Dirty Little Secret (Forbidden Desires) (Volume 1)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.

Um... YES! A love triangle between brothers, a bit of D/s action, complicated characters with pasts that they can't seem to get away from - Dirty Little Secret was the perfect way to kick off and suck readers in to a new series. To be perfectly honest, I'm almost a bit happy that I waited until the day before the release of book 2 to read this (though it was completely coincidental that it worked out this way). I may actually stay up until midnight so that I can read it as soon as it pops up on Kindle. Emma is a great heroine - I find myself cheering for her when she's feisty and strong and advocates for what she wants in a relationship, while also wanting to throttle her for being indecisive. By the last chapter I was ready to throw my Kindle in frustration. And Gavin - oh Gavin! So closed off and unprepared for the magnitude of his feelings, my heart aches because I have a feeling that I know what the cliffhanger implies. And Cooper, he's almost the exact opposite of his brother, so ready and willing and wanting to love and give of himself. You can tell all the difference between the two of them via the pet names they use. 4.5 out of 5 wine glasses and I can't wait to guzzle down more!

3.5 stars--DIRTY LITTLE SECRET is the first installment in Kendall Ryan’s contemporary, adult FORBIDDEN DESIRES erotic, romance series. This is successful businessmen Gavin Kingsley, his brother Cooper, and thirty year old librarian Emma Bell’s story line.

Told from three first person perspectives (Gavin, Cooper, Emma) DIRTY LITTLE SECRET follows the building relationships between librarian Emma Bell, and two brothers who battle for our heroine’s affections. For months Emma Bell has ‘stalked’ a man she will come to know as successful businessman Gavin Kingsley- a man who keeps secret his past buried beneath a cold façade of professionalism and formality; an intense and arrogant, emotionally withdrawn alpha male. A wayward business card finds our heroine researching the man with whom she will fall in love but not before facing a life altering decision to ‘work’ for the men in charge. What ensues is the building romance between Gavin and Emma, and the potential fall out as Emma discovers the truth about his past.

On the surface DIRTY LITTLE SECRET is a love triangle but a triangle where two people become lovers leaving the third to clean up when everything goes wrong. Both men ‘need’ Emma’ for personal and professional reasons but it is Emma and Gavin’s overwhelming obsession with one another that pushes Cooper to side, only to be pulled back in when Emma’s life spirals out of control. An ex seeking a second chance; a past mired in dark secrets; a family history of heartbreak and pain finds our couple battling emotional highs and lows, as well as a potential relationship where only one half of the couple is willing to take a chance on something more.

We are introduced to Gavin’s brothers-Cooper and Quinn- three brothers who own and operate a successful business that caters to the rich and famous; Gavin’s PA Alyssa; as well as Emma’s co-worker and friend Bethany.

I am purposely keeping ‘secret’ the more intricate details of Kendall Ryan’s DIRTY LITTLE SECRET including the business of which the Kingsley brothers own. As Emma and Gavin’s relationship begins to build, Cooper knows that his feelings for Emma will never be returned but saying that Emma’s dependence upon Cooper continuously gives Cooper a glimmer of hope-a glimmer that dims time and again.

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET is a slow building story line as Gavin struggles with his feelings for Emma Bell but saying that I had a difficult time ‘feeling’ the attraction; there was no palpable sexual energy between our leading couple but I did feel something more for Cooper Kingsley. Looking back, I think I am struggling with Emma and Gavin’s relationship due to the cold persona and arrogant attitude offered as a result of Gavin’s darkened past- a past that has yet to come fully into the light. There was just something missing; I couldn’t connect with the story line couple, and in this my emotional attachment is uncertain. Cooper knew his brother Gavin was attracted to Emma Bell, and knowing this he continued to push Gavin after every encounter. The premise is dramatic; I felt somewhat ambivalent and neutral about the leading characters (Gavin and Emma), and Emma’s lack of personality is disconcerting; the romance struggled with Gavin’s inability to move on from the past.

Emma Bell is a librarian looking for her own fairy tale. She has been in a bad relationship and knows she should seek something safe and sweet, but for some reason she is attracted more to the intense, mysterious type. Just like the man she has kind of been stalking daily at the coffee shop for almost a year with little interaction. But one day she has the opportunity to find out his name and where he works. But she never expected what that would entail or how her life was about to change.

Gavin Kingsley is an enigma. He is rich, handsome, mysterious, arrogant, and aloof. He is an alpha who thrives on control and dominance. His past has shaped him and makes him feel broken and unworthy of love, so he is not looking for any kind of entanglements. He is definitely not quite as easy-going and socially adept as his equally handsome brothers.

Emma is not scared by a dark, damaged hero. She is a bit excited about something different, and she is looking for passion and romance. She is feisty and stands up for herself, but also does not mind giving up control. But she finds herself in a situation with many variables causing conflicting emotions. But also so much tension, temptation, and a need to know more.

As Emma is swept into this world and a unique arrangement, desires and emotions begin to run high. There is some competition, confusion, and conflict. Layers are peeled back. Connections are made. Actions are taken. Hopes rise. But sometimes secrets hurt and past tragedies cannot be forgotten. And their resurgence can threaten to rob them of any hope for something different.

What will the secrets ultimately mean to Gavin and Emma's tentative bond? Is he destined to be just another man she can't fix that might eventually hurt her?

I liked getting multiple points of view since it added more facets to the story. I loved his brothers especially playful and charming, Cooper, but handsome, big brother, Quinn has hero potential too. I enjoyed the gradual unraveling of the pasts (that we are still learning about) and getting to dig deeper into the hearts and vulnerabilities of the characters. Gavin was such a gruff, alpha-hole at first, but I gradually started to like him as his personality started to become more evident. And Emma was a mix of smart and sweet heroine with a bit of sass.

It is a somewhat dark, provocative, and steamy story of pain, lust, love, and secrets. Although I am not that into the whole dom/sub mindset and some of the pet names or control situations are not really my thing, it did not really bother me too much and it was not really overdone. It was easy to get drawn into this world, and I am looking forward to the conclusion of Gavin and Emma's story, as well as the other Kingsley men's books in this series.

Emma Bell is a librarian and recently broke up with a guy who abused her. All she wants to do is get control of her own life again. Every day Emma goes into a coffee shop to get her usual tea order and waits until He enters...her "pretend" boyfriend! One day he orders, looks at Emma, then drops his business card into a glass jar and leaves. Emma takes this card to find out who he is and that's when the real fun begins.

Gavin Kingsley is President and co-owner of Forbidden Desires, a high end escort service. He knows he shouldn't be attracted to the sweet girl he sees every day at the coffee shop, but he couldn't help it. He left his business card hoping she would take it and make the next move. Imagine his surprise when Emma shows up at his office! The receptionist thinks she is there to interview for the open escort position and brings her to Gavin's office. Gavin's brother, Cooper is also there. Both guys are immediately drawn to her. Gavin is dark and mysterious while Cooper is open and friendly. Cooper knows about Gavin's past and his hidden secrets and he is very curious about his brother's obvious attraction to this girl so he sets his brother up to hire her to be their personal escort. Of course Emma didn't come to the office for this job but she could use the money to fix up her grandma's old house so she agrees to their proposition.

The attraction between Gavin and Emma was so obvious and I just loved the way Cooper played that up, taunting his brother! Things progress quickly between Gavin and Emma and things seem to be great until Emma finds out about Gavin's hidden secret!

This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can not wait until I get my hands on the next one! I could not put this book down. I just loved Emma...she was nice and sweet but she was also getting control of her life again and was a little ballsy at times. Gavin is an alpha with a tortured soul...everything that makes for a perfect romance! Great start to a new series!

Texas author Kendall Ryan is a very popular romance writer – ‘I believe every reader deserves a hot hero and a happy ending.’ She has written over sixty books and is frequently on the bestseller lists of New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal.

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET is Book 1 of her exciting series FORBIDDEN DESIRES and it ranks as a ‘wowzer!’ Kendall offers a peak at her story in a brief author’s note – ‘Gavin Kingsley burst into my life in a sharp and unexpected twist of fate. You know his type—arrogant, dangerously handsome, and impossible to ignore. Something dark within him calls to the shadows inside me. I long for the kind of heart-wrenching passion I’ve only read about, and his tragic past reads like one of my favorite literary classics. Raw. Visceral. Captivating. Together, we’re a perfect mess. The deeper I fall into his world, the more I crave him like a drug—he pushes every boundary I have, and challenges everything I thought I wanted. I want to unlock his heart. I want his dirty secrets. But in the end, will he be the blade that cuts me . . . or the bond that makes my life complete?’

