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Hillside Kings #3

Hidden Secrets

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Hidden Secrets (Hillside Kings Book 3) Colton and Linda's Story

The death of her boyfriend almost destroyed her, but Linda Ramirez is now determined to move on with her life. Attending the exclusive Hillside University is her first step at taking back her life. Hanging up her dreary khakis and humdrum lifestyle, Linda's ready for something new. Dresses and stilettos are exactly what she needs to spice things up---and every man on campus is noticing.

And the last thing she needs or wants is another run-in with the campus cartel king. That one night ended at daybreak.

Dangerously hot, Colton Galiano definitely notices the changes in Linda--and how every guy on campus is fighting to get her attention--and get in her bed. Hellbent on being the only one she wants, Colton sets out to make Linda realize that he's more than a womanizing player--on and off the football field.

But when Linda's life is threatened, Colton refuses to back down. Protecting her becomes his only mission. Can their HIDDEN SECRET become the one thing they both want and need?

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2022

151 people are currently reading
360 people want to read

About the author

Carmen Rosales

46 books652 followers
Carmen Rosales is a best-selling Dark Romance and Latinx author. She loves to write in different genres of Romance and erotic horror under her alter ego, Delilah Croww. Beyond her writing, Carmen is a devoted mother who loves spending time with her loved ones. Join her VIP list to hear about her latest releases and giveaways at www.carmenrosales.com



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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Basak.
762 reviews42 followers
October 18, 2022
I am hooked on the Hillside Kings and this last one, Hidden Secrets with Linda and Colton has left me breathless, giddy and in awe. Firstly, how incredible it would be if we were all loved the way Colton loved his goddess even when they were supposed to be each other’s arch nemesis! Secondly, where can I find a drool-worthy hunk of a friend who also happens to own an elite smex club where I can try out all the
k!nks I am curious about safely and under his capable observations?🥵 Thirdly, Ms. Rosales, I need Leo’s book asap and please let it be full of his sensual, sinful activities that will set me ablaze just by reading it. Amen 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
October 27, 2022
Colton and Linda’s story was a good one where I wanted to hug and also strangle Colton at the same time but I loved his protective/obsession of Linda! Great addition to the series
Profile Image for BookKraves.
491 reviews100 followers
October 26, 2022
I love it

This is one fantastic book. There are sobbing moments, humorous banter, and times your blood will boil. Ms. Rosales brought it in, Hidden Secrets. From the first chapter to the last sentence, you are consumed by the angst, chemistry, and emotions coming off the pages. Linda and Colton's book was everything I thought it would be. Enemies to lovers, dark past, tragic events and an unexpected twist have me wanting to read anything this author writes.
Profile Image for Amee.
823 reviews53 followers
September 22, 2023
Oh Linda. She’s a tough cookie & Colton really surprised me. I tore through this one.

For me this series is definitely about the women characters and their growth.

Profile Image for Renee.
5,205 reviews73 followers
October 27, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

The death of her boyfriend almost destroyed her, but Linda Ramirez is now determined to move on with her life. Attending the exclusive Hillside University is her first step at taking back her life. Hanging up her dreary khakis and humdrum lifestyle. Lind's ready for something new. Dresses and stilettos are exactly what she needs to spice things up-and every man on campus is noticing. And the last things she needs or wants is another run-in with the campus cartel king. That one night ended at daybreak. Dangerously hot, Colton Galiano definitely notices the changes in Linda-and how every guy on campus is fighting to et her attention-and get in her bed. Hellbent on being the only one she wants, Colton sets out to make Linda realize that he's more than a womanizing player-on and off the football field. But when Linda's life is threatened, Colton refuses to back down. Protecting her becomes his only mission. can their Hidden Secret become the one thing they both want and need?

