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Secrets & Lies
I wasn’t supposed to want him. The bronzed god lying by my pool in tight shorts that left little to the imagination. But I was only human, and with the temptation constantly within reach, it was only a matter of time before I could no longer resist.
It was wrong. I knew that.
He was my son’s age.
Hell, he was my son’s friend.
But even worse...I was his teacher.
Secrets & Lies is a standalone teacher-student MM romance from USA Today bestselling authors Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank.
It was wrong. I knew that.
He was my son’s age.
Hell, he was my son’s friend.
But even worse...I was his teacher.
Secrets & Lies is a standalone teacher-student MM romance from USA Today bestselling authors Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2021
374 people are currently reading
2447 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Blaine
62 books2,420 followersBrooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author best known for writing romantic comedy and M/M romance. Her novels lead with humor and heart, but Brooke never shies away from throwing in something extra naughty that will scandalize her conservative Southern family for life (bless their hearts).
She’s a choc-o-holic, lives for eighties bands (which means she thinks guyliner is totally underrated), believes it’s always wine o’clock, and lives with the coolest cat on the planet—her Ragdoll/Maine Coon mix, Jackson Agador Spartacus.
She’s a choc-o-holic, lives for eighties bands (which means she thinks guyliner is totally underrated), believes it’s always wine o’clock, and lives with the coolest cat on the planet—her Ragdoll/Maine Coon mix, Jackson Agador Spartacus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
November 30, 2021
Wow. Well this book didn't work for me at all.
I got to the 40% mark and skimmed to the end.
The constant back and forth which felt like really bad edging.
Ryder... I felt like he was the 18-year old version of Logan without all the charm. He was too pushy and wouldn't take no for an answer. What he did was not at all sexy.
Ash... Hot one minute, Cold the other. He had no spine.
Just everything really. I don't know what the deal with these authors lately. I think I need a break from them.
The two stars are solely for the steam.
I got to the 40% mark and skimmed to the end.
The constant back and forth which felt like really bad edging.
Ryder... I felt like he was the 18-year old version of Logan without all the charm. He was too pushy and wouldn't take no for an answer. What he did was not at all sexy.
Ash... Hot one minute, Cold the other. He had no spine.
Just everything really. I don't know what the deal with these authors lately. I think I need a break from them.
The two stars are solely for the steam.
September 21, 2023
Loved this forbidden age/gap romance!!! It has the perfect blend of light and angst to create a fantastic forbidden romance between a teacher and his student.
Ash and Ryder have sizzling chemistry and their connection is apparent from the first moment they meet at an art class. Both are complete strangers to one another and their meeting was one of the highlights of the story. You can tell there is instant chemistry and how their night together progresses was completely inevitable.
The story changes gears as you find out that Ryder is an 18-year-old senior, who recently moved to his current high school and his art teacher is none other than Ash. This realization shocks both characters and sets up with drama and conflict for the remainder of the story.
I was fully invested in both Ryder and Ash, how their connection was apparent regardless of their complicated situation, and within all of the drama there was always flirty banter between both characters, and seeing how their relationship progressed was completely addictive.
Secrets and Lies is a perfect forbidden romance featuring many dramatic, light-hearted and steamy moments that makes for the perfect romance.
Ash and Ryder have sizzling chemistry and their connection is apparent from the first moment they meet at an art class. Both are complete strangers to one another and their meeting was one of the highlights of the story. You can tell there is instant chemistry and how their night together progresses was completely inevitable.
The story changes gears as you find out that Ryder is an 18-year-old senior, who recently moved to his current high school and his art teacher is none other than Ash. This realization shocks both characters and sets up with drama and conflict for the remainder of the story.
I was fully invested in both Ryder and Ash, how their connection was apparent regardless of their complicated situation, and within all of the drama there was always flirty banter between both characters, and seeing how their relationship progressed was completely addictive.
Secrets and Lies is a perfect forbidden romance featuring many dramatic, light-hearted and steamy moments that makes for the perfect romance.
December 8, 2021
Didn’t hit the mark for me. Wasn’t forbidden enough and the relationship felt honestly one sided. I needed more from Ash
December 3, 2021
**2.5 sad stars**
Dnf @ 36%
I felt nothing while reading this. Nada zero.
Whatever happend to romance? The steamy scenes that were well written? Not what I expected from my faves. This was like a bad smut with lazy writing on Wattpad, not a Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine collab😭😭.
Dnf @ 36%
I felt nothing while reading this. Nada zero.
Whatever happend to romance? The steamy scenes that were well written? Not what I expected from my faves. This was like a bad smut with lazy writing on Wattpad, not a Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine collab😭😭.
Read
September 26, 20221st read DNF @ 11%
2nd read DNF @ 24%
Apparently this just doesn’t work for me. Something about the inner monologue of the characters.
3rd read DNF @ 67% (9/25/22)
That’s my last try with this book. The dialogue, inner monologue and just everything is too repetitive and superficial.
2nd read DNF @ 24%
Apparently this just doesn’t work for me. Something about the inner monologue of the characters.
3rd read DNF @ 67% (9/25/22)
That’s my last try with this book. The dialogue, inner monologue and just everything is too repetitive and superficial.
November 29, 2021
Brooke and Ella at their absolute best.
