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Meet Cute Book Club #5
The Hidden Love
"Oh, God! Did I just fall right into my dead best friend’s ex-boyfriend, secret baby daddy, incredibly sexy, Navy SEAL’s arms?” - Sounds like a line right out of one of my book club's romance novels.
Except it's not. It's real life. My real life.
Grieving the loss of my best friend, and suddenly taking on raising her son, I'm faced with a whole new set of challenges. That includes breaking the news to my brother's best friend, Kade, that Danny is his son.
As if that's not enough for one woman to handle, Kade is even hotter than I remember and navigating all the details of Annabelle's death and Danny's future brings us closer than ever, in more ways than one.
And my girls in from book club? They're all for me finding my happily ever after with the sexy as sin man in uniform.
But Kade has even more on the line without worrying about a relationship. Will he choose a family and life outside of the military, or will he go back to his unit and leave it all behind?
The Hidden Love is a standalone, second chance romance that is part of the multi-author series, Meet Cute Book Club series. Escape with this swoon-worthy collection of romances where meet-cutes don't only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.
Except it's not. It's real life. My real life.
Grieving the loss of my best friend, and suddenly taking on raising her son, I'm faced with a whole new set of challenges. That includes breaking the news to my brother's best friend, Kade, that Danny is his son.
As if that's not enough for one woman to handle, Kade is even hotter than I remember and navigating all the details of Annabelle's death and Danny's future brings us closer than ever, in more ways than one.
And my girls in from book club? They're all for me finding my happily ever after with the sexy as sin man in uniform.
But Kade has even more on the line without worrying about a relationship. Will he choose a family and life outside of the military, or will he go back to his unit and leave it all behind?
The Hidden Love is a standalone, second chance romance that is part of the multi-author series, Meet Cute Book Club series. Escape with this swoon-worthy collection of romances where meet-cutes don't only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2022
19 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Gray
53 books624 followersRJ Gray is a USA TODAY bestselling author of Explosively Hot Romance. She is also an international bestseller. Residing on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu with her husband, two young sons and their rescue pup, RJ lives an active life. When not writing, her hobbies include whipping up delicious meals, capturing life's beauty with her camera and attending her children's multiple sporting events. Hobbies she shares freely about in her FB Group Gray's Bibliophiles.
Having spent the past fifteen years married to an active duty military bomb technician, and as a veteran herself, RJ has a passion for military and veteran causes. You will find these themes in many of her books.
You can find out more about RJ Gray on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJGray
Feel free to contact her: AuthorRJGray@gmail.com
Follow her on social media:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/grayrj
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Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorrjgray
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/author_rj
Blog: www.AuthorRJGray.com
Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vokxh4if40 (FREE BOOK!)
Having spent the past fifteen years married to an active duty military bomb technician, and as a veteran herself, RJ has a passion for military and veteran causes. You will find these themes in many of her books.
You can find out more about RJ Gray on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJGray
Feel free to contact her: AuthorRJGray@gmail.com
Follow her on social media:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/grayrj
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rj-gray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrjgray/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorrjgray
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/author_rj
Blog: www.AuthorRJGray.com
Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vokxh4if40 (FREE BOOK!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 24, 2022
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: ptsd, domestic violence (not by MCs), drunk driving death, depression, infidelity (maybe?)
So we have a grieving friend who's suddenly a guardian of a secret her dead friend gave her in clause to her death. Who now has to report back to the dead friend's ex, because the secret is closely connected to the ex.
The ex..meanwhile is living his grit and hard life in the military battling wars, and combat zones (By the way I didn't enjoy the mention of my home country PAK in such a negative context...we've already got problems..don't need more by this publicising), and well lost in the memories of his ex. But when he gets a phone call about the secret...everything changes.
Sparks later fly, after much much dancing around emotions (the headaches I endured while it all happened), but complications arise. But they all battle through it well..and with a lot of confessions and honest discussions. And we get a HEA, yay.
I honestly enjoyed this story a lot. Truly. After the winedown, I didn't think I'd have a very touching book to look to. But here I have, The Hidden Love.
It touched on so many important themes of family, betrayal, ptsd, domestic violence, coming together after grief, and dealing with a child who's having difficulty dealing with death.
And the fun fact - he is getting treatment for his PTSD, so even if it is a part of him, he does know how to deal with it better.