If you have been reading this series then you are ready for Linda and Colton's story just like I was. I was so excited to get to read this book because I have loved the other books so much. Colton has hated Linda because she chose Ramon over him when they were teenagers. Ramon and Linda however did not have a good relationship and she was so unhappy and that didn't matter to Colton. He was quite happy that she was miserable and he was happy to pile on to it too to the point where she begins to think that she is worthless. My heart really broke for her. This girl suffers so much emotional abuse at the hands of Ramon, and only when he dies is she finally free. Now she is ready to move on and start life again however she lands right in Colton's world and he still hates her just as much as he did all those years ago. However as much as he wants to torment her he would never hurt her and he would never ever let anyone else hurt her either. He wants to be her protector He will certainly give you whiplash but I really loved reading this story. Love watching Linda have a life that she deserved even if she did have to walk though fire to get it. It was amazing to watch her give to Colton as good as she got but also quiet something to witness her finding her strength.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,144 reviews77 followers
February 27, 2025
I couldn’t wait for Colton and Linda’s story. It was full of surprises, twists and turns. Colton made it incredibly difficult to like him in the beginning. He just couldn’t help himself from being a complete ass to Linda. I was shocked to discover their history! I didn’t see that coming. I loved Linda, and loved how strong she was, even through her pain. Up until this book I had thought her and Ramon were such a good couple and her sadness came from his death. But I couldn’t have been more wrong, Ramon was not the guy I was thinking he was. He may have been a great brother, but he didn’t deserve Linda. She deserved so much better and she didn’t deserve the shit Colton put her through. At the same time it was a little hard to completely hate him because he was really hurting over her, and they were both lied to and betrayed by Ramon.
This was another exceptional book in the series and it’s obvious the further I get in the series that it’s impossible to have a favorite! Each book is gripping and has me hanging on every page and I can’t put them down. I love how in each book there’s one special guy who is there for the FMC when the guys are being jerks. Book 1 was Leo, book 2 was Alex, and book 3 it was Lorenzo and again Leo. And I loved Colton’s mom was accepting of Linda. Another thing that was good to see was Ramon actually admitting to Linda towards the end how he knew he messed up the her. And he actually confessed his feelings for are real and he loves her, how she’ll always be the love of his life, but he knew she loved Colton. It was always Colton and he admitted it was jealousy that made him do what he did. I really respected him being open and honest with her.
I am left curious about Ramon and what’s going to happen with him. I’m also a little curious about Lorenzo. That man seems like another Leo- a real gentleman who would treat a lady like a queen!
Since I’ve already read book 4, I have one more book left to go, Alex’s. I’m so excited for his story and to see him get a HEA!
Profile Image for Liz.
2,115 reviews15 followers
October 22, 2022
Colton hated Linda for choosing Ramon over him when they were teenagers. He didn’t care that it wasn’t a happy relationship and in fact took pleasure in her misery participating in it at times until she believed she was worthless. He’s unaware that Ramon knowing Linda would never look at him the way she did Colton, emotionally abused her until only his death set her free. It’s a pity her first step towards a new life brings her back into Colton’s circle where he still hates her just as much as did four years before.

I seriously loved Hidden Secrets. I’ve just spent the last two hours totally engrossed in this book as Linda struggled to overcome her depression despite the oppressive attentions of Colton. He hates her but won’t physically hurt and will kill anyone who touches her, I’m surprised he wasn’t insane by the end as he went from one extreme to the other. Even once he learnt the truth about what had happened years before he kept making the same mistakes over and over and hurting Linda. I loved the character development with Linda. She was always strong and though she gave Colton as good as she got, thought she was nothing but gradually she began to see her own worth and decided she wasn’t going to let men hurt her anymore, that it was her life and she wasn’t going to let a man ruin her happiness. There was electric chemistry between this pair with some fantastic dialogue and once Colton admitted his feelings to himself, he made it more than clear to everyone just how much he loved and worshipped his goddess.

Now its last man standing with Leo and I can’t wait for the last king to find his queen.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,691 reviews46 followers
October 24, 2022
This is Linda and Colton's book, the one it seemed like was never going to happen because he has screwed up so many times. These two are spicy hot from the beginning, even when they are angry with each other and don't even want to be in the same room.

Linda is the ex-girlfriend to Ramon who has been killed by a rival cartel. She is transferring to the college when Colton and the others are going to school. For her protection and to have her closer to campus she is supposed to move into the house with Colton and Leo, into Mase's old room. Of course, Colton is like, no way. So she goes back home with her brother where she is attacked. Colton sees the bruises and reacts like he should, honestly, because he's still deeply in love with Linda, he just doesn't know what to do about it.

Linda has been working for Colton's mother without his knowledge, working for her family (she part of an Italian mafia family). She goes to meet with someone about a drug deal and when things go badly, she's rescued by Ramon, who isn't dead after all. This is when everything is revealed and Colton realizes he needs to come clean. He and Linda start to build a relationship, but they have major trust issues. Can they get past the hurt of what happened before and learn to trust other as who they are now?
Profile Image for Erika Braga.
492 reviews1,843 followers
May 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️

Wow Colton !!! I wasn’t expecting this from him…..

