Her family is the reason his brother went to prison.
Thad Truax is focused on getting the shop he owns with his brothers on the right side of the law and turning a profit, but he’s not against the idea of romance. So when he sees a beautiful woman along the river, he doesn’t hesitate to strike up a conversation that leads to friendship.
Unfortunately, by the time he realizes who she is, he’s already falling for her.
After the awful incident that split their town and ended up with Thad’s brother in prison, Justice Hopkins could never be seen in public with Thad Truax. But there’s another, even more explosive reason they can’t be together.
Still, they can’t keep pretending to be strangers during the day while stealing sweet kisses at night under the willow tree.
Can they bring their relationship out to their family and friends without it destroying them?
Books in The Small Town Boys series:
1. The Small Town Boy's Redemption 2. The Small Town Boy's Secret Romance 3. The Small Town Boy's Second Chance
The Small Town Boy's Secret Romance is full of emotions. Thad was a man that did not trust women. He thought all women would leave after a while as that has been his experience. They could not be trusted as his baby brother Blade was accused and convicted of attacking the town judge's 16 year old daughter Mariam and served time in prison for it. No one believed him and there was no actual evidence to prove it. So when Thad seen a beautiful woman doing yoga poses on a flat rock on the Riverside Trail he had to pull over to talk to her. They spoke to each other but was interrupted by the growling of a puppy in the bushes. A bike rider came along scaring the puppy off and called the girl Justice. They did not exchange names but that name was different and the only girl he knew with that name was the sister of Mariam! Their families hated each other. They kept seeing each other after dark on the trail and decided to have a secret fantasy life. They kept getting closer to each other and finally she asked his name and immediately recognized him as the brother of Blade. Their meetings kept going so well and they started to liking each other. They were meeting every night after dark on the trail as they needed to keep it from both their families. They soon started falling in love. Thad wanted to take their romance public but Justice wanted to think about it. Thad didn't know if she was embarrassed as she came from a higher social life than his family did but, her sister Liberty was engaged to his brother Blade. While waiting for her decision, Richmond Rebels received an email from the large trucking company they had competed for the fleet contract that was given to an all woman garage just opened. It was expressing thanks to Justice, the bank branch manager for approving their new trucking company in Miami. It also stated that the all women garage that was awarded the fleet contract was personally funded by Justice. This did not sit well with anyone at the Richmond Rebels garage. Thad decided he needed answers and a decision from Justice.
THE BAD BOY’S SECRET ROMANCE This is a sweet and captivating story that will satisfy the heart of any lover of romance. The characters are so vivid and real, and so easy to love. Thad and Justice meet by chance when trying to rescue a stray puppy, but they are also connected by a past incident involving their siblings. They have a vague sense of recognition, but both resist mentioning anything that could warrant them never meeting again. They don’t ask about each other’s jobs, backgrounds or any other personal details, but indulge in walks in the park, late night floating down the river, gazing at the stars and intoxicating kisses. They keep the meetings confined to the park and a secret from the outside world...family and friends. Soon both realize that they may have found their “one”, but fear family biases and disapproval, as well as their careers will put a stop to any future they might have together. Will they fight to stay in each other’s lives, to attain their happily ever after?
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ms. Jessie creates the most fantastic plots. And this one is no exception. Thad starts to secretly meet a woman on a river trail. He thinks he knows who she is and if he is right he knows his family nor her family would agree to any kind of relationship between them. But the more he spends time with her the more he starts to realize that being with her is the best part of his day. Justice thought she didn’t like men and their egos. But as she develops a relationship with Thad she discovers that his heart is so genuine and his love so sincere. It is just too bad that their families hate each other—and for a very good reason, too. What will happen to Thad and Justice when their jobs which have so carefully been kept a secret suddenly collide? How will both of them handle this unexpected public meeting? I suggest finding a comfortable chair or cushion to sit in as you read this book, because you will not want to stop and return to real life until it is finished.