For all these reasons and more - such as superb writing, well developed and likeable characters (even with a bit of whinnying from the FMC), the romance and chemistry playing well, as the meet cute book club girls (gah I loved seeing Brandi - my first favorite girl), it was all done so well, damn.
I'm in honest to god love, and can't think of anything else, but to tell you, to read it, READ IT, READ IT NOW!
That's all.
Until the next read,
-TMR
Trigger warnings: ptsd, domestic violence (not by MCs), drunk driving death, depression, infidelity (maybe?)
So we have a grieving friend who's suddenly a guardian of a secret her dead friend gave her in clause to her death. Who now has to report back to the dead friend's ex, because the secret is closely connected to the ex.
The ex..meanwhile is living his grit and hard life in the military battling wars, and combat zones (By the way I didn't enjoy the mention of my home country PAK in such a negative context...we've already got problems..don't need more by this publicising), and well lost in the memories of his ex. But when he gets a phone call about the secret...everything changes.
Sparks later fly, after much much dancing around emotions (the headaches I endured while it all happened), but complications arise. But they all battle through it well..and with a lot of confessions and honest discussions. And we get a HEA, yay.
I honestly enjoyed this story a lot. Truly. After the winedown, I didn't think I'd have a very touching book to look to. But here I have, The Hidden Love.
It touched on so many important themes of family, betrayal, ptsd, domestic violence, coming together after grief, and dealing with a child who's having difficulty dealing with death.
And the fun fact - he is getting treatment for his PTSD, so even if it is a part of him, he does know how to deal with it better.
For all these reasons and more - such as superb writing, well developed and likeable characters (even with a bit of whinnying from the FMC), the romance and chemistry playing well, as the meet cute book club girls (gah I loved seeing Brandi - my first favorite girl), it was all done so well, damn.
I'm in honest to god love, and can't think of anything else, but to tell you, to read it, READ IT, READ IT NOW!
That's all.
Until the next read,
-TMR
August 15, 2022
My heart ❤️.
What a fantastic read . ! This book will crush you . 😭.
How does one deal with finding out your best friend and her husband have died and leave you to look after your godson ?
How does one go about identifying their bodies planing a funeral , maintaining your business looking after an emotional nine year old and dealing with packing up your best friends house for sale and cope with your own grief.?
But wait there's more ..
Finding out that your best friend never told you that the real father of your godson is not who you believed to be but is actually your brothers best friend who never knew he had a child and was a navy seal?.
Talk about plot twist!
This book had so many layers and was written in a way that drew you in from the get go .
This book deals with betrayal, grief, emotional damage PTSD and anxiety. The author touched on these emotions with such class and clarity you could tell how much research went in to the details of the subject matter as I also suffer with PTSD and anxiety.
I loved how even though the characters were grieving they always put Danny first regardless of how much they themselves were hurting .
I really enjoyed this book and I cried so hard my heart hurt .
An absolute five star read from me .
What a fantastic read . ! This book will crush you . 😭.
How does one deal with finding out your best friend and her husband have died and leave you to look after your godson ?
How does one go about identifying their bodies planing a funeral , maintaining your business looking after an emotional nine year old and dealing with packing up your best friends house for sale and cope with your own grief.?
But wait there's more ..
Finding out that your best friend never told you that the real father of your godson is not who you believed to be but is actually your brothers best friend who never knew he had a child and was a navy seal?.
Talk about plot twist!
This book had so many layers and was written in a way that drew you in from the get go .
This book deals with betrayal, grief, emotional damage PTSD and anxiety. The author touched on these emotions with such class and clarity you could tell how much research went in to the details of the subject matter as I also suffer with PTSD and anxiety.
I loved how even though the characters were grieving they always put Danny first regardless of how much they themselves were hurting .
I really enjoyed this book and I cried so hard my heart hurt .
An absolute five star read from me .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
It’s probably a good thing that the secrets came out when they did in this story. I’m 100% certain I wouldn’t have liked anyone but Kade if they all came out any other way. As it was, Kade and Shannon had a lot to work through. Feelings, the past, the present, the future, and how to reconcile two very different lives for the better good. Granted, Kade needed to communicate more about a few things, but I understood why he didn’t. And I adored Shannon’s reaction to the whole truth. She was more annoyed at the hiding than the thing being hidden because she grasped the realities of PTSD far better than Kade could’ve hoped.
