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Review: Wicked as Secrets by Shayla Black
Wicked as Secrets
Shayla Black
Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire Series, Book 7
Matt and Madison part 1
May 16, 2023 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
He’ll do anything to protect her from danger…but it will cost her everything.
Security specialist Matt Montgomery has never forgotten—or forgiven—Madison Archer for walking away and ripping out his heart. Three years later, she crashes back into his life, terrified that her wealthy husband is trying to kill her. Matt vows to protect Madison…but there’s a price. He’ll have revenge by making her submit to his every sexual demand.
Part of a powerful, ruthless political dynasty, Madison’s soon-to-be ex has deep, dark secrets. When uncovering them nearly proves fatal, she turns to the one man she knows can protect her—the lover she’s never been able to forget. Matt’s ultimatum is both shocking and intoxicating. But if she wants to keep herself and her ailing father alive, he’s her only option.
As the danger escalates, so do Madison and Matt’s feelings. But navigating their rocky past while trying to stay one step ahead of her deadly husband proves perilous. Will their forbidden love survive the danger and give them a second chance at happiness?
**Wicked as Secrets is part of the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire romantic suspense series. Stories in this series are told in a duet of two full-length novels. Each duet can be read as a standalone. Includes strong language, sexy times, alpha male attitude, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Enjoy!**
4 Stars
Matt and Madison had that kind of connection that you know it’s something special. Chemistry was only the beginning. They had a connection on a level that was deeper than either one of them now. And then it just ended. Did he break her heart or did she break his period?
Fast forward a few years, and Madison finds herself in the deepest of deep trouble. On the run, and no one to trust there’s only one person that she knows can even begin to help her. Matt finds medicine outside his window and knows in an instant that she is in trouble, and he must help her.
Full disclosure for this review. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
Secrets and lies, on the run and danger just behind. Wicked as Secrets starts was so packed action and doesn’t let up. Madison and Matt begin to deal with her unresolved issues while still feeling the connection that has never burned out. With serious danger just over their shoulders, they work together with some of our favorite Shayla black characters to find a way to get Madison safe. Just when they think they have some things figured out, everything hits the fan and puts everyone in a position they would rather not be in. Madison knows everything is hanging on a person she can’t trust. Matt is about to lose his mind over something. He should be able to help control.
As a general rule, I am not a fan of cliffhanger books, but yet I love this series. Fortunately, Miss Black is kind to her readers and doesn’t make us wait too too long.
Review: More Than Possess You by Shayla Black
More Than Possess You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6.75
1001 Dark Nights
I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.
I’ve got to step in.
It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
Shayla Black takes the reader to tropical Hawaii with the next chapter in the More Than Words series with More Than Possess You.
Hayes Elliott and Echo Hope have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They do have a tight knit group of friends yet the two are closer than close. When Hayes and good friend Xavian Costa are heading to maui for a work thing Hayes finds it fitting to invite Echo along. What should be a week in Paradise becomes a realization of many things.
More Than Possess You goes beyond friendship and what you see on the outside. It is about love and longing. Learning there’s more and the passion is so sweet. Hayes is so possessive but yet extremely tender at the same time. His heart is in the right place yet he doesn’t seem to notice what is right under his nose. Echo is one smart cookie. She took a giant leap, putting everything on the line. I enjoyed watch this friendship turn into something so much more.
Review: Seduced by the Spy by Shayla Black
Seduced by the Spy
Shayla Black
Forbidden Confessions Series, Book 6
Expected publication: June 1st 2021 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
What will she surrender to him for his protection?
I’m Vanessa.
Someone has broken into my place…but taken nothing.
I’m terrified.
And alone.
My work crush appears unexpectedly and offers to keep me safe.
At what price?
We have a past Rush doesn’t remember…
So I offer him a night he won’t forget.
But he already knows everything about me—my ambitions, habits, and forbidden desires.
And that’s not the only secret he’s been keeping…
A single kiss leaves more than a lasting impression. A longing with wants for years to come.
Vanessa brazenly kissed Rush on a prom night years ago and has been the man of her thoughts for years to follow. When Rush turns up in her present day life, working in the same building Vanessa’s dreams of what could be reawaken. Yet she wonders, does he even remember.
Rush lives a very dangerous life and holds many dark secrets. His mission- protect the bosses daughter. Protect the one woman he’s wanted more than anything in his life. He remembers Vanessa. Remembers her feel and taste. As painstaking as it is, Rush keeps his hands to himself until danger falls upon Vanessa and Comfort is what she needs. By God he’s going to be the one to give it to her.
