Little Secrets

Dirty Deeds #2

by Kally Ash

: a dark mafia romance (dirty deeds)

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Mafia Romance, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2022

About the author

Kally Ash is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes dark, gritty romances. She loves reading dirty books with strong-willed heroines who bring their men to their knees.

Kally lives with her husband and daughter, her ginger cat and an unhealthy LEGO obsession.

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummmm ...

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱1\2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

So look many things I loved about this book! Great storyline, fantastic characters, and a ton of action and tension. But there were a couple of things that kept it from being great for me. Really didnt need a gratuitously descriptive smex scene between hero and OW after the two MCs had been fooling around. Also, there were two distinct endings in the book and the time that separated them made the flow off. And the last part seemed like it ended very abruptly 🤷🏻‍♀️. But these characters left me super invested, so ill likely come back for more, lol

[Sammysreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think interconnected standalones are fast becoming one of my favourites!

As soon as I started Little Secrets my mind was scrambled as I started to pick up things I thought may have been from The Warlord. At first I though, hmm odd that the author would use the same name in two different series but ok, but NO there's CONNECTIONS! Now, I read the series back to front, and still found it super enjoyable, but I definitely would recommend reading this duet first, then warlord, then reaper 🔥

I really enjoyed the growth of the writing over the books, with Little Secrets and The Reaper being my favourites. They were more violent 😆 and also I found the stories really pulled me in.

Little Secrets was interesting as it was basically the same story as Little Bird however told from a different characters point of view which made the story feel really well rounded to me. I am obsessed with the connections between stories and while I had questions answered, I have renewed questions for other side characters that I hope to get one day 🕵‍♀️

This follows the right hand man Dagger and the cop who is investigating Bane from the first book. Such an unlikely match on the surface but once we get deeper into the story I felt they were perfect for each other. Low level dealers are being taken out and everyone wants to know who is responsible and for it to stop. Detective Cox thinks its Bane, and Dagger will do anything to protect his boss.... including blackmailing the cop 🙈 after he witnesses her less than above board practices to get info. Her background is not as boring as one may expect a cop to have and it was such an interesting story to unravel.

At the start there is a very graphic scene with a miscarriage - as well as the usual dark themes present in dark romance, so please keep this in mind while reading.

Thank you to the author and simon and Schuster for sending me a review copy

[Ryn Meagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second part to the series of daggers part
But I have to say the last 2 chapters.. rushed a bit I actually wanted to hear that seren and tony had settled it found her daughter and all was right in the world buttttt epilogue screwed ne out of that so what I have to say is when is book 3 coming???


On a side note. Love love the smut the bdsm referencing and the knife play it was strong but consensual and done in a very artistic nice way and that’s what I loved most about reading this book
Was how it was written

[Ashlee Noakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just as amazing as the first. I loved the dynamic between Dagger and Cox, I fell in love with Dagger in the first book so reading about him was really fun and enjoyable.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading daggers + cox’s side of the story, I bloody knew though the ending was gonna happen lol
Knew it was to good to be true! Know to wait until the next one comes out

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than Little Bird. This follows a detective and a right-hand man named Dagger to a wealthy businessman. I am a fan of crime so when it has a murder investigation mixed into the plot I loved it. Also Dagger this man is caring but still grumpy and you are mine and no one else’s vibe shows. He didn’t show his feelings early on unlike Bane did in the first book. The spice scenes that Dagger took charge yes please sir thank you.
Just was still a little fast pace for my preference and I want to know how his boss feels after he made a request but didn’t follow through.

If you love:

🔹Mafia
🔹Blackmail
🔹Murder Investigation
🔹Your Mine Vibes
🔹Tension & Angst
🔹Knife Play & Rough

Genre/Type: Dark Mafia Romance 18+
APK: Physical Book
Pages: 336
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 2 in the Dirty Deeds Duet
Tropes or Themes: Dark, Mafia, Hate To Love, Investigation, Murders & Death
Check Triggers ⚠️

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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[Jasmine Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHERE IS THE 3RD BOOK???
Little secrets is essentially the behind the scenes from Little Bird, following Dagger and Cox, following the same timeline. It is a little repeatative in terms of conversations between Dagger and Bane which I get given the style of timeline. But this is my only reason for not giving it 5 stars.
It definitely answered questions I had about both characters, but especially Cox. And without giving away anything... The Last 3 or so chapters had me on a tailspin. YOU CANT LEAVE US ON A CLIFF LIKE THAT KALLY!!