This contribution to the series continues the “different authors and tales can absolutely work together” theme and I look forward to the grumpiness coming our way next.
This contribution to the series continues the “different authors and tales can absolutely work together” theme and I look forward to the grumpiness coming our way next.
August 1, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book, but it left me kind of twisted up over it and feeling somewhat in the middle. There was a nice balance between over-the-top and raw genuineness to Kade and Shannon's story that I really liked. That meant this was a fun read that also went right for your heartstrings. I totally fell for Kade, and my heart simply ached for him for multiple reasons. I can't say that I was a huge fan of Sharron. I wanted to like her more than I did but sadly she had a tendency to annoy me. Still, I did like these two together and they gave me some solid feels. This is my volitional, candid review.
August 1, 2022
The Hidden Love by RJ Gray is a wonderful story about Kade, a Navy Seal about to retire; Shannon, his best friend’s little sister, and best friend to Kade’s former high school lover; and, a boy named Danny. The characters are well developed and really interesting, as is the plot line where Shannon is given temporary custody of her best friend’s son Danny, and she must contact Kade to ask him to come home immediately because of the death of her best friend and her husband in a car accident. There are twists and turns to this tale that the reader won’t see coming, and once revealed, are a bitter pill to swallow for all of the characters. The story is well written and quite sensual in one short part. This book is an easy, pleasant read about second chances, opening one’s eyes to see what has been right in front of us all along, and putting the needs of someone you love before your own. You will have that warm, fuzzy feeling by the end of the novel and a big smile on your face. Grab this book!
August 3, 2022
Meet Cute Book Club #5
When Shannon Callaway's best friend Annabelle and her husband Doug die in a car accident Shannon who is Godmother to their 9 yr old son Danny now becomes his guardian. Well until she finds out in a letter left for her by Annabelle that Danny's biological father is not Doug, but Kade Harding. So now Shannon has to call Kade who's a Navy Seal and ask him to come home not only for the funeral but that she has something to tell him. Kade is Shannon's brother's best friend and they have known each other since they were kids.
Kade is shocked to hear he is Danny's father and now there are a lot of decisions to be made. Will he choose staying in the military and taking Danny with or not at all or will he choose family?
4 stars
When Shannon Callaway's best friend Annabelle and her husband Doug die in a car accident Shannon who is Godmother to their 9 yr old son Danny now becomes his guardian. Well until she finds out in a letter left for her by Annabelle that Danny's biological father is not Doug, but Kade Harding. So now Shannon has to call Kade who's a Navy Seal and ask him to come home not only for the funeral but that she has something to tell him. Kade is Shannon's brother's best friend and they have known each other since they were kids.
Kade is shocked to hear he is Danny's father and now there are a lot of decisions to be made. Will he choose staying in the military and taking Danny with or not at all or will he choose family?
4 stars
August 2, 2022
Oh, the emotions captured in this story from both parties of the unexpected couple! The author did a great job of writing the thoughts and feelings of each of them as well as those of the son, Danny. I was so glad when they came to a meeting of their minds and got their happily ever after, although it was a struggle to get there. I was sort of amused at the references to the Veterans of Valhalla, RJ's series which I've read all of the released stories so far and highly recommend. I also loved the support from Shannon's friends in the Meet Cute Book Club and will probably get more of the books in this series from some authors that I'm not familiar with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2022
What a heartbreaking story. Shannon is tasked with following through on being a godmother with all its responsibilities. Kade is appraised ten years too late. Several serious issues are addressed in this story and they are handled wonderfully. I absolutely loved the tree scene explaining what a parent is, what you are also getting in the end versus the beginning. Always left wondering, what if? What is a warrior? Hiding in plain sight never looked so good. Absolutely loved this story.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
August 2, 2022
This book is a departure from the type of stories I usually read and totally meets the advertised "meet cute" category. Full of tropes galore, this book is cute, but a real life contemporary as well. Shannon and Kade were a cute couple and there was a nice natural progression in the story. More sweet than steamy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
The Hidden Love begins it's journey with soul. The heart comes later. RJ Gray takes the unpredictability of life and finds love. Through the moments of pain there is always hope. Kade and Shannon turn broken hearts into something beautiful.