Seduced By the Spy is my favorite story of Shayla Black’s Forbidden Confessions series. Vanessa is a strong woman with goals. Rush has had his hands in the dirtiness of the world. Him feeling like he’s not good enough for her and she thinking he doesn’t even see her. They are absolutely perfect together. Rush and Vanessa take reader on a ride of emotions, action , laughter and super hot sexy time. Ms. Black packs a punch with this forbidden confession.
Review: Wicked as Lies by Shayla Black
Wicked as LIes
Shayla Black
Wicked and Devoted, Series, Book 3
Expected publication: February 9th 2021 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
He’s reckless. She’s forbidden.
And he’s done caring that she’s the enemy.
Chase “Zyron” Garrett left a bloody stint with Uncle Sam for the personal security business. His employment agreement forbids hookups with co-workers, which isn’t a problem—until Tessa Lawrence, the office secretary and single mom, is harassed by her vengeful ex-boyfriend. Zy is assigned to protect her, but the moment he meets the gorgeous blonde, those contractual restrictions tighten around him like a noose.
Tessa Lawrence is alone in the world…except for her newborn baby, and she’s determined to survive without anyone’s help. Then Zy walks through her door. Fiercely protective yet tender, he’s everything she wants in a man, lover, and father for her daughter. But he’s totally off-limits. If she falls for him, she’ll be fired.
When a teammate is captured and the enemy predicts their every move, it’s clear they’ve got a mole. The bosses task Zy with discovering their traitor, and all clues point to the woman he’s losing his heart to. With danger lurking, he’s caught in a tangle of unquenched need and searing betrayal. Will their love be the greatest casualty of all?
4 Stars
Nothing like being put into the position of where the choices are bad and worse. So what is an alpha male to do? Give into the temptation and deal with the fallout, lose the woman he doesn’t have, possibly betray a friend, give the bosses a piece of his mind and mess up his own head in the process. Just for starters.
Wicked as Lies is a slow action packed, on the edge of your seat story with a slow burn romance. Tessa and Zyron are attracted to each other from the moment they meet. Being coworkers makes them off-limits but yet circumstances have put them together that has made a profound impact in both of their lives. Two very strong people are tested in ways they never imagined, yet keep their heads held high as they face the pain they can’t seem to do anything about. There is a wicked game afoot and telling the players from the pawns is cutting soul deep.
Wicked as Lies Will take you through the whole range of emotions from swooning at sweetness to wanting to smack someone upside the head because they’re acting like a fool. Tessa and Zyron are as intense as their story is dangerous.
Shayla Black has readers waiting on their knees, with bated breath, for the sure to be epic conclusion of Zyron and Tessa story in Wicked and True.
Review: More Than Protect You by Shayla Black
More Than Protect You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6.5
1001 Dark Nights #133
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black comes a new story in her More Than Words series…
Can I keep the gorgeous, gun-shy single mother safe—and prove I’m the man for her?
I’m Tanner Kirk—Certified firearms instructor and mixed martial arts enthusiast. When I filed for divorce at the end of an empty marriage, all I wanted was a vacation in paradise, not another woman in my life. But how can I possibly say no to Amanda Lund, a young single mom desperate to learn self-defense? Or refuse the banked desire on the guarded beauty’s face?
I can’t.
So I seduce Mandy until we’re burning up the sheets…and soon find my heart entangled with her bruised and battered one. But when a nemesis from her past tries to destroy our future by unearthing my secret, will she understand and forgive me—or give up on us forever?
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
Review: More Than Dare You by Shayla Black
More Than Dare You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6
4 Stars
I honestly don’t know how Ms. Black does it. The intimacy level of each book of the More Than Words series is more so than the last. More Than Dare You may be the most Intimate of them all. Two people hurt by love, find themselves being swept up in the simplistic intimacy that lies within a kiss. A kiss that is the kindling needed to the beginning of something deeper, bigger and far more than either one could have expected.
I Love a single dad story. I may be biased because my own other half was a single father when we met. Trace may have been a player but he was never malicious. The man was just a lover of women. Changing his ways on a moment’s notice to make the best life for his son. Trace is fun loving and has a personality that can’t be beat yet he’s genuine and caring. He’s a man that knows that family is more than blood and family means almost everything to him.
Masey is a sweet woman who has this sassy side that I loved. She is beautiful and most of it shines from the inside out. Every bit of who she is shine through the wonderful person that she is. Coming out of a ten year relationship that was not as it seemed does things to a girl. Trying to rid herself of the lingering cloud of ex, Masey throws caution to the wind, steps out of her box and learns what she thought was nowhere near the real thing.