[Brody Hitchcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Secrets by Kally Ash is a powerful and touching book. I really loved how the story was told from different people's points of view. This made the book feel richer and more real, as you got to see what each character was thinking and feeling.

The book is a great look at love, loss, and secrets. The characters feel real, and the writing is moving. Even if some parts moved a bit fast, the overall story is a beautiful and sad one that's been left open for a new book.

[Shyler Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was better, by far!
While it was set in the same timeline as "little bird" it was from Dagger, Banes right hand man, and his lovers POVs. An unlikely pair of Cop and "Criminal", starting out as blackmail from Dagger to protect his boss, it soon becomes apparent that Cox isn't as clean cut as she first appears.
The relationship that evolves becomes apparent that it's more than just a business transaction and the way they both tried to deny it and hold back.

The ending though sent me spiralling, finally admitting their feelings after a year of denial and working together to save Sloane. I was irrationally angry they just left her after finally getting her back and the cliffhanger had me cursing loudly 🤣

Here's hoping that there's going to be a new one with Sloane's story. 🤞

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m happy with how it ended. The last thing I would have wanted was a pretty summary at the end of it all- although it looks like there may be a second book… I’m still undecided about whether I’ll read the next one 🤔

[Grace Arango · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly prefer book 1 but I really loved Dagger's story and OMG I need book 3 now!

[Aven · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this one more than little bird. it was written so well and i think i just found my new favourite author

[Bec]

⚠️ CHECK TRIGGERS⚠️

I really enjoyed this! Dark and extra spicy, this was a fun read full of twists. Female detective + mafia enforcer, INSANE sexual chemistry, touch her & die… all my fav things! With spicy scenes that had me blushing and some shocking plot twists to boot! This was a wild ride. 4 stars! ⭐️

[Daneka Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found this book it caught my attention straight away.
-Hot male model on front cover.
-‘A dark mafia romance’ written on the front.
-Blurb that pulls you in!

To me I wouldn’t call this book a dark mafia romance! It had mafia men mentioned in the backgrounds but the main characters were no way connected to mafia men.
The main MC is the right hand man to his boss that owns a sex club and distributes drugs, and don’t get me wrong they are criminals and kill people when need to. But it was just two people mentioned through out.

I LOVE interconnected standalones 😍
Which is what this book was, but I also completely spoiled the first book in the series by starting with little secrets first instead of little bird!
So if you were wanting to read the whole series, maybe start with little bird!
If your not bothered, this book was still a great standalone 💋🤌🏻(chefs kiss)

The MMC is the usual jealous alpha “I don’t want another man touching you” “I told you. I. Don’t. Share!”
He also falls first and keeps getting hurt by her always pushing him away.
I LOVE that the FMC is hard, takes no shit type but there are a few times throughout the book where you see the soft side to her too.
The spice level in the book was 🥵 🔥
There was 🔪 play, submission, possession!
The 🔪 play was definitely wrote in a way that there was definitely consent shown 👏🏻
A trigger warning for some is there is a gray area of dub-con. FMC is blackmailed by MMC but FMC does make know she does want it a little. But some still might think she was force and didn’t have a choice 🤷🏼‍♀️
There is also mention of a miscarriage/stillborn wrote at the very beginning.

The author brought to life the sad reality of turf wars over drugs. That even cops go to levels they never thought to cross, just so they can solve a case.
It had great suspense and drama too, but not over the top that some books are.
I do feel the ending could have been a little better! It’s a HEA, but it did feel abit cut short after everything!

[Tez · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Tell me what’s wrong, and I’ll help you burn the f*cking world, and whoever wronged you, to the ground.’

Little Secrets is the second book after Little Bird, however this is Daggers and Cox’s story.

Dagger threatens to expose Detective Cox dirty dealings of how she gets information for her cases and blackmails her, the deal is that she is his whenever he wants.
Cox needs to crack her current case which she believes involves Daggers boss Bane and so she agrees to Daggers blackmail and slowly realises that she is drawn in too deep with Dagger and his darker side.

This story started off really interesting, Cox has a dark, mysterious past and it made for an interesting read, the middle of the story was basically a mirror of Little Bird but just from Dagger and Cox’s POV. To be honest I skimmed a lot of this part of the book as I had already read Little Bird and I didn’t need to read it again from another POV. I didn’t really feel the connection between Dagger and Cox and so their story didn’t really do it for me.
The last few chapters of the book was really interesting, here we have finished with Bane’s story and start to explore a new one and start to learn about Cox’s past more, this is where the story really starts but then the book ends, I guess in preparation for the next book.