I loved everything about this book, from the moment that Ash and Ryder met, to the awesome Epilogue set six years later.
It's taboo, pay attention if that's the kind of thing that squicks you out. For me, I wasn't particularly bothered given the circumstances of how the pair met.
It's seriously hot, but it's also much more than just sex. While there's an instant lustful attraction between the two men, there's also a meeting of minds, of similar passions and interests.
The age gap between Ash and Ryder never really feels like a bit deal, Ryder is an old soul, he's had to mature growing up with his military single dad, so he's used to looking after himself.
The forbidden aspect of their situation is dealt with both realistically and appropriately imho, I liked how Brooke and Ella took that part of the story.
The "Third Act" crisis point isn't drama created for the sake of it, it fit perfectly into the narrative and I felt it was handled well. The Epilogue is absolutely fabulous and I firmly believed that this pair would see out their lives together.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
I loved everything about this book, from the moment that Ash and Ryder met, to the awesome Epilogue set six years later.
It's taboo, pay attention if that's the kind of thing that squicks you out. For me, I wasn't particularly bothered given the circumstances of how the pair met.
It's seriously hot, but it's also much more than just sex. While there's an instant lustful attraction between the two men, there's also a meeting of minds, of similar passions and interests.
The age gap between Ash and Ryder never really feels like a bit deal, Ryder is an old soul, he's had to mature growing up with his military single dad, so he's used to looking after himself.
The forbidden aspect of their situation is dealt with both realistically and appropriately imho, I liked how Brooke and Ella took that part of the story.
The "Third Act" crisis point isn't drama created for the sake of it, it fit perfectly into the narrative and I felt it was handled well. The Epilogue is absolutely fabulous and I firmly believed that this pair would see out their lives together.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 1, 2021
— Taboo
— Teacher/student
— Age gap
— Insta-lust
— Insta-love
For some weird reason, instead of discouraging me, all the low ratings and DNFs for Secrets & Lies only served to pique my curiosity. So here’s the verdict. Is it ridiculous? Yup. Unrealistic? Right again. Characters? Laughable…especially the OTT, sexually aggressive high school senior vs mesmerized art teacher. Dialogue? Beyond cheesy. Internal monologue? Kill me please. And yet I read it till the end, so then again, go figure. There was something tawdrily entertaining about how bad it was. Plus, I couldn’t help watching this trainwreck. The saving grace? Good smut.
— Teacher/student
— Age gap
— Insta-lust
— Insta-love
For some weird reason, instead of discouraging me, all the low ratings and DNFs for Secrets & Lies only served to pique my curiosity. So here’s the verdict. Is it ridiculous? Yup. Unrealistic? Right again. Characters? Laughable…especially the OTT, sexually aggressive high school senior vs mesmerized art teacher. Dialogue? Beyond cheesy. Internal monologue? Kill me please. And yet I read it till the end, so then again, go figure. There was something tawdrily entertaining about how bad it was. Plus, I couldn’t help watching this trainwreck. The saving grace? Good smut.
January 17, 2022
i.. kinda liked it. basically a cotton candy read: light, fun, and sweet. i already made my peace with these books from these authors. do i recommend it? not really unless you are into something that you could just sit back and relax and probably drink some coffee with and then this book is a good companion. will definitely be on the lookout for more though. addicting.
January 4, 2022
I like the premise of the book. Student teacher, with an age gap and M/M? Sounds kind of perfect, to be honest.
But the writing is lacking. While the author focuses on their sexual relationship, we don't actually see anything of their emotional relationship. It doesn't make sense why they fall in love.
It is lacking so much, I have to give it 3 stars. If only it had a little more, I would have given it 5 stars, easy.
But the writing is lacking. While the author focuses on their sexual relationship, we don't actually see anything of their emotional relationship. It doesn't make sense why they fall in love.
It is lacking so much, I have to give it 3 stars. If only it had a little more, I would have given it 5 stars, easy.
i-m-a-quitter
November 30, 2021 DNF @38%
Once again.....
UGH. I'm annoyed with myself. I don't think I've liked a book yet by this duo, but one read of the blurb and I just couldn't help myself.
Honestly the first few chapters in, I was like "okay, maybe this one will actually be good".
Ryder was so pushy and annoying....forcing himself on Ash. He definitely acted like an 18 year old.
And Ash, ugh I don't know. He was no better. He just let his dick make all of the decisions.
I went from liking the characters and how they met and being excited to discover the forbidden aspects to bored, annoyed and with zero fucks to give in a matter of chapters. I think I was over it as soon as they met in class.
Sorry BB and EF....but in the words of Taylor Swift "we are never, ever getting back together"!
Once again.....
UGH. I'm annoyed with myself. I don't think I've liked a book yet by this duo, but one read of the blurb and I just couldn't help myself.
Honestly the first few chapters in, I was like "okay, maybe this one will actually be good".
Ryder was so pushy and annoying....forcing himself on Ash. He definitely acted like an 18 year old.
And Ash, ugh I don't know. He was no better. He just let his dick make all of the decisions.
I went from liking the characters and how they met and being excited to discover the forbidden aspects to bored, annoyed and with zero fucks to give in a matter of chapters. I think I was over it as soon as they met in class.
Sorry BB and EF....but in the words of Taylor Swift "we are never, ever getting back together"!
