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He's stubborn and reckless and determined to expose the truth.

He’s duty-bound to protect her even if he hates her.

Secret Service Agent Peter Mercer just wanted a promotion. Instead he got investigative journalist Carrie Davenport. His hatred of journalists runs deep, but she's going to get herself killed. So he'll do what he must to keep her safe and his conscience clear.

Carrie Davenport didn't look for trouble but it always found her. This time it came in the form of a human trafficking ring involving D.C.'s most powerful. And she could expose it all and turn it into the biggest story she’s ever written. Or get herself killed. And Peter Mercer seems hellbent on preventing her from doing either.

When he shows up at Club Exposure, she thinks he's following her again. Turns out they have more in common than either realizes.

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2021

342 people are currently reading
588 people want to read

About the author

Ivy Nelson

47 books772 followers
Ivy Nelson writes delicious contemporary romance with kinky alpha heroes and sassy heroines you wish could be your best friend. Club Solitaire is her favorite fictional place to hang out in, and she spends most of her free time spinning tales set there. Ivy currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband of five years and their son. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading something dirty or drinking wine with her readers on Facebook in the Ivy's Diamond Divas reader group

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5 stars
309 (57%)
4 stars
146 (27%)
3 stars
60 (11%)
2 stars
20 (3%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
1 review1 follower
February 5, 2022
It should be noted that this book can be read as a standalone. This is the first time I have read anything by this author, Ivy Nelson, and I wasn’t disappointed. From the very first sentence, there was a lot of action and interaction between the characters.

For the first three chapters, it was a little confusing keeping all of the characters straight in respect to their professions and the dynamics of each other. But by chapter four, everything fell into place, and I had a difficult time putting the book down because of the unexpected twists and turns.

The story explores polyamorous relationships and the world of BDSM through the main protagonists, Carrie and Peter. They also solve a heart-pounding mystery, along with help from other characters. A word of caution, the mystery involves corrupted government officials and sex trafficking.

If you are looking for a steamy story, coupled with solving a mystery, then you should give this book a try. I know I’m looking forward to reading the next book because one of the bad guys gets away. Hopefully, he gets captured in the second book. I’m leaving an honest review for receiving a review copy (ARC) e-book.
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews219 followers
January 26, 2022
This is the first in Ms. Nelson's new series set at Club Exposure, a kink space for DC movers-and-shakers. Carrie is a journalist whose latest story focuses on the CIA Director protected by secret service agent Peter. As the dominant and not submissive delve more deeply into their shared case and budding relationship, someone begins targeting Carrie...

This is an expanded version of Power Relinquished, a book so poorly edited that I DNF; the prose is much cleaner here. Ms. Nelson is known for combining BDSM scenes with aspects of the political thriller genre; if you like your erotica underpinned by a complex storyline and characters who achieve growth, you'll probably enjoy this. As always, I appreciated the emphasis on consent; the strength of the female characters; the fact that the relationship isn't insta-love; and the natural-sounding dialogue. I also appreciated the diverse sexual practices and gender orientations.

However, as usual, Ms Nelson needs to work on her scene transitions. In addition, I was so confused at the beginning that I almost DNF'ed. While I understand that the beginning of any series necessitates huge info dumps and rapid-fire introductions to large casts of characters, this was off-the-charts: I still can't tell you who everyone is or how they know each other (it doesn't help that few stand out). I also didn't appreciate the casual racism and xenophobia (really, authors, I assure you: migrants aren't members of drug cartels). Finally, I found Carrie far more interesting at the beginning (in fact, with her energy, determination, and fluid sexuality, she's the only memorable character here), than I did once she discovered her "submission:" she gave in far too easily to Peter's demands -- particularly given her backstory.

3 1/2 stars. I will read the others; the next one features Darci. Breath tracker: 62.
Profile Image for ltfrom bc.
539 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2022
What a terrific read!