I think this book had so much more potential had it been longer and had to opportunity to be written in more depth.

[Debleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Better than book 1

I loved Cox, though at times she did anger me with how easily she gave into Dagger.

I had mixed feelings regarding Dagger, he came out as a hypocrite to me with his loathing for rapists but him being okay with coercion. Now, I know people have different opinions regarding it but to me coercion is like a more "civil" term for rape since both are non consensual.
Yeah there was an explosive chemistry between the two but it didn't change the fact that the relation started with blackmail and till the end the blackmail part was there. Honestly, I am all up for coercion (who doesn't love a dark theme when reading a book) , it was simply the fact that this blackmail problem was never clearly resolved that bothers me and kind off kills the mood of the book. The sex scenes were hot, orgasmic and explosive and I loved the dominant asshole side of Dagger.

The ending should have been done with more finesse and Dagger changed his tunes from killing to loving within fraction of a second making it look unsatisfactory.

Also while I loved Bane in book 1 ,I wanted to kill him in this book.
Cox too forgave Dagger easily with his hands in the Sanderson warehouse ficaso, and him being a literal attack dog of Bane.
These few things did dampen the overall awesomeness of this book.
A good one time read book.

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: Little Secret
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Kally Ash
Genre: Dark Romance, Crime, Fiction
Main Characters: Dagger and Detective Cox
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:

Little Secrets by Kally ash is a lot like 50 Shades of Grey but with a Criminal background. 50 Shades was always bit to soft for me, and this fit in better with type of books. It could have been darker but it was still enjoyable.

Little Secrets follows Dagger aka Tony though the same story as Little bird but from his Point of view. It follows his personal involvement with Detective Cox and what happens to them after the warehouse explosion.
Cox and dagger grow closer and closer till she goes back home to save her daughter from being sold in the skin trade. Dagger follows her and cox explain to him. Why she is there. Dagger and his army buddies save the girls that where being sold and save her daughter also. The book ends with Dagger asking them to all move in with her, and the daughter being abducted by the Irish Mafia.

I really really wish these books were more spicy and a lot more dark. They have the potential to be an amazing Dark romance.

All in all was an ok read, bit to soft for me, but great for main stream readers.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 4/5🌶

For those who love:
• Dual POV
• Mafia romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Blackmail
• Possessive and obsessive MMC

This is the first time I've read a completed duet where both books take place simultaneously, and I have mixed feelings about it. Overall I did really enjoy this book. However I did find some parts a little slow, but I think that was primarily when the scenes had already occurred in the first book, so I already knew what was happening.

What I did really like though was the evolving relationship between Dagger and Cox. The relationship started wholly due to blackmail and even though a physical attraction was definitely present and Dagger was very possessive of Cox, the relationship was definitely not insta-love which was nice and refreshing for a mafia romance.

This book was quite spicy and seemed a little spicer than the first. 🔥 And when Dagger pulled out that knife... 😉 Not something I'd like to try in real life, but definitely something I enjoyed reading.

I didn't love the ending and found it quite unsatisfying, but I won’t spoil what happens. While this duet is completed, certain storylines and characters continue in Kally Ash's other series – Mac Tire Mafia.

[Lotus Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars with some contingencies

I loved this book, first book that’s been incredibly hard to put down in a while. I read this in two days but could have read it in one go. Kally is an engaging and skilful writer, who blends plot, smut and character building magnificently. I normally don’t like dual POVs but I loved it in this book. I also found the characters relatable and real, not just cringey and annoying like so many other characters in books.

The smut: fantastic, wild but not too wild, dominating but still hot and respectful, fun and sexy and genuinely a turn on. The spice was fantastic and whilst there was a lot of it, the amazing plot and characters balanced it out.

Spoiler but: my only gripe is the fact that straight after saving Sloane, they fuck. I just feel that it makes more sense for Seren to be more focused on being with her daughter, catching up and protecting her instead of having sex.

However, is this book slightly cringe and some of the scenarios not that realistic because somehow the main characters always work it out? Yes, but it’s still a fantastic read and honestly a relief. Very excited to read more from Kally as she may just be my new favourite author.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★★

"Little Secrets" by Kally Ash, published by Simon & Schuster on April 5th, 2023, is a scintillating addition to the Dirty Deed duology that left me utterly spellbound. Kally Ash's ability to craft a captivating and steamy Mafia romance is nothing short of impressive.