The synopsis outlines the story well without giving away the ‘secret’. - ‘She’s much too innocent for me, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting the sweet, young librarian. I’m dominating and possessive, and my control streak runs a mile wide. The way she looks at me—like I’m one of the heroes in the books she loves, like I’m broken, and she wants to be the one to piece me back together—it only complicates things further. I’m nobody’s hero. But there’s no denying my tragic past reads like one of her favorite literary classics. It’s raw. Visceral. Captivating. And together, we’re a perfect mess. How can I resist when the sexual sparks zapping between us set me on fire? The need to control, and claim her force my walls to come tumbling down, but when she learns about my dirty little secret, will my world come crashing down with it?’

Hot and erotic and very beautifully written, Kendall once again proves she has what it takes to remain at the top of the ladder. Grady Harp, July 18
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Emma Bell is an extremely shy librarian in lust with a man she’s never met. Every morning Emma sees him at the coffee shop she frequents, but never has the nerve to talk to him. They have had eye contact a few times, but then again why would he even notice her. The day he drops his business card in the tip jar, Emma knows that it’s meant for her. The last thing she expected was the name of an escort service, Forbidden Desires. Emma realizes that life is too short and she needs to start living it.
Gavin Kingsley and his two brothers, Cooper and Quinn, run Forbidden Desires. An escort service where women can be escorts and feel safe doing so. When Emma walks into his office, Gavin pretends that he doesn’t know who she is, even thou he has been thinking of her for a long time now. Having his brother Cooper present during the interview, makes it easier. Coming to an agreement, both brothers decide that Emma will be their escort when either one has to attend a function. This could really get messy, since Cooper is also interested in Emma.
Feeling apprehensive, Emma knows this is not going to end well. Cooper is kind, considerate, everything that Gavin is not. So why is she so drawn to him. Aware that he is keeping secrets, Emma wants to take a chance, knowing that there is a good chance she will get burned.
My only complaint with this book, it’s a cliff hanger, ugh. Good thing is, the second book is out. Because of this, I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed the Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Now, I'm not someone who likes love triangles because well I just love me a good ol' love story between two people BUT Kendall Ryan's Dirty Little Secret held my interest. Let me explain:

This story is about Emma Bell, lonely librarian, who is often day dreaming about the sexy hot guy she sees at the coffee shop every morning. Upon her gazing, she reminds herself that this guy oozes sex and looks like money, something she isn't, thus making him out of her league HOWEVER, after exchanging pleasantries one fateful day, he leaves her his business card (score!) and she soon learns the anonymous sexy guy is Mr. Gavin Kingsley, CEO of an exclusive escort agency! Whoa! Escort agency? Red flag? Was that a compliment or an insult? Maybe it was a come on? Hmmmm....

Not sure how to feel about that or what to do next, Emma is conflicted but only for a moment before she finally decided, the hell with it, and pays Mr. Kingsley a visit. Here's where I thought I'd feel slightly uncomfortable because it's when Emma is being pulled into an impromptu interview and is then agreeing to date Gavin AND his brother Cooper, EXCLUSIVELY! Well duh, I mean how many guys would you want to date anyways? I personally find dating one guy overwhelming LOL !

Any ways, back to the review...

It's no surprise that Emma feels like she's playing with fire but given her financial situation (her grandmother's brownstone that's in desperate need of a face lift), the price is far too tempting to turn away from, so she bites the bullet and continues on through with the agreement.

Enter the "love" triangle - Emma starts to develop feelings for both brothers..uh-oh! Here's the part where Emma's 'morals' start to reveal to her the pros and cons of each brother: With Gavin, she's drawn to the similarities they share, he's sexy, tempting and there's no doubt there's a push and pull between the two (because of his distant behavior) that has her hot and wanting more. Let's just say that Gavin is "emotionally" unavailable and Emma wants to change that. I mean who doesn't right? I see a man who is emotionally unavailable, who is obviously hiding something from me and I want to explore him more, even though he may break my fragile and already conflicted heart (this is where I insert my eye roll). With Cooper, who is the total opposite of Gavin, is the fun, caring, sweet and loving brother, he's the guy you take home to mom, right? He's emotionally available, he doesn't have that distant and cold behavior like his brother. He's the one Emma should lean towards choosing, right? RIGHT?!

Ha! Well, as they say, the plot thickens, because now both brothers start to fall for Emma, and well, there's a reason Kendall Ryan titled this book Dirty Little Secret - we all have secrets, big or little, innocent or dirty, we all carry secrets. It just depends on who we let in to help carry the weight of that secret. Will Emma find out the secret of the Kingsley brothers? Who will she let her heart love completely? Well, we won't know because cliffhanger - that's right, cliffhanger. I was kinda shocked and a little upset that Kendell ended this in a cliffhanger (not a fan of those because who is?) even though a small part of me sensed it was coming because of how things were left with regarding Gavin, his past and his secrets.

So, small parts, like the love triangle part and the obvious choice of which brother to pick did have me rolling my eyes, BUT don't get me wrong, this story was intense, hot, and you do get angsty throughout the book, you also start to feel for these characters as they reveal their emotions to one another in their own way.

I enjoy listening to Zachary Weber, so that's a plus for me. This was my fist listen for Megan Tusing - she did great as Emma. Both narrators did grab my attention for me to finish listening to this book in one sitting, so that says a lot!

*I was selected to review the Audiobook for "Dirty Little Secret" in exchange for honest feedback.*

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“It started out as a dirty little secret, something to amuse myself with. I lived a boring existence—work, home, bed . . . and Gavin was a distraction. Maybe I should have left it there, but I hadn’t.”

First off, how do I get my hands on the second book of this series immediately? Because that cliffhanger was just cruel, yet makes me want to beg Kendall Ryan for an ARC of book two this very instant. This was my first Kendall Ryan book, and I think she just made a fan for life. I loved this.

Trigger warnings for stalking and depictions of past physical abuse.

The premise is one that any sappy, book loving, kinky, yet hopeless romantic (like me) would love. Our main protagonist, Emma, is a twenty-nine-year-old head librarian who doesn’t have a lot of money, but spends what she does have on fixing up her the old house her grandmother has left for her in the city. On her way to the library every morning she stops at a local coffee shop, where she orders a tea and can’t help but stare at a man that catches her attention every day while he orders his coffee.

“And every morning, promptly at ten to eight, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sinful strolled inside and ordered a double shot of espresso to go.”

These two constantly come into this coffee shop at the same time, every day, for the past ten months, but they’ve only interacted once. That is, until one September day the sexy mystery man leaves his business card that only says:

“Gavin Kingsley
President
Forbidden Desires”

Gavin and his two brothers, Cooper and Quinn, have a business that is a little on the unusual side, but you will find out the career path they chose to take is very near and dear to their hearts. Forbidden Desires is a company that hires, but also protects, escorts that go on dates with very rich, powerful, and successful people. The escorts are paid very well, and their only job is to go on a date with the men; they are never required to have sex or do anything they feel uncomfortable with.

Gavin is also struggling with something pretty dark and sad, which makes him feel like he is unable to get into another relationship. Once Emma follows up on the business card and meets with Gavin, they strike up a business proposition where she will be Gavin and his younger brother's escort to high profile events.

“In that moment, I knew this wouldn’t be casual, knew I wouldn’t walk away from this in one piece.”

Obviously, a bunch of tension develops between Emma, Gavin, and Cooper, but it never feels like a love triangle. Emma has been Gavin’s ever since that first day in the coffee shop, even if they both are too stubborn to realize it. And I guess that’s why I’m giving this four stars, because I love Cooper. Like, what a sweet little cinnamon roll angel! I wish that he wasn’t part of the equation, even though I know he was just acting with his heart and trying to heal Gavin’s wounds, while also opening his eyes.

My favorite thing about this book was… Okay, well it was the romance and the sex scenes, let’s be real, but my second favorite thing about this book is that it is super sex positive! Like, this is one of the few books I’ve read that really puts sex workers in a positive light, and never shames them. There are also mini discussions about the importance to donate to campaigns that are trying to end human trafficking and I really appreciated it.

And I’d bet my bottom dollar that this series is going to not only tell all the brother’s stories, but also is going to make us fall a little in love with all of them.

