Dirty Little Secrets

Baldwin's Shore #1

by Elise Noble

Welcome to Baldwin’s Shore, the small town where everybody has a secret…

Brooke Bartlett is no exception. She’s been in love with her brother’s best friend for half her life, her dirty little secret. With Luca on the other side of the world, the temptation stayed out of reach, but now he’s back, and he’s not the only one. Brooke’s stalker is watching from the shadows, and he’s got his own ideas about her future…

Luca Mendez’s time in the army taught him two lessons—that to survive, he has to shoot straight and guard his heart. But when the woman he turned down all those years ago asks him for help, he finds he’ll do anything to see her smile again.

Genres: Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Romance

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2021

About the author

Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

Reviews

[Jess Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *

I really do love a good stalking with my romance, don't you?

Brooke Bartlett has been living in fear for a year now and coming home to Baldwin's Shore might not have been something she saw for her future, but it is somewhere safe, or so she thinks.

After her friend’s birthday party, a year ago, Brooke wakes up and doesn't feel quite right. She knows something happened last night, but her head is all foggy and she can't quite put the pieces together. There is no use reporting a crime when she can't even remember what might or might not have happened. Now, being back home she thought she would be safe but notes and other "gifts" are arriving at her door, and she doesn't feel even remotely safe. On top of all that her brother's best friend is back in town after nearly 8 years and she once loved Luca. It might have been years since she has seen him those feelings are still very much alive and from the moment, she sees him again it is like no time has passed.

Luca needs to steer clear of Brooke Bartlett. He broke her heart and his when he rejected her all those years ago, but her brother would never understand if he started seeing his little sister. Now after being overseas, he has grown up from the hot-headed kid he once was but with a stalker going after Brooke, he knows he can't stay away from her. He has to protect her, after all he always loved her and just because he can't be with her doesn't mean he won't do everything he can to keep her safe.

As Brooke and Luca start to spend more time together both realize that keeping their feelings at bay is no longer an option. They can handle what comes their way with her brother but first they have to find the stalker that won't seem to leave Brooke alone. One wrong decision could lead Brooke further into danger than she is already in. Can Luca keep his word and protect the woman he loves?

Dirty Little Secrets was my first Elise Noble book and let me just say THAT ENDING! I did not see that coming at all which is a huge bonus. There were a couple times in the book that I thought this information isn't necessary, but it didn't hinder my opinion on the story. Luca was everything delicious and hunky that you could as for plus that protective instinct he has was intense! With the way the book ended I am looking forward to book two and finding out exactly what is going on with the mystery man that saved the day...

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unrequited love with a brothers best friend.

Brooke confessed her feelings to her brothers best friend, Luca, before he left for the service & he told her he didn’t feel the same way. Luca lied due to a pact he made with his best friend, Aaron. Brooke doesn’t know Luca has returned until she needs help & her brother is out of town. Brooke was drugged & sexually assaulted a year ago & her stalker has turned up. Luca makes it his mission to protect her. They both have feelings for each other & try to navigate that not wanting to upset Aaron. The mystery of who was stalking Brooke kept me guessing. The relationship between the H & h progressed fast & didn’t feel realistic to me. I struggled with how this book ended. With that being said, it’s the first in a series so perhaps we’ll get better insight as the stories progress.

I received arc & this is my honest review.

[Elise Noble]

When Brooke is targeted by a dangerous stalker, there’s only one man she can turn to—former Army Ranger Luca, her brother’s best friend. Luca’s strictly off limits, but when the heat’s turned up, can they dodge the sparks?

Dirty Little Secrets is out now!
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[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Little Secrets may be a misleading title for the new Ms. Noble endeavor since the book is much more than an entertaining small-town romance novel.
Brooke's story is the journey of her recovery from a violent and traumatic event. The tone of the narration is more objective than dramatic, the stark reality of the victim's loneliness and trauma jumping off the page.
The book is also a suspense story, in its peculiar way, with the author experimenting with different genres and mixing them in a delectable and entertaining fashion.
The opening suggests a psychological thriller, with its grey, dark, and sinister atmosphere. After the first few chapters, the plot turns into an action story, then mystery and suspense, all of them intertwined by both intense love passages and charming romantic interludes.
Dirty Little Secrets introduces an entirely new cast of characters, some of them just jotted, others thoroughly defined, giving life to a colorful, diverse, and intriguing community that promises entertainment and inspiration for the installments to come.
The two protagonists are lovely, multi-faceted characters that intrigue and captivate the readers, who cannot avoid sharing their emotions in a very entertaining experience.
Finally, Dirty Little Secrets includes many of the laugh-out-loud moments that characterize Ms. Noble's prose. Her signature sense of humor punctuates the narration, surprising the readers at the most unexpected moments and making the book, above all, an exhilarating reading experience.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elise Noble not only crafts a romance but she crafts a mystery and suspense story that hooks and enthralls you.

