"Do nothing secretly; for Time sees and hears all things and discloses all." –Sophocles Sparks
That’s what Ashanti Marshall felt the moment she was introduced to Nolan Adams. He was forbidden and so was she, yet their need to indulge in one another surpassed all common sense. They found themselves entrapped in a bubble created just for them, hidden from the world around them.
Solitude.
When Nolan grows tired of having to hide their love, he pleads with Ashanti to set them free. She’s hesitant, knowing that once they reveal their truth, things would never be the same. Against her better judgment, she agrees to come clean to their families. The problem is, Ashanti and Nolan aren’t the only ones holding on to secrets.
With their truth finally spoken, Ashanti and Nolan learn a family secret that would break them apart for good. The problem with secrets is, once one comes out, the rest is soon to follow. In a world now filled with turmoil, can Nolan and Ashanti fight to stay together, or does one secret prove to be the end all?
Kimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.
Saying expect the unexpected is a ginormous understatement. When I tell y’all the parents in this book were TRASH!!!! Not in the sense that they were horrible parents because, they weren’t. They just made horrible choices that severely impacted their children. The secrets didn’t just collide in this book. They crashed headfirst into a brick wall with no seatbelt. The tea that is spilled and the bombs that are dropped are going to blow your f*ckin’ mind. Poor Ashanti and Nolan. They had no idea their relationship was going to start an avalanche of skeletons falling out of everyone’s closet. I kind of had an inkling of what was going on with them but, when Carla and Jonas hit them with that 26-year-old secret they had been holding onto, I had to put my iPad down and go get me somethin’ brown to drink because I did not see that shyt comin’ at all! Then, Samantha pulled up and said, “Oh, you thought they did somethin’?!!! Hold my beer.” It's almost like they were trying to one up each other with their dirty little secrets. These parents were a hot azz mess. Especially Carla. If there were ever someone who needed her azz beat, it was that trick. Samantha deserved to dog walk Carla’s treacherous azz for all the shyt she did to her. It should be on site every time she sees that heffa. When Secrets Collide showed up and showed TF out. It was messy, scandalous, definitely taboo, and I loved every salacious moment.
One thing I love most about Kimberly Brown is her ability to bring a one of a kind story to life. This was………different! I consider myself to be extremely open minded to foreign concepts and things most consider taboo because everyone wasn’t raised with the same beliefs. I respect it all whether I agree with it or not. Would I be side eyeing someone I knew in this situation? Probably lol but I wouldn’t judge.
Kimberly Brown is BOLD with this storyline and I’m not even mad at her. It’s only so many times you can recreate a storyline before it becomes repetitive. She thought outside the box with this one…. The box was not even in the same house! She pushed boundaries with this one and she’s a genius if you ask me 🙃!
I was NOT ready for all of the secrets colliding in Ashanti and Nolan’s story. Based off the reviews, the wheels were already turning in my mind with what the secret could be. Even when it originally came out I was intrigued and was like 🤔 ok let’s see how this plays out. But when those secrets got to flipping and tumbling I was like WHAT THE HXLL!!!!
I HATED Nolan’s mama and she was the only character I couldn’t forgive in this situation.
Bravo Kimberly!!! You never cease to amaze me! This was a good as$ story!
Keep an open mind when reading! This may be fiction for us but for some it may be their reality 🤷🏽♀️ such is life 😊😉
….What I can say about this author is that Kimberly Brown can definitely write!…. Now, I’m unsure about a few of her Stories/subject matter…..and this one I was extremely nervous when I read that this was going to be a taboo troupe, but I was also curious….in addition, the editor(s) have to do a better job with catching the amount of errors and sudden (or mistakenly) changing the names of characters….Nolan’s mother was Carla and in several chapters she was also referred to as Clara (same letter, but that should’ve been caught)..Not only did this couple go through a lot, this entire family was impacted and went through a lot. I loved the fact that therapy was useful tool used in this family’s healing process.
Well, this was different. I don't know how to rate this story. It was a lot. But, before I continue, let's all take a second to acknowledge Miss Kimberly Brown and Her Imagination. Her Imagination is something out of this world. I have never read anything like this before and I'm glad it was she that brought me this story. I really enjoyed this story, but I'm not going to lie. I had my nose turned up all the way up while reading it. The thing is though, it was really hard not to root for Nolan and Ashanti, cause damn it, they loved one another. This one little big secret started a chain reaction of secrets. It was like a ripple effect. Good story, but C- for editing. 4.3⭐️
usually when i read a romance that’s labeled as taboo i’m extremely nervous because you never know what you’re going to get but baby this was nothing like what i expected.
the pacing of this book was sooooo good. it was one of those books where a lot is going on but you don’t even realize it until all the pieces fall into place.
kimberly gave us everything with this one. we got drama. we got secrets and under all of that, we got a beautiful love story. well done!
