bryan finally gives in to Shay it's fireworks!
I'm way late to the party on this series but loving every minute spend reading about Visitation!
I'm way late to the party on this series but loving every minute spend reading about Visitation!
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February 14, 2025Interesting characters. A bounty hunter brother mascarades as his preacher brother to protect him and his safe house for prostitutes. And then in comes a society gal who shakes it all up with her own mascarade. A bit of drama, heat and characters made for each other.
May 26, 2018
I loved the entire Visitation, North Carolina series. From the mountain & lake setting to the fun, likable, and sexy characters.
September 13, 2018
3+ stars
July 20, 2019
Enjoyed the story
July 30, 2019
A little slow in places but still a great read !!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a hot romance with some suspense and mystery thrown in for good measure.😉
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a hot romance with some suspense and mystery thrown in for good measure.😉
November 23, 2019
After I started this I see it is number two in a series. Maybe that is why I thought it didn't explain who all the people in the book. Will not be reading the next book.
February 16, 2020
4 stars. Great narration by Tor Thom. Loved the twin element.
June 6, 2020
Good book, really enjoyed it.
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