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Hidden Secrets

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BrinleyWhen an unexpected offer is dropped in my lap from notorious lingerie companies, Hidden Secrets, I was shocked.It’s an unbelievable offer, that is everything I want but there's a catch, I have to go back home, the one place I’ve vowed to forget.Home is filled with nothing by memories I’ve stuffed down so deep that revisiting them would mean reliving them.I had every intention of taking this job and leaving the past behind me.Until I'm introduced to my new boss.Once I locked eyes with him, set I knew my past would never stay hidden.ColeI have everything I could possibly need.Money, friends, women, a very successful business.But when Tara thrust a personal assistant into my path, my intention was to keep the peace.However, the moment I laid eyes on her I know I’m in dangerous territory.Tara has one rule, stay away from her, and usually I would but Brinley quickly becomes the forbidden fruit my soul desires.This just might be one rule worth breaking.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2021

9 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Ruby Wolff

26 books460 followers

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5 stars
39 (49%)
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19 (24%)
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13 (16%)
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6 (7%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Ann.
1,941 reviews32 followers
November 16, 2022
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. This has everything I love; deeply emotional, tragedy turning to love. Cole and Brinley came so far over ten years apart. The strength and bravery of Brinley to overcome so much heartache and hurt to be a force to be wrecken with is admirable. I love independent and strong heroines. Cole proved he was incredibly sorry for past deeds. This story is about the ability to forgive despite all hopelessness and learn to love. But most importantly it is about owning up to wrongs in our lives and wanting to change to become better people. Well done Ms. Wolff!!
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,364 reviews18 followers
March 28, 2021
Love this story.
How many people can say they have the courage to forgive their bullies.
The strength to move on from the pain of there past in spite of having to face it almost everyday.
That's what Brinley and Cole's story is all about. It's about the roads we choose to travel, the choices we make as we are coming into those years of making our own decisions and how they will effect us in the future.
Once those choices are made can we accept the consequences or will we be ashamed and embarrassed without need, or perhaps guilt will eat at us till we become unhinged.
Just pick up Cole and Brinley to see where their journey of growth, acceptance, forgiveness and learning to love leads them.

I have voluntarily left this review.
2,700 reviews25 followers
March 8, 2021
4*
Brinley is been head hunted to be the new pa for hidden secrets, but returning to Seattle will be hard.
Cole is the ceo of hidden secrets he's driven and invested in the company.
The new pa seems familiar but from where? She's exceptionally talented at her job and the pull towards her is strong.
Brinley didn't expect to have these feelings for Cole but can she get over her past, the scars are a constant reminder.
I thought Brinley was an exceptional character I loved how protective her dads were towards her.
Profile Image for Laura Fabian.
645 reviews54 followers
March 24, 2021
This is my first book by Ruby Wolf and I enjoyed it very much, I think is a nice change to read an office romance in which the boss is not this evil and rude person who is constantly mistreating his employees and the girl , also the plot is much more interesting than the synopsis reveals and the characters are incredible.

I’m SO IN LOVE with Brinley, she’s a very hardworking girl, the best at what she does, super organized, efficient, kind, with a huge heart, courage and strength. She has had to go through difficult situations and that leads her to hide from Cole the past they have in common, fortunately, she has been able to overcome it with the help and love of her parents and Mel , her best friend and a beautiful character. One of my favorite things about Brinley is that she is willing to see beyond what others project, the love she has for her work is inspiring and I love that she is so committed, especially with her posts on instagram.

Cole is an ADORABLE man, at first I was not sure that I would like his character, but as soon as he started interacting with Brinley I realized that he was a kind person, tender and sincere with her feelings. I LOVE how detailed he is, with her and with his work, that he’s also a hard-working man and that he values ​​the work of others, he’s respectful and loving with his mother and Tara, but what I like the most about him is that he’s willing to admit his mistakes, ask for forgiveness and try to remedy what he did wrong. And together, Cole & Brinley are perfect, I love the bond that brings them together, how easy it is for both of them to talk to each other from the beginning, and the sexual tension that is there from the beginning is otherworldly. Everything between them unfolds in a simple way, with obstacles, but very real and tender, Cole considering what Brinley wants from a relationship is the most beautiful thing I have read.

I think this is a story of dreams, love, redemption, but also of inclusion, I'm very happy with the fact that Cole's problem with his father is betrayal and deception, and no other things (which I can't mention because of spoiler). In addition, it is wonderful to read a book in which we can see the protagonist having two parents and no one makes a show of the situation, we need more stories of this style.