December 8, 2021
First, let’s talk about that cover, between a review and this cover; I was sold, and it sucked me in. So happy, I didn’t wait to read this book. Such a fun, sexy, antsy, emotional read.
Ryder is the hot, sexy new guy in town and Is instantly attracted to a hot guy in his art workshop, after class they agree to coffee. Oh, talk about spice. The chemistry just radiates off the pages. They have one hell of a rendezvous in the alley. I would love to have been a fly on the wall. 🥵
The next day of 18-year-old Ryder’s senior year at a new school, he finds out the man from the night before, Ash Delaney is his new art teacher. Ash denies his feelings and attraction to his best ability to Ryder, but with Ryder, he is very forward and is persistent. God can he dirty talk and the things that flew out of his mouth, I chuckled a time or two.
“Oh, it’s clear, Mr. Delaney. Basically, what you’re saying is you won’t be fucking me over your desk as you did against the brick wall last night. Got it. Glad you cleared that up for me.
Ryder is the hot, sexy new guy in town and Is instantly attracted to a hot guy in his art workshop, after class they agree to coffee. Oh, talk about spice. The chemistry just radiates off the pages. They have one hell of a rendezvous in the alley. I would love to have been a fly on the wall. 🥵
The next day of 18-year-old Ryder’s senior year at a new school, he finds out the man from the night before, Ash Delaney is his new art teacher. Ash denies his feelings and attraction to his best ability to Ryder, but with Ryder, he is very forward and is persistent. God can he dirty talk and the things that flew out of his mouth, I chuckled a time or two.
“Oh, it’s clear, Mr. Delaney. Basically, what you’re saying is you won’t be fucking me over your desk as you did against the brick wall last night. Got it. Glad you cleared that up for me.
Ash is outgoing, mature, and confident. He just goes after what he wants. With no filter. I had to keep reminding myself that he was only eighteen. Ash has a heart of gold, sacrifices for his loved ones, and does what he thinks is right. Even when it is painful. He is the teacher all the kids love and want as a teacher.
“Fucking hell, Ryder.” I lowered my head to the crook of his shoulder and pressed my lips to the warm skin. “The stuff that comes out of your mouth—” “Makes you hot as hell.” He smoothed his hands down to my ass and grabbed a handful of each cheek. “I can feel the proof, so don’t try to deny it.”
As much as I love this book, my only constructive criticism is that the back and forth seemed to be a little too much a time or two. Other than that, the book is phenomenal. Great world-building, character development, and spicy as hell. The two authors together did a fantastic job and I hope spot see more of this world in the future.
December 15, 2021
This one starts with a bang … literally … in an alley. Let’s just say this one never lacked for delicious steam.
Jeez can you say choked with innuendo? There is such a thing as subtlety but I doubt we’ll find that as these two are about as subtle as a bull in a China shop.
Not gonna lie, Ryder reminds me of Alicia Silverstone in The Crush. Even though Ash is willing, Ryder’s still a bit of a creeper.
Ryder is so over the top, he feels like a caricature to me. I liked him, I just wish that he would chill out and maybe shut his mouth every now and again.
The overall storyline was good but it didn’t give me everything I wanted. While it lacked for nothing in the sex department, I was missing some emotions. This felt very lust heavy and far too light on the love. Even when it was on the cusp of giving me what I wanted it just sort of fell flat.
The epilogue was perfect. It felt a lot like Mr. Holland’s Opus.
Jeez can you say choked with innuendo? There is such a thing as subtlety but I doubt we’ll find that as these two are about as subtle as a bull in a China shop.
Not gonna lie, Ryder reminds me of Alicia Silverstone in The Crush. Even though Ash is willing, Ryder’s still a bit of a creeper.
Ryder is so over the top, he feels like a caricature to me. I liked him, I just wish that he would chill out and maybe shut his mouth every now and again.
The overall storyline was good but it didn’t give me everything I wanted. While it lacked for nothing in the sex department, I was missing some emotions. This felt very lust heavy and far too light on the love. Even when it was on the cusp of giving me what I wanted it just sort of fell flat.
The epilogue was perfect. It felt a lot like Mr. Holland’s Opus.
December 1, 2021
Leave it to Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine to create a steamy, fun, flirty romance only for me to end up crying by the end.
Ash & Ryder's chemistry was instant from the moment they first interacted on the page together. I've noticed a lot with age-gaps, especially the student teacher sort that the younger MC is usually immensely immature which comes with the age, yes. Yet, for me Ryder felt more like an 18-year-old who had some growing up to do still. He was immature at times but he still on solid ground. Not all 18-year-olds are immature without any real knowledge of the real world, and I loved that Ella & Brooke made him that way. Ash was still young at only 36, but his feelings about getting into this relationship were all very valid but the inevitable pull he had towards Ryder was very raw and beautiful. Sometimes life throws us curveballs that we can't quite avoid, and I felt like that was what a lot of this story was about. Ash & Ryder's relationship was more "morally gray" than really wrong in my opinion, but we got to see all sides of that. Not just the physical part but the emotion part as well.
By the end of this book, it ended up being much more real than I anticipated which I adored. Being surprised by a story is one of my favorite things and while I loved both Ash & Ryder as well as their story this story had everything I could have hoped for. Laughter, heartache, and yes tears but also joy about unexpectedly finding love in the strangest of places and at the strangest of times.