This was a perfect read to start my Friday off right! I liked it so much more than I thought I would (I had some issues with how quickly the first one wrapped up.) I love a pleasant surprise! Like finding a $20 in my coat pocket that I hadn't known was there. :) The characters are real and vulnerable. The relationship is grounded and based upon a foundation of solid principles. Their chemistry is yummy and keeps the plot moving nicely. Their voices are distinct. I'm reminded of the importance of being vulnerable when developing, repairing, or maintaining a relationship. I'm also reminded of the hand God plays: He can bring perspective to situations that adds to our understanding and increases our capacity to love. Beautiful! I can't wait to read the next one! Oh, and the conflict resolution and wrap-up of the story were just right. Bravo! I must say, the romance scenes were so sweet, real, and yummy. It was just the right balance of tingles and trust for me. So sweet and beautiful.
This is a fun, second story in the Richmond Rebels Sweet Bad Boy Romance series. It was cute because it involved the two main characters, Thad and Justice finding an abandoned puppy in a park by the river. I liked the private world that Thad and Justice wove around their special place by the river where the world could not judge them for their pasts and they would not judge each other. It was interesting how their pasts effected and shaped their present relationship. I liked how both characters were able to put their guards down and be themselves even though they knew about each other and what had happened to their families. It was also interesting how this book and the previous one are overlapping in time as both stories are basically happening at the same time. I really liked how this story ended and I look forward to the rest of this series too! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
As if this family hasn't done enough to this family now Justice has our Bad Boy Thad all twisted up in his feelings. It's a great read with both of these two going through their own changes and new personal growth. She has a thing about men since they have been her own personal threat to her success in the past. The old boys club has not allowed her entry so no she isn't a fan. When circumstances bring her across Thad's path her world is flipped when she finds him to be all that she wasn't looking for and afraid to find. He can't possibly deal with who she is and how their families connect so this, whatever this is has got to be a secret.
You gotta love these two, especially since they are both so twisted up from the past but have big loving hearts. This author does these stories well and keeps them clean and with an inspirational message that rings loud and clear without taking you out of the story. Absolutely loved it.
Wow! These two came with so much past baggage and hurt. But they forged a friendship based on leaving certain information out, knowing the other might run if they knew who they were and over finding and caring for a stray dog brings them closer together too.
It didn’t take long for Justice and Thad to work out who each other were and what it could mean to their budding relationship. It’s a tricky game they are playing with both sides of their families potentially not getting along, but will it be worth the risk? Can they move past this and allow what is growing between them, be something they can’t do without?
A really enjoyable bad boy redemption story. I really enjoyed the raft down the river in the dark, quite a sweet moment but full of soul baring on both their parts, which helps to understand both of them so much more.
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
The Bad Boy's Secret Romance had me hanging with the same question all throughout the book: how is this going to play out? How are these two going to make it work? Well, I must say Ms. Gussman managed to give both Thad and Justice, and the reader, a satisfying conclusion to this kind of wild ride. The book in itself follows the same time frame as the previous one, while also giving enough information as to know which brother is next and who'll be his love interest.
This story also deals with the theme of sexual assault and portrays it in a respectful, sensitive, and non-graphic way. On the other hand, there's also mention of people going to church, and there's (at least) one conversation where God's mentioned, but it's never to the point of it being preachy (it's more like the characters are grounded in their faith, so God and living a Christian life are just parts of who they are).
A great continuation of this series and I can't wait to read Foster's story! ~ 4.5 stars
This is a page-turner. The story is based on love and trust. The relationship develops in secret, without outside interference of family and friends. That builds a solid foundation which is needed since both families are enemies. It has just the right amount of drama, a whole lot of clean romance and a forever kind of love. Jessie Gussman has a true gift for story telling. Her distinctive writing style keeps you locked into the story from the beginning until the end. Hope she is working hard on the third book in this series because I for one can't wait.