Also, because I know most of you follow me for my fantasy reviews, I always feel it necessary to state that I rate erotic books differently than other books! I know many of the relationships are toxic and problematic and I completely understand that they wouldn’t be the healthiest and/or most ideal of starts for people in real life, but I love steamy reads and I rate them purely off my enjoyment. And Dirty Little Secret was nothing short of pure enjoyment!

I really, really enjoyed this book. And like I said above, I can’t wait to read more from Kendall Ryan now! If you guys are looking for a new steamy read, I completely recommend the start of this amazing series!

August 15, 2017 – Started Reading
Review “Together, we’re a perfect mess.”

WOW just WOW!! Kendall Ryan is one of my favourite authors . I love her writing, her characters and storyline. However, Dirty Little Secret was different than her other books. I can wholeheartedly say that I'm officially blown away. Dirty Little Secret is a wonderful start to what I can only imagine is a brilliant series.

“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”

The Kingsley’s brothers have one thing in common – Emma Bell. Quinn, Gavin and Cooper are the perfect brothers- sexy, hot as hell and successful! You need to be ready for some major swooning, essentially when they are all 3 together in the same room- O.L.A.L.A .

Emma has always been attracted by that man she was meeting every day at the same time at the coffee shop.

“Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sinful strolled inside and ordered a double shot of espresso to go”

When she got the opportunity to make her dreams a reality and discover his identity, she seized it. Emma entered the world of Forbidden Desires and from that moment, her life has never been the same.
Gavin is fascinated by Emma but refuses to yield to temptation, as he knows that if he gets closer to her, he might never be able to let her go. He is gorgeous, successful, wealthy, and carries heavy baggage but he has to work to keep her and that is something he has never had to do with another woman. He falls for her deeply and starts opening up…

His vulnerability to her is just beautiful to see. Gavin and Emma are both a force to be reckoned with and each have a tortured past which influences their actions in the present. I loved the tension in their relationship, the slow building of trust, the compromises, their need to let go of the past if they want to have a chance at a future together… but will they?

“If he wanted me, he would have me, and I would be powerless to stop him.”

And there is Cooper… every time he said the word “Princess”, I was falling more in love with him. YUP, I know! This is a book that took my heart on such a roller-coaster ride that I had to stop at times to catch my breath. I was lost, torn and in awe. I could never do it justice in a review. I can't even think of a word to describe it. It's beautiful, yet sad... erotic, yet so endearing ... it's heart-breaking, yet moving! It has it all, it is as simple as that.

“Nothing about this situation was normal. But then again, nothing about this man was normal either, so what did I expect? “

Dirty Little Secret is a story that just grabs you from the first few pages and does not let you think about anything else even days after you finished reading it. All I can think about is getting to the next book in this dangerous and seductive series that is holding my heart captive!

Gah! Dirty Little Secret made me crave for more Gavin and Emma! Lawd have mercy, but Kendall Ryan slayed this one! I was on the edge with the angst, my reader was so hot and I felt like I was burning inside. I was teased to no end, my throat was so parched, I couldn't quench my thirst and I am starved, I needed more!

There's a reason why I always rooted all things Kendall Ryan. Her works were kind of drug to me. No matter how short it is graced with insta love and insta-lust, I always go back to her works. I mean, I sort of knew it's how her works roll, but no matter I'm still in awe of her talent. It's addicting and is easy to connect with. But more than that, I love her words and I always rooted for it because I know in the end she'll left me with satisfaction.

Dirty Little Secret is no different. When I read the Prologue I couldn't help myself to keep on turning the pages. I sort of planned to read just few chapters, but I finished it in one sitting. It was soooo good but there's no way I will spoil you or give you any details because this book needs to be read blind. The blurb will give you a stronng foundation of the story already. It might be vague but start with it. It's intersting AF as it is and when you started it, know that you'll immediately get lost to the bubble they created. It's sexy AF, it's captivating yet will tease you and will ignite that fire within you. Lawd! I have been swearing because it kept me on the edge. Other than that, I love the charcacters too. Emma, She was a classic girl-next-door type. A walking wet dream... - was just perfect to the commanding yet broken Gavin Kingsley. As Emma puts it, Gavin wasn’t a fantasy. He was a nightmare. With Kendall's fantastic writing, these character's just came to life. I was dead! So dead! I love it and I enjoyed the flow of the story. It's just really good.Swear you'll be in for a great treat!

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's well paced and will keep you hooked. The characters portrayal was excellent and I love how each have unique individualities that'll make you fall in love with them with every turn of the pages. It's sexy, it's hot yet fun to read. As I go along with my journey with them, I was entranced with the how the story felt. It's erotic, intriguing yet bound with mystery I so wanted to unfold. I love it too much and I can't wait for the next book.

3 Stars!

The Review:
Even though I really liked this read, there were parts of it that didn't work for me. I enjoyed the beginning. In fact, I was sure I was going to love it up until about the 45% mark. After that, things seemed to slow down and I didn’t like some of the character choices, but I am intrigued enough by the story, that I’m excited to read the second book!

Story/Characters...
For the past year, Emma Bell has been secretly crushing on the mysterious hot guy that comes into the coffee shop she visits. She purposely shows up minutes before he makes his scheduled appearance, just so she can covertly watch him for as long as it takes him to order his coffee and leave. Then she goes about her day as a quiet librarian whose hidden herself from the world. That is, until the day he peeks over at her, drops his business card into the tip jar and leaves just as quickly as he came.

After looking up his business online, she’s got more questions than answers and decides to visit his office to see if the man is as “forbidden” as he appears to be.

Along with his two brothers, Cooper and Quinn, Gavin Kingsley owns Forbidden Desires, a business that cateres to the needs of the wealthy with a variety of classy women. Each brother has their own personality trait. Cooper is playful and mischievous and Gavin is indifferent and detached. But there’s definitely a spark when Emma walks through their doors, and though Cooper sees that spark between Gavin and Emma, he just can’t pass up the chance to have her to himself as well.

Although Gavin does so against his better judgement, Cooper starts a short but fun challenge between him and his brooding brother, as they both compete for Emma’s attention.

There were a handful of sweet, sometimes cute scenes with a lot of intense, sexy, fun and exciting thrown in! And the bedrooms scenes were definitely HOT! The chemistry between Emma and both brothers was explosive. I could see the choice for which brother she wanted to be with, going either way, and I really liked the seduction they each pulled off in trying to win her over.

But there was also a LOT of back and forth. Gavin was committed to NOT being committed. He absolutely refused to “want” Emma. And it wasn’t until the very end that I began to understand why. He’s obviously troubled and keeping secrets. He’s dark and mysterious and he’s got a serious chip on his shoulder. And I LOVED that part of him. He was the kind of anti-hero that you can’t help but love. But then about 70% into the book, he does a complete one-eighty and suddenly he’s all about being with Emma. It was such an abrupt change of heart, that it felt rushed and didn’t flow with the story or who he was as a character. I actually scrolled back a couple of pages to make sure I hadn’t missed something.

And Emma ... I liked her character, up until she decided being a doormat was just fine with her. After Gavin’s been cruel to her, said hurtful things and pushed her away, the moment he decides he’s ready to try for more, she jumps without any hesitation and to me, it made her look like a woman ready for any scrap of attention she could get. In other words, it made her look weak. There was no “maybe” or moments of hesitation. She just jumped, happy her master was finally paying her some attention. If there had been the slighted bit of hesitation, I would have had more respect for her. And it would have felt more true to the strong character she was portrayed to be in the beginning of the book.

Poor Cooper was left hanging and I really think he cared a great deal for Emma. She could have been the one to change his playboy heart. I loved Cooper and if he doesn’t “get the girl” in the end, I hope he gets his own story because he deserves his shot at happiness.

The Wrap Up:
This book ends on a pretty significant cliffy. I was intrigued enough that I definitely want to see if the author explores and develops the characters more and I want to see how this story unfolds with the surprise we got towards the end.

Dirty Little Secret was well written and it grabbed my attention. All in all, I liked this read. I just didn’t like some of the character choices or the fact it felt like it stalled about halfway through. But I’m still looking forward to book two.

Forbidden Desires is the perfect name for Kendall Ryan’s new series because the things that Emma Bell yearns for from Gavin Kingsley, a man who is as cold and arrogant as he is suave and sexy, should not be what she craves, not only because of the secrets that lurk beneath his controlled façade or the darkness that resonates from his cocky demeanor but a combination of those characteristics, his tortured past, and his isolated present.  

