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Enclave #1
These Vile Secrets
Corruption. Secrets. Betrayal.
Knowing the number of people I can trust is limited.
Not uncommon for an heir to the key of Enclave.
I should understand it. Be used to it. Expect it.
But somehow I’m still blindsided when I find I’ve dedicated my life to a lie.
To what extent is the proof of our sins buried? I’m not sure.
Only as more time passes, I’m worried I’ll never learn fact from fiction.
It’s why I’m taking my place within our brotherhood.
Not out of obligation, but as a cover to get what I desperately need.
The truth.
The only thing standing in my way?
A six-foot asshole in Armani with sapphire eyes and a heart of ice and stone.
He despises me on principle alone.
He’s a distraction I crave but can’t afford.
Yet I doubt the hatred he carries is actually for me.
Which makes me want to melt his cold, callous demeanor more.
And when I catch a glimpse beneath the surface,
I find I’m not the only one searching for answers to unspoken questions.
Or keeping secrets.
**These Vile Secrets is an enemies-to-lovers MM romance and is the first book of five in the Enclave series.
This is a true series and must be read in order.
This is Roman's story.
This is diving into dark romance and there will be triggering content.
Knowing the number of people I can trust is limited.
Not uncommon for an heir to the key of Enclave.
I should understand it. Be used to it. Expect it.
But somehow I’m still blindsided when I find I’ve dedicated my life to a lie.
To what extent is the proof of our sins buried? I’m not sure.
Only as more time passes, I’m worried I’ll never learn fact from fiction.
It’s why I’m taking my place within our brotherhood.
Not out of obligation, but as a cover to get what I desperately need.
The truth.
The only thing standing in my way?
A six-foot asshole in Armani with sapphire eyes and a heart of ice and stone.
He despises me on principle alone.
He’s a distraction I crave but can’t afford.
Yet I doubt the hatred he carries is actually for me.
Which makes me want to melt his cold, callous demeanor more.
And when I catch a glimpse beneath the surface,
I find I’m not the only one searching for answers to unspoken questions.
Or keeping secrets.
**These Vile Secrets is an enemies-to-lovers MM romance and is the first book of five in the Enclave series.
This is a true series and must be read in order.
This is Roman's story.
This is diving into dark romance and there will be triggering content.
449 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2021
485 people are currently reading
4571 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Ricci
16 books4,633 followersCE Ricci is a USA Today and international best-selling author who enjoys plenty of things in her free time, but writing about herself in the third person isn’t one of them. She believes home isn’t a place, but a feeling, and it’s one she gets when she’s chilling lakeside or on hiking trails with her dogs, camera in hand. She’s addicted to all things photography, plants, peaks, puppies, and paperbacks, though not necessarily in that order. Music is her love language, and traveling the country (and world) is the way she chooses to find most of her inspiration for whatever epic love story she will tell next!
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
September 8, 2021
”You trying to slut-shame me baby? Because with how smooth you were back at the bar, I’d say your body count rivals mine”.
I TOTALLY loved this. Even though THAT ending. And even though THAT link into Asher’s story. I just LOVED it 🖤🖤. You need to one click this ASAP. Seriously.
So, These Vile Secrets (TVS) by the amazing C.E. Ricci is the first book in the Enclave series. Each book focuses on a different MC from a group of five, but all the books are linked with an overarching story and need to be read in order. This is Roman and Hale's story.
Going back a step, whilst not linked, we are introduced to the idea of the Enclave and to Roman, one of our MCs in TVS, in the River of Rain duet, Follow the River and After Rain Falls also by C.E. Ricci. This duet is FANTASTIC and both books are a highly recommended read in their own right, but also for setting and background to TVS. (Just quietly, I TOTALLY ADORED River and Rain 💚💚.)
These Vile Secrets is an enemies to lovers M/M dark romance. There may be some triggering content for some readers.
Roman is one of five heirs to the key of Enclave, a secret brotherhood that has been active for almost a millenium, exercising a level of power and control over the government and contributing to some of America's greatest achievements. But as the young male 'legacies' come into their birthright in their nominated sectors of law & politics, information, military & security, media and economics, things aren't always as they appear.
Since the incident with River (see the River of Rain duet mentioned earlier), Roman has been trying to come to terms with the possibility that his entire life has been dedicated to a lie. And now he has to deal with the added distraction of a six foot a*shole babysitting him, while he learns how to run the Enclave's empire as its CEO.
Hale is young, hot, focused and has no time for distractions. As CFO with a mountain of responsibilities, he could really do without the soon-to-be CEO with the bad attitude and a lot of secrets, on his case and in his space.
I have to be honest, after reading After Rain Falls I absolutely LOATHED Roman. But by the end of These Vile Secrets I had done a complete 180 degrees and just YUMMMM 💕. And Hale? Oh my, love me a cold, callous, bad boy with a whole layer of vulnerability hiding at his core. Um, yes please 🖤. These two together = HOT AF 🔥🔥🔥.
TVS is angsty, dark and hot, with an amazing story arc and multi-layered characters that you'll love to hate and love to love. This is only C.E. Ricci's third book and she has executed it to perfection. I couldn't have loved it more. Highly recommended.
All the stars ✨✨✨✨✨
I TOTALLY loved this. Even though THAT ending. And even though THAT link into Asher’s story. I just LOVED it 🖤🖤. You need to one click this ASAP. Seriously.
So, These Vile Secrets (TVS) by the amazing C.E. Ricci is the first book in the Enclave series. Each book focuses on a different MC from a group of five, but all the books are linked with an overarching story and need to be read in order. This is Roman and Hale's story.
Going back a step, whilst not linked, we are introduced to the idea of the Enclave and to Roman, one of our MCs in TVS, in the River of Rain duet, Follow the River and After Rain Falls also by C.E. Ricci. This duet is FANTASTIC and both books are a highly recommended read in their own right, but also for setting and background to TVS. (Just quietly, I TOTALLY ADORED River and Rain 💚💚.)
These Vile Secrets is an enemies to lovers M/M dark romance. There may be some triggering content for some readers.
Roman is one of five heirs to the key of Enclave, a secret brotherhood that has been active for almost a millenium, exercising a level of power and control over the government and contributing to some of America's greatest achievements. But as the young male 'legacies' come into their birthright in their nominated sectors of law & politics, information, military & security, media and economics, things aren't always as they appear.
Since the incident with River (see the River of Rain duet mentioned earlier), Roman has been trying to come to terms with the possibility that his entire life has been dedicated to a lie. And now he has to deal with the added distraction of a six foot a*shole babysitting him, while he learns how to run the Enclave's empire as its CEO.
Hale is young, hot, focused and has no time for distractions. As CFO with a mountain of responsibilities, he could really do without the soon-to-be CEO with the bad attitude and a lot of secrets, on his case and in his space.
I have to be honest, after reading After Rain Falls I absolutely LOATHED Roman. But by the end of These Vile Secrets I had done a complete 180 degrees and just YUMMMM 💕. And Hale? Oh my, love me a cold, callous, bad boy with a whole layer of vulnerability hiding at his core. Um, yes please 🖤. These two together = HOT AF 🔥🔥🔥.
TVS is angsty, dark and hot, with an amazing story arc and multi-layered characters that you'll love to hate and love to love. This is only C.E. Ricci's third book and she has executed it to perfection. I couldn't have loved it more. Highly recommended.
All the stars ✨✨✨✨✨
June 13, 2021
"I could be your favorite mistake, baby."
Despite everything, I always loved Roman. Even in the previous books, I felt like he was such a misunderstood character who didn’t deserve rain nor the shit he had to put up with with the Enclave. I’m so glad that this book proves me right
This asshole in Armani had his lips wrapped around my cock less than forty-eight hours ago.
And now he's my boss.
Well, for the next twelve months.
Story: Coming into his new workplace, Roman is quick to realize that his one – night stand from the previous night happens to be his new boss and mentor.
“But that’s the kicker with unrequited love, right? It’s so much harder to get over because all the would’ve, could’ve, and should’ve-beens.”
Roman was so different in this book than he was in Follow the River. He was so open and easy going and I was surprised to read that he had very few walls built up inside him.
“Scratch the bit about Poseidon. This man is most definitely Hades, because he makes going to hell look and sound so fucking good as he checks me out”
Hale on the other hand. Was his complete opposite. He was cold and distant and deliciously cruel. They were fire and ice.
“What's the worst thing you've ever done?"
"I've killed...five people,”
“Does it scare you, knowing this about me?" His voice catches before he continues. "Do I scare you?”
“I'm terrified…because I wish I was the one who killed them for you.”
I LOVEDD LOVEDD how they went head to head all the time. Both of them gave as well as they took and it was fun to read about two characters who only knew to win. Because you’ll never know who loses. Or how. Or when. And it’s the damnest thing.
Full disclosure this is not light. Nor is the relationship healthy in any way. They’re both arrogant and stubborn and damaged in their own ways. AND there might be cheating. Except it’s not?
“What was it you said you needed?" I finally manage to ask.
"To see you.”
Maybe/maybe not cheating: when roman takes hale to a strip club for DRINKS. Hale thinks it’s to keep his “straight fuck-boy” image and flirts with the bartender to get back at him. Always up for the challenge, Roman plays with a stripper. He rubs the woman off in front of hale. Continuing the game of gold medal, silver medal; hale goes and fucks the bartender. HOWEVER, Roman soon joins in on the fun and they have the roughest threesome I’ve ever read.
“How's that song go? 'He tastes like you but sweeter', yeah?”
Personally , I didn’t have a problem with the scene but that’s my opinion. I thought it was hot and I loved that neither one of them backed down. It’s toxic for sure. But fuck I love it
“But at his core, the center of who he is, that’s where I felt the safest. The lightest and happiest. The most loved I’ve ever felt in my goddamn life.” >
And that Plottwist!’ I swear this author writes betrayal better than anyone I know lol. I hated that Roman forgave Hale so quickly after everything he did
“You betrayed me," I snarl, all semblance of sanity gone. "You took everything I found, everything we discovered, and ran back to them with it! Probably helped them clean it up even further! You took my secrets and handed it to them on a silver platter!”
But the pain in Hale’s words kind of makes up for it.
“Slit my throat. Carve my heart out. Put it on your mantle or use it as a paperweight or crush it in your fist. I don’t care what happens to it because the only person I want to have it is you. Only you,”
Another thing I loved was how roman gave him his name when hale needed to run. It was the sweetest and most tender moment in the entire book.
“And when this is all over? I expect you to make good on your promise to me, Roman Mitchell."
"What promise is that?”
“You gave me your last name,”
“You like it?"
I nod. "It’s not mine, not really. It’s only a cover, for now,”
“But I want nothing more than to share a name with you, Rome. Along with a house. A home. A bed. A fucking life. I want it all with you."
"Two point five kids and a dog and a picket fence?”
The ending… well. I’m happy they got their happily ever after, I just wished that they got something more permanent. But it was a much needed closure especially with the appearance of both rain and river.
Overall. This book was amazing! I absolutely loved every moment of it and devoured it in a day. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a dark yet not dark romance.
Despite everything, I always loved Roman. Even in the previous books, I felt like he was such a misunderstood character who didn’t deserve rain nor the shit he had to put up with with the Enclave. I’m so glad that this book proves me right
This asshole in Armani had his lips wrapped around my cock less than forty-eight hours ago.
And now he's my boss.
Well, for the next twelve months.
Story: Coming into his new workplace, Roman is quick to realize that his one – night stand from the previous night happens to be his new boss and mentor.