Wow. What a great story this was. I really enjoyed the whole suspense driven overarching focus of the book. Very action packed with a great plot to it. It pulls you into the story and keeps you reading right until the end. As the suspense of the storyline grew, the author still found time to build a relationship between two very different people. They say opposites attract and this was sure the case. Everything about these two people: one in the Secret Service and one a journalist, two individuals with very different kinks within their lifestyle and (the icing on the cake which made me chuckle through the book) one who is a healthy eater and the other an energy drink/coffee/junk food addict on their own should not work, but all together their strong attraction to each other says otherwise. A hot and steamy attraction helps a lot. Throw in their great support system of friends that I am sure will show up in other books, makes this well worth reading. I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read future books in this series.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
January 27, 2022
Peter is a secret service agent who is 100% alpha & certainly is controlled in all aspects of his life. Carrie is an investigative reporter who will go the distance for the stories that need to be told no matter how dangerous. She's on the trail of higher ups in DC possibly being part of a human trafficking ring, which is how she & Peter came to meet. No matter how much hatred he feels for reporters, there's something about Carrie trying to get herself killed which has him doing his best to keep her safe. They have chemistry in spades, and while Carrie is into some kink, it's never been about a D/s relationship until Peter. I'm not saying she fell right into it because this amazing girl is totally hard headed which had me entertained to no end. However, they had sparks galore so while I'm not one to give up any power, I still absolutely loved this book with all their heat, the twists coming in hot, and the action at the end of the day, so I'm super excited for this series & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Cassandra Day.
86 reviews
January 24, 2022
Oh my word Carrie and Peter were so hot together. He hates reporters and she is one who needs his help. At first he ignores her, but he can't stop thinking about her though. When these two get together SPARKS fly. Can these two work out their differences? Grab a copy and find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,480 reviews66 followers
January 24, 2022
A page turning, heart racing, hawt enemies to lovers journey to the truth. Can they get the bad guys...will they lay down their preconceived ideas of each other? Thoroughly enjoyed this romance!!!
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
696 reviews25 followers
February 1, 2022
Carrie Davenport is an journalist who writes hard hitting stories. She's won numerous awards and no subject is out of bounds to her. When she starts to receive mysterious envelopes with incriminating pictures in them, her curiosity is peaked and she digs into a possible human trafficking ring involving high ranking D.C. officials. Peter Mercer is the special agent in charge of security for the CIA director after he receives a bomb. Peter has a huge distrust in journalists and when Carrie keeps investing the director, he needs to convince her to look elsewhere for her next story. They both show up at a mutual friend's house in their off time for a little lifestyle down time. Neither knew that they shared the same interests and the distrust that Peter is following her around causes Carrie to act out against him. The attraction between the two of them can't be denied and even though Peter has a good reason to distrust journalists, he comes to care for Carrie very quickly. They decide to explore a possible power exchange relationship to see if it is what will benefit them both. Carrie has a way of falling into dangerous situations and Peter is just the man to keep her out of them. Peter knows what he wants from her but can Carrie see what is growing between them?

Mix in a shot or two of danger with a good dose of sex and you have Hidden, the first book in the Club Exposure series.
2,626 reviews
May 20, 2022
This was a truly gripping read!
Brilliantly written characters who grip your attention straight away and an action packed storyline to keep you turning the pages and not wanting to put it down!
Great paced read oh and don't forget the hot kinky scenes...did I mention HOT!
You don't want to miss this one!!!
2,589 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2024
This story will grab your attention from the beginning and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Peter and Carrie give off some serious heat with their steamy encounters. They face some serious danger. Will they be able to capture the culprits while changing their opinions about each other? A really hot read!!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,643 reviews61 followers
January 25, 2022
What a great start to a series. Ms. Nelson is a new author to me and I am so glad I found her. Hidden’s storyline had me hooked from the very start. It’s well written, full of suspense and intrigue with a bit of sass and laughs thrown in. As for the characters, well they had me sucked in as well. I found myself rooting for them and hoping they both got their HEA’s and found that life isn’t always what you think it is.