Well this was definitely a different story line. One I don't think I need to read again. Lawd Ashanti and Nolan are deeply in love and they just want to be together. The nature of their relationship makes this... questionable but doesn't feel entirely wrong or impossible. That is until the trifling parents enter the chat. Once they enter the chat everything goes left. Nolan has a feeling that something isn't right and decides to eliminate possibilities himself because it seems their parents are hellbent on telling lies. He was so right and the secrets that collided forever changed all of their lives.
These parents were trifling because they were doing underhanded ish...telling lies, cheating and being grimy, not because they didn't love and take care of their kids. The way they were moving felt like it was a lifetime movie... I knew immediately that Jermaine was something more than portrayed just by his demeanor.
This story is wild and I think they needed to give everybody a DNA test to clear everything all the way up. The way they were lying who knows what else would've been revealed. Definitely a read that will have you wondering wth is going on.
Miss Kimberly this is some messy ish right here ma'am! How on earth did these folks think they could hold on to secrets like THAT, and keep it hidden? Really? 😡. I felt for Shanti and Nolan when all was revealed,as their worlds were shaken! They knew it would be hard for their parents to accept, but they ended up getting the shock of the century! Like what the hell was going on back then? Nobody wanting to take responsibility for the ish storm they created, and want to place blame! Just not enough remorse for me, just excuses! Ughhh...That's all I got! 👍👍👍
WTF did I just read. This was a crazy ass story but lawd those parents was just trash. I’m glad they found out the truth & didn’t believe the lies but um whose his father
When I say I want to read something taboo and salacious, this book is what I'm talking about. When Secrets Collide is a fitting title because, the secrets were definitely colliding. If you haven't read this book, read it!
Why do I want to just skip to the ending and find out what happened but I’m not I’m just going to keep reading. Like my heart dropped and I am still trying to get my composure, I love when authors give you books you can’t just put down!!
Like I had to stop reading to start this review because MY GAWD, that bomb Jonas and Mrs. Carla dropped made me drop my phone and say IKYFL 😱😱😱. Ashanti dad and Mrs. Carla ain’t SH*T like Mrs. Samantha should be ready onsite for both of them because they deserve it. Now I see why Mrs. Carla dad didn’t like him just ewww.
Well I’ll be darn hockey sticks (I can’t cuss) 🤣🤣🤣 because the secrets that just keep slipping is more than I bargained for because my mouth dropped once again at Mrs. Samantha’s secret. Like y’all wasn’t thinking about your kids with all this mess (THE DRAMA). I have never wanted someone not to be the father so bad like in this story 🤣 dot judge me judge the author 🤣. All I see is the Maury camera running behind Mrs. Carla and Mrs. Samantha because BABEEEE!!
What I kept screaming was Ashanti saying her and Nolan shared the same father and they didn’t. I was like girl don’t you lose a good man because you don’t know how to handle and let your feelings not get crossed. She kept thinking about herself but she never not once asked Nolan how he was feeling, trying to console him and make sure he was okay. I am glad that both Nolan and Ashanti got therapy, that needed to happen because for them to be able to fully heal they needed therapy. Now I wanted to see a wedding or something or something 🤣🤣🤣 but I’m OKAY 😒 with the end I think, if you follow up with a novella I’ll forgive you 🤣🤣🤣.
If story don’t take you a rollercoaster of emotions you don’t want it, but if you love it like I do then this is a 1-click for sure!!
Nolan was tired of hiding his feelings for Ashanti, he wanted to make his feelings well known. Ashanti had a problem with it. She was hoping they would be accepting of the relationship because they loved one another. Mrs. Carla is a hussy she pursued Jonas while he was married. Sam did her dirt, she cheated, but as they say two wrong don't make it right. She loved him for twelve years. They kept that secret for twenty-six years. Junior and Iyanna were expecting of the relationship. Jonas and Carla only thought about themselves. I'm happy Nolan made Ashanti go to therapy. He also needed therapy with his mama and Jonas. Nolan said he doesn't want the parents at the wedding.
I was a little apprehensive at first about the big secret. But NOTHING could have prepared me for how close bond really was. This story was filled with beautifully expressed emotions, twist, turns and surprising deceit. Every one of these parents need a belt taken to their behinds. But the one that should get the most licks is Ms. Carla. Ole girl could not accept defeat and just had to have her way. I believe Ms. Samanta distanced herself just so she would not have to face what she did and what was done to her. The story held my attention from beginning to end. Look forward to the next title by Ms.Brown.