Undoubtedly, the plot is also incredible: the mystery remains long enough, and throughout the book we discover some of the secrets that the characters have hidden. The atmosphere in Hidden Secrets is beautiful, I really enjoyed reading the planning to make the lingerie, how much everyone works to make things go well and the effort that Cole puts into fulfilling his dreams, and the supporting characters are the icing on the cake. They are all important, they have different and very cute personalities, I would love to know more about some of them ( Mel & Kai ).

Definitely Hidden Secrets is my favorite office romance so far, and I think it will take a more than incredible story to share its place in my heart, I absolutely recommend it.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

🇪🇸
Este es mi primer libro de Ruby Wolf y lo disfrute muchísimo, creo que es un cambia agradable leer un office romance en el que el jefe no es esta persona malvada y grosera que constantemente esta maltratando a sus empleados y a la heroína, además la trama es mucho más interesante de lo que la sinopsis deja ver y los personajes son increíbles.

Estoy ENAMORADA de Brinley, es una chica muy trabajadora, la mejor en lo que hace, súper organizada, eficiente, amable, con un enorme corazón, valentía y fortaleza. Ha tenido que pasar por situaciones difíciles y eso la lleva a esconder de Cole el pasado que tienen en común, afortunadamente, ha podido superarlo con la ayuda y amor de sus padres y Mel, su mejor amiga y un personaje hermoso. Una de mis cosas favoritas de Brinley es que está dispuesta a ver más allá de lo que los demás proyectan, el amor que tiene por su trabajo es inspirador y me encanta que sea tan comprometido, especialmente con sus post en instagram.

Cole es un hombre ADORABLE, al principio no estaba segura de que me pudiera gustar su personaje, pero en cuanto comenzó a interactuar con Brinley me di cuenta de que era una persona amable, tierna y sincera con sus sentimientos. AMO lo detallista que es, con ella y con el trabajo, que también sea un hombre trabajador y que valore el trabajo de los demás, que sea respetuoso y amoroso con su mamá y Tara, pero lo que más me gusta de él es que está dispuesto a reconocer sus errores, pedir perdón e intentar remediar lo que hizo mal.Y juntos, Cole & Brinley son perfectos, me encanta el vinculo que los une, lo fácil que resulta para ambos hablar con el otro desde el principio, y la tensión sexual que está ahí desde el principio es de otro mundo. Todo entre ellos se desarrolla de una manera sencilla, con obstáculos, pero muy real y tierna, Cole teniendo en cuenta lo que Brinley quiere de una relación es de lo más lindo que he leído.

Creo que esta es una historia de sueños, amor, redención, pero también de inclusión, estoy muy feliz con el hecho de que el problema de Cole con su padre sea la traición y el engaño, y no otras cosas (que no puedo mencionar porque spoiler). Además, es maravilloso leer un libro en el que podemos ver a la protagonista teniendo dos papás y nadie hace un show de la situación, necesitamos más historias de este estilo.

Sin dudas, la trama también es increíble: el misterio se mantiene el tiempo necesario, y a lo largo del libro vamos descubriendo algunos de los secretos que los personajes tienen escondidos. El ambiente en Hidden Secrets es hermoso, disfruté mucho leyendo la planeación para hacer la lencería, lo mucho que todos se esfuerzan para que las cosas salgan bien y el empeño que Cole pone en cumplir sus sueños, y los personajes secundarios son la cereza del pastel, todos son importantes, tienen personalidades diferente y muy lindas, me encantaría poder saber más de algunos de ellos (Mel & Kai).

Definitivamente Hidden Secrets es mi office romance favorito hasta ahora, y creo que se va a necesitar una historia más que increíble para que comparta su lugar en mi corazón, absolutamente recomendable.

ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta
Profile Image for Echo's Journey Through Books.
917 reviews82 followers
March 24, 2021
An incredibly sweet and emotional story about second chances!

Brinley is a cinnamon roll. She's caring, devoted and does everything with so much passion. She has gone through so much in her lifetime that it completely broke my heart. She's so strong after everything; she truly goes through hell and back, but is still standing proud.

Cole is loyal, charming, sweet and puts everyone else's need before his own. He tells everything like it is and doesn't filter his thoughts, which had me swooning basically all the time. Also, can we just take a moment and talk about the fact that he owns a lingerie company? Because I absolutely love that, f*** the gender stereotypes!

Brinley and Cole have an immediate connection and oh how it's epic. They have this sizzling chemistry that comes right off the pages. There's also this tension between them that they can't shake. Their love is the forbidden kind as they are not supposed to be anything but platonic. It makes their dynamic a whole lotta more epic. I absolutely loved how from day one Cole treats Brinley with so much kindness and is not the biggest jerk you might think.