Colton is the worst playboy womanizer ever. He literally have girls on rotation and a lot times in treesomes and/or orgies. He is disrespectful, mean, crazy, violent and an asshole, specially towards Linda and nobody understands why. He is secretly desperately in love with her but he also hates her deeply. Complicated feelings and she also doesn’t understand why since she was and is the losing side in their story.
Linda is the most loyal girl ever, she is Smiley’s sister and Ramon’s ex. But since Ramon is dead and NEVER respected her and cheated on her, she was always seen as a nobody, she means nothing to anyone, all men in her life have failed her and now she also have to deal with the rejection from one of 4 Kings. But she is strong and she is the only girl that explicitly REJECTS Colton and he can’t believe she doesn’t want him cause how dare she? She is beautiful and catches every guy attention and he can’t deal with that, she doesn’t want him but he will make sure she won’t be with anyone else either.
I was surprised by how romantic Colton end it up being, he is super possessive, jealous and protective. Nobody can even look at her. Love it ! Also again Leo is the one on the side stealing the show, I am going to his book IMMEDIATELY cause he is my favorite King ❤️
1,561 reviews11 followers
October 26, 2022
This is book three of the Hillside Kings series and one of my favorites so far. Colton comes off as an arrogant alpha male who see's women as just a snack never something permanent. Linda has been drowning in the black abys of her mind taking pills to sleep and keep her feeling numb due to past trauma and relationships. Colton is so cruel and hateful to her you can't stand him at first, he tries to break her in every way possible, and until we understand why he is acting that way you just want to duct tape his mouth shut. Until Someone physically hurts her then the gloves come off and he shows her exactly how he truly feels. These two have a rocky ride ahead of them. Secrets and truths are revealed as the story goes on to help us understand the animosity between them. They both have so much to overcome, and she needs to learn to trust and open her heart to someone. This book is an emotionally driven story that will have you loving every part of it. I could not put it down. Absolutely in love with all these characters, it is also great to see what past characters are doing. I can't wait for the last book I am sure it will be another roller coaster ride. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lorena  Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog.
1,822 reviews58 followers
October 29, 2022
5 Star Review

I love the Hillside Kings and with each book I seem to get more and more obsessed with these four kings.

Colton and Linda have history and we find out about them and why they hated each other so much in this book.

Linda and Colton have to spend more time due to Linda moving into the bachelor pad where Colton and Leo live so she can attend the same university as everyone else does to keep her safe. The last thing Colton wants is to be near her and definitely not living with him and Leo. Linda decides to go back to the eastside when she finds out how Colton feels about her living with them and due to that something bad happens to her back home. She doesn't want her brother or any of the kings to find out what happened because she knows hell will unleash and she doesn't want to put anyone in danger.

We find out many things about both Colton and Linda in this book that will leave you with surprises. I never saw this story go the way it did...but then again, all these kings will do nothing but surprise you along with their girls.

I'm now sitting here patiently waiting on Leo's book. I CANNOT WAIT to get that final book (yipee)!