“But that’s the kicker with unrequited love, right? It’s so much harder to get over because all the would’ve, could’ve, and should’ve-beens.”
Roman was so different in this book than he was in Follow the River. He was so open and easy going and I was surprised to read that he had very few walls built up inside him.
“Scratch the bit about Poseidon. This man is most definitely Hades, because he makes going to hell look and sound so fucking good as he checks me out”
Hale on the other hand. Was his complete opposite. He was cold and distant and deliciously cruel. They were fire and ice.
“What's the worst thing you've ever done?"
"I've killed...five people,”
“Does it scare you, knowing this about me?" His voice catches before he continues. "Do I scare you?”
“I'm terrified…because I wish I was the one who killed them for you.”
I LOVEDD LOVEDD how they went head to head all the time. Both of them gave as well as they took and it was fun to read about two characters who only knew to win. Because you’ll never know who loses. Or how. Or when. And it’s the damnest thing.
Full disclosure this is not light. Nor is the relationship healthy in any way. They’re both arrogant and stubborn and damaged in their own ways. AND there might be cheating. Except it’s not?
“What was it you said you needed?" I finally manage to ask.
"To see you.”
Maybe/maybe not cheating: when roman takes hale to a strip club for DRINKS. Hale thinks it’s to keep his “straight fuck-boy” image and flirts with the bartender to get back at him. Always up for the challenge, Roman plays with a stripper. He rubs the woman off in front of hale. Continuing the game of gold medal, silver medal; hale goes and fucks the bartender. HOWEVER, Roman soon joins in on the fun and they have the roughest threesome I’ve ever read.
“How's that song go? 'He tastes like you but sweeter', yeah?”
Personally , I didn’t have a problem with the scene but that’s my opinion. I thought it was hot and I loved that neither one of them backed down. It’s toxic for sure. But fuck I love it
“But at his core, the center of who he is, that’s where I felt the safest. The lightest and happiest. The most loved I’ve ever felt in my goddamn life.” >
And that Plottwist!’ I swear this author writes betrayal better than anyone I know lol. I hated that Roman forgave Hale so quickly after everything he did
“You betrayed me," I snarl, all semblance of sanity gone. "You took everything I found, everything we discovered, and ran back to them with it! Probably helped them clean it up even further! You took my secrets and handed it to them on a silver platter!”
But the pain in Hale’s words kind of makes up for it.
“Slit my throat. Carve my heart out. Put it on your mantle or use it as a paperweight or crush it in your fist. I don’t care what happens to it because the only person I want to have it is you. Only you,”
Another thing I loved was how roman gave him his name when hale needed to run. It was the sweetest and most tender moment in the entire book.
“And when this is all over? I expect you to make good on your promise to me, Roman Mitchell."
"What promise is that?”
“You gave me your last name,”
“You like it?"
I nod. "It’s not mine, not really. It’s only a cover, for now,”
“But I want nothing more than to share a name with you, Rome. Along with a house. A home. A bed. A fucking life. I want it all with you."
"Two point five kids and a dog and a picket fence?”
The ending… well. I’m happy they got their happily ever after, I just wished that they got something more permanent. But it was a much needed closure especially with the appearance of both rain and river.
Overall. This book was amazing! I absolutely loved every moment of it and devoured it in a day. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a dark yet not dark romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
"You're so cold, yet when I touch you, I burn," he whispers, his mouth trailing over my collarbone in a brush that sears my skin. I get it, what he's saying. And he's not wrong, not by a long shot.
This story is about 5 Enclave brothers, a secret society which aim is for the greater good of humanity. This story kicks off two years prior when Roman Mitchell discovers what he's been preparing for his entire life, everything he believed in was all just a lie and the staggering breadcrumbs of truth he gathered is where the story begins, two years later, to further investigate the truth behind what he only knows.
An incredible premise.
A disappointing execution though.
I will note though, this is only the first book in a long book series that contains a lot of secrets and even more revalations so it is not fair of me to judge the development of the Enclave part of the story just from the first book.
However I digress, the Enclave has already been hinted at a prior duet by CE RICCI so prior to this book, I had a basic, ultimately minimal understanding of this Secret Society.
I had been greatly anticipating the execution of how this would play off, and while the work and knowledge surrounding the enclave in this book worked, the writing did not execute it well in my opinion. it felt at times, very exaggerated. Enclave this, Enclave that, E was the cause of this, E was the reason of the downfall of my life, E has so many secrets, BLAH BLAH BLAH. It felt exaggerated, preposterous and more like watching a puppet show rather than taking it seriously because it doesn't even feel like what was written was taken seriously.
HOWEVER, this is only the first book in a Five Book Series and CE has mentioned that this would be the LIGHTEST out of all the books in the series, so I would save my conclusion regarding this book in whole once this series finishes, but so far, very disappointing. And upon mentioning, there was a lot of plot in this book that wasn't explained. and I don't understand why because it would not have affected the trajectory of the other books or other Enclave characters. It was basically, HEY here's a plot twist, NOW ARE YOU SHOCKED with no explanation what so ever?
Moving forward.
A friend asked me after I finished this book. Did I love it? or did I hate it?
And I told her, Just wait for my review.
but Honestly, I have no idea whether I loved this book or hated it.
Mainly because there were times I was ready to shotgun a character in this book, one who I didn't expect to be and strangle them for the sake of my sanity. I'm not kidding, IT WAS FOR THE SAKE OF MY SANITY.
To start, I have read all of the books of CE Ricci and I am not going to lie, there are some various patterns she uses in all of the books I've read that becomes really noticeable when I think back to it.
Before I get to that, one of my many compliments and enjoyment of her work is her incredible way with banter. She makes dialogue incredibly fun and almost alive and livid and fun. The banter at the very start of this book was IMMACULATE.
Now getting back to her work, there's a very noticeable plot CE has used multiple times, especially when it deals with her character's dealing with trauma and using that as a plot. I'm not going to go into detail but I wonder if anyone notices.
For now, let's start with the bane of my fucking existence.
Hale Calloway.
You fucking bastard.
I wish a sacred passage to hell for you and I hope you rot and suffocate there.
The main reason why I hate him other than the fact that he is literally the definition of an emotional abuser and an incredible manipulator, which I will dive into later, the biggest disappointment is that he was built so well. He was crafted as this enigma, this stone-cold being, who has uptight rules and an even more uptight personality, there was so much build up for his past, his personality, his actions, his reasoning, his understanding, his perspective, everything about him was fucking captivating and fascinating.
and YET, he ended up as one of the biggest assholes I've ever read and I have never wanted to murder him more. His character had so much potential but he was the ultimate letdown. Plagued by the most stupid plot device in the book; aka childhood trauma and honestly, maybe the real asshole is me because when his pathetic excuse to emphasize was revealed, I laughed in absolute mock, hilarity and astonishment at the audacity. And this was only just the beginning.
Not only did I feel like his reason for treating Roman the way he did, was so utterly cheap, you could gag me with a spoon and it would still be so entertaining,
It. Just. Didn't. Make. Sense.
Even when it was rationed out,
It. did. not. make. sense.
because the only reason that could elude to why if you're asking for some sense of common sense, HE WAS JUST AN ASSHOLE.
Or my great guess? BIPOLAR.
And you know what, if that was what his role was meant to be, FINE, go at it, Hale could've been so much more interesting made as a Villain rather than the actual male lead. At least then I could praise his assholeness.
I'm sorry, His continuous act of belittling, using Roman like he's a joke, humiliating him, offending him, crossing the fucking line, and his blant obnoxiousness and judgemental behavior towards him was the most disgusting thing I have ever read, it was not cute, it was not fun, it was not enticing at all. Frankly if I wasn't reading this with my friend, I would've cursed this book ten ways to Sunday and not spend another three seconds with his judgemental, disgusting ass.
And this lasted for the entire half portion of this book.
And then a beloved PREPOSTEROUS, Toxic might I add, stupid too, scene/plot delivered that somehow became the path for him in becoming sweet and gentle and caring and OH NOT SO obnoxious which quite frankly, if I could bow at anyone's feet, I would've at everyone because the amount of shit that took place WAS BEYOND ME.
Hale pulled so much shit, put Roman through so much damaged and hurt which I will later get on with his character, so when he started to act "Nice", I was just looking at my screen thinking... Really? that's the best you've got? That's just fucking sad.
He did HOWEVER grow on me, and I found myself tolerating him better (mainly me not wanting to shoot his head every 15 seconds.) it still, until the very end, feels like he very much DID NOT redeem himself. Not to me and certainly not to Roman. WHO DESERVES BETTER.
And now, on to Roman Mitchell.
Sweet baby angel.
You deserve so much better than that Garbage man you keep obsessing, lusting and falling for.
and considering the amount of shit Hale put you through, you do not understand how utterly baffled i was when you ran after him, like a needy fucking dog, a pet for his master's amusement. it was not funny and I wish a security guard was in front of him to stop him and make him realize the fuckery of what it was he was doing.
HOWEVERRRRRRRRRRR
I WILL NOTE:
Although at times, I was completely baffled at how he would let Hale Bend Roman like a fucking fuck toy, Hale didn't turn out to be the biggest douche/scum of this entire fucking world at the end of the book so I feel, somewhat emphatic that while Hale treated him like garbage, Roman still went after him, still fought and believed and had fate him. Despite it all, Roman risked his life for Hale again and again, even when hale didn't deserve it and if that doesn't show complete fearless and courage and makes you at awe, I don't know what is.
Now, onto the plot twist.
Sweet Common Sense, why couldn't show up there?
I have so many questions that are VERY SPOILERY and I am not allowed to speak of them so don't continue reading this if you don't want to know any, although not stated explicitly, there are some hints.
The most ridiculous one that I still can't manage to find a clue of is:
Why Lucas? What the hell was even your motive?
(And that is not a spoiler, he did not kill anyone in this story so don't go guessing the reason of that motive was murder, orrr was it? ;) )
and the J scene. What even the fuck happened?
How far does the planning go?
The ending of a plot twist before the ending of the book. WELL. WHAT happened?? Seriously I don't understand how CE could just leave a chapter with dialogue that leads to instructions and then fast forwards after shit had already happened and then proceeds with absolutely no lead with what those instructions even were or what the fuck even happened. (Yeah, upon reading this, I know I don't make sense but, for clarification: CHAPTER 36)
SO, if you're still here, you have noticed I rated this 3 stars.
Why not 1? well, believe it or not, there were SOME parts of this book that I actually enjoyed.
Namely, very few but enjoyment is enjoyment.
*Received ARC copy, ALL OPINIONS are my own.
IMMEDIATE REACTIONS:
Wtf just happened? What the hell even happened?
This story is about 5 Enclave brothers, a secret society which aim is for the greater good of humanity. This story kicks off two years prior when Roman Mitchell discovers what he's been preparing for his entire life, everything he believed in was all just a lie and the staggering breadcrumbs of truth he gathered is where the story begins, two years later, to further investigate the truth behind what he only knows.
An incredible premise.
A disappointing execution though.
I will note though, this is only the first book in a long book series that contains a lot of secrets and even more revalations so it is not fair of me to judge the development of the Enclave part of the story just from the first book.
However I digress, the Enclave has already been hinted at a prior duet by CE RICCI so prior to this book, I had a basic, ultimately minimal understanding of this Secret Society.