Ash & Ryder's chemistry was instant from the moment they first interacted on the page together. I've noticed a lot with age-gaps, especially the student teacher sort that the younger MC is usually immensely immature which comes with the age, yes. Yet, for me Ryder felt more like an 18-year-old who had some growing up to do still. He was immature at times but he still on solid ground. Not all 18-year-olds are immature without any real knowledge of the real world, and I loved that Ella & Brooke made him that way. Ash was still young at only 36, but his feelings about getting into this relationship were all very valid but the inevitable pull he had towards Ryder was very raw and beautiful. Sometimes life throws us curveballs that we can't quite avoid, and I felt like that was what a lot of this story was about. Ash & Ryder's relationship was more "morally gray" than really wrong in my opinion, but we got to see all sides of that. Not just the physical part but the emotion part as well.
By the end of this book, it ended up being much more real than I anticipated which I adored. Being surprised by a story is one of my favorite things and while I loved both Ash & Ryder as well as their story this story had everything I could have hoped for. Laughter, heartache, and yes tears but also joy about unexpectedly finding love in the strangest of places and at the strangest of times.
Read
December 13, 2021DNF 10%. Mehhhhhhhh.
December 1, 2021
1.5 stars...don't burn me at the stake for this rating!
Ash and Ryder meet at an art class and have a hot encounter. Soon after they find out that Ash is Ryder's teacher. Their attraction is forbidden but they are finding it hard to stay away from each other. What happens when they aren't a secret anymore?
I can't say I really enjoyed this.The hot and cold from Ash was utterly exhausting. I know it was a forbidden romance but he pushed and pulled SO much that I doubted his actual affection and feelings for Ryder for MOST of the story. Even when sh*t hit the fan...Ash did not seem as broken up about it as Ryder. You fight for people you love and Ash just rolled over, showed his belly and walked away.
Ryder was immature. Yes he was 18 (I know he's young) but he couldn't even pass for a mature 18 year old in my opinion. He kept pushing and pushing their relationship and their steamy moments. I think if I were Ryder, I'd start to feel like it was all one sided. Their relationship didn't feel romantic or sexy to me.
Uh I mean their characters were just so frustrating and in turn made their journey disastrously infuriating. Ryder fought for their entire relationship and I got the impression Ash would have been fine if they'd never gotten back together. I didn't feel their 'want you...need you...can't live without you' connection. I'll still continue to read these authors because you can't win them all but Ash and Ryder's story didn't work for me.
Side note: that epilogue was cute though.
Ash and Ryder meet at an art class and have a hot encounter. Soon after they find out that Ash is Ryder's teacher. Their attraction is forbidden but they are finding it hard to stay away from each other. What happens when they aren't a secret anymore?
I can't say I really enjoyed this.The hot and cold from Ash was utterly exhausting. I know it was a forbidden romance but he pushed and pulled SO much that I doubted his actual affection and feelings for Ryder for MOST of the story. Even when sh*t hit the fan...Ash did not seem as broken up about it as Ryder. You fight for people you love and Ash just rolled over, showed his belly and walked away.
Ryder was immature. Yes he was 18 (I know he's young) but he couldn't even pass for a mature 18 year old in my opinion. He kept pushing and pushing their relationship and their steamy moments. I think if I were Ryder, I'd start to feel like it was all one sided. Their relationship didn't feel romantic or sexy to me.
Uh I mean their characters were just so frustrating and in turn made their journey disastrously infuriating. Ryder fought for their entire relationship and I got the impression Ash would have been fine if they'd never gotten back together. I didn't feel their 'want you...need you...can't live without you' connection. I'll still continue to read these authors because you can't win them all but Ash and Ryder's story didn't work for me.
Side note: that epilogue was cute though.
December 3, 2021
Meh. This was a bit shallow for me and the Correct me if I’m wrong but they were only together for 2-3 weeks before Overall it just never felt particularly taboo to me. It was like Ella Frank had completely forgotten she’d written Veiled Innocence and went the least interesting route with this one possible.
The super-sweet epilogue was nice but didn’t make up for it. Not enough “secrets & lies” for me I’m afraid.
The super-sweet epilogue was nice but didn’t make up for it. Not enough “secrets & lies” for me I’m afraid.
November 29, 2021
Ash + Ryder
Ryder is new in town and as an artist his first mission is to join this art workshop at the rec center.
That's where he meets Ash. This beautiful and über-talented older guy.
Early thirties maybe - not creepily old.
It's insta attraction on both sides.
But of course after an amazing night together we find out that Ash is Ryder's new art teacher - in HIGH SCHOOL!
Ryder is 18 - legal - but it's still not right, right?
LET THE DIRTY FUN BEGIN ....
══════════════════
Well. I liked it. It was fun and sexy and sparky and adorable.
But I'm also not the biggest fan of age gap in the first place and when one part of the couple is only 18 ... that's a tiny bit too creepy for my tastes. Because it's way too close to 17 - could be a week away from 17. Or 11 months. That's a huge difference, but still. I hate it.
So, I'm not the best to review such an age gap book.
But I also still liked it.
Ryder fortunately seems like a very mature 18 year old.
We get some very sweet and adorable moments and some verry sexy ones.
Poor Ash tries to fight it so bad, but he just can't resist Ryder.