What should have been a one night stand quickly became an intimate journey of something more than anticipated. Masey and Trace are simply beautiful together. The beautifulness that is her nature along with that touch of sass paired with his charm, giving nature and dedication make them A fun and interesting couple. I love the patients Trace shows while allowing Masey to become comfortable with herself. Together they have fun, shared some of the most intimate moments and along the way realized that being apart from each other was no way to be. More Than Dare You will consume you in emotional intimacy from beginning to end. I dare you to give it a try.
Review: Seducing the Enemy by Shayla Black
Seducing the Enemy
Shayla Black
Forbidden Confessions Series, Book 4
Kindle Edition, 87 pages
Expected publication: June 25th 2020 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
Once he takes his pound of flesh from her, will she steal his heart?
I’m Jett, self-made billionaire.
I have everything I could ever want—except revenge.
Eight years ago, my best friend and I planned to start a business together…
Until I fell for his little sister.
After he found out, he stole my idea and made a fortune.
She took his side and stabbed me in the back.
Now he’s in financial straits, while I’m richer than I ever dreamed.
So I made Whitney a bargain: forty million dollars in exchange for a week of her body.
But now that she’s in my bed, what if it’s not animosity I feel?
What if I fall for her again?
Enjoy this Forbidden Confession. HEA guaranteed!
4 Stars
Is it a confession, a fantasy or a longing. Shayla Black’s latest in the Forbidden Confession Series, Seducing the Enemy is a quickie read that will more than bring the heat.
Jett is set on revenge. He’s willing to do anything and everything it takes to get his pound of flesh for the injustice done to him. That is what his mind is telling him but his heart is another story. Whitney Is willing to do anything to help save her brother’s company. A week of belonging to a man who is not her fiancé to save her brothers $40 million company, is it a sacrifice or is it a secret longing that Whitney has been craving?
Holy hotness! I absolutely enjoyed this quickly. Whitney has sass and confidence even if you don’t see it at the surface level. Jett is a powerhouse of a man with a romantic bone that I didn’t see him having. The two combust with chemistry from the moment you meet them. Even when they’re fighting it’s sexy. I loved how the story went from being a downright revenge tactic to something so much more. Seducing the Enemy will make a hot summer afternoon that much hotter.
Review: Wicked Ever After by Shayla Black
Wicked Ever After
Shayla Black
Wicked & Devoted Series, Book 2
The exciting conclusion of One-Mile and Brea’s story!
He’s dangerous. She’s his—even if he scares her. But once he unravels her secrets, he’ll risk everything to claim her for good.
Sniper Pierce “One-Mile” Walker nearly had everything he ever wanted—until a fateful mission stripped it all away. Now an outcast, he’s forced to watch the off-limits beauty who stole his heart slip through his fingers. Left with nothing but revenge, he’s determined to defeat evil and win her back. But when he learns she’s planning a future without him, he vows he’ll break every rule and defy all odds to make her his again—forever.
Brea Bell was always a good girl…until Pierce Walker. Despite everyone’s warnings, she gave the rough warrior her body—and her heart. When she receives news that shatters her world, he devastates her by walking away. Terrified of losing all she’s ever known, Brea tucks away her dreams and commits to a “safe” future. Then Pierce appears in the dead of night, challenging and seducing her. Brea isn’t sure she can trust him…but she also can’t say no.
Angry and betrayed, he leaves to pursue vengeance, while her sins are exposed to the world, forcing her to fight painful battles. Can Brea and Pierce conquer the dangers that threaten their happily ever after…or will fate wrench them apart forever?
4.5 Stars
Wicked Ever After is the intense and emotional conclusion to Brea and One-Mile’s epic story.
Picking up right where Wicked As Sin left off. One-Mile drops a bomb of information then has to leave for a mission. Brea’s life is changing faster than she can blink. Emotions are high, life is intense and just when they think it may be leveling out another wave hits full force. I don’t think there could be two more opposite people then Brea and One-Mile. Yet they find a way to balance each other out perfectly. While both of them lead a life of service they do it from very opposite sides. One gives and the other takes yet they both try to make life for others a better place.
Brea finds herself within the pages of Wicked Ever After. I love that she found her voice, learned how to use it and was able to stand up for herself. One-Mile is an amazing gentleman disguised as someone who didn’t give a care in the world. Now don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side, but it just proves the perceptions and assumptions are not always fact.