Kendall Ryan constructs an intriguing world – one that walks a fine line due to the kind of services the Kingsley brothers’ company provides – and then once Emma is introduced to these alpha males and gets a sense of who they are, especially two of them, we as readers are allowed an insider’s look at not only the ins and outs of how the company is run and the clientele they serve, but also why the business was formed in the first place and how what they do and who they protect hits closer to home than most realize because the Kingsley siblings aren’t ones to share their personal backstories with many people.

Gavin, Cooper, and Quinn Kingsley aren’t easy men to figure out, either is Emma for that matter, and even though Dirty Little Secret focuses more on Gavin than the other brothers, all three play a pivotal role in their company as well as each other’s lives and Cooper is definitely a lifeline for Emma as she tries to maneuver her way not only around the new world she finds herself in due to her curious mind but also the enigma that is Gavin Kingsley and the emotions and truths that lay just beneath the surface…the same ones she seems to be slowly unearthing the closer they get to becoming more than strangers or even friends.

I adore all of Kendall Ryan’s stories, but there’s something about the ones that take place in an erotic setting and have characters who hold their true selves back from both the other characters and readers, only allowing people to see what they want them to see, so the conclusion to Gavin and Emma’s story is bound to be revealing in any number of ways.

4.5 Poison Apples  

There's just something about Emma Bell that captures the attention of the Kingsley brothers. Working closely with them is proving to be interesting, to say the very least, and often downright confusing. Because two of them want her, but the darkness in one calls to her over the light in the other...

I'm a firm believer that good things come to those who wait. This is a good thing, because, goodness gracious, Kendall Ryan has gone and left me hanging off the edge of one heck of a cliff, and I am loving it.

The romance industry has just exploded, and there are so many books out at any given time that it's sometimes hard to find the one that resonates at every level. Kendall's writing, though, is extremely well done, and this story is just one that drew me in. I'm familiar with the theme of pleasure through power, but DIRTY LITTLE SECRET, the first book in the Forbidden Desires series, is more than that, and Kendall's characters, the backstory, the push and pull dynamic between not one, but two of the dashing Kingsley brothers just hooked me. Kendall has done a fine job of mixing the sweet with the edgy, the courtly with the controlling, and I was engaged by this story from the first page. I just could not put it down, wanting to see what those dirty little secrets might be.

I know that cliffhangers do not work for every reader, but I don't mind the idea of delayed gratification, if it means that the story is going to satisfy. I can't wait for more angst, more heat, more back and forth, between these characters, and I have every confidence that Kendall will satisfy and then some when we get the conclusion to Emma's, Gavin's, and Cooper's story in DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE.

Would I recommend DIRTY LITTLE SECRET to fans of romance? I certainly would, and do. Readers that like some mystery, some sweetness, and plenty of super-steamy moments should add this one to their TBR, and get ready for the reveal when the next book comes along.

Dirty Little Secret

4.5 Stars

I was so totally intrigued by this book when I first heard about it, I'm a big fan of Kendall Ryan's books and I knew this one was going to be great. The synopsis really drew me in and left me wanting to know more and now that I do I can't wait for the conclusion. I typically wait until I know the next book is out of I know there is a cliffhanger in a book so for me to jump straight in to one is telling of how much I actually like this author and I have to say I wasn't disappointed!

Gavin Kingsley is a cold, arrogant jerk, he wasn't one to instil the warm fuzzies in any woman. We learn a little about his past but I know there is going to be so much more to come in the next book! Even though Gavin was an jerk I still understood his appeal, there was just this draw to him that you couldn't help but feel!

Emma Bell has just gotten out of a bad relationship 10 months ago, after staking out the local coffee shop for the past year watching the enigmatic man she finally gets her chance to meet him. Emma was a bit too easily pushed around for my liking, she gave in too easily to Gavin in my opinion. I wish she would have stood her ground and made him work for it.

This book had me hooked from beginning to end, I was desperate to find out what Gavin's secret was. Needless to say when I found out I couldn't imagine how I would react to the same situation Emma found herself in.

I have to admit though it was a lot tamer than I expected this book to be, I thought we were in for some real filth but unfortunately it didn't live up to the title in that respect.

You could feel the chemistry between these two characters instantly once they met properly. They were drawn together and had a bond that couldn't be described! I'm dying to know how their story unfolds in Dirty Little Promise.

Dirty Little Secret
By: Kendall Ryan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Kristie K

Sweet, kind, and innocent meets dark, damaged, and alpha in this intoxicating tale of forbidden desires…

Kendall Ryan delivers the first installment in a tantalizing new series with Dirty Little Secret. Three brothers that built an empire out of a broken childhood, and a dark tragedy that stains the soul of one. Gavin Kingsley is damaged, dark, and seductive. Everything that Emma Bell should steer clear of…but she can’t deny the intense pull she feels to the enigmatic millionaire. A chance encounter, and an unusual proposal are all it takes to throw Emma into the adventure of a lifetime. The question is whether or not she will come out with her heart intact.

As one of my go-to authors, Kendall Ryan never disappoints. Dirty Little Secret is a fantastic start to what I am sure to be a dark and fabulously sinful series. Gavin Kingsley is a broken man that has hidden himself from love, denied his ability to, and refuses to put himself out there. Emma is an open book, with a devastating trauma in her past, a heart of gold, and a powerful inner strength. Opposites with an explosive chemistry that cannot be denied, they find themselves fighting both for and against one another. Ms. Ryan brought this new world to life with passion, intrigue, mystery, and heart. The storyline is unique, with twists and turns the reader never expects. Cleverly executed to keep you on your toes, and at the edge of your seat. The characters come alive within the text, and burrow their way into your heart and soul, begging for love and redemption. After just one hit of this intoxicating series, I am addicted. Oh, Ms. Ryan…what will come next?

Kristie K

Dirty Little Secret dragged me straight into this new world created by Kendall Ryan, grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let me go as I followed along with each twist and turn and kept guessing at what I didn't know yet.

Emma was an interesting chracter, a woman with a painful past, a past taht still haunted her, but a zeal for life and continuing to live hers as she pleased. She was smart, kind, and at times seemed a little naive - but in an endearing way mostly. After crushing on teh mysterious business man at the coffee shop, Emma finds herself being drawn into a world she's not sure she understands, but one she can't step back from either. An arrangement with not one, but two strong Alpha males has her more curious than ever, but what's going to happen?

Gavin's dark and mysterious, a man with hurt in his past, with fears, with inner demons he still needs to battle. But something about Emma draws him in, makes him question, calls his heart. He knows better than to go there again, but he can't seem to find a reason to break things off.

The pushes and pulls between Gavin and Emma kept me guessing and on edge - one minute it felt like they were close to figuring things out and the next I was left curious how things would proceed. I loved as bits and pieces of the story unfolded and I learned more about each of these characters and got to know them even better.

With side characters of Gavin's brothers, the story was rounded out to pull me in to every angle, every aspect of his life and business and want to know everything I could find, also leaving me looking forward to more in the next book.

The ending definitely had me stumbling for the rest of the story all while knowing I had to wait, so Bring on Dirty Little Promise, Kendall Ryan, I can't wait to devour it.

Day after day Emma Bell watches him waltz into the coffee shop and order his morning cup of coffee, and then he is off to conquer the business world, and every day he completely mesmerizes her for the few minutes that they share. She doesn't know his name, or what he does for a living, but she has a pretty good idea of what he is hiding under his sophisticated suit... or at least she would like to find out anyway. She is quite certain that he doesn't even know she is alive, but that doesn't seem to deter her from dreaming about him, and the fake life she has created for them in her head. If only he would look in her direction, or introduce himself... or casually leave a business card behind!

Everyday, for a brief minute or two, Gavin Kingsley's eyes are gifted with a glimpse of a beautiful and mysterious woman who frequents his favorite coffee shop. He sneaks a peek at her here and there and often wonders what it would be like to lure her into his world, but that would mean he would have to talk to her, and put himself out there and that just isn't something he is willing to do. The last time he ventured down that road it didn't work out so well for him, and it has haunted him everyday since. But one day he has a surge of bravery and leaves behind a business card in hopes that it will land in her hands and bring her to his doorstep... and fortunately for him it does... but she also catches the eye of his brother. Now he must decide if he can muster the courage to climb out of the shell he has barricaded himself him or let his brother have a chance with her.