This is like a Maury show in a book. 🤣 Just when you thought you had everything figured out you don’t. Definitely go into this with an open mind because this isn’t your typical love story. When the secret came out I was like what the hell it can’t be 😩 but the way they love on each other is unmatched. Outside looking in you wouldn’t have thought they are what they are. Be holding on to your seat because once the secret come out more drama unfolds. It’s a different read for sure I still enjoyed the story. ❤️📖
This book was written well. Minus a few editing errors. The storyline was unique. You will need some wine for this one. It’s angsty a roller coaster ride. Suspense, family secrets, love lost, love recovered, healing harms and addressing trauma. Kimberly Brown did a good job with this story.
Chile…..what in the world?! Half way through I was like now, y’all gotta clear something up. Cuz ain’t no way!! Then it got a little predictable. But it was still a good read. I can’t read anything else like this. My pressure done went up. Lol. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed this book omg. This was definitely a page turner with shocking parts. Kimberly Brown definitely did her thing. I would definitely recommend this book.
Whew!! Author Kimberly Brown did her thing with this taboo romance. Once the "main" secret between Ashanti and Nolan was revealed, I expected drama, I expected some upset parents BUT I did not expect the parents to be harboring their own secrets. And not just any secrets but life altering, mind blowing secrets!! My jaw dropped multiple times throughout this book. At one point, I question if a happy ever after ending was possible because...chile!?!! This is a must read! I don't know if the author has more taboo stories up her sleeve, but if so I'm here for them!! 5+ stars.
I was not ready for the type of secrets this story had. It definitely had my attention from beginning to end. Ashanti and Nolan's secret couldn't be missed, but once it was revealed, what happened next was jaw dropping like no way. What was done so many years ago came to light and it affected Ashanti and Nolan in the worst way. How do you get over the betrayal your parents caused amongst each other which causes your own life to be something its not. It took some time, but I was glad they sought therapy to understand how badly their actions caused turmoil within the family. This was one mind blowing, jaw dropping read that I really enjoyed.
The theme and plot of this story, I already knew the probable implications of a forbidden relationship. I usually take a wide berth with those. To say I was taken aback by the myriad of secrets in this story was astounding is an understatement. I cringed so many times; it was unbelievable. The overall love story was lovely. That family stuff was apparent to me even before the author revealed the answers. I cannot say I would have stayed in that town with either family. Whew! 4.0 stars....
This was one explosive read. If I could sum this up it would be what's done in the dark always comes to light. I don't want to say to much in this review to not take away from the reading experience. But BABYYYYYYYY Ashanti and Nolan went through the damn matrix to come out the other side. I really enjoyed this book and although it was explosive the love between Ashanti and Nolan bleed through.
Wow! This wasn’t at all what I was expecting when I read the synopsis. However, after reading the authors note, I knew it was going to be interesting. I won’t say too much because I may spoil it for others, but I’m happy things worked out for Nolan and Ashanti despite the DRAMA!
OMG! This book was so good, I need a second book. Secrets, secrets and more secrets. Nolan and Ashanti were in love until secrets got in the way. This book took me through all types of emotions happy, mad, sad, pissed off. You name I felt it. I love how it ended, but I need a book 2. Great job Kimberly Brown👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
DRAMA DRAMA!!! I didn’t know what to expect with this story and as the layers to the story begins to peel I was like hold on now miss Kimberly Brown! 😂 where are we going with this keeping it in the family type shit. But it kept getting juicer. All the parents were trifling AF!
Well this was definitely unexpected. Nolan and Ashanti’s story was a wild one. It really took me through the same emotions that Ashanti was going through when all hell broke loose but then once everything was explained I was a little more at ease. I don’t know. I have never read a story like this. Like it was said in the book this is something the other people do lol but for real. Omg and Nolan and Ashanti’s parents were a mess and so wrong and super bogus for their part in the mess. However slightly weird this story was it was a really good read.
The lies and secrets. Oh my this was something else. All the parents were so selfish with the decisions they made. Their deception affected Nolan and Ashanti. Awesome as always 🔥🔥🔥
The love they had for each was everything family can be difficult and so many secrets can be hidden until the truth be revealed they went through some up and down but love conquers and won it was so much twisted and turns this was brilliant 👏🏾❤story loved it
This was such a good drama filled book. When all the secrets finally came out I was stunned. I couldn’t stand Jonas and Carla. They were the worse and the reason for all the drama between the families. I’m glad Ashanti and Nolan got their HEA.