But they also have a past together that Cole doesn't realize at first. Brinley was horribly bullied in high school by every single student that left her with scars; physical and emotional. Cole was the captain of the football team and he never did anything to stop the bullying. But he is a complete other person now and regrets the night that changed him and made him want to be a better man.

Although Brinley knows this, she is afraid to let him in because of everything that happened in the past, it's not so easy to forgive something that almost destroyed her. The question is: can she let go of the past and accept him as the man he is today? I felt every emotion like it was my own. I truly felt the inner battle Brinley goes through and kept rooting for her.

Cole treats Brinley like a queen; he looks at her like she's the only woman on earth and worships the ground she walks on. He is such a sweetheart. Him being all romantic and affectionate melted my heart. The way they learn to love each other is so beautiful. I felt the connection from the very beginning and kept feeling it with every wistful look and gentle touch. I pretty much melted into a puddle of goo at the end.

The family dynamics are amazing. Brinley was adopted and her dads care for her like she's their entire world, they are one of the reasons she's still standing. Cole is still such a mommas boy, he calls her every single day and would do anything for her. I adored that aspect so much. This also has twists and mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I was utterly captivated by the story; I couldn't help but keep reading until I reached the end. The writing is just incredible. The way it pulls you in and makes you feel is beautiful. I totally teared up many times throughout it all and it brought all kinds of emotions to the surface.

Hidden Secrets is about second chances, forgiveness and new beginnings. This is a whole journey. It's heart-wrenching and touching. It's passionate and sweet. It's powerful and truly exceptional! I adored it with my whole heart!

"I'm connecting with Brinley in a way that has never happened to me. It's like she was made just for me, and I'm going to make her my queen."

*I received this ARC via LiteraryDesigns but the thoughts are completely my own.*
Profile Image for Julie Workman|Bookaholic Sisters Blog.
952 reviews32 followers
March 22, 2021
What an absolutely amazing read, if I could give it more than 5 ⭐ I would.

Brinley has been through so much, shes had to fight to get back to the person she is today but the past has a way of catching up with you even when you have no intention of letting it in. She now has the choice of a fresh start but its back where it all started.

Cole  was the football jock in school the one that everyone wanted or wanted to be, untill one night changed everything for him, hes now changed, grown up and built a successful business,  one that he's proud of.

Everybody has a hidden secret, whats yours?

This story made me feel so much!
I hated, I laughed, I loved and I cried but I wouldn't have had it any other way, it was absolutely amazing and a book that I won't forget in a hurry.

1000% recommended
Profile Image for Jackie.
363 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2021
All I can say about this book is WOW what a read. This has to be one of the best books Ruby has ever written.
This book gives you all the feels, what with its ups and downs, you won't put this book down.
When at school Brinley had her fair share of being bullied but now older and wiser things have changed.
Cole is the guy all the girls want, but the main cheerleader gets him, years later he's full of guilt, through one thing or another, and his way of coping is to sleep about, untill he see's Brinley, that's when things start to change.
Are Secrets ment to surface, or should they stay hidden.
This book I'd say is an
enemies to lovers, betrayal, bulling
5Stars all the way
Profile Image for Sheri.
131 reviews
March 24, 2021
I have never read a Ruby Wolff novel, but I am so glad I said yes to this one. I absolutely LOVED it. It was not at all what I expected, and it was so much more. I couldn’t put this novel down, Brinley is a fighter and such a strong women. I love how she is able to forgive and move forward. Cole has demons, and his a womanizer. One look a Brinley and all that changes. Will they each be able to move on from their past??? This story is so heartwarming.
Profile Image for Emma.
815 reviews
December 24, 2023
It was going really good and then I noticed that we where in the end... It felt really rushed and quick to conclusions. Somethings were disconnected, f.e. our H didn't recognized our h, a girl that he supposedly searched over a year (but name I assume), a girl that he and his best friend "tormented" for years and again no recollection. She hadn't changed her name or appearance. It had all the elements to be a great read but something didn't click.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Christou.
223 reviews19 followers
March 15, 2021
This is the first I’ve read of this author and I really enjoyed it! I loved the hidden secrets and the drama and buildup to those secrets being revealed. I loved the side characters as much as the main and I think there could be an awesome story there too! I will continue to read this author as she has left me with a smile.
Profile Image for Dena Akbar.
588 reviews73 followers
March 5, 2021
It is a really good good book and It is really interesting.
732 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2021
A new author to me and a great first read! The twists and secrets were done really well. I love that Cole got the ended he wanted and that the past was finally left in the past.
Profile Image for Auzelia.
44 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2021
This was different for me, but in a good way. Office romance with a twist. It’s showed growth and how the elements of bullying.