Dirty Little Secret is a scintillating tale that will have you completely captivated from the first page, and leave you with an insatiable hunger for more!! Ms. Ryan has weaved quite the tale here for readers, two brothers both vying for the affections of one woman, and both offer her something she can't seem to pass up. Just when she thinks she knows what is best for her, and which one to choose, fate steps in and deals her an unexpected hand, and leaves her rethinking her choices. I loved my time with these characters, their addictive little story had me teetering on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I just can't say enough about the Kingsley brothers, both are charming in their on way, and bring an interesting light to the story... I feel for Emma, she has a tough choice to make, and I am not so sure I could do the same if I were in her shoes! Can't wait to see what happens with these amazing characters!! Highly recommend this one, it's sure to have you addicted in a matter of minutes!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Huh... Ok... I just finished this book. Originally I was intrigued by Tempting little tease and then, when I saw it was part of a series and I really like several of Kendall Ryan's books, I figured I'd start at the beginning. Now I'm not so sure how bright of an idea that was.

This book was a bit weird. I'm all for a good Alpha hero, but this one's just an a*hole. He doesn't give enough to give me an understanding of why she would fall in love with him. It's too superficial. And she's an abuse victim with no backbone whatsoever (that takes time to build up after something like that). Not a good combination. To me, this is just another abusive and manipulating situation. The story is set in a duet and I feel that should able the author to give more depth to the story and the characters than what is happening here. All three characters in this book lacks depth and I'm not sure right now if it's worth it to buy the second part. The only character I'm really intriqued by is Quinn, the third brother who just touches base in this one. Cooper I can see having an interesting story IF done right.

This is the start of something TRULY GREAT!!! Dirty Little Secret is unlike anything I’ve ever read from Kendall Ryan, and all I can say is, I WANT MORE! It was dirty, seductive, and sexy as hell, and I couldn’t, for the life of me, take my eyes away from the pages. Cover to cover, this was a truly provocative treat, an enticing adventure, and an all-around delectable beginning to a HIGHLY SEDUCTIVE tale!

“Do I frighten you?” he asked, amused.

“Of course not,” I lied.

“Good, because you terrify me.”

Kendall Ryan will forever be a GO TO AUTHOR for me, and you will see why once you read DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. This is the type of erotic romance that will make you shiver with anticipation. It’s the type of romance that will completely consume you, and for those hours that you’re entranced in this world, nothing else will matter. It’s the type of story that you will want to lose yourself in. It’s the type of tale that will fill you will complete joy and utter frustration. I’m not giving anything away in this review, folks. I’ll tell you one thing…if you are a true romance junkie, you would be a fool to miss out on the greatness that comes from Ms. Ryan’s words.

”This isn’t one of your storybooks. I never promised you a happy ending.”

If you are used to more of a tame romance, get ready for one hell of an erotic encounter. Your boundaries will be pushed to the max. Your heart will plummet on multiple occasions, and your head will be filled with questions that you will demand answers for. This author does gorgeous, demanding alpha’s like no other, and I can wait for you to meet the players in this game.

*ARC provided by the author*

Dirty Little Secret is the first book in the Forbidden Desires series. I was excited when I found out that Kendall was giving us a new series with new characters and a new vibe. And now that I have finished the first book, I am even more excited about it.

Emma Belle watched him for ten months. Every morning at 7:50 she got a glimpse of the sexy, commanding man in a suit. He was her drug of choice and she didn't even know his name. There was just something about him that she craved. Ten months. No words have been exchanged. She doesn't even think he knows she existed. Then one day it all changed. She didn't know it yet but she was in for one hell of a ride.

He saw her. He has since day one. But he knew she was too sweet for someone like him. Someone with a dark side. Then he made a mistake. A mistake that could turn his world upside down. Was he ready for someone like her? Can a beautiful woman like her be the one to bring him to his knees?

Sorry...I can't say much but I will say...I loved this story! The characters. The storyline. The wardrobe. The heat. The twists. Everything. The way Emma wanted an adventure and more. The way Gavin shows her who he is. The way Cooper treats her. It's all makes up a story full of sin, mystery, love, and passion.

Overall...it's delicious!! An amazing start to series! It made me all hot and bothered but it also made me smile and swoon too. I am excited about what is coming next!

Quotes:

“Damn you for being so f- tempting.”

“You’re a hilarious drunk.”

“It’s a blessing and a curse,” he said through gritted teeth, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Self made millionaire and super hot alpha male Gavin Kingsley doesn’t do relationships, not since his relationship ended with his long time girl friend years earlier. He runs a successful escort agency with his two brothers, and he has plenty of women vying for his attention, why spend time with the same woman twice. But, after a year of eye flirting with meek and mild, yet super sexy librarian Emma Bell, he finds himself leaving his business card in her sights, and yes, she takes the bait. Emma has been fantasising about the sexy stranger she semi stalks every morning in the coffee shop and when she finds his business card, curiosity gets the better of her and she finds herself in the offices of the exclusive escort agency, Forbidden Desires. Meeting Gavin’s younger brother Cooper and coming to an agreement with both brothers, I’m thinking she bit off more than she could chew, but admirably she manages quite well with the advances from both brothers. I love the writing and the story so much, and surprisingly the fact that it's a duet and a cliffie didn't ruin it for me (probably because I've just purchased book 2, and I'm getting stuck in as soon as I've written this review). I can't wait to find out where book two takes me and although I have an inkling about Gavin’s past I'm thinking there are going to be a few skeletons coming out of the closet from both Emma and Gavin. I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

*thabk you to the author and publisher for providing an arc**

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gavin, Cooper which one would you choose? That's exactly the problem Emma has found herself in. One is dark, mysterious, bossy and sexy. While the other is sweet, funny, charming and sexy. But as she spends time with each she finds herself drawn to Gavin more and more. But will she be able to trust him, especially after her last relationship left her broken and wary of getting back into the satin scene. Kendall Ryan has out done herself with this book and you will not be disappointed.

Emma loves her life as the head librarian and living in her grandmother's brownstone. And what starts her day every morning is stopping at the coffee shop and watching the sexiest man order coffee for the last year. But this time one of them finally makes the move to make contact and Emma is willing to take it.

Gavin doesn't know what possessed him to leave his business card for the woman he sees daily at the coffee shop, but when she shows up at his business the next day he is intrigued. And when him and his brother, Cooper, get her to agree to become their personal dates for functions he doesn't know if he feels relief or is regretting the decision.

As each brother has functions that Emma attends with them, she finds herself torn between the two. But deep down she knows that Gavin's demanding and mysterious behaviors are what she craves. But can she break down his walls or will he push and push until she finds herself in Cooper's arms? Find out as Emma battles with these feelings and tries to decide which one is the one.

*arc provided for an honest and unbiased review*

while I did like the book, or storyline, I ran into some issues with the delivery. Gavin didn't come off as an alpha or dominant sometimes, sometimes he came off as a major jerk. and honestly, I questioned Emma a lot. she was very jumpy with her emotions on Gavin. she would feel one way, and just one word from him, changed her mind. and it wasn't an eventual change, it was immediately. it almost made her come off a little weak. but then on the other hand I really liked how she started to own her sexuality, of course not without Gavin making her feel guilty about it or him being an absolute a-hole after. again, always forgiven.

Gavin. Cooper. Gavin. Cooper. to me, the choice was clear. but apparently not to Emma Bell. but again, it didn't really come off as a love triangle or a back and forth. for her, it was always one person. there was just one person.

to me, there was just no flow between the back and forth with Gavin and Emma. the way it came off in the storyline was just choppy when it came to them. jumpy. it didn't flow as well, progress as easily as I needed it to. it felt so forced. and some information felt like it was not Important. who showed up at her door, when, why and how she reacted. it just felt like it didn't fit... but I'm sure book 2 will tell us more.

and now that we've left the story open in so.msmy different aspects, all the information we've been given should be answered in book two. while I do like Kendall Ryan's writing, I felt like this one fell short for me.