I loved the epilogue! 😍
Two other - not really important - things.
The cover. It's pretty hot ... but also so dark and vampirey.
That's not really the sunny Ryder from the story.
(But it's also still a part from the art-part of the book, but you don't know that if you browse amazon and judge it by it's dark vampirey ghosty cover!)
Also the blurb. Not really my thing either.
Ryder doesn't even meet the son until the middle of the book!
SECRETS + LIES was a very adorable and sexy age gap teacher student romance!
💜
💜
November 30, 2021
⭐︎4.5 "Forbidden" Stars!⭐︎
Right off the bat, I have to say that if you draw the line at student-teacher relationships, especially when it's a high school one, even though the student is 18 and was 18 from the start of the relationship, then it is best if you skip this. If you're so-so on it or fine with it in fiction, then I'd highly recommend this, because I absolutely loved it.
Now, I've always been a fan of the forbidden student/teacher relationship trope, and I was fine with reading high school S/T when I myself was in high school, but as I'm older, I'd rather my teacher/student be college/master degree level, and the few times I have read high school since I've gotten older, the student hasn't been below 18 years old. It's just...now that I'm older it's like "yikes no" even in fiction.
But I *can* deal with it if the student is 18 and almost out of high school anyway. Which is exactly what Ryder is.
All the factors these ladies put in really helped too. Because Ryder has a military father who moves around a lot, Ryder comes to Southern California the second half of his senior year, around February, I think. So that's already only about 4, 5 months left before he's no longer a high school student. And Ryder and Ash have never met before this, as Ash has lived in that town his whole life. But Ryder is brand new to the town.
He's already 18 before he and Ash even meet. He and Ash meet in an art workshop for adults at the rec center, before either know that Ash is the art teacher at the high school Ryder is going to be going the very next day. AND they have sex before it too. Ash believed Ryder to be a twenty-something guy, so it's a shock for him to learn Ryder is only 18. (Which, yes, is fucking lucky because that's so close to NOT being legal).
Plus, when they find out, Ash tries to be the responsible adult he should be and put an end to whatever they might have been starting.
Ryder is the pursuer, almost relentlessly in fact. Which, it's still on Ash to not give in as the authority figure, and man who is literally twice Ryder's age (he's 36), but he does...eventually, many times.
But then he also stops it after only a full week of having given in, and stays away from the rest of the year and even the summer after Ryder has graduated.
So all those factors helped, in my opinion. Yes, it is still forbidden and wrong and taboo - and if you just give into the trope and that it's fiction, it's so so hot and steamy between these two - and in real life, one hundred percent I would judge Ash harshly. Like even if you take the teacher thing out, Ryder would have still been an 18 year old high school student, and Ash a 36 year old man.
But it's fiction, and no matter how you slice it, Ryder is a legal adult, so taking in all those factors made me feel less icky reading this. And I just gave into the taboo, and enjoyed it for what it was. Fiction is fiction, not reality, so I just had fun with it.
These two had amazing chemistry. Maybe the forbidden aspect had a bit to do with it, but I just loved them together. And when they actually spent real time together and got to know each other, they started to become more than that forbidden, taboo pairing. They started to connect on a romantic level as well, not just a sexual one.
They did a good job of making Ash as good a man as he could be in this situation, too. We get the sense that if Ash and Ryder hadn't met that Sunday, that Ash would have seen Ryder as a student first and just been his teacher, and wouldn't have crossed that line. But because they met and formed that connection, and had had that sexual intimacy already, that line had already unintentionally been crossed, and made it harder for him to draw that line in the sand.
My only real gripe, and why I took .5 stars off, was how Ash's son, Sam reacted. It didn't feel nearly as explosive as you'd think. He was upset and shocked and everything, but he was way more reasonable than he should have been, I think.
It made him finding out, which was part of this tension leading up to when he did find out, pretty anticlimactic.
He was shocked and all "what are you doing with Ryder, my classmate" but he didn't even yell. He walked out, but it was just to the couch in the living room, and he questioned Ash, but was so reasonable and they were even able to make up and hug and pretty much get back to normal, after Ash promised to end it with Ryder.
I was like...that's it? That's all we get? Sam was SO understanding. Where's the drama, where's the outrage, the disgust that his father was fucking his high school classmate??? You expect that drama in stories like these, and it didn't deliver on that front. Why have it be so taboo and scandalous, and even have the big shocking reveal scene, and not have his son react in an understandably horrified way? It didn't quite fit, for me.
He even . It just felt too easy, when including Ash having a son should have been the biggest source of drama in this.
So that overall rational, subdued reaction was a let down for me. But I enjoyed and loved the rest too much to be too bothered beyond giving off half a star.
And yes, they are able to work it out and go onto have their HEA, of course. Although I bet they have to fib to people on just how they met and got together 😳
So overall, I loved this. Couldn't put it down, had to only for sleep. The chemistry was off the charts, and if you can enjoy this trope, then I highly recommend this. It was so deliciously wrong, but oh so good and hot and sexy.
A definite win for me! 🥰
Right off the bat, I have to say that if you draw the line at student-teacher relationships, especially when it's a high school one, even though the student is 18 and was 18 from the start of the relationship, then it is best if you skip this. If you're so-so on it or fine with it in fiction, then I'd highly recommend this, because I absolutely loved it.