In this second installment, readers are thrust into a world where danger and desire collide. The story revolves around an enigmatic hero, Tony "Dagger" Harrison, whose complex character adds layers of intrigue to the narrative. When he unknowingly becomes the savior of the protagonist, the stage is set for a tumultuous and intoxicating journey.

The chemistry between the characters crackles with intensity, and the tension between them is palpable. Kally Ash doesn't hold back when it comes to passion and sensuality, making "Little Secrets" a read that will leave you breathless and longing for more.

What sets this duology apart is not only the scorching romance but also the well-crafted plot and the enthralling blend of suspense and steam. The narcotics case that entangles the characters adds a thrilling element to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

As for Dagger, he is indeed a dirty man, but Kally Ash writes him with such depth and charisma that he becomes an irresistible and enigmatic figure. The character development throughout the duology is commendable, making the reader emotionally invested in their fates.

Kally Ash's writing technique is nothing short of exceptional. Her storytelling prowess shines through in every page, making it impossible to put the book down. Her ability to balance the intricacies of a Mafia romance with well-crafted plot twists and emotionally charged moments is a testament to her talent.

In conclusion, "Little Secrets" is a masterpiece in the world of Mafia romance. It's a tale of passion, danger, and desire that will leave you utterly captivated. Kally Ash's writing is a revelation, and this duology serves as a fantastic introduction to her work. If I could, I would undoubtedly give this book a 10/5 star review. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a heart-pounding, sensual, and utterly captivating romance novel.

[Kaylee’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ended up being a 3.25 star read for me personally.

This book was a short story which was easy enough to follow the story line of but definitely wasn't a favourite of mine. If I'm being honest, I most likely would never pick this book up again to reread.

This is very much a forbidden romance because she is a police officer and he is a morally grey army veteran now working for one of the most powerful drug kings in the underground world. In terms of dark romance I would say this is very tame. Of course we still have morally grey and questionable dealings occurring throughout this book but I wouldn't say it has the violence, thrill or gore often depicted in other dark romance books.

There were a few plot twists thrown in here which did make the story a little bit more enjoyable however again it didn't wow me by any means.

I definitely think the way in which this book ended was quiet rushed and felt almost incomplete in my opinion. I feel like we got to the conflict resolution at the end just for another major event to take place and that be the end of the story.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book, just as good as the first one in this series. it can be read as a stand-a-lone but i recommend reading Little Bird first to get Bane's story

This is Dagger and Chantelle's story, Dagger was Bane's second in command and Chantelle Cox was the detective trying to solve the murders of the drug dealers that were being shot and some of Banes cocaine left in plain sight.

From the first time Dagger saw Cox he wanted her and after seeing her doing some dodgy dealings he blackmailed her, his silence for her body anytime, anywhere he wanted, she had no choice but to agree but it was only going to be a physical relationship as she had a secret that she couldn't tell anyone. she had to protect her daughter and find her. Finally she broke down and told Dagger everything.

There were a lot of different emotions between these two and the edge play with the knife was hot and sensual, they were getting involved way too much with who they were and what they stood for.

The ending was not what I expected so cant wait now for the next book. I loved this book!

[Megan Brogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn all the little secrets.........

Having read Little Bird I was pretty certain Bane was my man, and then I read this and learned all about Dagger!! Little Secrets is told at the same time as Little Bird so there are many crossovers fro the two books.
Dagger is now one of my favourites, even though he's dark and twisted he will do anything for those he cares about and being Banes right hand man he shouldnt fall for the cop right??? Right!!!!. Cox is a cop that doesnt always play by the rules, but has a dark past that make you understand her reasons. Together this couple is hot as all hell!! Be warned please read for triggers because some people may find upset.
For me Dagger is the man my twisted little heart needs!!!! He is just scrummy and I lapped this book up in only a few hours, I just couldn't put it down!! If you like a dark romance with an extremely dominant male (who likes the sharp object just a little too much 😉) then this is definitely the book for you! Go give it a go and then thank me later 😁😁

[Amy Hallford · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️ ARC Review ♥️

📖 : Little Secrets
👩🏻‍💻 : Kally Ash
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Contains spoilers 🤫 ~ you have been warned!

It was time for Cox and Dagger to take centre stage and it opened with a bang! The loss of a baby 😭😭 and finding out why Cox has an insane dislike of Bane Riviera. Her previous experience with organised crime!

The fact that her daughter survived and Aidan, her ex lied to her wasn’t so much a shock as it annoyed me. How dare he do that?!