I received this copy free from the author and am under no obligation to leave a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.
Thad works in the garage with his brothers. They want to earn a contract to keep their business alive and growing.
He's attracted to a beautiful woman doing yoga in the fading daylight. Together they find a stray puppy, which helps to draw them together. Because they both have unusual first names, they had a good idea who each other's family is. They decide to live within their secret relationship and not to explore who they are in their day to day lives.
Once they fall in love, they need to join the real world, but can their relationship survive it? This story is running parallel in time to the previous bad boy book, Bad Boy's Forever Girl. Even though you can read the secret romance first, you might enjoy reading it after you finish the first book.
River companions. This is the next installment about the Truax brothers and this is Thad story. Like his brother he has the name of bad boy perhaps he has done a few shady things now and then but that does not make bad. When a growl comes out of the bushes, Justice and Thad meet on Riverside Trail. Their families have a history if you have read the first book you will understand right off. What I liked about this one is that I have seen couples like these two who needed to keep a friendship under wraps because of family. I enjoy the story and I liked the ending. Realistic and good characters woven in an honest and very well-written story I recommend this one. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A solid 3.5 We are back with the Truax brothers and their RIchmond Rebels shop. This time Thad Truax gets his story. One day, as he was walking down the river, he sees from afar, Justice, a woman doing yoga, and is immediately drawn to her. She looks familiar. But it isn’t until later , that each realizes who the other one is. There is family animosity for wrongs done by her family to his. Can they overcome the past? Will Justice realize that falling in love doesn’t mean giving up of herself or will a promotion be the end of the budding relationship? Though , for me, it wasn’t as engaging as book one in this series, it still was entertaining. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I agree with a previous reviewer:...”the Truax brothers need to meet the Baxter brothers!!” After living a very sheltered life, I know that not all of the kids I grew up with experienced the same. I look at the adult version of the kids I knew...and wonder. Meanwhile life has continued to get more challenging as the years have passed. This series is showing what has happened in the lives of opposing families that have greatly formed how they respond now as adults. Ultimately each person has to decide what kind of person they will be, but seeing some of the challenges faced gives a new perspective. I requested an ARC and am willingly leaving my impressions.
If you like underdogs, this is the series for you. The Truax boys are a family of brothers who have “made good”, against the odds. Despite being neglected children, these brothers are now hardworking, productive citizens. Their story is a Cinderella story of sorts. Thad Truax has finally met a woman who makes him want to spend time with her. Unfortunately, he knows from experience that women are selfish and always leave. Why then is he compelled to sneak around to spend time with the man-indifferent Justice? A sizzling-clean tale. I received an ARC of this story, and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I received an ARC of The Bad Boy's Secret Romance from the author and I'm voluntary leaving my honest review
What i liked about The Bad Boy's Secret Romance:
- a secret romance
- the story has a dog in it
I mixed feeling while reading The Bad Boy's Secret Romance i think it was because i didn't get attached to Thad and Justice like i did Blade and Libby from The Bad Boy's Forever Girl but overall I enjoyed the story.
Thad and Justice's background stories will back your heart and the last time they meet in their spot make your heart sad but Thad and Justice have moments together that will make you keep reading.
Although this is a stand alone, I think it will have more impact if you read the first book. The author does give the basics of the first book, but there's so much more to the family issues than can be sumarized again in this book. This one was a pretty easy read, but didn't quite hold my attention as much as the first book for some reason. Maybe because it was too easy, I'm really not sure. I did like seeing a bit more of Blade and Liberty. I wasn't sure how it would play out since this book ran in the same time frame as the first book
You know a writer is worth reading when there's something you really don't like in a book and you can still give the book five stars. Although I didn't love the premise of why these two thought they couldn't or shouldn't be together (if you read the first book in the series, I feel like this premise should already be resolved and doesn't seem like that much of a mountain to climb) I still love the chemistry and the emotions Jessie Gusman can evoke as I fall in love with her characters. I feel like I'm moving into these fictional town as I read through her series.