July 29, 2022
I felt for Kade throughout this story, it sucked me in. He and Shannon come together for Danny, and something greater develops.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2022
This was a second chance brother's best friend romance.
The characters and storyline were very realistic. The story was heart wrenching and had all the feels (tissue required). Stories written in the third person are not my favorite and I find it harder to connect to the characters but I did enjoy this book.
Shannon Calloway is devastated by the loss of her best friend Annabelle and her husband Doug in a car accident. She temporarily becomes guardian to their 9 year old son and her godchild Danny and moves him into her b&b called The Inn.
Jade Harding is a Navy SEAL being medically retired due to Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD. He was childhood sweethearts with Annabelle and they later had a one night stand ten years ago. He receives an urgent email from Shannon to come home because Annabelle left him something when she passed. When he finds out about Danny he is overwhelmed and makes a few mistakes but is committed to becoming the best father he can be. Meanwhile he and Shannon hook up and catch feelings for each other. All three eventually get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters and storyline were very realistic. The story was heart wrenching and had all the feels (tissue required). Stories written in the third person are not my favorite and I find it harder to connect to the characters but I did enjoy this book.
Shannon Calloway is devastated by the loss of her best friend Annabelle and her husband Doug in a car accident. She temporarily becomes guardian to their 9 year old son and her godchild Danny and moves him into her b&b called The Inn.
Jade Harding is a Navy SEAL being medically retired due to Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD. He was childhood sweethearts with Annabelle and they later had a one night stand ten years ago. He receives an urgent email from Shannon to come home because Annabelle left him something when she passed. When he finds out about Danny he is overwhelmed and makes a few mistakes but is committed to becoming the best father he can be. Meanwhile he and Shannon hook up and catch feelings for each other. All three eventually get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2022
Second Chances . . .
Shannon Callaway, Annabelle’s best friend, is 9-year-old Danny’s godmother. When Annabelle died, the lawyer was permitted to reveal the name of Danny’s real father, and Navy SEAL Kade had never been told before this that he had a son.
Kade and Shannon are Danny’s guardians. Will their jointly caring for Danny bring them closer together? Will they realize their attraction and consider making a true family for Danny and themselves? Or will Kade instead choose to return to his unit and continue the life he had already started?
Shannon Callaway, Annabelle’s best friend, is 9-year-old Danny’s godmother. When Annabelle died, the lawyer was permitted to reveal the name of Danny’s real father, and Navy SEAL Kade had never been told before this that he had a son.
Kade and Shannon are Danny’s guardians. Will their jointly caring for Danny bring them closer together? Will they realize their attraction and consider making a true family for Danny and themselves? Or will Kade instead choose to return to his unit and continue the life he had already started?
August 19, 2022
So I liked that this has a bit of a feel like the movie Life As We Know It. It was a quick and easy read. I really liked the small town and the characters living there. The little boy, Danny, was a kid that was so easy to fall in love with from his parts of the story. Kade was definitely a dream guy, the romance novel worthy hero described at the beginning of the synopsis/blurb for this book. Shannon was a good character too. Although while I understood her problem with the abandonment issues, I feel like she totally overreacted with Kade going back to work like he obviously had to.
I also thought it was funny how the book the book club was reading was a novel by the actual author of this book. lol The story was kind of predictable, nothing really happened that surprised me or that I didn’t see exactly where it would go. I also had some issues with some of the dialogue. There were some very formal phrases used by people in situations that didn’t make sense, and a lot of time contractions weren’t used when it would make more sense for people speaking. Sadly some of the dialogue in the steamy scene was a little awkward and kind of made me skim over that a bit to get on with the story.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I also thought it was funny how the book the book club was reading was a novel by the actual author of this book. lol The story was kind of predictable, nothing really happened that surprised me or that I didn’t see exactly where it would go. I also had some issues with some of the dialogue. There were some very formal phrases used by people in situations that didn’t make sense, and a lot of time contractions weren’t used when it would make more sense for people speaking. Sadly some of the dialogue in the steamy scene was a little awkward and kind of made me skim over that a bit to get on with the story.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
August 1, 2022
When Shannon's best friend and her husband are killed in a car wreck, she is left to take care of their son, Danny. She's almost like a second mom so it seemed natural to do this. What she didn't expect was to see Kade again. He was Annabelle's high school sweetheart and was involved is ways that no one knew. When the truth comes out, it's a shock to everyone around them. Kade has to adjust to something he never saw coming and Shannon is at a loss as to what to do for Danny next. The story is heartbreaking at times but it's very well written. Ms. Gray is a very talented author and I love her stories. She knows how to keep her readers engrossed in the stories and they are always page turners!
