Guilded Secrets

by B.C. Morin

Deals are made. Secrets are revealed. And nothing is ever as it seems.

Arianna Westbrooke has accidentally stumbled onto something she only thought to be real in the books she reads and edits. Forced into an assassin’s guild she discovered, she must learn new skills, stealth and above all, that attachments are a luxury she can no longer afford.

Marcus Valentine, the biggest and hottest customer for the guild’s front business has a motto. “No attachments, no distractions.” But distraction is just what this young development mogul gets when he sees the young, shy editor. Arianna must keep her new career a secret or risk endangering the lives of her loved ones. So when Marcus Valentine comes calling Arianna does everything in her power to stay away. Well, everything except successfully staying away from him.

Marcus and Arianna can’t deny their attraction, despite the glaring holes in the information she shares. But when Marcus is yanked into her world and his life is in danger, will Arianna risk her identity to save him? And at what cost?

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

340 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2018

About the author

Originally from Miami, Florida, award winning author B.C. Morin now lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, two children, and American Bullhuahua, Max.

When she's not writing her next paranormal romance, adult contemporary, or epic fantasy, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, drinking wine and coffee, pinning things she may not make on pinterest, making clay creations, and not writing her bio in the third person.

Learn more about B.C. and her books on Instagram (bcmorinauthor), her facebook author page, or Twitter (@BC_Morin).

She loves to hear from readers, so write a message, leave a comment or ask a question!

Reviews

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, drama, suspense…you name it, Guilded Secrets by B.C. Morin has it. Add a splash of romance, some sassy-ass, top notch and butt-kicking assassins, and you have one hell of a ride.



You would think living in New York and working as an Editor of a well established publishing house would be just enough for our main protagonist, Arianna Westbrooke. However, fate decided having a double life was better suited and much more exciting. Isn’t it better to live a life like one of the many characters she reads about daily than sitting at home contemplating about how to spice up her life!? Hell yeah!!

Oh, and you think it ends there. Just when things couldn't get more complicated than stumbling upon a secret organisation, fate thought it best to laugh at Arianna by throwing in a love interest. One, that is rich, powerful and sexy as fudge. Let me introduce you to Marcus Valentine, man-whore extraordinaire!



Juggling her secret life with this sexy beast-of-a-man was no easy feat. For a while, Arianna desperately tried to resist Marcus's charms but his allure was too tempting for our sassy assassin. Suffice it to say, it was well worth the foreplay.

So much happens, which I am not at liberty to say because that would require major spoilers, and seriously, who wants that. Instead, I say, take a risk and see for yourself, you will thoroughly enjoy this fun-filled, action-packed read.

Note: I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy in exchange for my review.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that was intense. I love one of the first comments in the book where Ari gets the call and says to herself "step into the book". I was hooked. First of all she's an editor and who wouldn't want to step into the book. OK from there it's a roaring adventure as she finds herself knee deep in a secret society. She's in like Flynn. What she doesn't know is there are secrets and restrictions and buckets full of lies. As the author reveals pieces and more background on her characters we find out there is a whole lot that they don't know. She's tamed the beast Marcus and nothing is as they thought. There is more going on than either one imagined. Now it doesn't end here so don't get your panties in a twist you have been warned. This story may have ended but it opened a door to questions. Questions that need answers. Answers from her mother for one.

I loved this freaking story. This is my first read by this author and I like how she revealed her twist and turns. Oh yeah this was intrigue and suspense at the best levels with a story that flowed well with characters that grew on you the more you read and make you want to read the next segment of the story. I can't wait to see where the author goes with this. This standalone read within the series of carryover characters means I will have plenty of time to know more about them all especially Melissa and Bailey.

[Amanda McCalip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first B.C. Morin read and I have to say that I really enjoyed every second of it. Arianna is thrown into a world she knows nothing about and she takes the challenge head first although she has doubts she can do what is being asked of her.

Marcus Valentine, playboy if there ever was one is intrigued by Arianna from the moment he lays eyes on her and can't seem to understand how she isn't interested in him. At first it seems like this is what intrigues him the most but the more you read the more you see he is truly into her.