Peter Mercer is a Secret Service Agent who just wants some peace. He’s good at his job, wants to move up in the department and live his private life as he sees fit. Not to mention he’s a bossy, my way or the highway kind of guy - which works well with his profession. Especially when he is tasked with protecting a High Profile D.C. man, which he secretly can’t stand. To make matters worse, a sassy, always finding ways to get into trouble reporter, Carrie, has him convinced the man he has sworn to protect is involved in a sex trafficing ring. So Peter finds himself not only trying to keep his charge safe, he also has to keep the pesky reporter safe.

The sparks and banter between Carrie and Peter kept me smiling. The dangers and suspense had me gasping. I can’t recommend Hidden enough and I can’t wait for book 2 of the series, Protected. I strongly suggest grabbing up book 1 and getting in on the ground floor of this sexy, suspenseful series. You won’t regret it.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars
Profile Image for Brenda.
374 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2022
For the first 30 or so pages of this book, I found it did not hold my attention. During that time, the characters were introduced and all kinds of information was provided. None of the characters came across as people I really would wanted to be around.

Once I got past that point, the book caught fire, and I found it hard to put down. Had I been able to read it straight through I would have…I’m just not the caffeine junky that Carrie was portrayed to be in the book. I liked that the main political intrigue was wrapped up in this book…and that there was a bit of a hook that will come up in some future part of this series. Or not. It does seem like one of the characters will likely be back that will be involved in the intrigue.

I loved Peter and Carrie together and their slow build into a couple. His willingness to accept her friendship and relationship with Darci was also open minded and endearing. In general, almost all of the characters that were supposed to be likable were.

I’ve always enjoyed political/spy thrillers and seeing it combined with romance/BDSM here was truly enjoyable for me. It was a welcome change from mafia and other dark storylines that so often permeate BdSM books.

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion of this book.
1,555 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2022
This enemies to lovers book was so good and had so many twists and dark turns. Carrie is a reporter who seems to get herself into trouble all the time in her mission to find the truths. Peter is a Secret Service agent who puts up with nothing. He is domineering in all ways. Carrie has struggled with things in her past that she has not quite dealt with. When her newest undercover story gets her in too deep Peter is the one to help pull her out. The two of them have a love hate relationship that comes to a boil almost right away and wow they have hot chemistry. This book is full of betrayals, lies and so many twists that make it so you can't put he book down. Exceptionally written and you fall in love with the characters right away. This book as everything you can want and things you didn't know you would want. Peter and Carrie have a dynamic that is wonderful to see and the ending just made you Swoon.
I was given this book as an ARC for my Honest review.
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,309 reviews159 followers
January 30, 2022
☆☆☆☆
Hidden was a compelling and entertaining read. This is book one of the Club Exposure series. It’s also my first book by Ivy Nelson and I’m impressed and will definitely stick with the series to the end.
Carrie Davenport is stubborn, reckless and hell bent on exposing the truth as an investigative journalist. Secret Service Agent, Peter Mercer is duty-bound to protect her no matter how much he may despise her. Peter has an understandable hatred for reporters. Unfortunately, if she continues with her current story, she’s going to get herself killed. In order to keep a clear conscience, he has to keep her safe. Carrie is a devoted undercover reporter who seems to be a magnet for trouble. There’s a human trafficking ring in Washington DC involving some high-ranking political officials and others in positions of power. It just might be the biggest story of her career, if she can stay alive long enough to write it. Peter’s current position is protecting the CIA Director and it seems he’ll be part of Carrie's story so he’s determined to stop her. He wants a promotion and in order to be considered, he will need to keep the Director’s name out of it. When he shows up at Club Exposure, a private kink club, Carrie believes he’s been following her. It turns out they may have more in common than either one would have ever guessed.
Since this was the first book in a new series, a great deal of the first few chapters introduced us to the characters as well as world development. I got bored and had to push through that part. Once the actual story got going, I was pulled right in and kept engaged till the end. I love kinky reads and this provided some hot scenes and enough angst to have my angst-addicted heart very happy. There were twists, turns, betrayals and secrets galore. I stayed perched on the edge of my seat making this a definite page-turner. I highly recommend this story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
1,227 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2022
I will say that I enjoyed parts of this book. It had a fair amount of suspense and romance. There were errors in the editing. I rated it three stars as I thought the story unrealistic in nature in my opinion. Carrie claims she is not submissive given her background, but yet, she agrees to everything Peter says. Peter knows she's not submissive, but then uses a clothes pin on her tongue when she messes up as punishment. Really? I found it hard that she would just accept it and not use her safe word. I really didn't care for Peter as a Dom either. To me, he's trying to silence her. That's wrong. He acted like he knew what’s best. Carrie is a grown adult and can make he own choices. You would think with her being so new, he would want to know what she is feeling both physically and emotionally. To me, a true Dom should know that. Anything else is just reckless. I personally would have told Peter where to go especially when he binds her to the bed. That is so beyond totally wrong in my opinion. I’d think about filing abuse / kidnapping charges. Period!