August 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this one it was so heartfelt and emotions were high. The characters Kade ,Shannon and 9 yr. Old Danny were put in an awful situation and I totally understood their actions anyone would be on high alert and edgy having their life just explode in a sec.
I thought Kade handled things with such grace as Shannon was just scared and did the best she could but together they were ama,ing the chemistry was just there. It was written so well it just sucked me into their story and I felt it all.
I thought Kade handled things with such grace as Shannon was just scared and did the best she could but together they were ama,ing the chemistry was just there. It was written so well it just sucked me into their story and I felt it all.
August 25, 2022
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is a well written story where the author used details to make the story realistic. This is a sweet story that was hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters are relateable and they made the story engaging. I found this book to be hard to put down. It is fast paced where the characters made the story for me. This is a great story that is entertaining and easy to read. I enjoyed what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
August 17, 2022
Hidden Love is the latest in the Meet Cute Book Club series. This one is Kade and Shannon's story. I have to say that I did ultimately like this friends to lovers story. I would have loved an epilogue. I will admit to really not liking Shannon through a lot of the book. I get that she was grieving, but she really over reacted to things Kade said and did about having to leave to go back to base. I mean, he is in the Navy and he just found out he is a dad. Cut the man some slack. I was happy to see that she did finally get it in the end. Kade was definitely the more rational of the two. He was right to take time to process before jumping all in. This is really a heavy story as there is a little boy orphaned and a best friend grieving the loss of the couple. I do recommend giving it a try.
August 10, 2022
SECRETS REVEALED
As an avid reader and a fan of the writing of Ms. RJ Gray, I have to say; that this is by far the best book, she has written to date. The story has a feeling of realism—this could really happen, the people felt real, and the situations believable.
“Everything’s different, even when it seems like things are mostly the same.”
The story is an emotional roller-coaster ride. Discovering secrets, dealing with grief, and exploring what the future holds. It is friends coming together during an emotional time and making decisions.
The story’s plot will have Shannon watching Danny for Annabelle and Doug. What starts as a fun night quickly changes with being told they were killed in an accident—her needing to identify the bodies and start making arrangements for their funeral. All that happens while watching Danny while he deals with losing his family. Then, learning from the attorney that Kade Harding needs to be there to learn shocking news.
The story entails so many emotions for three people, Shannon, Kade, and Danny. What a shock not only for Shannon to discover Annabelle kept the secret about Kade being Danny’s father, but for Kade to discover and prove with DNA that he has missed nine years of his son’s life. Danny is dealing with grief and then discovers the people he called Mom and Dad hid the truth from him.
Shannon fears Kade will choose to remove Danny from her care and move him away from Abbott Ridge, North Carolina. Kade has his concerns, things he can’t share yet. He is getting ready to retire from the military but must plan for the future. Then, the sexual attraction and chemistry brewing between Shannon and Kade. She is his best friend’s younger sister and his ex-girlfriend’s best friend—but she was his friend too. What will happen between them—and do they have a chance for a future? Not just raising Danny, but can they find happiness together?
As an avid reader and a fan of the writing of Ms. RJ Gray, I have to say; that this is by far the best book, she has written to date. The story has a feeling of realism—this could really happen, the people felt real, and the situations believable.
“Everything’s different, even when it seems like things are mostly the same.”
The story is an emotional roller-coaster ride. Discovering secrets, dealing with grief, and exploring what the future holds. It is friends coming together during an emotional time and making decisions.
The story’s plot will have Shannon watching Danny for Annabelle and Doug. What starts as a fun night quickly changes with being told they were killed in an accident—her needing to identify the bodies and start making arrangements for their funeral. All that happens while watching Danny while he deals with losing his family. Then, learning from the attorney that Kade Harding needs to be there to learn shocking news.