These two are flirtatious and oh so steamy together no matter how many times Arianna tries to push him away, they run right back into one another and the attraction is undeniable. When Marcus gets thrust into the center of Ari's world she has to decide whether to protect him and risk giving up her identity or much worse.

I truly enjoyed the book, it was really well written and the plot kept me on my toes. I absolutely recommend reading it, because it is a fantastic read! I have seen a few mentioning the title should be "Gilded" not "Guilded" While I'm not sure if the title was a typo or not, the one thing I can say is give Guilded a chance! The title could purposely be this because I did not see typo's in the actual story. B.C. Morin wrote a fantastic book and I will be thinking about these characters for a very long time! I will definitely be adding more B.C Morin books to my reading list!

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna has a secret life that she can't let anyone know about , no relationships, no connections .

Marcus is one of the companies biggest customers and when he sees Arianna he wants her.
She keeps away from him even though they keep being pulled back to each other but now Marcus is in danger and now she has to decide what exactly she wants and what she is willing to give up

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.C Morin is amazing with creating worlds and characters that are very easy and delightful to connect with. Guilded Secrets made me forget about the stresses of everyday adult life, kick off my heels, sit in my balcony and never put it down. Loved every minute of it! I loved the entire concept, the plot, the twists and the love story/ies? Great read!

[Maria Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.C. Morin, I have read three books by this author and I have not been disappointed yet. If you want romance with paranormal then try her! Can't wait for her next books to come out.....

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read anything B.C. Morin before, but after experiencing the exciting Guilded Secrets, I will be reading everything I can get my hands on in the future. I'm not going to talk plot because the f-bomb worthy twists are everywhere, I want no accidental spoiler douchery gracing this review. I will say Arianna, the heroine, is amazing as her world is thrown into chaos. And the hero, Marcus, was a manwhore, but became straight up zeroed in on Arianna the moment he laid eyes on her. They have sizzling chemistry, but the complications make the push & pull super frustrating, especially when he is caught in the cross hairs of her new life. So she has a big decision to make, risk her identity to protect him or let the chips fall where they may. This story is an edge of your seat exciting story that no one should miss out on by the brilliantly addictive Ms. Morin! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Morgan (youarethelibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked: Marcus Valentine. He was the best part of this book. I also enjoyed the suspense, and the romance. What was hardest for me to swallow was the premise. Arianna Westbrooke, attractive 24-year old, already has her dream job of being an editor for a publishing company. She is invited to a lavish party by someone trying to pitch her a story. At said party, she catches the eye of "development mogul" Marcus Valentine who is immediately smitten with her despite his reputation as a playboy. And then it gets stranger. She discovers . . . an assassin's guild. And is then forced to join or be killed. If this was a fantasy story, it would have made more sense to me, but the fact that's it's set in modern times made this premise jarring to say the least. Think Sarah J. Mass but modern day. As I got about halfway through the story, I was finally able to get through my disbelief in the premise to enjoy reading. But I also didn't like during the beginning when her new best friend/assassin sidekick kept asking, "Are you ok?" Of course she's not ok!! She's going to have kill people for heaven's sake!!
All that being said, I would probably be interested in reading the next book, because guess what?! There is a minor cliffhanger. And Marcus Valentine deserves his happily ever after.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single one of B.C. Morin's books and Guilded Secrets was just as amazing. I have grown to expect stellar characters and a storyline that throws in multiple twists and turns from this author. She never disappoints. Not only does the story grab you but it takes you on one heck of a ride.

I think the best part of the book for me are the imaginative and exciting characters. I loved that our leading character, Arianna, has a kick-a** attitude and some mad fighting skills. If that wasn't enough, in walks Marcus, a sexy, swoony, can't get enough of, powerful man. Their chemistry is evident from the beginning, even though they try to fight it. I had heart palpatations, hot flashes and squeeled with delight as they continued their dance of attracrion. Phenomenal!

