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Secrets & Lies Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 2,075 ratings

I wasn’t supposed to want him. The bronzed god lying by my pool in tight shorts that left little to the imagination. But I was only human, and with the temptation constantly within reach, it was only a matter of time before I could no longer resist.

It was wrong. I knew that.

He was my son’s age.
Hell, he was my son’s friend.

But even worse...I was his teacher.

Secrets & Lies is a standalone teacher-student MM romance from USA Today bestselling authors Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09JFSX96C
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 29, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #89,763 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,075 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,075 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance novel for its hot and dirty chemistry, with one review describing it as a wickedly awesome teacher-student M/M story. The book features well-written dialogue and sweet characters, with one customer noting Ryder's bold and cocky personality. Customers appreciate the humor throughout the book, with one mentioning the flirty banter that made them chuckle, and find it easy to read, with one describing it as a quick read.

37 customers mention "Romance"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as a deliciously fantastic story with passionate moments, and one customer notes it's a wickedly awesome teacher-student M/M romance.

"...Secrets & Lies was so good I didn't want it to end! Taboo romance, student-teacher relationships, gah, give me more!..." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ash was sweet and endearing and Ryder was bold and cocky. Hot sex scenes didn't hurt either. Would recommend!" Read more

"...I loved their connection through their first love of art, and how it was so intertwined with who they were together and separately...." Read more

"...Yes, there are deliciously dirty and passionate moments between the main characters, but their relationship isn't "just" about that...." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"27 positive3 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic and well-done read, with one customer noting it's a fast and easy read.

"...This was a great read." Read more

"...so real you get to know them and hate for the book to and this was a great book just like all the others I highly recommend it" Read more

"...Definitely pick this up if you’re looking for something quick, hot and full of moments that will have you gasping for air...." Read more

"...Even so, Secrets & Lies is still a wickedly awesome 4.5-starred read." Read more

16 customers mention "Heat level"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat level of the book, describing it as hot and dirty with intense chemistry.

"this book was so emotional and so hot, it had me blushing and squealing into my pillow, while I admit there were some things that were different,..." Read more

"...Definitely pick this up if you’re looking for something quick, hot and full of moments that will have you gasping for air...." Read more

"...These two had a night of passion and their chemistry was crazy hot...." Read more

"...Really, that’s an understatement, they EXPLODE! The chemistry between these two is hot and so is their hookup...." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as a sweet story that is easy to read and a quick read.

"...This was a quick read and enjoyable." Read more

"...This is a relationship between a teacher and his student. I enjoyed the writing and how the characters developed throughout the book and their..." Read more

"Well, I always love how they manage to write the chemistry so real-felt...." Read more

"Loved the ending but was sort of stressed as I read this book. Awesome dialogue and MCs. They were good to each other and for each other...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer particularly noting Ryder's bold and cocky personality.

"...Sam for one was amazing! Also Aaron was a sweet side character...." Read more

"...Ryder, smartmouth handsome guy, was perfect for Ash. Adventurous and not shy in his stalking of Ash!..." Read more

"I’ll make this shorthand sweet. Taboo but hot. Characters you can’t help but love. Sucks you in. Doesn’t drag along. HEA...." Read more

"...no matter white and of course they are always great and their characters are so real you get to know them and hate for the book to and this was a..." Read more

9 customers mention "Humor"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, finding it entertaining with plenty of laughs throughout, and one customer notes the flirty banter that made them chuckle.

"...heat striking that wonderful balance alongside a pinch of angst and loads of wit...." Read more

"...Their flirty banter had me chucking and was one of the things I loved the most about them...." Read more

"...other collaborations these two authors develop, the story is rich, humorous and entertaining; as well as heartfelt and taunting...." Read more

"...Sucks you in. Doesn’t drag along. HEA. Gives you lots of laugh throughout along with tears and also happiness! Great combination of them all!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Sexiness"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sexy and cute, with one mentioning how beautifully the characters fed off each other.