Your brother's best friend.... You're not supposed to fall for him... but how can you not when he's an incredibly sexy bad boy with a tragic back story who is also your friend? Brooke Bartlett didn't stand a chance of not falling for Luca Mendez as a teenager. She opens her heart to him but to protect her, and his friendship with her brother Aaron, Luca denies his own feelings and leaves for the military.

Years go by and the distance between Brooke and Luca seems insurmountable. However, both Luca and Brooke are now back in Baldwin Shores... at the same time and it seems inevitable that their paths will cross. Brooke returns home to her brother after a traumatic experience a year ago - she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a friend's party. She has no memory of the event but her rapist turns into her stalker and proceeds to taunt and terrify her for the next year.

Luca, who has had feelings for Brooke forever, is between private contractor jobs and staying with his best friend, Aaron, helping with some renovations. Aaron enlists his help for his sister as well and Luca and Brooke are thrown together.

Brooke keeps her terror a secret as to not burden her friends and family but then the stalker becomes even more ardent and she has no choice but to look for help... and she turns to Luca.

His protective instinct is triggered. Her unrequited love is reignited and stoked.

Noble's story is sexy, emotional with elements of suspense and intrigue. Her writing and prose is easy to read and engaging.

And that ending? You don't see it coming. You think you might know but you don't.

If you like romantic suspense, get into this.

[Jade Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a brilliant palette cleanser from what I usually read, but as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover I knew I wanted to read it and I'm so glad I did. Brooke has been in love with her brothers best friend for most of her life, it hasn't caused much issues for her as he has been half way across the world for almost a decade now. Expect he's back and Brooke has no other option that to let him help her when she needs it most.

Brooke is a lovely girl who goes out of her way to help others but has trouble letting anyone help her until Luca gives her no choice in the matter. I mean hot guy playing detective for the girl he wants but cant have? Yes please!

I did feel like we had a lot of characters and names thrown at us in this book with not much explanation of who they were or we just didn't get much interaction with them. Some weren't as relevant so I didn't think it mattered to much, but others I forgot who they were meant to be and why they were even in the story.

I didn't like some of the name calling towards the secondary characters, especially the females who haven't done anything wrong. One girl was referred to as having the 'physique of Jupiter' I just feel this was really unnecessary as she was a sweet girl who just wanted to be liked by her peers.

I did not see that ending coming!! I seriously thought Elise's stalker was someone else completely and boy was I wrong. I have a feeling I know who this bad samaritan is and I cant wait to see if we end up finding out who they are. I cant wait to read the next book in the series.

[Tiyasa Tikadar · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙨. 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨."

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ✯✯✯✯.5


OH. MY. GOD.

My literal expression when I completed this book. I've already read a few books by Elise Noble before so of course I was expecting the unexpected but I wasn't expecting that.

Dirty Little Secrets follows the story of Brooke, who's secretly in love with her brother's best friend, Luca, and is being stalked by someone in Baldwin's Shore (where she lives). After being too scared to solve this problem on her own, she asked for Luca to help her get out of this misery. And Luca is determined to do anything to bring her smile back.

I'm going to start off by saying this book is amazing af. The thrills, the suspense, the humour and the little amount of smuts, everything is written in such a good way that I don't think I can express in words. I was captivated from the very first chapter and completed this book in one day (had miss my sleep, poor me). Also, the Luca used to be a big turn off to me until this book lmao.

What surprised (or rather shocked) me the most is the plot twist. I was suspicious of three people but that person wasn't one of them. My jaw literally dropped when I found out who's the actual stalker. I paused my reading right there and took a short break to digest everything. I should've been expecting the unexpected but guess what? Elise once again caught me off guard.

This book is definitely my second favourite Elise Noble book (Joker In The Pack will always be the first)!!! Packed with thrilling suspense, amazing plot, hot smuts and a dash of humour, Dirty Little Secrets is that book which will caught you off guard in the best way possible.

Definitely recommend this book to each and everyone out there!!!

Note: I was provided with an ARC copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[NikiReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from Elise Noble and I really, really enjoyed it! There was so much intrigue in this book! This was the second book I’ve read recently with a sort of murder mystery aspect and I REALLY enjoyed the suspense of it all! Brooke was such a sweet but, also incredibly strong character. Luca was both a little bit grumpy cat, a little bit gentleman, and a little bossy; a combination of which I happen to love, not sure about you! Both Brooke and Luca had so many layers to them, it made it easy to like them and become even more steeped in their love story.
Luca and Brooke have an interesting history. Some heartbreak when they were younger leads to years or being apart. When Luca end up back in Baldwin’s Shore in between jobs, he stays with Brooke’s brother which, leads to a little forced proximity situation. Definitely some best friend’s little sister/forbidden love happening here as well. On top of this is the mystery person who is leaving gifts for Brooke; the kind with creepy ambiguous notes alluding to a night that Brooke would have rather forgotten every happened.
I loved that I had so many moments where I laughed out loud, got a little teary eyed, wanted to yell at one of the characters at one point, and I enjoyed all of it!
*ARC received in exchange for my honest review. *