I had been greatly anticipating the execution of how this would play off, and while the work and knowledge surrounding the enclave in this book worked, the writing did not execute it well in my opinion. it felt at times, very exaggerated. Enclave this, Enclave that, E was the cause of this, E was the reason of the downfall of my life, E has so many secrets, BLAH BLAH BLAH. It felt exaggerated, preposterous and more like watching a puppet show rather than taking it seriously because it doesn't even feel like what was written was taken seriously.
HOWEVER, this is only the first book in a Five Book Series and CE has mentioned that this would be the LIGHTEST out of all the books in the series, so I would save my conclusion regarding this book in whole once this series finishes, but so far, very disappointing. And upon mentioning, there was a lot of plot in this book that wasn't explained. and I don't understand why because it would not have affected the trajectory of the other books or other Enclave characters. It was basically, HEY here's a plot twist, NOW ARE YOU SHOCKED with no explanation what so ever?
Moving forward.
A friend asked me after I finished this book. Did I love it? or did I hate it?
And I told her, Just wait for my review.
but Honestly, I have no idea whether I loved this book or hated it.
Mainly because there were times I was ready to shotgun a character in this book, one who I didn't expect to be and strangle them for the sake of my sanity. I'm not kidding, IT WAS FOR THE SAKE OF MY SANITY.
To start, I have read all of the books of CE Ricci and I am not going to lie, there are some various patterns she uses in all of the books I've read that becomes really noticeable when I think back to it.
Before I get to that, one of my many compliments and enjoyment of her work is her incredible way with banter. She makes dialogue incredibly fun and almost alive and livid and fun. The banter at the very start of this book was IMMACULATE.
Now getting back to her work, there's a very noticeable plot CE has used multiple times, especially when it deals with her character's dealing with trauma and using that as a plot. I'm not going to go into detail but I wonder if anyone notices.
For now, let's start with the bane of my fucking existence.
Hale Calloway.
You fucking bastard.
I wish a sacred passage to hell for you and I hope you rot and suffocate there.
The main reason why I hate him other than the fact that he is literally the definition of an emotional abuser and an incredible manipulator, which I will dive into later, the biggest disappointment is that he was built so well. He was crafted as this enigma, this stone-cold being, who has uptight rules and an even more uptight personality, there was so much build up for his past, his personality, his actions, his reasoning, his understanding, his perspective, everything about him was fucking captivating and fascinating.
and YET, he ended up as one of the biggest assholes I've ever read and I have never wanted to murder him more. His character had so much potential but he was the ultimate letdown. Plagued by the most stupid plot device in the book; aka childhood trauma and honestly, maybe the real asshole is me because when his pathetic excuse to emphasize was revealed, I laughed in absolute mock, hilarity and astonishment at the audacity. And this was only just the beginning.
Not only did I feel like his reason for treating Roman the way he did, was so utterly cheap, you could gag me with a spoon and it would still be so entertaining,
It. Just. Didn't. Make. Sense.
Even when it was rationed out,
It. did. not. make. sense.
because the only reason that could elude to why if you're asking for some sense of common sense, HE WAS JUST AN ASSHOLE.
Or my great guess? BIPOLAR.
And you know what, if that was what his role was meant to be, FINE, go at it, Hale could've been so much more interesting made as a Villain rather than the actual male lead. At least then I could praise his assholeness.
I'm sorry, His continuous act of belittling, using Roman like he's a joke, humiliating him, offending him, crossing the fucking line, and his blant obnoxiousness and judgemental behavior towards him was the most disgusting thing I have ever read, it was not cute, it was not fun, it was not enticing at all. Frankly if I wasn't reading this with my friend, I would've cursed this book ten ways to Sunday and not spend another three seconds with his judgemental, disgusting ass.
And this lasted for the entire half portion of this book.
And then a beloved PREPOSTEROUS, Toxic might I add, stupid too, scene/plot delivered that somehow became the path for him in becoming sweet and gentle and caring and OH NOT SO obnoxious which quite frankly, if I could bow at anyone's feet, I would've at everyone because the amount of shit that took place WAS BEYOND ME.
Hale pulled so much shit, put Roman through so much damaged and hurt which I will later get on with his character, so when he started to act "Nice", I was just looking at my screen thinking... Really? that's the best you've got? That's just fucking sad.
He did HOWEVER grow on me, and I found myself tolerating him better (mainly me not wanting to shoot his head every 15 seconds.) it still, until the very end, feels like he very much DID NOT redeem himself. Not to me and certainly not to Roman. WHO DESERVES BETTER.
And now, on to Roman Mitchell.
Sweet baby angel.
You deserve so much better than that Garbage man you keep obsessing, lusting and falling for.
and considering the amount of shit Hale put you through, you do not understand how utterly baffled i was when you ran after him, like a needy fucking dog, a pet for his master's amusement. it was not funny and I wish a security guard was in front of him to stop him and make him realize the fuckery of what it was he was doing.
HOWEVERRRRRRRRRRR
I WILL NOTE:
Although at times, I was completely baffled at how he would let Hale Bend Roman like a fucking fuck toy, Hale didn't turn out to be the biggest douche/scum of this entire fucking world at the end of the book so I feel, somewhat emphatic that while Hale treated him like garbage, Roman still went after him, still fought and believed and had fate him. Despite it all, Roman risked his life for Hale again and again, even when hale didn't deserve it and if that doesn't show complete fearless and courage and makes you at awe, I don't know what is.
Now, onto the plot twist.
Sweet Common Sense, why couldn't show up there?
I have so many questions that are VERY SPOILERY and I am not allowed to speak of them so don't continue reading this if you don't want to know any, although not stated explicitly, there are some hints.
The most ridiculous one that I still can't manage to find a clue of is:
Why Lucas? What the hell was even your motive?
(And that is not a spoiler, he did not kill anyone in this story so don't go guessing the reason of that motive was murder, orrr was it? ;) )
and the J scene. What even the fuck happened?
How far does the planning go?
The ending of a plot twist before the ending of the book. WELL. WHAT happened?? Seriously I don't understand how CE could just leave a chapter with dialogue that leads to instructions and then fast forwards after shit had already happened and then proceeds with absolutely no lead with what those instructions even were or what the fuck even happened. (Yeah, upon reading this, I know I don't make sense but, for clarification: CHAPTER 36)
SO, if you're still here, you have noticed I rated this 3 stars.
Why not 1? well, believe it or not, there were SOME parts of this book that I actually enjoyed.
Namely, very few but enjoyment is enjoyment.
*Received ARC copy, ALL OPINIONS are my own.
IMMEDIATE REACTIONS:
Wtf just happened? What the hell even happened?
April 28, 2022
i should have read that fucking duet first! i swear i feel idiotic right now. this was just on this right level of bearable. i was expecting for me to love it but it lacks this intensity which was very much present in my earlier reads from this author. also, i thought i was getting secret families/organizations shenanigans and all i got was this office sex. gave me major just a bit bossy horror flashbacks. in the end, i wasn't gagging.
June 1, 2021
Edit To Come
Sooooo...
After thinking about this book in past 24 hours, I've finally decided to give it 4.5 lubed stars 🥵😂, and I'll tell why!
First of all let's make things clear...
I hated Roman in After Rain Falls ...
Truly, deeply and with a passion!
He basically ruined that book for me!
So I wasn't even sure if I really wanted to read this book, because to me, he was just a piece of selfless entitled trash.
Can you imagine my face, when after 30% into TVS, I was already addicted to Roman and Hale? I couldn't believe that he was the same Roman Fucking Mitchell, that tried to ruin my babies River and a Rain's relationship.
Because in this book? Roman is like a lost puppy, wagging his tail everytime that he get a sniff of Hale's cologne!
And I would do the same, cause God damnit, Hale was an incredible grumpy and cold bastard... So cold that I was getting ice burns through my Kindle!
But oh boy... It burned so good...
Everything about their interactions and the evolution of their relationship is amazing and very intense. Their chemistry is out of the charts and I couldn't get enough of them!
Piece by piece, touch by touch, and even fight by fight, Roman was gaining a little more space inside Hale's cold heart, melting him until they both burned like an inferno of their own.
I really loved them both! The author did an amazing job with them and the writing kept me captivate from start to end!
So why I was torn between 4 and 5 stars?
Because although I looooved the romance aspect of the book, it lacked in information and closure to at least something related to The Enclave. It's a secret society series after all, and we don't get nearly anything about that until around 80%.
We got a looot more about them in After Rain Falls, so I highly recommend to read that duet first.
I wanted more about his brothers, to at least get a glimpse at what will be the rest of the series, and what I'll be rooting for.
But yeah... I loved so much Roman and Hale, that I almost forgot about the secret society. So for that, I'm only taking off half star. 😂
Worth the mention of that really hot scene in the strip club... Like reaaaally hot 🥵🍆🍆🍆🔥, and also that small glimpse of my babies in the end... 🥺🥺😭😭
Well done, lady... Well done!
Thanks to my girls Amy and Kat for the buddy read and book talk! 🖤🖤
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dnf
October 17, 2022on hold @ 51%
thoughts:
even though i wasn't a huge fan of Roman in the River of Rain duet, i like giving characters a second chance if they ever have their own book to see if they're redeemable for me so i was scared but a little excited going into this and...i just can't, lmao. the relationship
i may or may not pick this up again in the future but, atm, i just don't wanna waste my time on it so i guess it's on hold.
thoughts:
even though i wasn't a huge fan of Roman in the River of Rain duet, i like giving characters a second chance if they ever have their own book to see if they're redeemable for me so i was scared but a little excited going into this and...i just can't, lmao. the relationship
i may or may not pick this up again in the future but, atm, i just don't wanna waste my time on it so i guess it's on hold.
May 28, 2021
ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.
C.E. Ricci did it, she actually did it. She made me fall in love with Roman fucking Mitchell!! Seriously, how the fuck??
If you have read the River of Rain Duet by C.E. Ricci, then you know exactly who Roman is. If you haven't then you are going learn rather quickly that Roman Mitchell is cocky, arrogant and entirely too full of himself. He is one of the Enclave, a secret society that has been around for centuries and now it is his time to take his place and start the life he always knew would have to lead. His family is buried in secrets and betrayal; the only way he is going to be able to live this life is if he can get to the bottom of the corruption before any more people get hurt. First, he must pay his dues in the form of working at one of the Enclave's billion-dollar companies under their CFO, Hale Calloway.
Hale knew that he was going to have to watch over Roman like a hawk for a year to make sure that he is prepared to take the role of CEO, but he definitely was not prepared for this man. He is a playboy to the highest extent and while he might be the sexiest man Hale as ever seen he knows never to get business and pleasure mixed up. Which seems easy but it is impossible to let Roman get under his skin at every turn. Hale is a cold; brick wall and he never lets anyone past his walls and no matter how hard Roman tries there is nothing that he can do that will make Hale break his own rules.
"You're every sinful thought I've ever had come to life. Molded into a body meant to be worshipped."
Hale and Roman are a fucking force, there is no other words to describe it. Together they have an undeniable chemistry that you feel radiating off of them before they even realize themselves what is going on. Rome is desperate to get through the thick wall that Hale has built and every moment he thinks he is making progress something makes those walls lock up tighter than before. Hale is starting to see that he was very wrong about Roman being just the playboy everyone sees him as. When they are left on their own, he starts to see a whole new side to Rome that he can hardly believe is true. Even with his walls up Hale can feel Roman starting to work his way under his skin but into his cold heart. A heart that he has never let anyone into.