Hidden Secrets is emotionally driven with unexpected twists and turns.
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,175 reviews20 followers
October 25, 2022
This is book 3 in the Hillside Kings series and I have to say this author is easily becoming an automatic 1-click author.
Emotionally charged, intense and suspenseful this read solidified my fangirling.
This is Colton and Linda’s story and before you delve into this installment, make sure you read the first 2 books in this series.
That said I was hooked by this haunting story from the very beginning. Their journey had a very bumpy start, but their combustible chemistry and their discovery of their secrets made their connection undeniable. This installment reveals the secrets, the betrayals and the mysteries surrounding them. Their journey is a twisty ride, never knowing what’s going to happen next.
Fast paced and well written the writing was strong, gritty and bold. These characters are unapologetic about who they are.
The question becomes, can they have a happily ever after given all their baggage, their history and learning all their secrets?
You’ll have to read and find out.
4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,038 reviews44 followers
October 27, 2022
Enemies to lovers, cartel, little kink, violence, major plot twists, possessive hero
Each character is complicated and unique in this series.
There are a lot of hidden secrets in this one. Linda and Colton are both wildcards. Linda is devastated by the death of her boyfriend. She feels abandoned by all the men in her life. Her ex, her dad, her brother and her first love. She feels unwanted and unseen. She is depressed and needs sleeping pills at night. But the hidden side of Linda is a tough, hard core woman that negotiates with the cartel, will defend herself against the mean girls and protects herself at all costs!
Colton is the King they call the executioner. He can kill with no conscious and has a mean streak a mile wide. He is loyal to his group of friends and family.
They love, hate, love each other. Past lies and misunderstandings caused pain and anger. When the truths are revealed everything explodes. These two are combustible.
Lots of drama, angst and heat in this one.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
October 24, 2022
This is the third book in this amazing series, and this is Colton and Linda’s journey. Linda is determined to move on after her boyfriend’s death by a rival cartel, and she attends the same university as Colton, who is the campus king, and his friends. Colton is fuelled by hate towards Linda for choosing Ramon as her boyfriends, even through the relationship was not a happy one. Linda has changed and is getting noticed on campus, but when she is attacked, Colton is determined to protect and keep her safe. Linda is no walkover, and she gives Colton as good as she gets. This is a well written story which has family, friendships, trust, betrayal, twists, heartbreak, secrets, emotions, intrigue, lies, danger, suspense, and love, which leads to a riveting page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
October 21, 2022
What started out as a beautiful love story ended in heartbreak for Colton and Linda. As years went by their hatred grew but deep down they both had a hidden secret. So much pain, regrets and heartache.
Things had gotten worse for Linda once she started taking classes at the university. Colton couldn't help but make his feelings known just how much he hated her. Rekindling old feelings. He wasn't prepared for her comebacks or how much she had changed. Every guy wanted to be with her. She didn't take crap from anyone.
When Linda's life is put in danger Colton refuses to back down. He shows her the side of him that she missed and loved.
Can't wait for next installment Hidden Truths! Leo and Katalia's story!!
50 reviews
October 30, 2022
I am obsessed with this series! If you have read the other books in this series, this one was just as good as the others. It is a dark romance but not as dark as the others in the series. This can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend this entire series.
I loved Linda and Colton as a couple. They had great chemistry between them, even when Colton is being hurtful. I think Colton had a great redemption story and was a great match for Linda. I loved how strong Linda was, she was ready to step into a new world and rely only on herself. I can't wait for the final book in the series, although this book was emotional and highly satisfying! I highly recommend this book!

I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
November 5, 2022
HIDDEN SECRETS by Carmen Rosales is book Three in the Hillside Kings Series. This is the story of Linda Ramirez and Colton Galiano. Colton has always wanted Linda but when they where teenagers she ended up with Ramon. Due to this Colton was jealous and treated her badly emotionally. But Ramon wasn't good to her either but now in their present day Ramon is dead and she is attending
Hillside University where she is trying to overcome her depression and her inside personal image she has. So she tries to make changes to her outside appearance. Colton still wants Linda and will do everything to keep other men away from her who want her while he tries to make it clear who she is to be with. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author.



Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,517 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2023
totally obsessed with this series

Absolutely loved this book - book 3 of this series which focus was Linda and Colton.
Linda is such a strong women, she has had to deal with so much during her short life.
A huge misunderstanding occurred years ago which left Linda and Colton both hating and longing for each other.
Loved the familia aspect of this book, which more of the kings meeting their better halves you really see them step up as a family against everyone that means harm.
Steamy scenes were hot AF, including a BSDM club.
The love story in this is slightly different to what people may expect, but it works for them.
Loved the unexpected characters popping up and Linda’s side hustle.
Perfect ending - really can’t wait to read Leo’s book next
Profile Image for I’m a Paula too… Thompson.
1,339 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2025
Linda and Colton…

Colton is a player and has hurt Linda so much that she gave up on him completely. That of course changes during the book and he finally gets his act together.

Weird stuff in this one. Someone that we thought had passed is actually alive. Colton keeps messing up by hanging with that Sophia beotch. Linda needs serious meds to be able to sleep. There’s a lot going on in this one.

Another solid 3 stars. There are editing issues in this one that should have been resolved. There are several times where “the the” occurs, and there are missing words.