[Vera Blaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, this story was laced with intrigue and mystery. Brooke was assaulted in her apartment after a night out, but she keeps it quiet. Her brother is already overbearing and overprotective. Every sound, every shadow spooks her so much so that her dog injures his leg and needs surgery. Not only that, he’s too heavy for her to carry so her brother enlists the help of his friend Luca who is visiting. Luca and Brooke were friends once upon a time, but revealing her feelings to him made things awkward and he shot her down. When she finally shares her secret, everyone is overprotective. Not only that, there’s the matter of her relationship with Luca that her brother can’t come to terms with. Everyone’s guard is up including Brooke’s, but one minute is all it takes for her assailant to strike again. What unfolds next is an unfathomable series of events that leads to uncovering yet more about how Brooke always felt she was being watched as well as the mysterious “bad” Samaritan who trussed up the assailant worse than a turkey at thanksgiving. Ms. Noble is a new to me author and she has intrigued me enough to want to read more of her stories.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!!

What a wonderful story in Dirty Little Secrets by Elise Noble. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. This isn't your typical romance, but there are hints that make the story more interesting than just girl has a secret crush on her brother's best friend. Noble is an exceptional writer, and this story doesn't disappoint. The characters are well developed, and at first, I was thinking that Brooke's secret was her crush, but it became more than that. Yes, that was a secret, she tried to keep close to her heart, and then ... that's where I leave you. It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Dirty Little Secrets is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.

[Carol orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent twisty romantic thriller

!! Potential trigger warning!!
I am not happy that the book did not have any visible potential trigger warnings - I certainly don't recall seeing any, either in the blurb or at the start of the book.
It's something authors are ignoring more and more and in my opinion it's underhanded.
The story deals with date rape and its consequences, including flashbacks and the emotional impact on self worth.
Given that the overwhelming majority of date rape victims are women, and the overwhelming majority of readers are women it's incredibly insensitive of an author not to make it clear that the subject matter could be distressing.
The characterisation is excellent, permitting a connection between readers and characters.
The plotline is good, twisty and more than enough to keep you turning the pages.
There some sex scenes and plenty of swearing.
There is romance too, not just sex.
I will be purchasing more in this series and have no problem recommending the series to fans of the genre.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic suspense is a new genre for me, and I loved it.

What I loved:
-The balance between the romance and the suspense. I think the book did a great job of giving us both and not letting me down in either genre.
-The chemistry and history between Brooke and Luca. Luca is Brooke's brother's best friend, so makes for some great tension.
-Side characters. I look forward to seeing them pop up in future books.
-The ending, but I'm not saying anything else so as to not ruin things for others.

What I didn't love
-Luca calling Brooke "sweetheart". This is a me thing, but I just don't like pet names. Sweetheart, babe, baby...yuck.
-The info dumping. There are moments when we get just too much info that doesn't seem to provide anything for the plot. This is the first book in a new series so maybe this is setting things up for future books, but it didn't always make sense.

Overall, highly recommend this book. Can't wait to read more in the series.

[Christine McCracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Baldwin Shores series leaves us wanting more – after being introduced to likable, interesting characters and a small town that is not as idyllic as it may appear. As usual, the book being written from alternating vantage points makes the story-telling richer. The book manages to address serious and far-too-common issues regarding safety for women and growing up with parents who are not nice while balancing this elegantly with humor, romance, and deep friendships.

I enjoyed the way the book stands alone, yet is part of a series, as Elise Noble commonly offers. There are fun characters here that I really look forward to seeing again! There are also characters that make you wish really hard for some karma…

[Lisa_Book_by_Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is romantic suspense. It has a decent plot. I wasn't surprised by the ending but there were enough other things going on that I wasn't able to narrow things down until the very end. It definitely sets up future books. What threw me off was the romance portion.

There are a lot of intimate scenes throughout the book and it's set up to be an important part of the main character's development but that development is never addressed. It felt like you could have removed them with almost zero change to the plot and character development. The scenes themselves are short with just a smidge more detail than if they were fade-to-black which is fine but seemed like an odd choice.

I'd still recommend reading it for people who love romantic suspense.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book needs a Trigger Warning. Badly. I only got a few chapters in before I had to put it down, for my own mental health. The book itself and characters are good, and I like the plot line-what I read of it. But since I was blindsided with the fact that the main character had been sexually assaulted, I knew immediately that my mind can’t handle that right now and it should’ve been included in a trigger warning. Somewhere. It’s commonplace to include content and trigger warnings. I will eventually finish this book, but right now, I have to shelf it indefinitely because it’s too much for me. If I was warned, I could’ve made a better choice on if it was healthy for me to read at this moment or if it was better shelved.