Secrets start to unfold; hearts get involved and before the end of the book you will feel every emotion in your arsenal for Hale and Roman. Tears were shed, I was blinding mad (because I didn't see it coming) and I was in love with these two guys which just irks me beyond everything. I wasn't supposed to love Roman but damn it I do. Hale had my heart from the start, I am a sucker for a guy with a broken soul so sue me.
C.E. Ricci started her Enclave series making me fall in love for the one person I never thought I would even like. Now, I am tits deep into the destruction that is the Enclave and wanting to know all that secrets that Roman and his brothers are trying to unravel. We have just dipped our toes in to the world of the Enclave and if I had to bargain, I would say we haven't seen anything yet.
C.E. Ricci did it, she actually did it. She made me fall in love with Roman fucking Mitchell!! Seriously, how the fuck??
If you have read the River of Rain Duet by C.E. Ricci, then you know exactly who Roman is. If you haven't then you are going learn rather quickly that Roman Mitchell is cocky, arrogant and entirely too full of himself. He is one of the Enclave, a secret society that has been around for centuries and now it is his time to take his place and start the life he always knew would have to lead. His family is buried in secrets and betrayal; the only way he is going to be able to live this life is if he can get to the bottom of the corruption before any more people get hurt. First, he must pay his dues in the form of working at one of the Enclave's billion-dollar companies under their CFO, Hale Calloway.
Hale knew that he was going to have to watch over Roman like a hawk for a year to make sure that he is prepared to take the role of CEO, but he definitely was not prepared for this man. He is a playboy to the highest extent and while he might be the sexiest man Hale as ever seen he knows never to get business and pleasure mixed up. Which seems easy but it is impossible to let Roman get under his skin at every turn. Hale is a cold; brick wall and he never lets anyone past his walls and no matter how hard Roman tries there is nothing that he can do that will make Hale break his own rules.
"You're every sinful thought I've ever had come to life. Molded into a body meant to be worshipped."
Hale and Roman are a fucking force, there is no other words to describe it. Together they have an undeniable chemistry that you feel radiating off of them before they even realize themselves what is going on. Rome is desperate to get through the thick wall that Hale has built and every moment he thinks he is making progress something makes those walls lock up tighter than before. Hale is starting to see that he was very wrong about Roman being just the playboy everyone sees him as. When they are left on their own, he starts to see a whole new side to Rome that he can hardly believe is true. Even with his walls up Hale can feel Roman starting to work his way under his skin but into his cold heart. A heart that he has never let anyone into.
Secrets start to unfold; hearts get involved and before the end of the book you will feel every emotion in your arsenal for Hale and Roman. Tears were shed, I was blinding mad (because I didn't see it coming) and I was in love with these two guys which just irks me beyond everything. I wasn't supposed to love Roman but damn it I do. Hale had my heart from the start, I am a sucker for a guy with a broken soul so sue me.
C.E. Ricci started her Enclave series making me fall in love for the one person I never thought I would even like. Now, I am tits deep into the destruction that is the Enclave and wanting to know all that secrets that Roman and his brothers are trying to unravel. We have just dipped our toes in to the world of the Enclave and if I had to bargain, I would say we haven't seen anything yet.
May 19, 2021
CE made me cry againnnnn.
Alpha read!
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣.”
Where do I start...
This book surprised me. I hated Roman going into this (blame the River of Rain duet) and I truly thought because of that reason alone, I wouldn’t love this book as much.
But I was so wrong.
Ricci did the damn thing and made me fall in love with him. Hale was a shoe in from the start, and then here comes Roman all broken and beautiful, stealing my heart little by little.
Not only that, but these two as a couple? Their banter, chemistry, and pull to each other... ugh! Even when they were mean or stubborn, I couldn’t get enough. They are couple goals. I love them separately, but I love them so much more together.
I won’t talk much about the plot because I don’t want to hint at anything, but don’t worry— you get some secret society juicy bits, too! This story and Roman and Hale lingered long after I finished— causing me to fall into a reading slump because they wouldn’t stay out of my brain.
These Vile Secrets is the start to an interconnected series (releases May 28th). It’s enemy-ish to lovers, hilarious with a dash of darkness, emotional and sexy! I feel like you get a little bit of everything with this one and I loved it so much! ✨
Alpha read!
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣.”
Where do I start...
This book surprised me. I hated Roman going into this (blame the River of Rain duet) and I truly thought because of that reason alone, I wouldn’t love this book as much.
But I was so wrong.
Ricci did the damn thing and made me fall in love with him. Hale was a shoe in from the start, and then here comes Roman all broken and beautiful, stealing my heart little by little.
Not only that, but these two as a couple? Their banter, chemistry, and pull to each other... ugh! Even when they were mean or stubborn, I couldn’t get enough. They are couple goals. I love them separately, but I love them so much more together.
I won’t talk much about the plot because I don’t want to hint at anything, but don’t worry— you get some secret society juicy bits, too! This story and Roman and Hale lingered long after I finished— causing me to fall into a reading slump because they wouldn’t stay out of my brain.
These Vile Secrets is the start to an interconnected series (releases May 28th). It’s enemy-ish to lovers, hilarious with a dash of darkness, emotional and sexy! I feel like you get a little bit of everything with this one and I loved it so much! ✨
May 30, 2021
*** I received an eArc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
What a Masterpiece!!! I absolutely loved this Enemies to Lovers story. It is beautifully written with complex characters that are never exactly as they appear.
I was hesitant about Roman being the main character, but I was quickly won over with his heart on his sleeve personality that made it hard to not fall in love with him. Meanwhile Hale was more difficult to get a firm grasp on, which is due to his personal armor and mask he uses to protect himself. I also grew to love the many aspects of Hale's personality and how he slowly opened up throughout the story.
Both characters personify Fire and Ice and watching their relationship progress was honestly and naturally depicted, while maintaining their steamy chemistry.
This was another home run by C.E. Ricci that has me anxiously anticipating her next installment in the Enclave series.
What a Masterpiece!!! I absolutely loved this Enemies to Lovers story. It is beautifully written with complex characters that are never exactly as they appear.
I was hesitant about Roman being the main character, but I was quickly won over with his heart on his sleeve personality that made it hard to not fall in love with him. Meanwhile Hale was more difficult to get a firm grasp on, which is due to his personal armor and mask he uses to protect himself. I also grew to love the many aspects of Hale's personality and how he slowly opened up throughout the story.
Both characters personify Fire and Ice and watching their relationship progress was honestly and naturally depicted, while maintaining their steamy chemistry.
This was another home run by C.E. Ricci that has me anxiously anticipating her next installment in the Enclave series.
May 14, 2021
CE Ricci blessed me with an early copy of her next release which we are sharing a release day for and I'm so excited 🥰 it's coming 28th May!!
Guys this book! THIS FREAKING BOOK!
Okay so my CE Ricci fans.. if you have read the River of Rain duet then you will already be familiar with our main character Roman.
Now let me telling you after reading that duet I will be the first to admit that I was dying hard on the I hate Roman cross. I did not see how it would be possible for me to even like him let alone love him.
Let's just all take a moment for me 😬💀
Boy was I wrong 🙃🙃🙃 Roman in this book is freaking everything. Hot, possessive, flirty, passionate and down right sexy! And Hale ooooofff he's just his perfect match in every way. He's confident, dominant and happily goes toe to toe with our man Roman.
The tension between the two of them is off the charts amazing and I was literally squealing reading it. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. It was perfection.
The spicey scenes had me like 😏😛🥵😳😈🥵🥵🔥🔥
I now ship Roman and Hale so hard... Rale if you will 😏🥰
Absolutely 10/10 recommend this beauty.
Also if you haven't read the duet Follow the River and After Rain Falls then what the hell are you doing!!! Go do it while you wait for this to be released 🖤🖤🖤
Guys this book! THIS FREAKING BOOK!
Okay so my CE Ricci fans.. if you have read the River of Rain duet then you will already be familiar with our main character Roman.
Now let me telling you after reading that duet I will be the first to admit that I was dying hard on the I hate Roman cross. I did not see how it would be possible for me to even like him let alone love him.
Let's just all take a moment for me 😬💀
Boy was I wrong 🙃🙃🙃 Roman in this book is freaking everything. Hot, possessive, flirty, passionate and down right sexy! And Hale ooooofff he's just his perfect match in every way. He's confident, dominant and happily goes toe to toe with our man Roman.
The tension between the two of them is off the charts amazing and I was literally squealing reading it. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. It was perfection.
The spicey scenes had me like 😏😛🥵😳😈🥵🥵🔥🔥
I now ship Roman and Hale so hard... Rale if you will 😏🥰
Absolutely 10/10 recommend this beauty.
Also if you haven't read the duet Follow the River and After Rain Falls then what the hell are you doing!!! Go do it while you wait for this to be released 🖤🖤🖤
May 27, 2021
I have been looking forward to this book for the longest time and let me tell you, it was worth the wait!!
So... I think I was one of the few people who never actually hated Roman from his part in River of Rain duet! Disliked some things he did yes, but never hated him! So I fell for him easily, without hesitation and he did not disappoint!
Hale was just absolute 🔥🔥🔥
I loved his character development, how he opened up and we got to see the real man beneath his Armani armour! He and Roman were just perfect together. I loved their banter and chemistry (especially in the bedroom... and the thousand other places) 😂😂
The Enclave world CE Ricci has created is just phenomenal, I really enjoyed getting to know more about it and I’m already on the edge of my seat needing to know more. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!
I honestly can’t recommend CE Ricci enough, her writing is something else! Congratulations on another amazing, 5 star book!
🤍💜
So... I think I was one of the few people who never actually hated Roman from his part in River of Rain duet! Disliked some things he did yes, but never hated him! So I fell for him easily, without hesitation and he did not disappoint!
Hale was just absolute 🔥🔥🔥
I loved his character development, how he opened up and we got to see the real man beneath his Armani armour! He and Roman were just perfect together. I loved their banter and chemistry (especially in the bedroom... and the thousand other places) 😂😂
The Enclave world CE Ricci has created is just phenomenal, I really enjoyed getting to know more about it and I’m already on the edge of my seat needing to know more. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!
I honestly can’t recommend CE Ricci enough, her writing is something else! Congratulations on another amazing, 5 star book!
🤍💜
July 8, 2021
****AVAILABLE NOW****
4 STARS
What did I love:
1. Rome. My sweet man. God, I loved him. He just wanted someone to love him. I wanted to reach through the pages and love him. And how he loves so fiercely, the burn the world down love.
2. Hale took some warming up to. He is cold as ice sometimes, but he came alive with Rome and I was here for it.
3. These two are fantastic together. Then at the end = PERFECTION.
4. The secret society aspect was great, and I can’t wait to see more of it in the next books.
What I needed more of:
1. The blending of the secret society plot and the romance seemed to two separate parts.
2. Rome was in the hunt for answers but barely spent time looking for them in the book. I would have liked more of this and have it more integrated with the romance of the book.
The ending of this book already has me DYING for more. CE Ricci is my new author obsession.
4 STARS
What did I love:
1. Rome. My sweet man. God, I loved him. He just wanted someone to love him. I wanted to reach through the pages and love him. And how he loves so fiercely, the burn the world down love.
2. Hale took some warming up to. He is cold as ice sometimes, but he came alive with Rome and I was here for it.
3. These two are fantastic together. Then at the end = PERFECTION.
4. The secret society aspect was great, and I can’t wait to see more of it in the next books.
What I needed more of:
1. The blending of the secret society plot and the romance seemed to two separate parts.
2. Rome was in the hunt for answers but barely spent time looking for them in the book. I would have liked more of this and have it more integrated with the romance of the book.