'Dirty Little Secret' by Kendall Ryan is the First Book in the New Series called "Forbidden Desires". This is the story of Emma Bell and Gavin Kingsley and there story doesn't end with this book. It continues into book Two "Dirty Little Promise" So there will be a cliffhanger at the end of this book.
Emma is a Librarian who is just getting back her life after after about a year ago she got away from her controlling and abusive boyfriend. In that time she has been going to a coffee shop were Gavin too is going. They have never spoken and this goes on for several months. Gavin has turned into Emma's dream about boyfriend. When she thinks he leaves her his business card in the tip jar she starts to research him and that leads her to his company. Gavin runs a Expensive Escort Service. There she meets Cooper who is Gavin's younger brother and Quinn the older brother Cooper is friendly and outgoing where Gavin isn't. Cooper talks Emma in being a face of their business by going to social scene with him and Gavin. So she goes out with each guy to whatever social scene they have to help promote the business. Emma's attraction for Gavin is just growing. While Gavin is finding it harder to ignore Emma. But Emma looks like an old Girlfriend that ended up dying. In addition, what Cooper thought he would get with this ideal was to bring Gavin back to who he used to be....but Cooper is finding himself starting to have feelings for Emma.
Loved this book and cannot wait for the next book!!!!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

This story is told from multiple points-of-view, namely Emma's, Gavin's, and Cooper's. So, does that mean there's a love triangle going on? Kind of, but while Emma's connection with Cooper is more warm and bordering on platonic, it's the one she has with Gavin that's scorching hot though not exactly romantic. There's an attraction that she feels for both brothers, and Cooper is clearly the one that would be far better for her still healing heart. However, there's something about Gavin that calls to her like a bear to honey...or maybe more of the fly to the spider. Agreeing to becoming an escort exclusively to both Gavin and Cooper may seem like a win-win, but a setup like theirs is bound to lead to one thing and one thing only--heartbreak--especially when dark secrets are revealed.

I thoroughly enjoyed Kendall Ryan's Imperfect Love and Roommates series, but it was also nice to see her delve into darker fare again. Emma's relationship with two out of three Kingsley brothers is an intriguing one. She's obviously got a more passionate connection with one of them, and it isn't too difficult to guess who she prefers to have in her bed because it's the same one that's been creeping into her heart from the beginning. This does end in a cliffhanger, and the ending brings up a part of one brother's past that has Emma heartbroken and reaching out to the other brother. I have my own feelings about that particular decision of hers but it does set things up rather nicely for the sequel, which is the conclusion to Emma's story. I'm giving Dirty Little Secret 4.5 stars out of five stars. ♥

I received a copy of Dirty Little Secret via Netgalley and am so grateful!

Dirty Little Secret is captivating, sexy, & overall will pull you in right away! This is book is everything and more that I had hoped it would be. Kendall Ryan I've said it before and I will say it again, you never disappoint. I love your stories and this story might be one of my favorites yet. I loved the Kingsley brothers and need much, much more of them.

I loved Gavin, I don't what it is about a dominating man but something makes me want more of him. I loved his chemistry with Emma, and am so excited to see what book two will hold for the two of them. Cooper is so sweet and I wanted so badly to cheer for him but Gavin is just my kind of man. However I feel like there could be a lot more in store for us where Cooper is concerned.

Thank you Kendall for this story, I loved it and I can't wait for more! I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else, where would the fun in that be. So if you're reading this review and wondering if you should read this book then my answer is, what are you waiting for?! Grab it now! I had the hardest time putting down my kindle to do my normal wifely and motherly duties because all I wanted was more, and to know what was going to happen next. This is the book for you if you love an alpha male who has a soft side that's hidden.

5 Stars from Brianna!

Kendall Ryan takes her readers on the start of an epically penned and beautifully seductive love story that will put you on the edge of your seat, dampen your panties, tug at your heartstrings, and have you begging for more.

Kendall Ryan... you naughty little minx. This was freaking brilliant and completely intriguing. Nothing like I've read from you before and everything I didn't know I needed to have. I'm not sure I've recovered from what I just read (this hangover is wicked bad) and I only have two thoughts.... I need more and I need it now.

Dirty Little Secret was a sexy little surprise that stole my heart and shattered me to pieces in all the right ways. This book was seductive, intense, passionate, naughty, and tantalizing with touches of angst and mystery that kept me hooked from the very start.

You have no idea what's ahead. You'll never see it coming.

No spoilers. No hints. You get nothing from me. Gavin, Cooper, and Emma (oh yes there is 3!) are an experience you have to read..and feel. Their journey was epic, dirty and oh-so addicting in all the right ways.

This is book one and ends on a wicked cliffhanger but no worries, book two is right around the corner.

If you like steamy romances that grip your heart..hard then this author and this book are worth the read.

I highly recommend this book.

--------

She’s much too innocent for me, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting the sweet, young librarian. I’m dominating and possessive, and my control streak runs a mile wide. The way she looks at me—like I’m one of the heroes in the books she loves, like I’m broken, and she wants to be the one to piece me back together—it only complicates things further. I’m nobody’s hero. But there’s no denying my tragic past reads like one of her favorite literary classics. It’s raw. Visceral. Captivating. And together, we’re a perfect mess.
This book had a great premise and started out interesting. However, as soon as the main characters interact, I lost interest. I really didn’t like any of the initial “official” meeting with Emma and Gavin. The interactions with his brother didn’t help it any. Unfortunately I was unable to finish the book because of this.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

4.5 STARS
I LOVED this book! I loved the uncertainty and the angst and the passion. I DEVOURED IT. A new top favorite from Kendall Ryan.
The innocent little librarian, Emma Bell, finds herself torn between Gavin and Cooper. Gavin is the mysterious stranger she has been lusting after. Once he is a stranger no more, she soon realizes that although she is irresistibly drawn to him, he is a clear danger to her heart. He also has a rather mysterious past. Some of the things he says and does are a little cold and downright shocking. Like his brother says, he's behaving like a kid who doesn't want to share his toy. Cooper, his brother, is also intrigued by Emma. Cooper is equally sexy, but has charm and manners on his side. A tug of war between the two brothers ensues, with one brother clearly pushing the other's buttons. Adding to the intensity and uncertainly of which brother she will choose is the fact that we get all three characters POV's. Just when you think you know which brother she is going to chose, something else happens which makes you doubt. While there are three players in this game, I wouldn't really say it's a love triangle. She isn't sleeping with or even kissing both brothers so if you are looking for a "safe" book, this still qualifies.
Wildly intriguing, a touch erotic and overflowing with suspense and angst. When it’s all said and done, Dirty Little Secret is going to leave you begging for more.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

For a while Kendall Ryan has been releasing stand-alone stories with a HEA at the end of each book. This is a welcome return by her to the genre of romance in which the first book ends with a cliff-hanger. She's great at both types of story, and this is no exception.

This is the love story of Emma and Gavin, and Cooper. No, there's no three-way here, at least not in the bedroom, but its a nice complex story. Gavin and Cooper are brothers, and they (along with a third brother Quinn) run Forbidden Desires a high-end escort service. I believe over the course of a series of books we'll see all three brothers stories. Emma comes to be employed by this agency in an arrangement with Cooper and Gavin, and so this becomes a three-perspective story in which we see Emma and the brothers struggle with their relationships to each other.

This is Ryan at her best. We get struggles through which we see the emotional depth of the characters are worked. We get heated scenes that are sexy but also meaningful. We get progressive insight into the backgrounds of the characters that have made them who they are.

If I had one complaint it might be the cliffhanger itself. I couldn't get as excited about it as I wanted to. Not quite sure that I view it as enough of a problem, so either I'm missing something or something wasn't there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Emma has been going to the same coffee shops for months now, because of him. She hopes he will say something against her and notice her, because she thinks he is hot.
One day he leaves his card and she finds out more about him and his business. She decides to go there and find him. Getting herself involved with Gavin and his brother Cooper. Gavin is the dark and grumpy one and Cooper the easy going one. But of course Emma falls for Gavin.

I like the way he acts like he doesn't care about her, but in the mean time he doesn't like it that his brother is going out with her too.
The moment in the limo is so hot, just wow. How he takes care of her. But afterwards, sigh.
But I can't help feeling sorry for him, because as a reader you know his side too and how his brother is playing with him.

Great story, full of fun, the day out Emma arranges for Gavin is so sweet!
And sparks who fly everywhere and the moments when Gavin does act, pfff so hot steaming hot.

I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know what was going to happen next. Only pity about the story is that this is a first part and not a whole book.
Looking forward to read the next part.