Now, I've always been a fan of the forbidden student/teacher relationship trope, and I was fine with reading high school S/T when I myself was in high school, but as I'm older, I'd rather my teacher/student be college/master degree level, and the few times I have read high school since I've gotten older, the student hasn't been below 18 years old. It's just...now that I'm older it's like "yikes no" even in fiction.
But I *can* deal with it if the student is 18 and almost out of high school anyway. Which is exactly what Ryder is.
All the factors these ladies put in really helped too. Because Ryder has a military father who moves around a lot, Ryder comes to Southern California the second half of his senior year, around February, I think. So that's already only about 4, 5 months left before he's no longer a high school student. And Ryder and Ash have never met before this, as Ash has lived in that town his whole life. But Ryder is brand new to the town.
He's already 18 before he and Ash even meet. He and Ash meet in an art workshop for adults at the rec center, before either know that Ash is the art teacher at the high school Ryder is going to be going the very next day. AND they have sex before it too. Ash believed Ryder to be a twenty-something guy, so it's a shock for him to learn Ryder is only 18. (Which, yes, is fucking lucky because that's so close to NOT being legal).
Plus, when they find out, Ash tries to be the responsible adult he should be and put an end to whatever they might have been starting.
Ryder is the pursuer, almost relentlessly in fact. Which, it's still on Ash to not give in as the authority figure, and man who is literally twice Ryder's age (he's 36), but he does...eventually, many times.
But then he also stops it after only a full week of having given in, and stays away from the rest of the year and even the summer after Ryder has graduated.
So all those factors helped, in my opinion. Yes, it is still forbidden and wrong and taboo - and if you just give into the trope and that it's fiction, it's so so hot and steamy between these two - and in real life, one hundred percent I would judge Ash harshly. Like even if you take the teacher thing out, Ryder would have still been an 18 year old high school student, and Ash a 36 year old man.
But it's fiction, and no matter how you slice it, Ryder is a legal adult, so taking in all those factors made me feel less icky reading this. And I just gave into the taboo, and enjoyed it for what it was. Fiction is fiction, not reality, so I just had fun with it.
These two had amazing chemistry. Maybe the forbidden aspect had a bit to do with it, but I just loved them together. And when they actually spent real time together and got to know each other, they started to become more than that forbidden, taboo pairing. They started to connect on a romantic level as well, not just a sexual one.
They did a good job of making Ash as good a man as he could be in this situation, too. We get the sense that if Ash and Ryder hadn't met that Sunday, that Ash would have seen Ryder as a student first and just been his teacher, and wouldn't have crossed that line. But because they met and formed that connection, and had had that sexual intimacy already, that line had already unintentionally been crossed, and made it harder for him to draw that line in the sand.
My only real gripe, and why I took .5 stars off, was how Ash's son, Sam reacted. It didn't feel nearly as explosive as you'd think. He was upset and shocked and everything, but he was way more reasonable than he should have been, I think.
It made him finding out, which was part of this tension leading up to when he did find out, pretty anticlimactic.
He was shocked and all "what are you doing with Ryder, my classmate" but he didn't even yell. He walked out, but it was just to the couch in the living room, and he questioned Ash, but was so reasonable and they were even able to make up and hug and pretty much get back to normal, after Ash promised to end it with Ryder.
I was like...that's it? That's all we get? Sam was SO understanding. Where's the drama, where's the outrage, the disgust that his father was fucking his high school classmate??? You expect that drama in stories like these, and it didn't deliver on that front. Why have it be so taboo and scandalous, and even have the big shocking reveal scene, and not have his son react in an understandably horrified way? It didn't quite fit, for me.
He even . It just felt too easy, when including Ash having a son should have been the biggest source of drama in this.
So that overall rational, subdued reaction was a let down for me. But I enjoyed and loved the rest too much to be too bothered beyond giving off half a star.
And yes, they are able to work it out and go onto have their HEA, of course. Although I bet they have to fib to people on just how they met and got together 😳
So overall, I loved this. Couldn't put it down, had to only for sleep. The chemistry was off the charts, and if you can enjoy this trope, then I highly recommend this. It was so deliciously wrong, but oh so good and hot and sexy.
A definite win for me! 🥰
November 29, 2021
"Shiiit. My cock reacted to that in a way that had me shifting on my chair. Part of me wanted to take this stranger up on his offer, to find somewhere dark and private and remember what it was like to be a cocky twenty-something."
Ohhhhh this is Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine back together at their steamy best 🔥🔥🔥.
Secrets & Lies has so many good tropes (but do be aware, there are some 'forbidden' elements too, if you are triggered by that) including:
🌶 age gap
🌶 student teacher
🌶 son's best friend
🌶 insta-lust
🌶 M/M forbidden romance
🌶 HEA
Both MCs are of age, but this is set in senior year of high school so it's a bit risque - which I totally loved 😈. Ryder is so cocky and confident and true to himself, despite being the new boy in town, and Ash is such a stand up guy, such an amazing teacher and a fabulous dad.
Suffice it to say, these two first meet outside of the school environment, neither knowing the other (or the other's age) until the fateful meeting at school the next day....
It would have been a 5 star read for me, except age gap isn't really my thing - don't @ me please! 😍
4 (yeah, yeah call it 5 if you like) steamy stars ✨✨✨✨
Ohhhhh this is Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine back together at their steamy best 🔥🔥🔥.