The ending of this book already has me DYING for more. CE Ricci is my new author obsession.
May 27, 2021
4.5 stars
“I'm sick of being cold when all I want is to be lit on fire by him. With him.”
I beta read this book for CE (and also went back over the finished copy to see what was adjusted) and enjoyed this book so, so much. Going into TVS, I was on the fence about Roman. I didn't hate him like so many people did from the river of rain duet, but I didn't love him either. Let me just tell you... I have officially been converted into a Roman Mitchell lover.
TVS is book 1 in a 5 book series about a secret society called Enclave. Roman is the son of one of the heads of Enclave who will soon be inheriting the role. While nursing his broken heart and preparing to start work at one of the Enclave companies, he meets the gorgeous, sapphire eyed Hale Calloway and they have instant chemistry. Flash forward a couple days later, he finds out Hale is his new boss. This story ended up being a dark secret society MM romance but with a twist because it has forbidden office romance vibes. Not only was it the best of both worlds, but it ended up being a really funny story. I found myself laughing out loud so many times at the things Roman would say. another reason why I would give up my life for Roman Mitchel....
This book is steamy, funny, emotional, beautiful and painful. If you have read CE's previous work, I have no doubt you will enjoy this story and if you are new to the author, definitely give it a shot, you will not be disappointed!!
“I'm sick of being cold when all I want is to be lit on fire by him. With him.”
I beta read this book for CE (and also went back over the finished copy to see what was adjusted) and enjoyed this book so, so much. Going into TVS, I was on the fence about Roman. I didn't hate him like so many people did from the river of rain duet, but I didn't love him either. Let me just tell you... I have officially been converted into a Roman Mitchell lover.
TVS is book 1 in a 5 book series about a secret society called Enclave. Roman is the son of one of the heads of Enclave who will soon be inheriting the role. While nursing his broken heart and preparing to start work at one of the Enclave companies, he meets the gorgeous, sapphire eyed Hale Calloway and they have instant chemistry. Flash forward a couple days later, he finds out Hale is his new boss. This story ended up being a dark secret society MM romance but with a twist because it has forbidden office romance vibes. Not only was it the best of both worlds, but it ended up being a really funny story. I found myself laughing out loud so many times at the things Roman would say. another reason why I would give up my life for Roman Mitchel....
This book is steamy, funny, emotional, beautiful and painful. If you have read CE's previous work, I have no doubt you will enjoy this story and if you are new to the author, definitely give it a shot, you will not be disappointed!!
did-not-finish
March 13, 2022DNF'd @ 37%.
I can't remember why I thought reading this book would be a good idea.
I can't remember why I thought reading this book would be a good idea.
May 22, 2021
Honestly, I don't think it's quite fair that C.E. Ricci has this much control over my emotions when it comes to her book characters because, quite frankly, I am extremely unwell after reading any book she writes. Anyways...
I knew going into this story that I was going to love it because I've been a huge fan of Roman ever since reading about him in the River of Rain duet (highly recommend reading that duet because it's amazing and gives you a tiny bit of insight into Roman before his book). Or I guess, the proper reaction to him was a combo of anger and love. One of those characters you have conflicting feelings for yet love nonetheless. That was Roman for me. And I've been waiting (not so patiently) for his book because I was soooooo ready to dive into his head and get to know him better.
And Ricci did not disappoint at all because I fell head-over-heels in love with Roman immediately. God, he's amazing. And Hale??? Holy shit. I also loved him right off the bat. These characters individually have such a lonely feeling associated with them. But when they're together? It's pure fireworks and a sense of being whole. Roman and Hale had insanely incredible chemistry, tension, and their banter was EVERYTHING. I'm a huge sucker for back and forth banter between characters and theirs was so goddamn perfect!!!
Like I've written for my review for the River and Rain duet, talking about the plot would be sorta spoilery since it's so much better (and more fun) to go in blind and learn things along the way. Just know that the plot was incredible, kept me invested, and also has me BEYOND excited for the rest of the books in this series being about the other boys in the Enclave.
This book is a perfect combination of hate to love, the darkness the deception that comes with secret societies, witty banter, and two characters who melt for one another and make you crave the relationship they have. It's stunning, perfect, and yet another book by Ricci that has me falling head over heels in love with these characters, this world, and her writing.
*Thank you so much Ricci for allowing me the pleasure of reading this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I knew going into this story that I was going to love it because I've been a huge fan of Roman ever since reading about him in the River of Rain duet (highly recommend reading that duet because it's amazing and gives you a tiny bit of insight into Roman before his book). Or I guess, the proper reaction to him was a combo of anger and love. One of those characters you have conflicting feelings for yet love nonetheless. That was Roman for me. And I've been waiting (not so patiently) for his book because I was soooooo ready to dive into his head and get to know him better.
And Ricci did not disappoint at all because I fell head-over-heels in love with Roman immediately. God, he's amazing. And Hale??? Holy shit. I also loved him right off the bat. These characters individually have such a lonely feeling associated with them. But when they're together? It's pure fireworks and a sense of being whole. Roman and Hale had insanely incredible chemistry, tension, and their banter was EVERYTHING. I'm a huge sucker for back and forth banter between characters and theirs was so goddamn perfect!!!
Like I've written for my review for the River and Rain duet, talking about the plot would be sorta spoilery since it's so much better (and more fun) to go in blind and learn things along the way. Just know that the plot was incredible, kept me invested, and also has me BEYOND excited for the rest of the books in this series being about the other boys in the Enclave.
This book is a perfect combination of hate to love, the darkness the deception that comes with secret societies, witty banter, and two characters who melt for one another and make you crave the relationship they have. It's stunning, perfect, and yet another book by Ricci that has me falling head over heels in love with these characters, this world, and her writing.
*Thank you so much Ricci for allowing me the pleasure of reading this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2021
I genuinely believe this author went batshit crazy after her first book. That book was actually decent to be fair and I really enjoyed it. Then her second book went off the rails but it was still readable in a hilariously what has this author smoked kind of way.
NOW this one is just insane. First thing is if you didn’t like Roman like me, then there is nothing here that will make you like him in any capacity, he’s still an annoying shit.
This book is literally the same chapter repeating itself until it dies an unflattering death. Roman becomes obsessed with a guy who ends up being his new boss. They both go back and forth of wanting to sleep with one another.
BUT don’t forget the big mystery from the other series, the horrible secret society, but don’t worry Roman has that under control….oops he doesn't and nothing happens there. Well he does pass it off to the next 'brother' who I assume is going to try and fix things?
Ah…this series is not for me, or for anyone, no one should read this book. This book is exactly why some people hate the MM genre. 😥
NOW this one is just insane. First thing is if you didn’t like Roman like me, then there is nothing here that will make you like him in any capacity, he’s still an annoying shit.
This book is literally the same chapter repeating itself until it dies an unflattering death. Roman becomes obsessed with a guy who ends up being his new boss. They both go back and forth of wanting to sleep with one another.
BUT don’t forget the big mystery from the other series, the horrible secret society, but don’t worry Roman has that under control….oops he doesn't and nothing happens there. Well he does pass it off to the next 'brother' who I assume is going to try and fix things?
Ah…this series is not for me, or for anyone, no one should read this book. This book is exactly why some people hate the MM genre. 😥
August 27, 2021
4 stars because I thought I was getting a HEA but it was a HFN and I’m mad about it 😂
Also I wish the rest of the series was MM so I probably won’t read the rest but someone can tell me if the sex and drug ring gets busted up and if the dads all die k?
Also I wish the rest of the series was MM so I probably won’t read the rest but someone can tell me if the sex and drug ring gets busted up and if the dads all die k?
May 28, 2021
Ok ok ok HOW. HOW DID CE RICCI MAKE ME LOVE ROMAN. If you’ve followed me for any time at all you will know that the River of Rain duet is my fav series/books/duets ever so I was not ready to like Roman (If you’ve read Rivain you’ll understand) at all but somehow, SOMEHOW it happened!!!
I have been anticipating this book for the longest time and I was so excited to read it. It dives straight in where After Rain Falls ends with Roman in NY after spending two years investigating Enclave, the secret society he is part of. I’m not going to say any more on that as I’m not giving any spoilers at all!
But Roman.. ohhhh he was just the wittiest, funniest, smartest, loveliest man 🥺 I was apprehensive to get to know him more but after learning about his character more in depth I just fell in love. His struggles and self doubts were so profound and how unworthy of love he felt 😭
And Hale.. holy mother of god what a man 🥵 he was just the perfect other half for Roman and watching him go from denying how he felt to the man he was by the end was just amazing 😍 they were seriously endgame as a couple and I adored them!
This book answered a lot of the questions you were left with at the end of the duet but also left a lot to discover in the coming books in the series! I can’t wait to read the next one and find out more and more about the secret society! I can’t recommend CE Ricci enough, her writing and story telling is just phenomenal 👌🏼
PS. I love Roman & Hale but River & Rain are still my babies for life 😂❤️
I have been anticipating this book for the longest time and I was so excited to read it. It dives straight in where After Rain Falls ends with Roman in NY after spending two years investigating Enclave, the secret society he is part of. I’m not going to say any more on that as I’m not giving any spoilers at all!
But Roman.. ohhhh he was just the wittiest, funniest, smartest, loveliest man 🥺 I was apprehensive to get to know him more but after learning about his character more in depth I just fell in love. His struggles and self doubts were so profound and how unworthy of love he felt 😭
And Hale.. holy mother of god what a man 🥵 he was just the perfect other half for Roman and watching him go from denying how he felt to the man he was by the end was just amazing 😍 they were seriously endgame as a couple and I adored them!
This book answered a lot of the questions you were left with at the end of the duet but also left a lot to discover in the coming books in the series! I can’t wait to read the next one and find out more and more about the secret society! I can’t recommend CE Ricci enough, her writing and story telling is just phenomenal 👌🏼
PS. I love Roman & Hale but River & Rain are still my babies for life 😂❤️
May 22, 2021
CE did it again y’all...
Where do I even start with this review. I was so blessed to receive an ARC of this novel and got to read before it comes out (may 28th).
Roman holds a special place in my heart, the man who dared to think no other living human could possibly love him was proved wrong. You really get to learn more about Roman and get a deeper look into his mentality and what goes through his head whereas you didn’t in The River of Rain series.
Hale was a SEX GOD!! Literally a walking, breathing individual that oozed appeal. I can’t deny, there were MANY times I wanted to punch throat the guy but in the end he does redeem himself. You get to understand why this cold hearted guy is so closed off to affection, his brought up wasn’t easy, it was complicated and heartbreaking.
I’m not going to spoil the plot or go into too much detail, as this book is one where you want to go into without knowing anything.
I was contemplating what I was going to rate this novel, but I ended up giving it a 5 stars because all in all I highly enjoyed #RALES story and it will be one I can’t wait to hear more from within the other novels in the series!!
Where do I even start with this review. I was so blessed to receive an ARC of this novel and got to read before it comes out (may 28th).
Roman holds a special place in my heart, the man who dared to think no other living human could possibly love him was proved wrong. You really get to learn more about Roman and get a deeper look into his mentality and what goes through his head whereas you didn’t in The River of Rain series.
Hale was a SEX GOD!! Literally a walking, breathing individual that oozed appeal. I can’t deny, there were MANY times I wanted to punch throat the guy but in the end he does redeem himself. You get to understand why this cold hearted guy is so closed off to affection, his brought up wasn’t easy, it was complicated and heartbreaking.