The Bad Boy’s Secret Romance by Jessie Gussman (5 stars)
Although this is fine as a stand-alone, it will have more depth and meaning if you read the first book in the series.
Thad and Justice are the ultimate star-crossed lovers. But not only because of their families. They are also held back from love by long-held prejudices and fears.
It’s interesting (and lovely)to watch the transformations/confessions each needs to make before they can truly come together emotionally.
Another wonderful book by Jessie Gussman!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
I enjoyed this book about Thad and Justice. They meet along the river and find a small dog or a large puppy there and try to coax it out of the bushes. They try for two days before it comes out. When they meet they don't know each other but they figure it out that they do know each other.
They were on different sides of a lawsuit, and both feel that they are right about how things turned out. They find that that is not the only thing they are on different sides about and they have to choose each other or not to continue seeing each other.
Thad has a chance encounter with Justice over a dog. As the summer progresses they continue to meet secretly and take their time about reveling their identities. Justice is also Mariam’s sister who sent Blade to prison on a false accusation. Same as the last book, Mariam’s diary is found and eventually the judge meets with Blade, apologizes and works to overturn his conviction. What I found interesting was that Thad does security for their church, armed security.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Thad and Justice and their unusual relationship. This is the second book in this series and is written during the same timeline as the first - just from different characters' perspectives. Jessie Gussman did an excellent job of pulling that off. I really enjoyed both the characters and the story line. This is a clean read with no bad language. Definitely recommend.
I received an ARC copy to review: this is the 2nd book in the Bad Boy Sweet Romance series by Jessie and it was absolutely delightful! This book features Thad and Justice's journey to discovering love in each other and can be savoured as a stand-alone story. The book crackles with the chemistry and magnetism between the two, which is tempered with humour, emotional vulnerability and courage. A memorable read, indeed!
Loved it! Romeo and Juliet modernized but with a happier ending. What if you had to keep a relationship secret? Gould you do it? Would it be worth it? Justice and Thad find themselves in this predicament because their families hate each other. What will they decide? Find out in this moving story with wonderful characters that really move you! I highly recommend it! Happy Reading!
This is such an amazing story I love that Thad and Justice are completely different from each other and I love that they are both so devoted to there family. I loved the first book in this series also and can’t wait to read the next one. I really hope Mariam gets a story of her own because I would love to see how Jessie Gussman makes her into a lovable person. Jessie comes up with the best stories and I highly recommend every one of them.
An amazing story about trust and love. Thad and Justice can’t be together. Justice’s sister is the reason his brother went to prison. But they start a secret relationship where they share their secrets their fears, their longings. Will they fall in love and be able to have a future together? A really wonderful story
Both have things in their past that make them distrustful of the opposite sex... but they trust each other. They talk about the hard stuff and really get to know each other. Although not all of their conversations are serious. :) They read each other pretty well, too. And all without having fully introduced themselves.
I really liked this second installment. It’s unique that the events take place concurrently with those happening in the first book. I think it played out well and I loved their adventures together. I can’t wait for the next in this series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Really enjoyed reading this book. Great story and interesting, well written characters. Thad is a very confident person but has some hang ups as a result of his background that he needs to understand. Seeing how Justice overcomes her prejudices regarding men was insightful. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
The Bad Boy's Secret Romance was a wonderful parallelling story to The Bad Boy's Forever Girl. I really like this new series by Jessie Gussman. And the characters Justice and Thad were so cool. I really liked and admired how they handled their very tricky situation. And the Beau thing was adorable. I read an ARC and this is my honest review.
The Bad Boy’s Secret Romance is a fascinating, sweet and clean romance. This is a stand alone, but I think the way the timeline of the first book in this series overlaps with this one is unique and interesting. The realistic characters and original storyline make the pages turn quickly. I received an ARC and have chosen to give my honest review.