I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving a review voluntarily.
1,397 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2022
I love Ivy Nelson's stories about BDSM and the relationships between those characters. This story involved Carrie a journalist who is hot on a story about the director of the CIA and Peter, one of the members assigned to guard him. The director is involved in some really shady things like trafficking women and Carrie tries to get close to him to find out more information. Peter sees her and is immediately attracted to her but does not like journalists because of past issues with them. They get closer the more contact they have with each other but don't know they are into the same BDSM scenes and have some of the same friends. As Carrie's investigation gets more and more dangerous, Peter seems to get more protective of her even though he doesn't understand why. This book had great story line with plenty of shock and adventure. Parts of this story were funny and some parts were sad. I really liked the characters and got interested in the side characters involved with Club Exposure as well. Can't wait for the next story to find out what happens next.
1,592 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2022
Don't let the title fool you: Hidden is not just a dark romance, it is a dark romantic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will not be able to put this book down once you've started - at least I couldn't and stayed up way past my bedtime! The attraction between Peter and Carrie is instantaneous, but they both have to come to terms with past events before they can find the respect and love they need for a HEA. Be warned: This book is full of passionate, steamy scenes that are on the forceful side. In the end, not all the bad guys are dealt with and so that part of the suspense continues into the next book. I can't wait!
I was fortunate to get an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tiffany Barnett.
662 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2022
This was a great start to the Club Exposure series! Whew this book was hot!! You could literally feel the hate at the beginning between Peter and Carrie. Peter's hatred for journalists and Carrie's penchant for staying in hot water. The way Peter was oh so dominant but always took Carrie's limits seriously and how Carrie was finally able to show a slight submissive side to someone. Oh so good!

This book has suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I didn't know what was going to happen or who was good/bad. This book kept me guessing! I hope all of the wonderful secondary characters get a book! I can't wait for the next one! 🖤
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,911 reviews16 followers
January 23, 2022
My first read by this author and I look forward to reading more books by her. "Of all the gin joints", quite apropos, there's a budding relationship here, but also big underlying factors and current relationships to be considered as well. Lots of exploring in this story, loved the different scenarios that they found themselves in and I enjoyed reading them all. There is an overall mystery throughout, as well as heartache and pain. Loved the ongoing debate about junk food vs healthy, made me smile. Can't wait for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Nicole A.
487 reviews15 followers
January 25, 2022
This BDSM book was my first read by Ivy Nelson and I am hooked! Such an action packed adventure, and so spicy. Peter is a dominant, stern Secret Service Agent. Carrie is a smart, adventurous journalist who has a kinky side. Peter and Carrie start on opposite sides of a political scandal, but their chemistry is hot right from the start. There are so many twists and turns, with a great plot line. There are lots of spicy scenes, exploring different kinks of BDSM. There is also a beautiful love story of overcoming past traumas and ending in HEA. Well written action, plot and hot love scenes make for this amazing read! Can’t wait for Darci’s story.
799 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2022
Carrie is now one of my favorite characters – her Red Bull addiction (and the fact that she owns it as she does), her determination to follow the story to save the women – and then there’s Peter, whose antipathy towards Carrie makes complete sense by the end of the story – by which time, well, that would be a spoiler. It’s an interesting reflection on D/s and power exchange, on childhood trauma, and on trust, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book for all its elements – including the mystery. Roll on the next one in the series!
748 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2022
I’m going to love this series