KU read, and this time I skimmed a lot. There are two more books and I’m getting tired of this series at this point. I’ll save the last two for another day…
3,552 reviews52 followers
October 25, 2022
Just wow! I am really enjoying this series as they are are slightly different but all interconnected. This story is about Colton and Linda. These two have a past, and right now they really hate each other and are constantly bickering. Underneath that is a flame and passion that keeps sparking. These two will need to deal with their past demons in order to make it work for the future. Then there are these twists that pop up that I didn't expect at all! This is what makes this book, and this story just so entertaining and enjoyable to read. I cannot wait to read more!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Alicia.
349 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2022
I shouldn’t have started this book before bed because I stayed up and read the whole thing! Carmen Rosales books are so so good and you just get pulled into the story and want to keep reading to find out what’s going to happen. With this being the 3rd book in the series I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen between Colton & Linda. Linda is grieving her ex boyfriend and starts attending hill side university with her girlfriends and the cartel kings. What could go wrong?? Read to find out!! Loved this book so much!!
Profile Image for Mrs A.
1,392 reviews29 followers
October 16, 2022
This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites. I know that when I start a book by her, there will be a fantastic plot, action and drama and grit! I’ve been looking forward to reading about Colton and Linda ever since I read about their interactions in book 2 of Hillside kings. These books are standalone but part of an interwoven world so there is some crossover. Colton and Linda- their chemistry is undeniable and I loved their push pull relationship. If you enjoy your romance on the darker side you’ll love this
Profile Image for Tiffany_queen_of_books.
471 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2022
Yes!!!! I have loved all the books in this series and this one is definitely fighting for top spot!!! Colton and Linda are definitely what dreams are made of.
Their story is heartbreaking and endearing. They have a history that no one in the group knowns about and that just makes their story so much more. Carmen sure knows how to write strong FMC, with hidden strength that no one sees.

What’s the saying,
The meaner they are the harder they fall!!!
That is definitely what happens with Colton.
Profile Image for ELC.
2,088 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2022
HIDDEN SECRETS by Carmen Rosales

We are on the third book of the series. This is Colton and Linda’s story. I must warn you be sure you have nothing else to do before you start reading because once you get started it is going to be almost impossible to put it down. Their journey will keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the betrayals and the mysteries surrounding these two. Oh and the chemistry oh boy it is scorching hot. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Claire Walker.
359 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2022
Hidden Secrets is book three in the Hillside Kings Series and I’ve been hooked right from the very start.
Colton has intrigued me in the first two books. You just knew his story was going to be explosive!
Secrets, lies, betrayal it has it all and will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to scream and shout! But when things start to surface…… 🥰
I love the Hillside Kings. Their the bad boys, fierce but also so incredibly loyal.
Man I can’t wait for more books by this author.
Another amazing 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,163 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2022
5 STARS for Hidden Secrets by Carmen Rosales

I am fairly new to this author but really enjoying her work.

Hidden Secrets can be read as a standalone but is also part of the ( Hillside Kings - Book 3 )

WOW this book just pulled me right in and is definitely a page turner.
Strong heroine in Linda
Hero is off the charts and a bit crazy - that’s Colton
Lots of mystery and betrayal
Scorching chemistry
I was not expecting the humorous / banter - really loved this !

This was a great read so much so that I would love to catch up with the first two couples in Books 1 & 2 !
Profile Image for Bookwormtvaddict.
770 reviews24 followers
November 4, 2022
4 stars, 4 steamy kisses
ARC COPY REVIEW
Book #3 in the Hillside Kings series

dark college romance, enemies to lovers, unrequited love, trauma, bully, mafia, cartel, crush, unrequited love, trust issues, secrets, romantic suspense, suspense

Colton was this sexy bully but a heart and another body part that belonged to Linda and Linda were this tough, but heartbroken, badass after some time these two begin to see each other past their secret past and build a future together if they can get past the secrets and bad guys looming.

1,531 reviews14 followers
October 27, 2022
This series just gets better and better

Linda is getting over the pain and loss of her true love, only it isn’t who everyone thought it was.
Colton doesn’t care about women, they are there for only one thing. The only things that counts are his bros. He has never trusted Linda or gotten over their past.
When Linda starts at their college, all bets are off and sparks fly!
This is a brilliant story, it sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. 5 stars!
Profile Image for BookishBritt.
200 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
I absolutely love an angsty enemies to lovers and Carmen brought it all with this one!!

Linda has been through so much and was finally ready to move forward with her life but what she wasn't expecting was to land in the center of Colton's world. Colton the man who feels scorned from their past history but no matter how much he hates her he feels the need to protect her as well.

This book has it all and definitely did not disappoint!!
8,806 reviews63 followers
October 21, 2022
Linda is trying to look forward after the death of her ex and now starting Hillside University, every guy noticed her including Colton, their push and pull Lindas sassy comebacks put Colton for a spin, but when her lifes in danger Colton will go to any length to keep her safe. well written steamy emotional roller coaster ride and i cant wait for more!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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