"...was ON FIRE, but the heart underneath it all was surprising and beautiful! I love this Duo🙌🏻❤️..." Read more

"What can I say about these two beautiful men, Ash and Ryder? What words can be used to describe the absolute perfection of them?..." Read more

"I loved ash and ryder . Nice spicey forbidden romance. I loved them. Not much plot though..a teacher accidentally hooks up with student...." Read more

"...The way they fed off each other was beautiful." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging, with one describing it as addictive and another noting how it draws readers in.

"...balance of light, funny and steamy hot mm romance that was totally addictive." Read more

"...Taboo but hot. Characters you can’t help but love. Sucks you in. Doesn’t drag along. HEA...." Read more

"...hottest book i read for a long long time it was an absolute delight, intense and non apologetic this two fought for each other with passion and flame..." Read more

"...Hit sexy story with a bite of angst. Dive right in and enjoy." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2021
    “How was it that the first person to make me feel as though I’d found a home, the first person to make me feel alive, was the one person I couldn’t have?”

    Ash & Ryder just had one of those kismet meet cutes that dreams are made of. They were tethered to one another almost immediately and the push and pull they garnered with one another pulled me in immediately. You know when you read one of those books that just sucks you in right away? That was Ash and Ryder for me. I fell in love as quickly as they did and couldn’t stop.

    “Secrets & Lies,” is a forbidden age gap mm romance by the dynamic duo Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank. It is a standalone, and a student teacher romance. When I tell you they sizzled at their first interaction I mean it. I loved their connection through their first love of art, and how it was so intertwined with who they were together and separately. It showcased that age is just a number and I was rooting for them the entire time. Definitely pick this up if you’re looking for something quick, hot and full of moments that will have you gasping for air. I loved everything about this, and only hoped I could get more of them at the end.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2021
    The air outside may be nippy, but Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank's newest standalone M/M romance is bound to get fans and readers hot and bothered. Secrets & Lies is a forbidden romance between a thirty-six-year-old art teacher and his eighteen-year-old student. When Ash Delaney and Ryder Ellis first meet, the attraction isn't just mutual, it's momentous. The next time they see each other leaves them both stupefied. A line is drawn, one that Ash is determined not to cross, but Ryder proves to be an irresistible temptation. Ash knows better than to act on his feelings, but lust--and something that feels like...more--doesn't play by any rules, and maybe Ryder is worth breaking every single one of them. The question is: What could it cost them?

    If you're a reader who's sensitive about age gaps and relationships that may be looked upon with disapproval by many, then here's your heads-up because those two things are very much a part of Ash and Ryder's story. That being said, theirs isn't a tale that's only focused on sex and the physical, which is what I love most about this book. Yes, there are deliciously dirty and passionate moments between the main characters, but their relationship isn't "just" about that. This was a romance, with heart and heat striking that wonderful balance alongside a pinch of angst and loads of wit.

    I wouldn't be surprised if there were readers who thought that Ash was older and should have stood his ground and that Ryder shouldn't have pushed. Here's the thing, though: love and lust are powerful forces and trying to tame either one, especially when it's as true and encompassing as Ash and Ryder's, would have been foolhardy. If I had to nitpick, I would've liked actual on-page interactions between Ryder and his dad, and maybe that would've given a deeper dive into who Ryder was away from Ash, just like we got to see glimpses of Ash with his son, Sam, as well as an artist and teacher. Even so, Secrets & Lies is still a wickedly awesome 4.5-starred read.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    I have read quite a few age gaps but this one was a definite hit. There were OMG moments, the spice was ON FIRE, but the heart underneath it all was surprising and beautiful! I love this Duo🙌🏻❤️
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021
    Spoilers Ahead***

    This book was boring, which is unfortunate considering how excited I was to read it. This storyline had so much potential, but, it failed to live up to its hype. To fully do this storyline justice, it needed to be expanded into either a duology or trilogy. With the first book ending in heartbreak, as the two lovers are forced to go their separate ways, and the second and/or third ones centered on them finding their way back into each other’s lives at some point in the future (maybe a few years down the line). Or maybe the book itself simply needed to be longer. It needed something to add another layer of emotional angst and suspense. Without it, it fell flat, with the wrap up entirely too clean and neat for a relationship that carries this element of taboo.