Well written and was able to become engrossed in it.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,285 reviews30 followers
March 25, 2021
5 Stars for Hidden Secrets.

What are YOUR hidden secrets??? For Cole Grant, it’s that he’s the creative drive behind Hidden Secrets, the biggest and newest lingerie sensation, leaving Tara Dunn, his main investor and his mother’s friend, as the face of the company. Oh, and he carries some pretty heavy guilt for things that he failed to stand up against in college. For Brinley Grace, it’s her past, and she’s intent on leaving it there.

Author Ruby Wolff is still a relatively new-to-me author, and what I’m fast realising is that she likes to tease her readers even as she gives us the story. There is always some information that she likes to keep back for sharing with us later.

I loved Hidden Secrets! What a powerful book and what a strong heroine we were gifted with. Brinley struggled as a victim of bullying at college, and suffered in the worst way. Her strength showed in her keeping her past to herself because it no longer defined her. She was an amazing personality who garnered the best in people to want to be around her, and I absolutely adored her overprotective dads!!! She’s not only survived and rebuilt her future, but she became the unicorn of PA’s and Tara Dunn head-hunted her to Hidden Secrets.

Much to Tara’s chagrin, Cole’s visceral reaction to Brinley, and her adverse reaction to him meant that he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Even though he was ever the gentleman, he couldn’t understand Brinley’s standoffishness. Oh-ho, but Ms Wolff didn’t create a faint-hearted hero, and he hung in there in the most romantic not-quite stalker-ish fashion! I was suitably impressed. Even as our characters were put through the wringer again, he still hung true! What an amazing guy!!!

If there is another thing I want to speak to, it’s the secondary characters – they were all class acts that absolutely added to the story in the very best of ways. Definitely 5 Stars!!!!

You need to grab your own copy! ღ🌹ღ
Profile Image for Meredith.
699 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2021
Once I started reading Hidden Secrets I could not put it down, I honestly finished in about two hours, it was so good. I don't know what exactly it was that I loved so much, the writing - fabulous, the characters- superb, and the story line - addicting, I just had to know what was going to happen.
Brinley is a personal assistant in Seattle when she is head hunted by an executive from the lingerie company, Hidden Secret. While Brinley doesn't know who her new boss but she decided to take the chance and move with her BFF back to Washington, where she grew up. While Brinley is apprehensive about going back to a place that caused her so much emotional and physical pain, she decided to take the chance to be able to live closer to her dads again. But when she starts her new job she finds out her new boss is someone she went to high school with, and while he doesn't remember her, she definitely remembers him, and not for good reasons...
Cole is the secret CEO of Hidden Secrets and he's enjoying life, he gets to do a job he loves and see (and sleep with) beautiful women all the time. So when his business partner, Tara, insists on hiring a specific personal assistant he is reluctant to accept the new hire because he doesn't know that she is worth the high salary. But soon after meeting Brinley he is instantly attracted to her, but with threats of dismemberment from Tara he decides to keep his distance. But the more time they spend together Cole can't help but see how special he is and that maybe he's done with his playboy lifestyle. Can Brinley look beyond their secret past together? Can Cole get move on from his past baggage and finally realize he is capable of a longterm relationship?
2,098 reviews31 followers
March 24, 2021
Wow! What a great story, I loved Brinley and Cole. Brinley is an amazing PA and when an opportunity arises she can’t pass it up and take a leap and joins Hidden Secrets, only to find out the other CEO is one of the guys from high school that was part of a group who bullied her and that time in her life changed everything for her. Cole is attracted to Brinley, and there is something about her that just makes him want to be better. Only he doesn’t recognize her and the longer they spend time together it makes it harder for her to tell him who she is. Will Brinley forgive him for the past and be able to move on together? Their story is heartbreaking, loving, caring, intense and full of emotions. I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering how this was all going to play out. I hope we get a book for Kai and Mel, he’s Cole’s best friend and I think he’s just a little misunderstood and Mel is Brinley’s bestie and I thought she was awesome. Amazing read!
1,244 reviews18 followers
March 23, 2021
You know when you're reading a book and you don't want it to end this was that book for me. I absolutely loved this book. Brinley and Cole are an amazing couple. This author is good at making you feel what the characters are actually going through and feeling. What Brinley went through as a teenager taught her how to be a fighter and a fighter she was. Cole grew up with a lot of regrets and guilt, which took a lot to work through. For along time he buried it all with his business until he found that his business wasn't all there was to life. With the love of the other they fought all to find their hea. Like I said I did not want this book to end, I truly enjoyed it. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,676 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2021
Brinley and Cole's book will have you on the edge of your seat with all the secrets, twist, heartache and so much more you won't be able to put it down. These two have a past that only one of them knows. Will their past define their future? Will they be able to forgive or will someone or something, try to keep them from it? I was pulled right into to this book and was totally floored by all the emotions, feelings, the amount of twist that I didn't expect any of it. This touched every part of my heart and soul and I felt it all. It's an amazing read that shows us people can survive anything with the right amount of will power, family, friends, and love. I can't wait to read what this author has next.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,532 reviews80 followers
March 26, 2021
Amazing Emotional Story!