I Really enjoy reading dirty little secrets by Kendall Ryan that being said i have a question if you did not know the person at the time you went thought something is it a secret or just a untold story.
Emma bell is a head librarian doing a job that she loves , thing that happen in last relationship cause her to be wary of men.
Gavin kingsley is a the president of forbidden desires (escort agency) he good at his job cause he knows how to handle women. his last real relationship ended bad .
emma and gavin meet pretty much meet everyday at the coffee shop but never talk to each other but they notice each , one day on a whim gavin leaves his business card behind emma gets her hands on it.from that their lives wont be the same ,both them will be affect by the other, emma is draw to Gavin world she will makes choice she believe will help her and get know him better . there a third party involve gavin brother .cooper things get sticky fast. this book is very hot and steamy read. a quick page turner. emma seems to start to have confidence over her sexuality. gavin at times show his jealousy with cooper in the mix , but gavin demand control. at times i did not like gavin but i totally hope they end up together , the ending is explosive emma find out something that i don't know how gthey going to handle it . dirty little secret leave you with a cliff hanger you know you just have to read the next book .

OMG this duet! Ryan totally surprised me with this new take on dominant alpha males. Emma has been hopelessly lusting after the man in the coffee shop every morning for MONTHS. When fate gives her a way to possibly contact him, she puts on her big girl panties and goes for it. But this was much more than she could've ever imagined.

Gavin knows the hot little miss has been eyeing him and leaving his calling card was the right idea. But he knows he's no good for her, and he can never tarnish the innocent that is Emma. So how come he can't stand it when his younger brother begins to move in on the territory that he clearly wants to mark? OBVIOUSLY she has to spend time with BOTH brothers to find out which won could truly be right for her.

Oh this book is so devilishly dirty and will leave you craving for more! The layers peeled back behind Emma, Gavin, and his brother, Cooper feed just enough to have you flipping the next page to see where they'll head. Will this be the elusive menage-a-trios? Will Gavin stake his full claim on Emma? Would she dare to go for the brother that drives her inhibitions wild? Or is Cooper safe enough for her to find sexy and intriguing? GAH! I need to find out just how dark these three (Well four if you count Kendall!) are willing to go to find their HEA. Dirty Little Promise is coming out soon and I can't WAIT!

Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan is an entertaining contemporary romance. Ms. Ryan has delivered a book that is well-written. It is in first person, alternating point of view format, not my favorite. Gavin is part owner of an escort service. Emma is a librarian that has been fascinated with Gavin since she first saw him at a coffee shop. Their story is a twisted, emotional rollercoaster. There is plenty of drama, angst and sex. My least favorite part of this story is, yes, the dreaded cliff-hanger. I hate cliff-hangers and would have never read this if I had known ahead of time. Dirty Little Secret is book 1 of the Forbidden Desires Series. This is not a complete book and does end in a cliff-hanger. I'm glad I got this free through bookfunnel, I'd have been even more upset if I had actually paid for it.

I won't be reading any of the other books in the series.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 1/2 STARS!

Emotionally raw and tantalizing! I was hooked on the Kingsley brothers immediately! Yes, they are bad boys running a questionable business, but man are they hot! The character connection is explosive and leaves us gulping as we turn to the next page. Warning ... there is a cliffhanger! The good news is, the 2nd part of the series is out only a couple of weeks after the first, so it's a short time to wait for the conclusion. Great characters with an okay plot ... it's not super deep, but that's not really what you're looking for with this style of book. Looking forward to "Dirty Little Promise"!

Naive librarian Emma Bell's last relationship and break-up was brutal, so she's been lying low being single for awhile ... well, except for Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome that she's been sort of stalking at the coffee shop every morning for months now!

Gavin Kingsley runs a majorly successful business with his brothers. He's serious and demanding and used to getting what he wants in life. She doesn't think he's noticed her ... but he has ... and finally he leaves a little calling card to see if she takes the next step. Will she run for the hills when she learns all of his dirty little secrets?

Dirty Little Secret is stock full of hot mysterious men. Gavin and his brothers will burn this series up with their hotness.

Emma is the mild mannered librarian who has had enough of the quiet life. She fantasizes about a man in the coffee shop for months before she decides that she is ready to take life by the horns. She comes up with a plan, and as we all know things never go as planned. But in endeavoring to pursue her plan, she learns so much about her desires.

Gavin and his brothers grew up poor and set out to make something of themselves. They have reached their financial goals. They work hard and play hard, but none of them have real relationships. Gavin is the hardest working, grumpy brother that never takes time for himself...until Emma.

Cooper, Gavin's brother is always lingering about. Is he in love with Emma? Does he just want her as a good friend? He is just tormenting Gavin? Who knows.

Emma and Gavin burn the pages up with their almost childlike discover of real emotions. Their physical relationship is burning hot.

Can't wait to read the next installment in this series and find out the big secret and get more of these hot brothers.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

*arc provided for an honest and unbiased review*

while I did like the book, or storyline, I ran into some issues with the delivery. Gavin didn't come off as an alpha or dominant sometimes, sometimes he came off as a major jerk. and honestly, I questioned Emma a lot. she was very jumpy with her emotions on Gavin. she would feel one way, and just one word from him, changed her mind. and it wasn't an eventual change, it was immediately. it almost made her come off a little weak. but then on the other hand I really liked how she started to own her sexuality, of course not without Gavin making her feel guilty about it or him being an absolute a-hole after. again, always forgiven.

Gavin. Cooper. Gavin. Cooper. to me, the choice was clear. but apparently not to Emma Bell. but again, it didn't really come off as a love triangle or a back and forth. for her, it was always one person. there was just one person.

to me, there was just no flow between the back and forth with Gavin and Emma. the way it came off in the storyline was just choppy when it came to them. jumpy. it didn't flow as well, progress as easily as I needed it to. it felt so forced. and some information felt like it was not Important. who showed up at her door, when, why and how she reacted. it just felt like it didn't fit... but I'm sure book 2 will tell us more.

and now that we've left the story open in so.msmy different aspects, all the information we've been given should be answered in book two. while I do like Kendall Ryan's writing, I felt like this one fell short for me.

'Dirty Little Secret' by Kendall Ryan is the First Book in the New Series called "Forbidden Desires". This is the story of Emma Bell and Gavin Kingsley and there story doesn't end with this book. It continues into book Two "Dirty Little Promise" So there will be a cliffhanger at the end of this book.
Emma is a Librarian who is just getting back her life after after about a year ago she got away from her controlling and abusive boyfriend. In that time she has been going to a coffee shop were Gavin too is going. They have never spoken and this goes on for several months. Gavin has turned into Emma's dream about boyfriend. When she thinks he leaves her his business card in the tip jar she starts to research him and that leads her to his company. Gavin runs a Expensive Escort Service. There she meets Cooper who is Gavin's younger brother and Quinn the older brother Cooper is friendly and outgoing where Gavin isn't. Cooper talks Emma in being a face of their business by going to social scene with him and Gavin. So she goes out with each guy to whatever social scene they have to help promote the business. Emma's attraction for Gavin is just growing. While Gavin is finding it harder to ignore Emma. But Emma looks like an old Girlfriend that ended up dying. In addition, what Cooper thought he would get with this ideal was to bring Gavin back to who he used to be....but Cooper is finding himself starting to have feelings for Emma.
Loved this book and cannot wait for the next book!!!!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

This story is told from multiple points-of-view, namely Emma's, Gavin's, and Cooper's. So, does that mean there's a love triangle going on? Kind of, but while Emma's connection with Cooper is more warm and bordering on platonic, it's the one she has with Gavin that's scorching hot though not exactly romantic. There's an attraction that she feels for both brothers, and Cooper is clearly the one that would be far better for her still healing heart. However, there's something about Gavin that calls to her like a bear to honey...or maybe more of the fly to the spider. Agreeing to becoming an escort exclusively to both Gavin and Cooper may seem like a win-win, but a setup like theirs is bound to lead to one thing and one thing only--heartbreak--especially when dark secrets are revealed.