Shayla Black continues to amaze me with the depth of emotion and The varying levels of intimacy that she gives us within her amazing stories. I am not a fan of duet type books and I really don’t care for cliffhangers. I have to give Ms. Black credit for not letting us readers hanging for too long and making the second part of the book just as engaging if not more than the first. Brea and One-Mile Have an intricate story that’s like an insane roller coaster ride. One minute you’re excited and the next your heart is about to jump out of your chest. The ride they take us one is not easy but we’ll worth it in the end.
Review: Dirty and Dangerous by Shayla Black
Dirty and Dangerous
Shayla Black
Trading pleasure for information is no way to catch a criminal…or is it?
With fifty grand at stake and a star-witness missing, bounty hunter R. A. Thorn and Detective Cameron Martinez reluctantly team up to and put their bodies on the line to make gorgeous informant Brenna Sheridan a deal: everything she knows in exchange for everything she desires.
Their heated interrogation explodes into an unexpected experience none can forget or forego. Commitment-shy Thorn is sure their “deal” is nothing but pure, sizzling lust. Cam knows it’s more. But Brenna is keeping dangerous secrets, one a mafia boss is intent on learning—before silencing her forever. While on the run, her past spills out. And when shocking desires are revealed, there’s no turning back…
Can the guys come together to protect and serve the woman they want to claim for good before the threat ends her?
Short Novel
*(Formerly titled Dangerous Boys and Their Toy. Contents of this book are unchanged.)
4 Stars
This book is intense on so many levels. From page one the action is in your face and bam, it keeps coming at you. A complex situation that gives a fast-moving plot and multi-layered characters with intense personalities.
Thorn is raw, aggressive and very alpha. Being a bounty hunter is very fitting for him. Thorn is the love them and leaves them, type of guy. Cameron is as observant as he is a charmer. He had a way with people that makes them melt into his hands. He has finesse and patients and knows the meaning of being sensitive and how to use sensitivity. Cam’s way with words is a gift. Brenna is a woman trying to get answers to questions she’s been asking for a lifetime. One man connects these three people and is the first link in a fast chain of events that changes each of them down to the soul.
Dirty and Dangerous is a quick-moving, action-filled, intensely intimate and hot as sin itself. Shayla Black once again draws readers in with raw emotions, a great story and some wicked romance that just may leave readers panting. Thorn, Cam, and Brenna together found a way to help, save, free and understand and love. I loved the open-mindedness and the natural progression in which the relationship developed. It may have been quick but it gave me goosebumps and chills while reading. Dirty and Dangerous is a male, male, female ménage that is beyond hot.
Review: More Than Pleasure You by Shayla Black
More Than Pleasure You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 5.5
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black comes a new story in her More Than Words series…
Can I convince her our hot but temporary engagement should last forever?
I’m Stephen Lund, confirmed bachelor…and son of a successful billionaire whose sins I can’t forget—or forgive. After he delivered an ultimatum to either get over his transgressions or get out of the family business, I put space between us with a temporary getaway to Maui. My rental’s sexy caretaker, Skye Ingram, is a beautiful distraction. Yeah, it’s a terrible time to start a fling, but I can’t help wanting to give her every bit of pleasure she’s willing to take.
When Skye needs a date to her ex-boyfriend’s wedding, I’m game to play her pretend fiancé. The jerk should see what he passed up…and that I’m holding her now. But our pretend engagement begins to feel real. Our passion certainly is. So are the consequences. When I’m confronted with the reality that our lives are now irrevocably entwined, I have to choose between leaving Skye to return to the life—and wealth—I’ve always known or abandoning everything familiar to start over with the woman who awakened my heart.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
4 Stars
When an overheard phone call pushes two people together, is it fate working her hand. Stephen is on a working vacation with a little bit of soul searching. Skye needs a miracle of a date to wedding so the ex’s mother will leave her alone for good. Hello fate!!!! Stephen and Skye have the attraction and chemistry, not to mention the heat they throw back and forth with each other. Throwing caution to the wind Stephen and Skye give in the passion and desires, the raw feeling and emotions that they have created. When the foundation starts to crumble under the two, in steps the Reeds to lead their helping hand.
I love the depth of emotion and rawiness of the More Than Words Series. Each story of the series has hit my heart in one way or another. More Than Pleasure You, I can happily say hits all the right buttons and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. I love that Ms. Black gets deep into the minds and emotions of both Stephen and Skye. Yet they are fun together and the banter they share is remarkable. It was highly enjoyable to see Stephen and Skye figure it out.
Coffee Books Life 