Another excellent novel from B.C. Morin. I recommend giving it a try, but be warned, you may need to fan yourself.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrianna Westbrooke is a book editor that finds herself in a kill or be killed situation when her curiosity has her stumbling upon an underground operation she should have never seen. Now she is forced to train to be an assassin. Her discipline and dedication makes her the top agent, but she had no idea how lonely this life would be.

Marcus Valentine is a billionaire playboy that has always lived his life without distractions and attachments. That is until he meets Adrianna and she turns his world upside down.

Her secret life has her keeping Marcus at arm's length, but he can't seem to get her out of his mind so he agrees to take whatever she can give him.

Now their two worlds have collided and Adrianna is forced to use her skills to find and rescue the man she has come to love.

This is a fast paced dark read filled with lies, betrayal, revenge, and lots of unexpected twists and turns. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this was a shockingly great story. Shocking only because I dove right in and did not read the blurb. At first I thought I knew where the story was going and then it threw me in for a loop. It was action packed, drama, suspense and had a swoon worthy, book-boyfriend guy named Marcus Valentine. Arianna is thrown into an assassin’s guild and has to learn the ropes or else. I was hooked from the beginning and found myself laughing along throughout the story.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by B.C. Morin. I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know what to expect and I was definitely surprised as the book unfolded. It was exciting, funny and sexy. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Tara Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilded Secrets
By B. C. Morin

This book was unlike anything I have read! From the storyline to the characters, Guilded Secrets had my pulse racing!

“For a moment I sit there shocked about all the personal information she just spit at me. That this woman whom I don’t know has recited things to me she shouldn’t know.”

When Arianna (Ari) finds herself invited to a prestigious ball, she can’t help but wonder why. Upon stumbling onto something no one is supposed to see, she is expected to pay for her mistake by giving up the life she knows. One thing in her life that she is not ready to let go of is Marcus. Rich and arrogant, Marcus always gets what he wants. When Arianna enters the picture, he realizes he will stop at nothing to have her. But her secrets, along with his past makes this new relationship both enticing and deadly.

“I can turn to no one. Though there is one small, very small part of me that thinks this is as cool as the books I read, the rest of me is too busy dying from my previous life to notice.”

LOVE THIS BOOK!! I literally could not put it down! Ari is a well written MC. So strong, independent and smart. B. C. really makes her shine in Guilded Secrets. By the end of the book, Ari will have you cheering! As for Marcus, well...he’s a whole lot of hotness, with an incredible soft side to him. (Swoon). Mel, Josette, Sergei and Bailey round out a great supporting cast for Guilded Secrets! This book is a def must read!!!

“The entire thing seems so surreal to me. One moment, I feel like I am going to have a panic attack and the next moment, I feel like it’s no big deal. I need to settle on one emotion before I lose my mind.”

Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 Stars*
I believe the premise was good, the idea of stumbling across something she shouldn’t have seen and being forced into in assassin’s guild sounds intriguing. The writing style was also pleasant. B.C. Morin also injected some very good humor in the book.

However, I did have some issues with this book. The way it’s executed is unoriginal (despite the exciting premise). It also became overly repetitive and predictable. Predictability is a main issue for me, which is a significant reason for the deduction of stars. I also did not feel there was much character development or world building. Nothing felt real for me. I truly think it could have been a great book with just some better execution. I wish the author the best success but it will not be a repeat read for me.

3 stars for predictability and unrealistic.

[BookLover (Brooke) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dear author,
your book came up on my feed. I think the word you're looking for is gilded.

gilded
[gil-did]
ExamplesWord Origin
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
adjective
covered or highlighted with gold or something of a golden color.
having a pleasing or showy appearance that conceals something of little worth.
Origin of gilded
before 1000; gild1 + -ed2; replacing Middle English gild, Old English gegyld
Related forms
non·gild·ed, adjective
un·gild·ed, adjective

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ariana is forced into a dangerous career change. Her new career threatens her blossoming relationship with rich and famous Marcus Valentine.

I enjoyed the roller coaster ride this book took me on. Action packed and fun. I would definitely recommend this one.