    A stand-alone novel doesn’t work for this couple, at least not as it was presented. As it stands, it didn’t feel like a fully a fleshed out novel. We never even got to meet Ryder’s father, the interaction with side characters was limited because everything - all of the main highlights -, the highs, lows, and eventual resolution between the two primary characters had to be squeezed into this one book. When that happens, something has to take a backseat. In most cases, that’s development of side characters, as scenes primarily focus on the main couple; and also the relationship itself can fall short of believability, with the author not doing enough to convince readers that their love is true as the romance jumps from A to Z in a short timeframe.

    That seemed to be the case here. While I felt the chemistry between Ryder and Ash, I didn’t feel the love connection, it lacked believability because most of their interactions naturally turned to sex. At one point, I had a hard time distinguishing this book from an erotica because every conversation between Ash and Ryder was heavy with innuendo…and not much else. They didn’t have a legitimate, substantive based discussion about anything of relevance until the 66% mark when the story was already halfway over. So you can imagine then why it was a little difficult for me follow along when Ash and Ryder then suddenly start talking about being pre-destined for one another, and falling in love. There was no lead up to that beyond them having great sexual chemistry. While I’m all for pre-ordained relationship and love at first sight in the context of romance books, there still needs to be ample evidence that supports that outside of two characters just declaring that they’re in love.

    Especially, especially, when it involves an 18 year old who is with someone twice his age. This is even more true when said 18 year old appears to still be grappling with maturity issues; and is on the brink of graduating high school, preparing to venture off into the real world for the first time in his life. Which is why this book doesn’t work. In order to convince readers of the longevity of a relationship between characters with a significant age gap, where one is extremely limited in their life experiences, you have to build a really strong case for their love. That love, true love is the only justification as to why an 18 year old is willing settle down at such a young age….and I just didn’t buy it here. Ryder went from carrying lube and condoms in his wallet “in case of emergency” to saying that Ash was what he had been searching for. It didn’t read as very believable because it was out of alignment with the character profile the authors had originally established for Ryder. He read as someone who was happy sowing his oats, ready to embark on the next phase in his life as he prepared to apply to art schools, which fits with the typical 18 yr. old male graduating from high school. As opposed to somebody who had been searching for his one true love. Perhaps it would have been more believable if the authors stated Ryder had found home when he had least expected it, when he didn’t even realize it was the missing piece in a life starved for an anchor and stability. Instead of randomly throwing out that it was something he had ALWAYS been searching for? Since when had an 18 yr. old, completely unfamiliar with monogamous relationships, so much so that he carried around condoms and lube as a “just in case”, been in search of and ready to settle down with a singular lover he could call his own? In other words, authors failed to establish a foundation for that line of thinking, threw it out past the 50% mark when they needed to tie in the love angle, and as such, it failed to make sense. They tried to treat the story as they would a normal romance between adults who are older and of a similar age - and don’t have to contend with the same level of taboo and stigmatization -, instead of adjusting to account for the uniqueness of this situation.