Secrets & Lies has so many good tropes (but do be aware, there are some 'forbidden' elements too, if you are triggered by that) including:
🌶 age gap
🌶 student teacher
🌶 son's best friend
🌶 insta-lust
🌶 M/M forbidden romance
🌶 HEA
Both MCs are of age, but this is set in senior year of high school so it's a bit risque - which I totally loved 😈. Ryder is so cocky and confident and true to himself, despite being the new boy in town, and Ash is such a stand up guy, such an amazing teacher and a fabulous dad.
Suffice it to say, these two first meet outside of the school environment, neither knowing the other (or the other's age) until the fateful meeting at school the next day....
It would have been a 5 star read for me, except age gap isn't really my thing - don't @ me please! 😍
4 (yeah, yeah call it 5 if you like) steamy stars ✨✨✨✨
November 30, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Secrets & Lies hit the mark for a forbidden romance and I enjoyed it for those reasons. There was an intense attraction between Ash and Ryder that instantly had me paying attention and that connection continued to grow throughout the book into something amazing. I really liked seeing how Ryder was so open and not afraid to go after what he wanted. Which was his hot as all get out teacher. And side note, that's his High School teacher. That's right folks, Ryder was the forbidden 18. I actually really enjoyed that little shock when I figured out this wasn't a college setting but I also think it's worth mentioning in this review since I know that won't be a pleasant surprise for everyone.
So yes I enjoyed the chemistry between Ash and Ryder. And I did like their characters. But at the end of the book I was left asking, where was the rest? Where was the story and that true sense of romance between our main characters? The ending felt rushed to me and made this book that Amazon says is over 250 pages feel more like a novella under 100 pages. And even with some angsty scenes happening, some things felt so easy near the end that it almost took that sense of forbidden romance away. As if the lead in was a tease of something oh so taboo but then it just died down and I went from being obsessed with the off-limits type of heat to just being meh about it.
It was still a fun read and one I definitely recommend for my fellow MM lovers.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Secrets & Lies hit the mark for a forbidden romance and I enjoyed it for those reasons. There was an intense attraction between Ash and Ryder that instantly had me paying attention and that connection continued to grow throughout the book into something amazing. I really liked seeing how Ryder was so open and not afraid to go after what he wanted. Which was his hot as all get out teacher. And side note, that's his High School teacher. That's right folks, Ryder was the forbidden 18. I actually really enjoyed that little shock when I figured out this wasn't a college setting but I also think it's worth mentioning in this review since I know that won't be a pleasant surprise for everyone.
So yes I enjoyed the chemistry between Ash and Ryder. And I did like their characters. But at the end of the book I was left asking, where was the rest? Where was the story and that true sense of romance between our main characters? The ending felt rushed to me and made this book that Amazon says is over 250 pages feel more like a novella under 100 pages. And even with some angsty scenes happening, some things felt so easy near the end that it almost took that sense of forbidden romance away. As if the lead in was a tease of something oh so taboo but then it just died down and I went from being obsessed with the off-limits type of heat to just being meh about it.
It was still a fun read and one I definitely recommend for my fellow MM lovers.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2021
I was bored, took me a week to get to 53% so this is a DNF for me.
November 27, 2021
Like Ash to Ryder, I was instantly hooked on this book!
This teacher/student romance was steamy and romantic in the best ways. Great writing brings out the same emotions you're feeling as the characters, and Brooke and Ella are the best at doing this! I felt everything along with the characters while falling in love with the cocky Ryder and level-headed Ash. These two balance each other out so well, that it made this book so easy to read, yet hard to put down!
If you love a good taboo romance, then this book will suck you in and make you fall in love!
This teacher/student romance was steamy and romantic in the best ways. Great writing brings out the same emotions you're feeling as the characters, and Brooke and Ella are the best at doing this! I felt everything along with the characters while falling in love with the cocky Ryder and level-headed Ash. These two balance each other out so well, that it made this book so easy to read, yet hard to put down!
If you love a good taboo romance, then this book will suck you in and make you fall in love!
November 29, 2021
Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank deliver a scorching hot love story with Secrets & Lies, a deliciously dirty forbidden romance, between a high school teacher and his student. Even if age gap romances aren't your thing, I dare you not to be charmed by both Ryder and Ash.
I always feel like I need to put a disclaimer when I review age gap romances, so here it is:
If this story was an older male/younger female pairing, with this large of an age gap, I would have run far and fast before even thinking about reading it. But when it comes to m/m age gap romances, I don't really have any issues with it, as long as both parties are of legal age! Not to say I'm completely comfortable with any romance when the age gap is as large as this one is, but I feel like there's more of a power balance with same sex couples.
While Ryder might have been the younger one in this relationship, age-wise, he definitely knew what he wanted and wasted no time going for it, and I loved that about him. The moment he set eyes on Ash he staked his claim and wasn't going to let anyone, not even Asher himself, keep him from his man.
As you'd expect with a story like this, there was some angst. There were times I was on edge, waiting for their relationship to be discovered, for things to implode. There was some heartache, because how could there not be! But I really enjoyed the way the story played out, even with the pain it brought. You know with these ladies you're always going to get your happily ever after, the couple just has to work for it a bit, and Ryder and Ash definitely did.