This was a really great and highly emotional story to read. Brinley and Cole are phenomenal characters that will make you laugh, cry and fall head over heels for them. This is definitely a story that you will not be able to put down. You will be captivated right from the start with Brinley and Cole. The secrets they keep and their revelations will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what would happen when they were eventually revealed and the fallout afterword.

Such a heartwarming, emotional story with lots of heartache, passion and love.

Amazing read!!
Profile Image for bookish_ashley90.
217 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2021
Ruby Wolff is a new author for me and she's now on my list of YES Authors to read!

She wrote Hidden Secrets so well, I couldn't put it down. The emotions came out, hurt, love, angst, and pain. Its all wrapped up in this book and I ate it right up.

You will not be disappointed when reading this book, I can promise you that.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Matthias.
134 reviews18 followers
March 25, 2021
What a another fantastic read from you Ruby this book is brilliant I won't leave any spoilers here this is a book thay got me so engrossed I did not leave my sitting spot until I had finished this read I completely devoured it in one sitting Ruby thank you for a brilliant read and mow iam definitely looking forward to reading more from you
Profile Image for Hannah | Blessed Book Reviews.
172 reviews
March 25, 2021
Oh. My. Word. To say that this book was "good" is definitely an understatement. It was AMAZING. This trope is definitely not one that I would usually go for, but I decided to try it anyways since I love getting out of my comfort zone once in a while. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this book. It is definitely going on my favorites list for the year. :)
Profile Image for Alharaca.
892 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2021
Loved it. Sweet, with drama and a little suspense. Will have you wondering since the first chapter what happened but at the end everything falls in its place and is totally worth it. Love how Ruby wrote the story and how she created each character giving all of them something of their own. Definitely a must read.
1,716 reviews14 followers
March 19, 2021
This is a great, emotional read! I loved Cole and Brinley so much!
Profile Image for Heather Dee.
441 reviews
March 26, 2021
Oh my gosh I loved it ... another must read by Ruby Wolff ...I couldn't put it down I can't wait for more !
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,402 reviews41 followers
April 1, 2021
5 HIDDEN SECRETS STARS!! This was not what I expected at all. It was so good. Cole and Brinley will touch your heart with their story. This author knows how to suck us readers in.
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,576 reviews52 followers
April 22, 2021
wow what a second chance read about forgiving a bullie. this is a sweet read that will pull you from the beginning.
Profile Image for Brianna.
273 reviews261 followers
December 26, 2021
4.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶

Tropes:
- office romance
- shared past
- trauma
- CEO hero + personal assistant heroine

POV: first person - dual

Type: stand-alone

Cole is the CEO of a lingerie company. Brinley is hired as a PA by the co-CEO and Cole is given one rule to follow: stay away from Brinley. Little does Cole know, he shares a past with Brinley that has left more than one type of scar.

This was such a unique plot and was very well written. I really enjoyed this one!
Profile Image for Pinkitnl.
1,293 reviews50 followers
February 2, 2025
3/5 ⭐️

For the biggest part of the book i liked the story, but i didn't like that the MMC is such an manwhore. He even has sex with OW after meeting the FMC...
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
March 25, 2021
Brinley received an unexpected off from a lingerie company, but the condition is that she must return to her hometown, which holds some horrible memories for her as she went through so much in her life, and she was bullied through school which left some pretty deep scars. Cole is the owner of the lingerie company and Brinley’s new boss, and he belonged to the group of bully’s, but he does not recognize her now. The sparks fly when these two meets, and the chemistry is sizzling between them. Will Brinley tell Cole who she is so she can finally move on with her life? This is a well written storyline which is an emotional roller coaster, and is intense, sweet, passionate, moving, and with twists, family, friendships, mystery, forgiveness, and love, which all leads to a heartwarming and moving tale, which this talented author has done a fantastic job in weaving. I was hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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