    I get why someone like a Ryder who had moved around a lot would crave stability, but, that isn’t enough to justify or build a strong case for a long-term romance between these two at this stage in their lives. There weren’t really any of those deep conversations or truly intimate moments outside of sex that ultimately create the foundation for a mental and emotional connection with someone. There was nothing to support Ash and Ryder’s claims of being destined for each other nor was there enough to convince readers that they have the type of love and compatibility needed to overcome their stark differences. It came off as cheesy and over the top. (No really, many of the sex laced conversations between the main characters read as cheesy. Especially on Ryder’s end.) I also agree with other readers that the blurb was misleading. Ryder and Sam (Ash’s son) were not best friends. They were friendly acquaintances who only met AFTER the heroes had already slept together….and even then, Ryder’s pretense at being cool with Sam was only a manipulation to keep in close contact with Ash, who had severed personal ties after he discovered that Ryder was a student in his class. Which is why Sam felt more concerned about his dad getting in trouble when he found out about the affair than a sense of betrayal. He was surprised and shocked, and worried about the potential fallout…but never truly angry at Ryder (or Ash for that matter) - as one would typically feel after finding out their “best friend” betrayed their trust and friendship in such a manner -, because there wasn’t one to begin with; there was no built history between the two outside of a few interactions.
    21 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Ray Flores
    4.0 out of 5 stars Age gap, forbidden love, teacher/student also SMOCKING HOT!
    Reviewed in Mexico on February 7, 2023
    My love for Ash and Ryder was a surprise ‘cause there’s an 18-year gap between them, and they’re also teacher/student, which means, a forbidden relationship. But, as you may guess, I loooove when Brooke and Ella write together, so, I took my chances and my god, I’m so glad I did.

    Ash and Ryder meet in an art workshop on a Sunday, and they instantly click. The flirting is there from the very beginning and they eventually hook up in an alley, without knowing much about each other –their needs and bodies fit and that’s what matters.

    But when the next day comes, both realize they’re in the same high school class: with Ash as the art teacher and Ryder as the senior student who has two months left before graduation.

    Now, this wasn’t supposed to happen. They liked each other outside of school but things got complicated and breaking the rules was an absolute no. Until Ryder took it as a challenge. But who could blame him? Ash is perfect: a 36 y/o man working his way through arts despite being a single parent. He’s kind, charming and can sure get things done.

    Ryder, on the other hand, acts way more mature for his age and though he’s still figuring things out about his career, he knows for sure he wants Ash with him along the way. Ryder won’t give up until he has what he wants: Ash all over him, in any way he would take him.

    Plus, you already know Brooke and Ella can write the sexiest men out there and believe me when I tell you it was inferno hottt!!! I absolutely loved the banter, the flirting and how Ash tried to resist Ryder, but couldn’t in the end. They both knew their story wouldn’t end up in just a hook up and I’m glad they sort things out without hurting others or each other. They were perfect together and bring the best in each other.

    This book had the perfect mix of sexiness, amazing chemistry between the MCs, and of course I could feel the praise for arts in itself. I totally recommend this to anyone who wants to spend a scorching hot time with it! I promise you, it’s worth it.
  • C Fuller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great story!
    Reviewed in Australia on November 29, 2021
    Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine make a wicked writing team! They are both an automatic for me. This story had the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. The way they weave a story is so beautiful, you fall in love with Ryder and Ash as they fall in love with each other. 10/10 recommend reading. Thanks for another amazing story!
  • Charlotte Collard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another hit ! 🔥
    Reviewed in France on December 1, 2021
    Can you ever not like a book by those two 🤔
    I had been waiting for this one and again it did not disappoint !
    The chemistry between Ryder and Ash is amazing!!
    Their interactions and both hot and honest, I would not put it down !
    Might have to read it a second time 😬😬
  • Mogi
    5.0 out of 5 stars nice
    Reviewed in Germany on December 27, 2021
    Mal wieder ein tolles Buch von diesen beiden Autorinnen.
    Ich konnte das Buch kaum aus den Händen legen. Es gibt viele heiße Szenen und die beiden Charaktere sind unglaublich sympathisch.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Secrets & Lies
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2021
    Absolutely superb,thoroughly enjoyed every bit. Right from the start you were just drawn to them both. Chemistry was off the charts. Would definitely recommend reading this. Beautiful story with a perfect ending.

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