I loved that we got to relive some of the parts from book one, Little Bird from these two characters point of view.

The fact she was doing things not quite legally with her informant Jay, and when Dagger then used her not correct actions to blackmail I was excited.

I love when the man locks eyes on the one he wants and goes for it, and Dagger surely does with Cox.

Spice, once again perfection, and the kn!fe play, wonderful. They are both incredibly stubborn individuals and at times I had to grit my feet as I just wanted both of them to let go and just admit their feelings!

Daggers choice of torture tool couldn’t be more perfect 😜

✔️ Mafia Romance
✔️ Morally grey
✔️ Spicy
✔️ Violence
✔️ Strong Willed MFC
✔️ Law Enforcement

Thank you to the author for supplying me with an ARC.

#bookrecomendation #books #booklover #happy #reader #romancebooks #love #Shelfie #bookstagram #ILoveBooks #bookreview #bookworm #BookObsessed #ILoveReading #bookboyfriend #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #MafiaRomance #KallyAsh #LittleSecrets #ARCReader #EnemiesToLovers #DarkRomance #DarkMafia

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…intense, hot, & sexy overload

Dagger and Chantelle’s story is one of heartache, blackmail, love, lust, & betrayal. Chantelle has escaped Detroit and her overbearing man who is also running everything in Detroit and is expanding everywhere in the flesh trade. Chantelle (Siren) is a vice detective in LA and is determined to bring down the drug trade in her city when her real goal is to find her daughter and keep her safe. She knows Dagger is dangerous. He is Bane’s right hand man and enforcer but she can’t seem to stay away from him or out of his arms. He was nothing like she expected and what started as blackmail turned into something more. She has to keep her mind on straight if she wants to save her daughter. The ending is a cliffhanger so be prepared but their love is one that is brutal, fierce, & unending. July can’t come fast enough to learn of Sloane’s fate and I’m thinking we haven’t seen the last of Dagger & Chantelle. Happy Reading!

[Sasha Coomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, I was excited for this book when I read the ending of Little Bird but I really wanted more of Dagger's persoanlity/background.

That said, I liked that we got to have a parallel timeline but I would have enjoyed seeing more of their story in Detroit. I also wanted to see more of Dagger/Bane's relationship. For a duo that have been through a lot, there wasn't much banter other than what we had previously read.

Detroit definitely felt rushed and there was so much there regarding the MC and the networking (just saying, if you get 5, please make a book on this)

I need more of Devil's crew and their operations because they were intriguing for side characters.

The spice was there front and centre and he certainly lived up to his name. I guess, my overall feeling was the need for more. More of everything.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 3 stars hurts me . This is because the book was so good and the potential to be great but the author made it too condensed. She did a time jump to the most pivotal moments of dagger and cox’s relationship. If she made the book at least 200 more pages longer than this would have been in my top 10 best reads of all time . Dagger is amazing, Cox is amazing , the chemistry was insane + there would’ve been an element of angst if Kally didn’t do a time jump. Feck man , so sad because genuinely if she wasn’t lazy to write and show the reader the CHANGE in Dagger and Coxs relationship then we’d be looking at such an amazing book . bummer

[E. Molgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

parallel story

This book runs along with Little Bird (Dirty Deeds 1) for majority of it and then you get a small glimpse of what feels like a completely separate story at the end. From the moment Cox came on Daggers radar he’s want her, the only problem is she’s the Detective looking into the dealers death. Cox wants to hate everything about Dagger and who he works for but she can’t seem to find a reason to when his around. They fight together and separately to solve the murders but in the end they only fight for each other.

[Jodie Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dagger is the right hand man for Bane. He will do anything to protect his boss. He has killed, scared people and fought them but when detective Chantelle Cox sets her sights on Bane, dagger manages to get some leverage. Instead of using it to get rid of the cop, he uses it for himself and blackmails her!

I was quite excited for this book but it felt more like a retelling of Banes but from their POV and when it got to the main bit of the book, it was all done within about 15 minutes. Also don’t mention the ending!

Xx

[Mickey · Rating 2 out of 5]

DIRTY DEED #2. Same universe and another perspective of the big crescendo of the first book, where we see Tony ‘Dagger’ Harrison and Detective Chantelle Cox, and their relationship. This duology was incredibly problematic, with manipulation through sexual exchange being quite cringe. This book felt really unnecessary in terms of seeing another perspective of the book we just read - a real lack of substance and depth, in my opinion. The story beats of these books were so similar (in terms of the relationship itself) to provide any level of distinctiveness.