I thoroughly enjoyed Kendall Ryan's Imperfect Love and Roommates series, but it was also nice to see her delve into darker fare again. Emma's relationship with two out of three Kingsley brothers is an intriguing one. She's obviously got a more passionate connection with one of them, and it isn't too difficult to guess who she prefers to have in her bed because it's the same one that's been creeping into her heart from the beginning. This does end in a cliffhanger, and the ending brings up a part of one brother's past that has Emma heartbroken and reaching out to the other brother. I have my own feelings about that particular decision of hers but it does set things up rather nicely for the sequel, which is the conclusion to Emma's story. I'm giving Dirty Little Secret 4.5 stars out of five stars. ♥

I adore books about quite librarians with a naughtier side to them. Emma just hasn’t found her naughty side quite yet as she just left a physically abusive relationship. So here she is, this quite, beautiful woman who wants to help find herself again. She totally obsesses over this guy at a coffee shop and as chance finally works out for her, she gets his business card and now, the stalking kicks off! OK, ok… not exactly stalking but close anyway. I was really torn here… do we go for Gavin? Gavin the CEO of a very exclusive escort service. Or Cooper, Cooper the sexy and sweet man? Tough call for a woman with no options one minute and then she’s oozing sex the next minute!

I really liked Emma! She’s quite, she’s no risk taker, and she barely mustered the courage to leave an abusive relationship. So now she finds herself seduced by Gavin and Cooper! AND with another job as their exclusive escort… can you imagine?

So here is where I faltered a bit. I really expected some super naughty business going down now! But it kind of petered out. I think it’s the name mostly, Dirty Little Secret, you think you’re just getting that. It fell a bit short for me. I love Kendall Ryan’s writing. Her characterization building. Even the chemistry was there. Not exactly what I come to expect from a Kendall Ryan book.

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

I received a copy of Dirty Little Secret via Netgalley and am so grateful!

Dirty Little Secret is captivating, sexy, & overall will pull you in right away! This is book is everything and more that I had hoped it would be. Kendall Ryan I've said it before and I will say it again, you never disappoint. I love your stories and this story might be one of my favorites yet. I loved the Kingsley brothers and need much, much more of them.

I loved Gavin, I don't what it is about a dominating man but something makes me want more of him. I loved his chemistry with Emma, and am so excited to see what book two will hold for the two of them. Cooper is so sweet and I wanted so badly to cheer for him but Gavin is just my kind of man. However I feel like there could be a lot more in store for us where Cooper is concerned.

Thank you Kendall for this story, I loved it and I can't wait for more! I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else, where would the fun in that be. So if you're reading this review and wondering if you should read this book then my answer is, what are you waiting for?! Grab it now! I had the hardest time putting down my kindle to do my normal wifely and motherly duties because all I wanted was more, and to know what was going to happen next. This is the book for you if you love an alpha male who has a soft side that's hidden.

5 Stars from Brianna!

Kendall Ryan takes her readers on the start of an epically penned and beautifully seductive love story that will put you on the edge of your seat, dampen your panties, tug at your heartstrings, and have you begging for more.

Kendall Ryan... you naughty little minx. This was freaking brilliant and completely intriguing. Nothing like I've read from you before and everything I didn't know I needed to have. I'm not sure I've recovered from what I just read (this hangover is wicked bad) and I only have two thoughts.... I need more and I need it now.

Dirty Little Secret was a sexy little surprise that stole my heart and shattered me to pieces in all the right ways. This book was seductive, intense, passionate, naughty, and tantalizing with touches of angst and mystery that kept me hooked from the very start.

You have no idea what's ahead. You'll never see it coming.

No spoilers. No hints. You get nothing from me. Gavin, Cooper, and Emma (oh yes there is 3!) are an experience you have to read..and feel. Their journey was epic, dirty and oh-so addicting in all the right ways.

This is book one and ends on a wicked cliffhanger but no worries, book two is right around the corner.

If you like steamy romances that grip your heart..hard then this author and this book are worth the read.

I highly recommend this book.

--------

She’s much too innocent for me, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting the sweet, young librarian. I’m dominating and possessive, and my control streak runs a mile wide. The way she looks at me—like I’m one of the heroes in the books she loves, like I’m broken, and she wants to be the one to piece me back together—it only complicates things further. I’m nobody’s hero. But there’s no denying my tragic past reads like one of her favorite literary classics. It’s raw. Visceral. Captivating. And together, we’re a perfect mess.
This book had a great premise and started out interesting. However, as soon as the main characters interact, I lost interest. I really didn’t like any of the initial “official” meeting with Emma and Gavin. The interactions with his brother didn’t help it any. Unfortunately I was unable to finish the book because of this.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

4.5 STARS
I LOVED this book! I loved the uncertainty and the angst and the passion. I DEVOURED IT. A new top favorite from Kendall Ryan.
The innocent little librarian, Emma Bell, finds herself torn between Gavin and Cooper. Gavin is the mysterious stranger she has been lusting after. Once he is a stranger no more, she soon realizes that although she is irresistibly drawn to him, he is a clear danger to her heart. He also has a rather mysterious past. Some of the things he says and does are a little cold and downright shocking. Like his brother says, he's behaving like a kid who doesn't want to share his toy. Cooper, his brother, is also intrigued by Emma. Cooper is equally sexy, but has charm and manners on his side. A tug of war between the two brothers ensues, with one brother clearly pushing the other's buttons. Adding to the intensity and uncertainly of which brother she will choose is the fact that we get all three characters POV's. Just when you think you know which brother she is going to chose, something else happens which makes you doubt. While there are three players in this game, I wouldn't really say it's a love triangle. She isn't sleeping with or even kissing both brothers so if you are looking for a "safe" book, this still qualifies.
Wildly intriguing, a touch erotic and overflowing with suspense and angst. When it’s all said and done, Dirty Little Secret is going to leave you begging for more.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

For a while Kendall Ryan has been releasing stand-alone stories with a HEA at the end of each book. This is a welcome return by her to the genre of romance in which the first book ends with a cliff-hanger. She's great at both types of story, and this is no exception.

This is the love story of Emma and Gavin, and Cooper. No, there's no three-way here, at least not in the bedroom, but its a nice complex story. Gavin and Cooper are brothers, and they (along with a third brother Quinn) run Forbidden Desires a high-end escort service. I believe over the course of a series of books we'll see all three brothers stories. Emma comes to be employed by this agency in an arrangement with Cooper and Gavin, and so this becomes a three-perspective story in which we see Emma and the brothers struggle with their relationships to each other.

This is Ryan at her best. We get struggles through which we see the emotional depth of the characters are worked. We get heated scenes that are sexy but also meaningful. We get progressive insight into the backgrounds of the characters that have made them who they are.

If I had one complaint it might be the cliffhanger itself. I couldn't get as excited about it as I wanted to. Not quite sure that I view it as enough of a problem, so either I'm missing something or something wasn't there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Emma has been going to the same coffee shops for months now, because of him. She hopes he will say something against her and notice her, because she thinks he is hot.
One day he leaves his card and she finds out more about him and his business. She decides to go there and find him. Getting herself involved with Gavin and his brother Cooper. Gavin is the dark and grumpy one and Cooper the easy going one. But of course Emma falls for Gavin.

I like the way he acts like he doesn't care about her, but in the mean time he doesn't like it that his brother is going out with her too.
The moment in the limo is so hot, just wow. How he takes care of her. But afterwards, sigh.
But I can't help feeling sorry for him, because as a reader you know his side too and how his brother is playing with him.

Great story, full of fun, the day out Emma arranges for Gavin is so sweet!
And sparks who fly everywhere and the moments when Gavin does act, pfff so hot steaming hot.

I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know what was going to happen next. Only pity about the story is that this is a first part and not a whole book.
Looking forward to read the next part.

I Really enjoy reading dirty little secrets by Kendall Ryan that being said i have a question if you did not know the person at the time you went thought something is it a secret or just a untold story.
Emma bell is a head librarian doing a job that she loves , thing that happen in last relationship cause her to be wary of men.
Gavin kingsley is a the president of forbidden desires (escort agency) he good at his job cause he knows how to handle women. his last real relationship ended bad .
emma and gavin meet pretty much meet everyday at the coffee shop but never talk to each other but they notice each , one day on a whim gavin leaves his business card behind emma gets her hands on it.from that their lives wont be the same ,both them will be affect by the other, emma is draw to Gavin world she will makes choice she believe will help her and get know him better . there a third party involve gavin brother .cooper things get sticky fast. this book is very hot and steamy read. a quick page turner. emma seems to start to have confidence over her sexuality. gavin at times show his jealousy with cooper in the mix , but gavin demand control. at times i did not like gavin but i totally hope they end up together , the ending is explosive emma find out something that i don't know how gthey going to handle it . dirty little secret leave you with a cliff hanger you know you just have to read the next book .