The story entails so many emotions for three people, Shannon, Kade, and Danny. What a shock not only for Shannon to discover Annabelle kept the secret about Kade being Danny’s father, but for Kade to discover and prove with DNA that he has missed nine years of his son’s life. Danny is dealing with grief and then discovers the people he called Mom and Dad hid the truth from him.
Shannon fears Kade will choose to remove Danny from her care and move him away from Abbott Ridge, North Carolina. Kade has his concerns, things he can’t share yet. He is getting ready to retire from the military but must plan for the future. Then, the sexual attraction and chemistry brewing between Shannon and Kade. She is his best friend’s younger sister and his ex-girlfriend’s best friend—but she was his friend too. What will happen between them—and do they have a chance for a future? Not just raising Danny, but can they find happiness together?
August 14, 2022
5 Star review of The Hidden Love (Meet Cute Book Club #5) by RJ Gray
RJ Gray is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. One of the things I enjoy in reading new series by various authors is that you often discover new to you authors. From the first chapter I was fully invested in this emotional story and be prepared there will be tears and not just the delicate ones either as I found myself sobbing at times.
Shannon is struggling with her grief at the deaths of her best friend Annabelle and her husband and suddenly finds herself raising their nine year old son Danny. This book got to me on so many levels but perhaps the strongest is because I can relate to Danny. My father died when I was 9 years old and even now 52 years later I can close my eyes and am transported back to the grief, pain and loss that I felt. RJ Gray did a credible job in bringing this across, it was realistic and heart breaking.
I could feel Shannon pain and grief as she struggled to arrange the funeral and everything that occurs with sudden deaths. Adding to this is the absolute shock and feeling of betrayal when she learns that the man she thought was Danny’s father isn't. Then discovering that Danny’s father is someone she knows and that Kade doesn't even know that he is a father just adds to the heartache and pressure building within Shannon.
Falling for Kade is the last thing Shannon planned but the heart wants who the heart wants. My heart broke for Danny, Shannon and Kade for different reasons. Will Kade return to his Seal team or will he make a family with Shannon and Danny?
This was a fast paced, multi layered story drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat.
This may have been my first book by RJ Gray but it will not be the last.
RJ Gray is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. One of the things I enjoy in reading new series by various authors is that you often discover new to you authors. From the first chapter I was fully invested in this emotional story and be prepared there will be tears and not just the delicate ones either as I found myself sobbing at times.
Shannon is struggling with her grief at the deaths of her best friend Annabelle and her husband and suddenly finds herself raising their nine year old son Danny. This book got to me on so many levels but perhaps the strongest is because I can relate to Danny. My father died when I was 9 years old and even now 52 years later I can close my eyes and am transported back to the grief, pain and loss that I felt. RJ Gray did a credible job in bringing this across, it was realistic and heart breaking.
I could feel Shannon pain and grief as she struggled to arrange the funeral and everything that occurs with sudden deaths. Adding to this is the absolute shock and feeling of betrayal when she learns that the man she thought was Danny’s father isn't. Then discovering that Danny’s father is someone she knows and that Kade doesn't even know that he is a father just adds to the heartache and pressure building within Shannon.
Falling for Kade is the last thing Shannon planned but the heart wants who the heart wants. My heart broke for Danny, Shannon and Kade for different reasons. Will Kade return to his Seal team or will he make a family with Shannon and Danny?
This was a fast paced, multi layered story drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat.
This may have been my first book by RJ Gray but it will not be the last.
August 8, 2022
Stephannie's 5-Star Review:
I really enjoyed reading Kade and Shannon's story. This book went right for my heartstrings and I fell for these two and their story. Kade was an amazing guy who I felt horrible for because of his reaction to discovering he lost 9 years of his son's life because his first love never told him. Plus dealing with her death and his budding feelings for Shannon. Shannon also had a lot to deal with throughout this story. She is overwhelmed and grieving herself. These two don't see eye to eye and there are some heated conversations. Everyone's emotions are high and everyone is doing their best to handle things.
This was an amazing story of heartbreak and loss. They both discover a secret and are mad but can't express them to the person they are mad at because she is dead. It was well written and perfect story of also healing and moving forward too. I did cry because how could you not? The characters felt and I felt things right along with them. Amazing new read from an author I never read before. One-click today!