I’m not going to spoil the plot or go into too much detail, as this book is one where you want to go into without knowing anything.
I was contemplating what I was going to rate this novel, but I ended up giving it a 5 stars because all in all I highly enjoyed #RALES story and it will be one I can’t wait to hear more from within the other novels in the series!!
June 1, 2021
Roman and Hale were so good together I can't even... I liked Roman after the duet so I didn't need swaying to his side, and Hale was perfect for him. I really liked his character too! Now I don't know if I'm just a lil fckd up or what, but I didn't find him that cold at all. A bit of an asshole, yeah, but don't we like them like that? My friend was like "Girl, if he's more cold he'll freeze my kindle" so there's that.
I thought it was light on The enclave side of things, after meeting all the boys at the end of the duet I just wanted more of all of them together! I understand it's only book 1 of the series so we were fed crumbs and not the main course but now I'm fckn hungry god damn it!
Can we talk about the strip club scene? If there was ever a moment where you needed one hand free when reading, that was it. One fckn word. "Eyes" 🥵
The cameo, in the epilogue 😭😭😭 my heart.
Also I just want to say, my appreciation for the way Chelsea writes. First fckn class. It reads so effortless and I'm just drawn in every single time.
I thought it was light on The enclave side of things, after meeting all the boys at the end of the duet I just wanted more of all of them together! I understand it's only book 1 of the series so we were fed crumbs and not the main course but now I'm fckn hungry god damn it!
Can we talk about the strip club scene? If there was ever a moment where you needed one hand free when reading, that was it. One fckn word. "Eyes" 🥵
The cameo, in the epilogue 😭😭😭 my heart.
Also I just want to say, my appreciation for the way Chelsea writes. First fckn class. It reads so effortless and I'm just drawn in every single time.
May 25, 2021
This is my first book by CE Ricci, I've wanted to read something from her for a long time and luckily I got this ARC. These Vile Secrets seemed like the perfect introduction to the world of Enclave, it’s a story with the perfect balance between mystery, secrets and love, intertwined with a good amount of hot and tender moments, a perfect combination.
The two main characters are quite complex and with deep stories, in the case of Roman he’s a boy lost after a love disappointment, belongs to a secret society by family inheritance and has a great lineage on his shoulders, he’s quite rich and has everything he could need, but Roman is also a vulnerable and insecure person, who has to endure the constant disappointment of the people around him. This funny and adorable boy broke my heart with his story on more than one occasion throughout the book, but one of my favorite things is the evolution that his character has and the way in which he decides to face the situations that are presented to him
Hale is a boy who has had a less privileged life, he has had to face tragic situations at a very young age and that has defined his personality, he’s very hard-working, dedicated and responsible man. He's grumpy most of the time, but that's one of my favorite things about his character. Hale is also the most mysterious of the two leads, and it was something that I really enjoyed while reading this book, because CE Ricci knew how to make it interesting and captivating, as well as absolutely adorable.
The first meeting between Roman & Hale it shows the sexual chemistry and immediate attraction between the two, however, what is not shown in those first pages, is how complicated the relationship will be between them: to begin with, they are future co-workers, although neither knows it at first, then there are Hale's constant negatives towards Roman's advances, and the secret agendas that each has.
But somehow, completely hilarious and red-hot, Roman & Hale find their way to each other, and reveal their more vulnerable, tender & adorable side as they let each other into their lives. And although they have their moments of toxicity and lack of communication that lead them to make mistakes, this couple stole my heart because they both find in each other what they didn't even know they needed, learn to trust and love.
Definitely one of the best moments in this book is when Hale finally begins to trust Roman, but also when his secrets finally come to light, I have to say that that twist in the plot was something that I saw coming, but the way in which the revelation is made, the attitude of both characters towards it and the consequences it has were something completely surprising and that I enjoyed very much.
Another thing that caught me from the beginning was the plot of Enclave, the secret society to which Roman belongs by inheritance, the world that CE Ricci create is very interesting and I think it also has a fairly original and well-planned structure. I loved reading all of Roman's discoveries regarding Enclave, getting to know a little about the rest of the guys and seeing that things between them were NOTHING what I expected and imagined, I definitely have a lot of doubts about what is going to happen and can't wait to find out.
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen with Asher and Keade either, because the extended epilogue makes me need Ash's book now!because his story seems impressive, besides, I'm very curious to know what they were the secrets that Keade confided to Roman and who is that person who torments him so much.
Without a doubt I highly recommend this book, since from its first pages it caught me and did not stop until the end, I am also VERY excited to continue with this series and discover what will happen to this secret society and its members.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
🇪🇸
Este es mi primer libro de CE Ricci, desde hace tiempo quería leer algo suyo y afortunadamente obtuve esta ARC. These Vile Secrets me pareció la perfecta introducción al mundo de Enclave, es una historia con el equilibrio perfecto entre misterio, secretos y amor, entrelazada con una buena cantidad de momentos candentes y tiernos, una combinación perfecta para mi.
Los dos personajes principales son bastante complejos y con historia profundas, en el caso de Roman el es un chico perdido después de una decepción amorosa, pertenece a una sociedad secreta por herencia familiar y tiene un gran linaje sobre sus hombros, es bastante rico y tiene todo lo que podría necesitar, pero Roman también es una persona vulnerable e insegura, que tiene que soportar la constante decepción de las personas a su alrededor. Este chico divertido y adorable me rompió el corazón con su historia en más de una ocasión a lo largo del libro, pero una de mis cosas favoritas es la evolución que tiene su personaje y la forma en la que decide afrontar las situaciones que se le presentan.
Hale es un chico que ha tenido una vida menos privilegiada, ha tenido que enfrentarse a situaciones trágicas a una edad muy temprana y eso ha definido su personalidad, él es muy trabajador, dedicado y responsable, es un gruñón la mayor parte del tiempo, pero esa es una de mis cosas favoritas sobre su personaje. Hale también es el más misterioso entre los dos protagonistas, y fue algo que realmente disfrute mientras leía este libro, porque CE Ricci supo como hacerlo interesante y cautivador, además de absolutamente adorable.
El primer encuentro entre Roman & Hale me encanta, muestra la química sexual y atracción inmediata qué hay entre los dos, sin embargo, lo que no se muestra en esas primeras paginas, es lo complicada que será la relación entre ambos: para empezar, son futuros compañeros de trabajo, aunque ninguno lo sabe al principio, después están las constantes negativas de Hale hacia los avances de Roman, y las agendas secretas que cada uno tiene.
Pero de alguna forma, completamente divertida y candente, Roman & Hale encuentran su camino hacia el otro, y dejan ver su lado más vulnerable, tierno & adorable a medida que dejan entrar al otro en sus vidas. Y aunque tienen sus momentos de toxicidad y falta de comunicación que los llevan a cometer errores esta pareja me robo el corazón porque ambos encuentran en el otro aquello que ni siquiera sabían que necesitaban, aprender a confiar y a amar.
Definitivamente uno de los mejores momentos de este libro es cuando Hale por fin comienza a confiar en Roman, pero también cuando sus secretos salen a la luz finalmente, tengo que decir que ese giro en la trama era algo que veía venir, pero la forma en la que se hace la revelación, la actitud de ambos personajes ante ella y las consecuencias que tiene fueron algo completamente sorprendente y que disfrute muchísimo.
Otra de las cosas que me atrapó desde el principio fue la trama de Enclave, la sociedad secreta a la que Roman pertenece por herencia, es muy interesante el mundo que CE Ricci creo para contar esta historia y creo que además tiene una estructura bastante original y bien planteada. Me encantó leer todos los descubrimientos de Roman con respecto a Enclave, conocer un poco del resto de los chicos y ver que las cosas entre ellos no fueron NADA de lo que yo esperaba e imaginaba, definitivamente tengo muchas dudas sobre lo que va a pasar y no puedo esperar para descubrirlo.
Pero tampoco puedo esperar a saber que va a pasar con Asher y Keade, pues el epilogo extendido hace que necesite ya el libro de Ash porque su historia pinta para ser impresionante, además, tengo mucha curiosidad por saber cuáles fueron los secretos que Keade le confió a Roman y quien es esa persona que tanto lo atormenta.
Sin lugar a dudas recomiendo mucho este libro, ya que desde sus primeras páginas me atrapó y no dejó de hacerlo hasta el final, además estoy MUY emocionada por seguir con esta serie y descubrir que pasará con esta sociedad secreta y sus miembros.
ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta.
The two main characters are quite complex and with deep stories, in the case of Roman he’s a boy lost after a love disappointment, belongs to a secret society by family inheritance and has a great lineage on his shoulders, he’s quite rich and has everything he could need, but Roman is also a vulnerable and insecure person, who has to endure the constant disappointment of the people around him. This funny and adorable boy broke my heart with his story on more than one occasion throughout the book, but one of my favorite things is the evolution that his character has and the way in which he decides to face the situations that are presented to him
Hale is a boy who has had a less privileged life, he has had to face tragic situations at a very young age and that has defined his personality, he’s very hard-working, dedicated and responsible man. He's grumpy most of the time, but that's one of my favorite things about his character. Hale is also the most mysterious of the two leads, and it was something that I really enjoyed while reading this book, because CE Ricci knew how to make it interesting and captivating, as well as absolutely adorable.
The first meeting between Roman & Hale it shows the sexual chemistry and immediate attraction between the two, however, what is not shown in those first pages, is how complicated the relationship will be between them: to begin with, they are future co-workers, although neither knows it at first, then there are Hale's constant negatives towards Roman's advances, and the secret agendas that each has.
But somehow, completely hilarious and red-hot, Roman & Hale find their way to each other, and reveal their more vulnerable, tender & adorable side as they let each other into their lives. And although they have their moments of toxicity and lack of communication that lead them to make mistakes, this couple stole my heart because they both find in each other what they didn't even know they needed, learn to trust and love.
Definitely one of the best moments in this book is when Hale finally begins to trust Roman, but also when his secrets finally come to light, I have to say that that twist in the plot was something that I saw coming, but the way in which the revelation is made, the attitude of both characters towards it and the consequences it has were something completely surprising and that I enjoyed very much.
Another thing that caught me from the beginning was the plot of Enclave, the secret society to which Roman belongs by inheritance, the world that CE Ricci create is very interesting and I think it also has a fairly original and well-planned structure. I loved reading all of Roman's discoveries regarding Enclave, getting to know a little about the rest of the guys and seeing that things between them were NOTHING what I expected and imagined, I definitely have a lot of doubts about what is going to happen and can't wait to find out.
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen with Asher and Keade either, because the extended epilogue makes me need Ash's book now!because his story seems impressive, besides, I'm very curious to know what they were the secrets that Keade confided to Roman and who is that person who torments him so much.
Without a doubt I highly recommend this book, since from its first pages it caught me and did not stop until the end, I am also VERY excited to continue with this series and discover what will happen to this secret society and its members.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
🇪🇸
Este es mi primer libro de CE Ricci, desde hace tiempo quería leer algo suyo y afortunadamente obtuve esta ARC. These Vile Secrets me pareció la perfecta introducción al mundo de Enclave, es una historia con el equilibrio perfecto entre misterio, secretos y amor, entrelazada con una buena cantidad de momentos candentes y tiernos, una combinación perfecta para mi.