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Little Secrets is the first book in the wonderful new Baldwins’s Shore series. Whilst very different from her other books this book still has all the wonderful Elise Noble quirks.
Brooke has returned home to Baldwins Shore with a horrifying secret that she wants to keep hidden but unfortunately that secret has followed her. This is her story. Luca is more than man enough to help protect her, but can she protect herself from him?
This book introduces us to a plethora of great new characters and I look forward to learning all their Dirty Little secrets in future books. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from a favorite author. As with all of Elise Noble’s books, this one has a good mixture of romance, mystery, suspense, humor and action. This book is weighted way more towards the romance than the action though. Absolutely masterful character development to the point where you really feel that you know these people – some as friends and some as enemies, keeps you reading into the night. The twist at the end was totally unexpected and there was no way I would ever have guessed who the bad guy was. Being more of an action fan, I can’t wait to see how these characters tie into the Blackwood series.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new series set in Baldwin Shores is a great start to what promises to be very entertaining. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. It takes me longer to write a review than it does to read books by Elise Noble! I enjoy her books so much and find it difficult to put into words how much I savour everything she writes.
The main characters Brooke, who is being stalked and Luca, her brother's best friend and her heartthrob since childhood and now protector, are great characters that you fall in love with. Different characters in the book are very well defined and have definite personalities of their own - making them very easy to love or hate!
The story is fast-paced, with some twists and turns, leaves you guessing but the ending really took me by surprise! Now I will have to without a doubt read the rest of the series as they come out. Highly recommended reading - you will have to read the book for yourselves to discover the final twist at the end.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Van · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry but I didn’t believe in his love,
I really like the heroine at the beginning, she was tough and independent but I’d prefer not to be around him so much, I mean, forced proximity isn’t my favourite trope because if you want someone, fight for them! Hero did nothing, just saying Sorry for hurt you sweetheart… ufff, I hate coward and weak heroes… not for me!
At the end of the book, all his past ONS were absolute unnecessary to know, but again, she was the one suffering…
Sorry but not for me!

[Amber Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d die for Brooke in a heartbeat, and I’d give up my future to avenge her past, but I wanted to take him with me. - Luca
This kept me at the edge of my seat from the moment I read the first page, all the way to the end. I read this in one sitting, it was so addicting. I cannot wait for Secrets, Lies, and Family Ties to be realeased. Waiting is the hardest part.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book

[Amanda OC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new series from Elise Noble, Dirty Little Secrets is story that draws you into the lives of the friends and family who live in Baldwin's Shore. The characters are relatable and Elise brings light to serious issues while keeping the story interesting with a great unexpected twist at the end. I read this book in one go and really enjoyed the humour, friendships and writing. I'm looking forward to the second book! If you enjoy a good, well-written story, then give this a try.

[OregonEmma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED this story and the suspense in it, but had to take off some stars because of the ending. It just seemed so simple and easy, and for all the build up across the book, it just resolved in less than 1 chapter. I did like the mystery of the "bad samaritan" and I can see that unraveling across the other books...I guess I'll find out.

[Ally Dobry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this new book from Elise! I flew through it, the plot was very well thought out and the plot twists came out of nowhere. The characters are enjoyable and I can’t wait for the second book to be released!

[Kat Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This is the start of a new series by a favorite author of mine, Elise Noble. It was the perfect book for me; suspense with brother's best friend romance. This book is everything I could have asked for. It kept me guessing until the very end.

[Shelby Benedict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Elise’s books and this is no exception! It is a little different theme than most of her books but that doesn’t stop the plot twists and turns! Definitely keeps you guessing and wondering! And I always love a good love story added in!
I received an advanced copy of the book!

[Sandra Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

I have been reading books by this author for a while now, especially the Blackwood series, they were absolutely awesome! I was just connected with that series! I decided to read more by Elise, and I am hooked again, love this author!

[Elisa Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

best read

This is one of the best reads I love it. Love Elise Noble books she never disappoints. The ending was unexpected now I am wondering who the Good Samaritan is? I am ready for the next book!!

[bignanna1patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive .

Loved it, I didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait to start book 2 👏👏
I loved all Pitch Black series, wanted them to go on forever .
Elise Noble your a fantastic talented writer .

[Alison Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous new book from the pen of Elise Noble. A cracking plot involving a stalker who lives unseen in the small coastal town. Once again a story full of anticipation keeping you hooked until the last page. I particularly liked the stalkers view point around the halfway point. A must read

[Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great new series

Another great series by Elise Noble, you have just got to love the way she writes and how she develops he charm into a bunch of new friends!!
Only bad thing is having to wait till the next story comes out to see the friends again !!