I really enjoyed reading Kade and Shannon's story. This book went right for my heartstrings and I fell for these two and their story. Kade was an amazing guy who I felt horrible for because of his reaction to discovering he lost 9 years of his son's life because his first love never told him. Plus dealing with her death and his budding feelings for Shannon. Shannon also had a lot to deal with throughout this story. She is overwhelmed and grieving herself. These two don't see eye to eye and there are some heated conversations. Everyone's emotions are high and everyone is doing their best to handle things.
This was an amazing story of heartbreak and loss. They both discover a secret and are mad but can't express them to the person they are mad at because she is dead. It was well written and perfect story of also healing and moving forward too. I did cry because how could you not? The characters felt and I felt things right along with them. Amazing new read from an author I never read before. One-click today!
August 3, 2022
Fav Characters: Kade and Danny... Shannon nope.
Shannon was annoying. The fact that she didn't understand why Kade couldn't simply stay and not return to the Navy really irritated me.
She believes Kade's actions have little to do with her and his desire to take the child away from her. Omg, the man is explaining that he needs to secure his/Danny by arranging certain documents and that the reason he left was so that he could ensure he's mentally stable to properly care for Danny.
She had to make the conversation about her, but she eventually came around.
We wouldn't have been running in circles if she had just immediately grasped Kade's perspective.
I was furious by the end. After Kade returned and declared his love for her, I was hoping for more to see how their relationship developed and how they would raise Danny together—but instead, it ended abruptly and without an epilogue.
It was a lovely narrative, however, the FMC was annoying, and the conclusion left me disappointed. I expected more.
Shannon was annoying. The fact that she didn't understand why Kade couldn't simply stay and not return to the Navy really irritated me.
She believes Kade's actions have little to do with her and his desire to take the child away from her. Omg, the man is explaining that he needs to secure his/Danny by arranging certain documents and that the reason he left was so that he could ensure he's mentally stable to properly care for Danny.
She had to make the conversation about her, but she eventually came around.
We wouldn't have been running in circles if she had just immediately grasped Kade's perspective.
I was furious by the end. After Kade returned and declared his love for her, I was hoping for more to see how their relationship developed and how they would raise Danny together—but instead, it ended abruptly and without an epilogue.
It was a lovely narrative, however, the FMC was annoying, and the conclusion left me disappointed. I expected more.
August 4, 2022
The Hidden Love is a highly emotional and deeply heartfelt story about loss, grief, deceit and ensuing life altering upheaval, bringing with it the foundation for a hidden love to surface.
This book is exceptionally well written and the story extremely well told; its many branches fanning out and weaving beautifully and seamlessly together again. The characters are solid and relatable; their coping all too authentic in all its deeply emotional - and sometimes irrational - glory. The high tension and push and pull between two devastated and struggling people pressed to their limits was both heartbreaking and heartwarming to witness - and extremely beautifully done by the author.
I really felt this one; it was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. It touched me with its honest and raw depiction of the overwhelming frustration and hopelessness of suffering through the unimaginable while having to keep going as life moves forward. It’s a story that deals with several heavy subjects and by no means a light read but it never becomes depressing. Because while it deals with subjects like loss, grief and deceit, it’s all about overcoming, keep living and discovering the hidden loves in life.
This book is exceptionally well written and the story extremely well told; its many branches fanning out and weaving beautifully and seamlessly together again. The characters are solid and relatable; their coping all too authentic in all its deeply emotional - and sometimes irrational - glory. The high tension and push and pull between two devastated and struggling people pressed to their limits was both heartbreaking and heartwarming to witness - and extremely beautifully done by the author.
I really felt this one; it was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. It touched me with its honest and raw depiction of the overwhelming frustration and hopelessness of suffering through the unimaginable while having to keep going as life moves forward. It’s a story that deals with several heavy subjects and by no means a light read but it never becomes depressing. Because while it deals with subjects like loss, grief and deceit, it’s all about overcoming, keep living and discovering the hidden loves in life.
August 7, 2022
The Hidden Love is book 5 in the Meet Cute Book Club Series. It focuses on Shannon and her brother’s best friend, Kade. For me, this story started out super strong with the emotional struggle of grief that both characters were dealing with. I love a romance story that digs into a horrific situation and explores the deep, dark places the characters must trudge to come out the other side together for their HEA. That was definitely what I found in The Hidden Love by R.J Gray.