Investigative reporter Carrie has been in some dangerous situations all over the world. None more dangerous or confusing than at home in the US. She’s trying to unravel a human trafficking ring when her boss pulls her off it, then gives her his pet project. What exactly is going on? And who is this Sevret Service Agent that keeps getting in her way?

Secret Service Agent Peter Mercer is as straight and narrow as they come, except when it comes to his sex life. When he encounters a reporter at the press briefing of his high level protectee, he can’t shake the thought that he’s seen her somewhere before. But her glitter makeup won’t let him take her seriously. Then he finds out who she really is and what she’s investigating, he’s intrigued. What does her investigation have to do with his protectee?
Profile Image for Aimee Lombardo.
735 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2022
Hidden is the first book in this new Club Explosure series and was it every gripping!!

Peter is a secret service agent and Carrie is a reporter. They both meet while working on the same assignment/story for thier prospective careers.

This story had so much action, twist , turns and steamy love scenes that had me totally immersed into this universe and had me completely engaged with the characters.
Profile Image for Anne  Young-Cronister.
958 reviews
January 26, 2022
I love this new series! Peter and Carrie make a heck of a couple. This story has a lot of really good twists to it! The danger, excitement, BDSM elements, love and steamy fun times are had by a lot of characters! I was worried about a new club after the Diamond Doms were done, but Exposure creates just as much of a good time with all sorts of people! I’m really looking forward to the books that will be next for this series!

I reviewed an advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,135 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2022
Hidden: An enemies to lovers dark romance (Club Exposure Book 1) By Ivy Nelson. Club Exposure series Unbelievably Hot , Steamy this book will pull you in from the beginning.. The chemistry between the Journalists Carrie Davenport and Secret Service Agent Peter Mercer Wow !!! Carrie has a story that will have many people in high places on edge to stop her from finding out the truth. I loved this new series and recommend it….
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,389 reviews30 followers
January 25, 2022
If BDSM is a trigger for you, you DoNot want to read this book!! I found it to be a marvelous read. The plot is very entertaining and exciting. There’s danger, suspense, drama and plenty of sex scenes. The characters are well developed and likable. I loved the chemistry between Peter and Carrie. Now, I’m anxious to read Darci’s story next. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*
Profile Image for Darla Bonacorsi.
13 reviews
January 26, 2022
I received Hidden as an ARC and just finished it. I read everything Ivy Nelson writes. Loved her Diamond Dom series. Hidden was the first of the Club Exposure series. I loved her characters of Perter Mercer ex CIA and current Secret Service and Carrie Davenport, an investigative journalist. They begin as antagonists and finally find common ground and their HEA. Look forward to the other two books in the series.
5 reviews
January 26, 2022
This book is awesome! Ivy did a great job with the characters. This is the first book by Ivy that I have read, definitely not the last! There are definitely some hot scenes! Carrie and Peter have great chemistry from the start even when he tried hating her. The temptation was too strong to resist. Counting down until the next book is available.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
February 2, 2022
Great start to a new series. Peter is a Secret Service Agent and Carrie who is a journalist. She is after a story on human trafficking and meets Peter. He is no fan of reporters but sparks fly between them and they are surprised by their connection to Club Exposure. Will Peter be able to keep her safe? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.
5,535 reviews
January 25, 2022
Human trafficking! Reporter Carrie is reporting on it, Peter has to protect her, it's his duty after all!

Willingly, well, maybe not at first!

But, when these two jump into the frying pan, things definitely sizzle!

What a great start to a new series!

Can't wait for more!
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