I never used to care if a book had an epilogue or not, but lately I've been firmly #TeamEpilogue, and the one in Secrets & Lies is a perfect example why!
I always feel like I need to put a disclaimer when I review age gap romances, so here it is:
If this story was an older male/younger female pairing, with this large of an age gap, I would have run far and fast before even thinking about reading it. But when it comes to m/m age gap romances, I don't really have any issues with it, as long as both parties are of legal age! Not to say I'm completely comfortable with any romance when the age gap is as large as this one is, but I feel like there's more of a power balance with same sex couples.
While Ryder might have been the younger one in this relationship, age-wise, he definitely knew what he wanted and wasted no time going for it, and I loved that about him. The moment he set eyes on Ash he staked his claim and wasn't going to let anyone, not even Asher himself, keep him from his man.
As you'd expect with a story like this, there was some angst. There were times I was on edge, waiting for their relationship to be discovered, for things to implode. There was some heartache, because how could there not be! But I really enjoyed the way the story played out, even with the pain it brought. You know with these ladies you're always going to get your happily ever after, the couple just has to work for it a bit, and Ryder and Ash definitely did.
I never used to care if a book had an epilogue or not, but lately I've been firmly #TeamEpilogue, and the one in Secrets & Lies is a perfect example why!
November 30, 2021
Feels 2
Storyline 4.25
Steam 5
Overall Rating 4.25
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
This forbidden romance evoked so many mixed emotions for me! I loved Ash and Ryder...their flirty meet cute, unbelievable attraction and insane impulse control. Ash’s hot and cold actions drove me crazy. I wanted to shout...just tell him we can put this on hold until you graduate. But no....my heart was skipping a beat with taboo rendezvous where they can be discovered! Yikes! Nevertheless...I was pulled into the story HARD and I always am addicted to an emotional student/teacher romance. Entertaining and definitely worth the heartache in the end. Great quick to read standalone.
Storyline 4.25
Steam 5
Overall Rating 4.25
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
This forbidden romance evoked so many mixed emotions for me! I loved Ash and Ryder...their flirty meet cute, unbelievable attraction and insane impulse control. Ash’s hot and cold actions drove me crazy. I wanted to shout...just tell him we can put this on hold until you graduate. But no....my heart was skipping a beat with taboo rendezvous where they can be discovered! Yikes! Nevertheless...I was pulled into the story HARD and I always am addicted to an emotional student/teacher romance. Entertaining and definitely worth the heartache in the end. Great quick to read standalone.
June 29, 2022
I think it will be a first for me (because I love to read anything Ella Frank writes), but unfortunately I didn't like this book.
Ryder was very persistent and pushy and annoying. Ash was a spineless dickhead who let his dick take all the decisions for himself!
I'm giving 2 points just for the sake of the epilogue and Ash's son.
Ryder was very persistent and pushy and annoying. Ash was a spineless dickhead who let his dick take all the decisions for himself!
I'm giving 2 points just for the sake of the epilogue and Ash's son.
December 14, 2021
So disappointed.
September 17, 2023
2.5/5 stars
It was entertaining I guess? I wish it was more forbidden but overall it was meh.
It was entertaining I guess? I wish it was more forbidden but overall it was meh.
November 29, 2021
Meeehh, It’s a …fun read. Entertaining enough if you’re looking for a nice albeit shallow little story. A brass,horny kid with a kind of a stalkerish behavior and an equally horny, dick-led teacher who don’t really do anything interesting together apart from fucking and hiding it. Even the kid’s final school art project was boring . I recommend it if you like barely legal, annoying stalkers and tiny white speedos.
December 1, 2021
4.7 stars
November 29, 2021
Whew! Well Brooke and Ella sure wrote something hot, naughty, and fun for us - and I absolutely loved Ryder and Ash.
This book centers around a forbidden love - teacher/student (but don't worry, Ryder is 18 and everything is very legal) Ash, who is 36 years old and teaches art at the same high school his son attends, first meets Ryder at an art class happening outside of school. Their chemistry and connection is just scorching, and I absolutely loved how well they just meshed together.
Of course, then we find out that Ash is also now Ryder's art teacher. Even though the school year is almost up, Ash tries to keep those boundaries up and deny his attraction to Ryder. I loved how witty their dialogue exchanges were, how persistent Ryder was in wearing Ash down, just the ease that the two had right from the start together.
Lots of steam, lots of fun, a dose of reality for the two in the middle, and an epic last chapter and epilogue - I absolutely adored their HEA! What a fun, sexy story!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book centers around a forbidden love - teacher/student (but don't worry, Ryder is 18 and everything is very legal) Ash, who is 36 years old and teaches art at the same high school his son attends, first meets Ryder at an art class happening outside of school. Their chemistry and connection is just scorching, and I absolutely loved how well they just meshed together.
Of course, then we find out that Ash is also now Ryder's art teacher. Even though the school year is almost up, Ash tries to keep those boundaries up and deny his attraction to Ryder. I loved how witty their dialogue exchanges were, how persistent Ryder was in wearing Ash down, just the ease that the two had right from the start together.
Lots of steam, lots of fun, a dose of reality for the two in the middle, and an epic last chapter and epilogue - I absolutely adored their HEA! What a fun, sexy story!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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