As the story progressed, I was annoyed by Shannon’s inability to hear Kade and his reasons for his actions. However, Shannon redeemed herself with a sincere apology toward the end of the story.
I loved Kade’s character immediately. Strong and sweet. A new book boyfriend for sure! This was a new to me author—one I would eagerly read again.
I was given a free advanced release copy without expectation from the author.
~ Kate Carley, author of Just for a Moment
As the story progressed, I was annoyed by Shannon’s inability to hear Kade and his reasons for his actions. However, Shannon redeemed herself with a sincere apology toward the end of the story.
I loved Kade’s character immediately. Strong and sweet. A new book boyfriend for sure! This was a new to me author—one I would eagerly read again.
I was given a free advanced release copy without expectation from the author.
~ Kate Carley, author of Just for a Moment
August 5, 2022
Shannon and Kade have known each other all their lives. Kade is Shannon’s brother’s best friend, as well as the ex-boyfriend of her best friend, Annabelle. The tragic death of Annabelle and her husband Doug brings Kade and Shannon together in a highly emotional, and yet very satisfying romance.
I truly went through so many emotion while reading this romance. There was:
intense sadness - the loss of Shannon’s best friend, Annabelle;
admiration - for Shannon taking on her role as godmother to Annabelle’s son, Danny;
fear - when Danny is overwhelmed by hearing some surprising news;
and lastly happiness - when Kade and Shannon work out their issues and get their happy ending.
I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all of the Meet Cute Book Club romances, and this one has quickly become my favorite.
I received an advanced copy and I voluntarily leave this review in my own words.
I truly went through so many emotion while reading this romance. There was:
intense sadness - the loss of Shannon’s best friend, Annabelle;
admiration - for Shannon taking on her role as godmother to Annabelle’s son, Danny;
fear - when Danny is overwhelmed by hearing some surprising news;
and lastly happiness - when Kade and Shannon work out their issues and get their happy ending.
I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all of the Meet Cute Book Club romances, and this one has quickly become my favorite.
I received an advanced copy and I voluntarily leave this review in my own words.
August 6, 2022
Shannon has lost her best friend and now is the guardian of her godchild Danny. Shannon wasn’t expecting to learn that Danny’s father was not who she thought he was. Kade is a SEAL and loves being in the military. When Kade learns that his high school sweetheart has suddenly died, his life is literally turned upside down. When he returns to his hometown he is in for a few surprises. When Shannon and Kade start having feelings for each other, they are both not sure what to do with said feelings. This was a quick emotional read with a few twists and turns. I enjoyed Both the characters and the story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 31, 2022
I really liked Kade and Danny, but Shannon was a bit self-centered to me. All of Kade's actions and reactions made sense as well as his requirement to go back to base and complete his military commitment. Shannon was unreasonable to get upset with him for doing what he needed to do. Also, as Danny's father it is absolutely his place to make decisions for his child, he didn't need to consult with her as Danny's godmother, she was lucky that he did. She seemed to overreact and have unreasonable expectations for others. She eventually apologized at the end, but I still didn't connect with her.
The book was well written and had some good characters and had a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was well written and had some good characters and had a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2022
What a wonderful read! When a horrific accident leaves Shannon and Kade reeling with the responsibility of raising Danny, Shannon’s best friend and Kade’s ex son the sparks begin to fly. How they work through the deceit, legal and moral implications makes for a great read! In a strange way a real feel good read.
August 5, 2022
They always say don't judge a book by its cover and I honestly wasn't sure with this one before I started. I enjoyed Kade and Shannon's story. I thought the characters were well developed and the story was emotional at times. I just couldn't get into Shannon though. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I received an ARC and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2022
This book is just WOW!
I have read every book that RJ Gray had ever published and I loved all of them, but this book suppress them all. Amazing portray of main and side characters, exceptional writing and a wonderful story. I found myself crying my eyes out more than once while reading it, so be prepared and read with a box of Kleenex by your side.
5* ++++ for me.
I have read every book that RJ Gray had ever published and I loved all of them, but this book suppress them all. Amazing portray of main and side characters, exceptional writing and a wonderful story. I found myself crying my eyes out more than once while reading it, so be prepared and read with a box of Kleenex by your side.
5* ++++ for me.
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