Los dos personajes principales son bastante complejos y con historia profundas, en el caso de Roman el es un chico perdido después de una decepción amorosa, pertenece a una sociedad secreta por herencia familiar y tiene un gran linaje sobre sus hombros, es bastante rico y tiene todo lo que podría necesitar, pero Roman también es una persona vulnerable e insegura, que tiene que soportar la constante decepción de las personas a su alrededor. Este chico divertido y adorable me rompió el corazón con su historia en más de una ocasión a lo largo del libro, pero una de mis cosas favoritas es la evolución que tiene su personaje y la forma en la que decide afrontar las situaciones que se le presentan.
Hale es un chico que ha tenido una vida menos privilegiada, ha tenido que enfrentarse a situaciones trágicas a una edad muy temprana y eso ha definido su personalidad, él es muy trabajador, dedicado y responsable, es un gruñón la mayor parte del tiempo, pero esa es una de mis cosas favoritas sobre su personaje. Hale también es el más misterioso entre los dos protagonistas, y fue algo que realmente disfrute mientras leía este libro, porque CE Ricci supo como hacerlo interesante y cautivador, además de absolutamente adorable.
El primer encuentro entre Roman & Hale me encanta, muestra la química sexual y atracción inmediata qué hay entre los dos, sin embargo, lo que no se muestra en esas primeras paginas, es lo complicada que será la relación entre ambos: para empezar, son futuros compañeros de trabajo, aunque ninguno lo sabe al principio, después están las constantes negativas de Hale hacia los avances de Roman, y las agendas secretas que cada uno tiene.
Pero de alguna forma, completamente divertida y candente, Roman & Hale encuentran su camino hacia el otro, y dejan ver su lado más vulnerable, tierno & adorable a medida que dejan entrar al otro en sus vidas. Y aunque tienen sus momentos de toxicidad y falta de comunicación que los llevan a cometer errores esta pareja me robo el corazón porque ambos encuentran en el otro aquello que ni siquiera sabían que necesitaban, aprender a confiar y a amar.
Definitivamente uno de los mejores momentos de este libro es cuando Hale por fin comienza a confiar en Roman, pero también cuando sus secretos salen a la luz finalmente, tengo que decir que ese giro en la trama era algo que veía venir, pero la forma en la que se hace la revelación, la actitud de ambos personajes ante ella y las consecuencias que tiene fueron algo completamente sorprendente y que disfrute muchísimo.
Otra de las cosas que me atrapó desde el principio fue la trama de Enclave, la sociedad secreta a la que Roman pertenece por herencia, es muy interesante el mundo que CE Ricci creo para contar esta historia y creo que además tiene una estructura bastante original y bien planteada. Me encantó leer todos los descubrimientos de Roman con respecto a Enclave, conocer un poco del resto de los chicos y ver que las cosas entre ellos no fueron NADA de lo que yo esperaba e imaginaba, definitivamente tengo muchas dudas sobre lo que va a pasar y no puedo esperar para descubrirlo.
Pero tampoco puedo esperar a saber que va a pasar con Asher y Keade, pues el epilogo extendido hace que necesite ya el libro de Ash porque su historia pinta para ser impresionante, además, tengo mucha curiosidad por saber cuáles fueron los secretos que Keade le confió a Roman y quien es esa persona que tanto lo atormenta.
Sin lugar a dudas recomiendo mucho este libro, ya que desde sus primeras páginas me atrapó y no dejó de hacerlo hasta el final, además estoy MUY emocionada por seguir con esta serie y descubrir que pasará con esta sociedad secreta y sus miembros.
ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta.
June 3, 2021
So I already knew I was gonna love it , and I was right . But what I didn’t expect was how much I loved Hale. I related to him a lot just how he responded to certain situations (maybe cuz we are both Aquarius’s ) Roman was the light to Hale. I loved their banter so much and the sex was HOT. I would recommend this to anyone who loves enemies to lovers .
May 22, 2021
Roman and Hale are pure perfection! Their chemistry was sizzling throughout the book and I truly loved them both.
You know me, give me all the angst!
This book is a long one with lots of detail so make sure go into it ready to pay attention, but I loved it!
You know me, give me all the angst!
This book is a long one with lots of detail so make sure go into it ready to pay attention, but I loved it!
January 11, 2023
BFFR…WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK DID I READ.
PLZ tell this heffa to stick to college esque romances that aren’t dark and don’t have ra do secret societies….plz
The start of a new duology following the “Rivain” duet, These Vile Secrets follows the character of Roman Mitchell two years after the events of the previous series, with Roman on the precipice of taking over his families role in the “Enclave” a secret society over 1,000 years old that has shaped civilization (originally, it was America, which then became England then America, but really should have been Western Civilization) when he meets Hale Calloway in his favorite Cigar Bar near Times Square (newsflash: anyone who enters a cigar bar near Times Square? A bum, plain and simple)
We then get the rest of the story: Roman is being trained to become the next CEO of Key Holdings (one of the fronts for the Enclave), and Hale, who is the current CFO of the holding group, will show him the ropes as he begins work there. We also learn that they do not “like” each other, but the insta-lust factor is there for both of them.
This is a “no labels” romance from this author, but yes, this is a relatively light dark romance that continues the writing style of Ricci through her earlier books - high on angst and college aged male (envisioned) snark. All of the young men in this novel are “troubled” by their childhood and past trauma. They believe that they are not worthy of love, and through vigorous fucking (everywhere apparently, except not in their beds) do we recognize that they are indeed worthy of love all the while they are fighting the very secret society they belong to because said secret society is running a drug and sex ring that possibly involves children, but we don’t really know.
Ok…so, the positives. First, I won’t lie - I really did enjoy the angst throughout the book. Yes, a lot of it was because things were said post “hate sex”, or when a character reacted adversely to something another character said. But as someone who eats high angst up, beggars cannot be choosers at this point. Second, the book takes place primarily in New York City, and I enjoyed that the author clearly either did some research or actually was in NYC and was able to use both more well known locals and local haunts that made it easier to envision. However, that is where all of the goodwill that I could potentially muster went away.
Right, let’s get into it. First, I need folks to PLEASE STOP USING BABY/BABE as a term of endearment. It’s cringe, its overused, its infantilizing, and y’all made weird. Second, I’m expected to believe that even with a secret society using a holding company as one of its fronts, that they would be serious about letting the public see a 25 year old take the role of CEO???? Also, that the 27 year old CFO would explain the breakdown of a holding company as a parent-child relationship??? Or that this 25 year old drives a Lambo??? And is able to have sex in said Lambo (before it get hits by another car after they barely got dressed and cleaned up?) But I digress. Third, still the pet peeve about the Enclave. You’re telling me this almost ancient org couldn’t find a different name, or that it suddenly shifted its interests away from England/Old World to America, and has been running America since? What did it do during the Civil War? WWI? WWII? Civil Rights????? And its always been 5 families, and only the male heir?????? That isn’t sustainable. It also is too easy for this type of cabal to get caught and exposed. Fourth, the insistence of the drug/sex ring still gives me too much Trump/MAGA/Qanon vibes, in part because the Enclave reeks of the “Deep State” and with Senators involved. Yet Roman, who tells us the he “vowed” to take this all down on his own (LOL) and from the inside (remember, this man says he’s already killed five people - one from the previous duology and one that we see in a flashback) forgets about this mission for some pale dick - and randomly remembers it all, so what does he and Hale do? Look at financial records, because the “discrepancy” in the numbers will show them there is something shady being done at the holding, which apparently, the CFO did not notice….you get the point.
Honestly, I know that I am being harsh on a book that was written by a right wing (I suspect because of her avoidance of labels for her gay male characters, the rampant biphobia from other male characters, her insistence of using sex rings and secret societies) white women for other white women to enjoy, and that folks to love these books. But what is frustrating is that the books do have potential, its just that this author chooses to be stubborn in how she centers these books, and also again without taking into account reality? It’s all a mess, and I am happy that I was able to hate read this book.
PLZ tell this heffa to stick to college esque romances that aren’t dark and don’t have ra do secret societies….plz
The start of a new duology following the “Rivain” duet, These Vile Secrets follows the character of Roman Mitchell two years after the events of the previous series, with Roman on the precipice of taking over his families role in the “Enclave” a secret society over 1,000 years old that has shaped civilization (originally, it was America, which then became England then America, but really should have been Western Civilization) when he meets Hale Calloway in his favorite Cigar Bar near Times Square (newsflash: anyone who enters a cigar bar near Times Square? A bum, plain and simple)
We then get the rest of the story: Roman is being trained to become the next CEO of Key Holdings (one of the fronts for the Enclave), and Hale, who is the current CFO of the holding group, will show him the ropes as he begins work there. We also learn that they do not “like” each other, but the insta-lust factor is there for both of them.
This is a “no labels” romance from this author, but yes, this is a relatively light dark romance that continues the writing style of Ricci through her earlier books - high on angst and college aged male (envisioned) snark. All of the young men in this novel are “troubled” by their childhood and past trauma. They believe that they are not worthy of love, and through vigorous fucking (everywhere apparently, except not in their beds) do we recognize that they are indeed worthy of love all the while they are fighting the very secret society they belong to because said secret society is running a drug and sex ring that possibly involves children, but we don’t really know.
Ok…so, the positives. First, I won’t lie - I really did enjoy the angst throughout the book. Yes, a lot of it was because things were said post “hate sex”, or when a character reacted adversely to something another character said. But as someone who eats high angst up, beggars cannot be choosers at this point. Second, the book takes place primarily in New York City, and I enjoyed that the author clearly either did some research or actually was in NYC and was able to use both more well known locals and local haunts that made it easier to envision. However, that is where all of the goodwill that I could potentially muster went away.
Right, let’s get into it. First, I need folks to PLEASE STOP USING BABY/BABE as a term of endearment. It’s cringe, its overused, its infantilizing, and y’all made weird. Second, I’m expected to believe that even with a secret society using a holding company as one of its fronts, that they would be serious about letting the public see a 25 year old take the role of CEO???? Also, that the 27 year old CFO would explain the breakdown of a holding company as a parent-child relationship??? Or that this 25 year old drives a Lambo??? And is able to have sex in said Lambo (before it get hits by another car after they barely got dressed and cleaned up?) But I digress. Third, still the pet peeve about the Enclave. You’re telling me this almost ancient org couldn’t find a different name, or that it suddenly shifted its interests away from England/Old World to America, and has been running America since? What did it do during the Civil War? WWI? WWII? Civil Rights????? And its always been 5 families, and only the male heir?????? That isn’t sustainable. It also is too easy for this type of cabal to get caught and exposed. Fourth, the insistence of the drug/sex ring still gives me too much Trump/MAGA/Qanon vibes, in part because the Enclave reeks of the “Deep State” and with Senators involved. Yet Roman, who tells us the he “vowed” to take this all down on his own (LOL) and from the inside (remember, this man says he’s already killed five people - one from the previous duology and one that we see in a flashback) forgets about this mission for some pale dick - and randomly remembers it all, so what does he and Hale do? Look at financial records, because the “discrepancy” in the numbers will show them there is something shady being done at the holding, which apparently, the CFO did not notice….you get the point.
Honestly, I know that I am being harsh on a book that was written by a right wing (I suspect because of her avoidance of labels for her gay male characters, the rampant biphobia from other male characters, her insistence of using sex rings and secret societies) white women for other white women to enjoy, and that folks to love these books. But what is frustrating is that the books do have potential, its just that this author chooses to be stubborn in how she centers these books, and also again without taking into account reality? It’s all a mess, and I am happy that I was able to hate read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
ROMAN MITCHELL.
That is all. But also, Hale? Hale? Oooooh boy. C.E. Ricci is easily making her way up on my favorite MM Author’s list. She wove an intricate web of lies, deceit & all things that kept my heart rate up & my mental state absolutely distraught 😆
RALE. And oh did we get railed. Spicy. Absolutely. Stunning. Yes. Totally swoon worthy. YES. All the feels for these boys.
I can’t wait to see what’s to come for this series.
That is all. But also, Hale? Hale? Oooooh boy. C.E. Ricci is easily making her way up on my favorite MM Author’s list. She wove an intricate web of lies, deceit & all things that kept my heart rate up & my mental state absolutely distraught 😆
RALE. And oh did we get railed. Spicy. Absolutely. Stunning. Yes. Totally swoon worthy. YES. All the feels for these boys.
I can’t wait to see what’s to come for this series.
August 30, 2022
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars! MM romance. An ok read, great chemistry between the mcs.
May 31, 2021
"This game between us is evolving, baby. It's only fair you taste the fucking consequences."
Whew. Roman and Hale are messy. Chaotic. But oh so hot.
I was definitely a Roman hater because of the ROR duet, buttttt let me tell you, CE definitely made me fall in love with him (no surprise there).
Hale is an asshole—1000%. But I love him. And together, they are explosive and they melt my heart.
CE’s writing is so phenomenal, I fall in love on the very first page, every fucking time. The way her words flow off of the page makes me get so lost in the story, that when it’s over, I find myself mourning the end.
Roman and Hale (Rale 😉) are no exception and I know their story is over, But I still can’t wait to see bits of them in the books to come.
I’m so ready for the rest of the Enclave series and the mindfuck it will bring.
Whew. Roman and Hale are messy. Chaotic. But oh so hot.
I was definitely a Roman hater because of the ROR duet, buttttt let me tell you, CE definitely made me fall in love with him (no surprise there).
Hale is an asshole—1000%. But I love him. And together, they are explosive and they melt my heart.
CE’s writing is so phenomenal, I fall in love on the very first page, every fucking time. The way her words flow off of the page makes me get so lost in the story, that when it’s over, I find myself mourning the end.
Roman and Hale (Rale 😉) are no exception and I know their story is over, But I still can’t wait to see bits of them in the books to come.
I’m so ready for the rest of the Enclave series and the mindfuck it will bring.
May 28, 2021
"Of all the gin joints in all the land..."
BETA READ
ROMAN FUCKING MITCHELL.
That's it. That's my review.
"You feel so much more than you let the world see."
Okay, so if you're like me and read the River of Rain Duet first (which I highly, highly recommend, but it is not needed to enjoy TVS), there's a good chance you didn't like Roman too much. Perhaps you even outright hated him. Well buckle the fuck up because this boy's about to rip your damn heart out. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so just trust me when I say you are going to FALL IN LOVE with this human dumpster fire.
"I never knew I had the power to melt ice with a single touch."
Now, my little Hale baby. I did not expect to love him as much as I did. Just when I thought I had him figured out, Ricci had to go rip the rug right out from under me and make me fall even MORE in love with this stubborn dickhead. Where Roman is funny and explosive AF, this Armani-wearing asshole is Frustrating with a big, fat capital F. At least at the beginning. But that is no way a BAD thing. He has his reasons for coming off as a cold, heartless asshole — just as Roman has his reasons for being a chaotic hot mess 99.9% of the time.
"You're ever sinful thought I've ever had come to life. Molded into a body meant to be worshipped."
The banter. The chemistry. The push and pull. The pacing. — It's all just *chef's kiss*. When I say these two will melt for each other, I mean melt. UGH.
And the sex scenes! Two words: Strip. Club. I can't say anymore without giving away spoilers, but this scene... OOF. Whether you love it or hate it, I can guarantee you'll never forget it. But that's just one scene among PLENTY of steamy encounters. I find that I easily get bored with sex scenes because they're often repetitive, but Ricci is a goddamn magician when it comes to writing organic, but unique scenes that feel necessary to the story/relationship development.
I don't want to give too much away regarding the plot outside the romance, but the Enclave, the secret society Roman was born into, does play a big role in the direction of the story and his relationship with Hale. And when it all comes to a head.... Holy fuck. You won't see it coming.
Note that this is the first in an interconnected series - a true series, so although books will be told in different POVS/focused on the other Enclave members' relationships, there will be unanswered questions due to overarching plots. It's clear from TVS that Ricci has put a great deal of forethought into this world, and I can't wait for her to rip my heart out again with the next book.
BETA READ
ROMAN FUCKING MITCHELL.
That's it. That's my review.
"You feel so much more than you let the world see."
Okay, so if you're like me and read the River of Rain Duet first (which I highly, highly recommend, but it is not needed to enjoy TVS), there's a good chance you didn't like Roman too much. Perhaps you even outright hated him. Well buckle the fuck up because this boy's about to rip your damn heart out. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so just trust me when I say you are going to FALL IN LOVE with this human dumpster fire.
"I never knew I had the power to melt ice with a single touch."
Now, my little Hale baby. I did not expect to love him as much as I did. Just when I thought I had him figured out, Ricci had to go rip the rug right out from under me and make me fall even MORE in love with this stubborn dickhead. Where Roman is funny and explosive AF, this Armani-wearing asshole is Frustrating with a big, fat capital F. At least at the beginning. But that is no way a BAD thing. He has his reasons for coming off as a cold, heartless asshole — just as Roman has his reasons for being a chaotic hot mess 99.9% of the time.
"You're ever sinful thought I've ever had come to life. Molded into a body meant to be worshipped."
The banter. The chemistry. The push and pull. The pacing. — It's all just *chef's kiss*. When I say these two will melt for each other, I mean melt. UGH.
And the sex scenes! Two words: Strip. Club. I can't say anymore without giving away spoilers, but this scene... OOF. Whether you love it or hate it, I can guarantee you'll never forget it. But that's just one scene among PLENTY of steamy encounters. I find that I easily get bored with sex scenes because they're often repetitive, but Ricci is a goddamn magician when it comes to writing organic, but unique scenes that feel necessary to the story/relationship development.
I don't want to give too much away regarding the plot outside the romance, but the Enclave, the secret society Roman was born into, does play a big role in the direction of the story and his relationship with Hale. And when it all comes to a head.... Holy fuck. You won't see it coming.
Note that this is the first in an interconnected series - a true series, so although books will be told in different POVS/focused on the other Enclave members' relationships, there will be unanswered questions due to overarching plots. It's clear from TVS that Ricci has put a great deal of forethought into this world, and I can't wait for her to rip my heart out again with the next book.
June 24, 2021
2.5 ⭐️
I really wanted to love this book but the more I read the more I hated it. If you want good smut, this is your book. If you want good plot, this isn't your book.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
First off, the plot in this book was almost nonexistent and chaotic. In the beginning of the book, Roman talks about how he is still hung up on Rain and what happened 2 years ago. (Which if you haven't read the Follow The River duology this part of the plot would have been so confusing!!) And then goes into how the events at the end of the FTR duology sparked Roman's interest in taking down the corrupt members of Enclave. We don't hear anything else about this interest until MUCH later in the book when Roman tells Hale about Enclave. Then at the end it turns out Hale was working with the corrupt members and just didn't mention it to Roman (like WHAT?????) The fact that Hale was working with the bad guys came completely out of the blue and made no sense to the plot. Roman and Hale's "conflict" could've been anything else and it would've made more sense. AND on top of that, nothing was fixed in the end. The corrupt members of Enclave are fine and running the secret society.
Second, the timeline jumps in this!!! I swear scenes had to have been deleted with how abrupt some jumps were. Like the entire fundraiser scene was skipped (instead it just jumped from Hale and Roman leaving the apartment to Roman being in jail) and the scene at the end where Hale gets out of the office alive (this jump just went to a week later). It made no sense to skip these scenes are the previous scenes were building up to them.
Third, there were so many moments that reminded me exactly of River and Rain. Like the pet name scene where Hale calls Roman "babe" for the first time - the exact same thing happened in FTR. I just thought it odd that the two stories felt so similar when the characters are supposed to be different. I did like the little moment in the epilogue with Rain and River but I also thought it was weird they just happened to be in the same town that Roman sent Hale to hide out in.
I also expected more scenes with the Enclave brothers but we just got little snippets here and there 😒
I did like the scenes where we get to see the other brothers and I loved Asher's chapter at the end. Even though I'm not a fan of this book, I'm going to read the next book! I really loved Asher's character and want to see what is in store for him.
I really wanted to love this book but the more I read the more I hated it. If you want good smut, this is your book. If you want good plot, this isn't your book.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
First off, the plot in this book was almost nonexistent and chaotic. In the beginning of the book, Roman talks about how he is still hung up on Rain and what happened 2 years ago. (Which if you haven't read the Follow The River duology this part of the plot would have been so confusing!!) And then goes into how the events at the end of the FTR duology sparked Roman's interest in taking down the corrupt members of Enclave. We don't hear anything else about this interest until MUCH later in the book when Roman tells Hale about Enclave. Then at the end it turns out Hale was working with the corrupt members and just didn't mention it to Roman (like WHAT?????) The fact that Hale was working with the bad guys came completely out of the blue and made no sense to the plot. Roman and Hale's "conflict" could've been anything else and it would've made more sense. AND on top of that, nothing was fixed in the end. The corrupt members of Enclave are fine and running the secret society.
Second, the timeline jumps in this!!! I swear scenes had to have been deleted with how abrupt some jumps were. Like the entire fundraiser scene was skipped (instead it just jumped from Hale and Roman leaving the apartment to Roman being in jail) and the scene at the end where Hale gets out of the office alive (this jump just went to a week later). It made no sense to skip these scenes are the previous scenes were building up to them.
Third, there were so many moments that reminded me exactly of River and Rain. Like the pet name scene where Hale calls Roman "babe" for the first time - the exact same thing happened in FTR. I just thought it odd that the two stories felt so similar when the characters are supposed to be different. I did like the little moment in the epilogue with Rain and River but I also thought it was weird they just happened to be in the same town that Roman sent Hale to hide out in.
I also expected more scenes with the Enclave brothers but we just got little snippets here and there 😒
I did like the scenes where we get to see the other brothers and I loved Asher's chapter at the end. Even though I'm not a fan of this book, I'm going to read the next book! I really loved Asher's character and want to see what is in store for him.
December 25, 2021
This book was really good, Roman's redemption arc is really good and well written and it's so smooth, how his supposedly one night stand turned into something more. The way the meet at the bar and damn you can feel the electricity in the air.
Hale was everything, neither Roman, nor I knew we needed. Some of the dialogues just makes you swoon but some just sets you on fire. There was one scene in particular, which I really wasn't expecting but whew!!! 🥵
There were so many vile secrets, you get more of Roman's Enclave brothers. Some betrayal and lots of love. My babies Rivain (River and Rain) might be in the passing but it's a really powerful moments, which you'll have to find out yourself. I loved and I can't wait for Asher's book 🤞🏽🤞🏽
Hale was everything, neither Roman, nor I knew we needed. Some of the dialogues just makes you swoon but some just sets you on fire. There was one scene in particular, which I really wasn't expecting but whew!!! 🥵
There were so many vile secrets, you get more of Roman's Enclave brothers. Some betrayal and lots of love. My babies Rivain (River and Rain) might be in the passing but it's a really powerful moments, which you'll have to find out yourself. I loved and I can't wait for Asher's book 🤞🏽🤞🏽
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