| Title | : | Wicked Secrets (Ridge Rogues, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle , Hardcover , Paperback , Audiobook & More |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2020 |
It was dark.
It was ugly.
It was my dirty secret.
No one knew the weight of the burdens that nearly consumed me.
I lived with a singular focus—seeking revenge on my father.
Then the new girl, Jolee Ward, moved into the apartment above me and shattered my carefully constructed world.
We were like oil and water. . . until we weren’t.
Then we detonated like gasoline and fire, but the inferno threatened to destroy us both.
One night with her couldn’t erase years spent plotting.
Wellington University wasn’t big enough for the both of us.
(Previously published as Of Boys and Men)
Wicked Secrets (Ridge Rogues, #1) Reviews
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This book was intense but so so so good. When Jolee and Ford first meet it isn’t the best of interactions and they instantly come to hate each other but love to pick on each other. Ford has this giant chip on his shoulder and is set out for nothing more than revenge against the one person who ruined his life and he intends to never stop until that person is ultimately destroyed. I loved his adoptive family dynamic and his brothers that stood by him through thick and thin. Ford, he enjoys torturing Jolee and something about her makes him not want to seek out revenge at least for a little while, so he decided he wants her but can’t have her which leads to a lot of back and forth fickle emotions and actions. Jolee has left her home in Alaska to get away from a past and overbearing family, she never expected to be anywhere on Ford or The Ridge Rogues radar. The tension between Ford and Jolee is so tangible you can feel it coming off the pages and their back and forth love/hate steamy moments had me on the edge of my seat. A great story that shows us how we can move on after tragedy and find our own piece of happiness. I loved the storyline, family that may not be blood but are there always, and all the hurdles that was placed in each characters way to overcome. I am beyond excited for more of The Ridge Rogue boys.
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3,5 💔❤️❤️⚡️🔥⚡️🌟s❣️❣️❣️
Ford and Jolee made an explosive couple, with an off the charts chemistry! Their banter and push and pull had the appropriate proportion in keeping my interest high.
The story was very well written, with dual pov and an engaging plot.
The last few chapters evolved too fast, as if the author was rushing to get to the end. Everything was wrapped up conveniently and abrupt.
Moreover, Ford’s foster brothers were introduced as much as to intrigue me and looking forward for their stories❣️ -
I disliked the hero immediately because he was very rude so I lost my enthusiasm about reading this book at the very beginning but I still tried. Yet there was something about the writing which made it impossible for me to feel connected. It felt superficial and shallow.
Then, I skimmed and scanned to see how it goes and ends. Although I liked the heroine at first, I must say I hated it when she had sex with that bully before he made up for his hateful behavior. Then I just wanted to get rid of this book so I skimmed some more and read the end.
I definitely won't continue the series... -
This was an excellent enemies to lovers & the kick off to what I hope will be an excellent series. Ford & Jolee instantly disliked one another, and that didn’t change, at first.
I really enjoyed the buildup and back and forth between them. I also enjoyed the dynamics between Ford and his family.
This was my first read by this author, and I would definitely read again. -
I always look forward to reading this authors books and this book is a real enemies to lovers romance that you will not be able to put down because these two characters will pull you in. This is a new series by this author that you will love reading and cant wait to grab book two in the series. This is book #1 in the Ridge Rogues Series.
Jolee is a really strong person and she has had things very tough with her very strict parents and she wants to spread her wings a little and feel the world. When she gets accepted at Wellington University she totally jumps at the chance and cant wait. Willow her cousin helps her out with some where to stay and showing her what's what. Jolee has just moved into the apartment above after getting away from her difficult mother and when she meets Ford and they defiantly did not make a good first impression on one another.
Ford is a hard man or that's what he wants everyone to think. Him and his brothers were all adopted and Tracy and Adam there adoptive parents took all 6 of them in and gave them love and a home to call there own, they all grew very close. All the boys had had it very tough at some point and Tracy was a guiding hand for them all. Ford has women throwing themselves at him but that's not what he wants right now, revenge is, and he does not have time for anything else.
Both of these souls have been through some really tough times and at the beginning when they first meet they hate hate each other and tensions are very high. They have a connection though its quite fast and they have a lot of feelings all over the place. Ford does have a caring side to him to that he hardly shows to anyone. I always love this authors writing as she keeps you hooked and you cant stop turning the pages to see what happens next. This book made my emotions go up and down and I really connected with each of these characters. This book has a lot of tension, love, hope and drama and this author is fabulous at making her stories flow completely. I love books that have epilogues too as I always feel like they add something extra special to the stories which I always love. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of this book in exchange for an complimentary honest voluntary review. Watching the journey that these two travel is a beautiful watch and seeing to will they wont they will keep you turning those pages and I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.
This book is expected to be released on 18th June 2020. -
REVIEW FOUND ON BLOG
https://www.emilythebooknerd.com/2020...
Our main character Jolee goes off to college. She's moving into her new apartment and accidentally runs into a hottie who lives in her apartment. He brushes her off and acts like a complete jerk. At the start of class, the same boy enters her classroom and immediately claims that she is in "his seat." A new enemy to lovers romance ensues.
Ford continues to taunt Jolee all throughout the semester. Their banter quickly turns to a wild flirtation and then to love. I am a sucker for an enemy to lovers trope. It is probably one of my favorite tropes of all time. Both main characters need to realize that they deserve love.
Ford has a dark past and is adopted. I loved seeing the dynamic of an adoptive family. It made for a really interesting premise. Of Boys and Men had a great way of showing that blood does not make a family. All of Ford's brothers would do anything for each other. I loved Ford's family.
I wish the story was not as predictable as it was. I really did not care for the drama in the story. I wanted more steamy moments than we were given. Parts of the book were pretty whiny. Jolee dreams of opening her own animal rescue one day. Having animals in the book made me smile a lot during those parts. I am a huge dog and animal lover.
The ending felt rushed to me. There could have been a twist at the end but it ended the way that you would expect it to. Of Boys and Men is a great book to read if you need a fast and easy read. The book is written in a dual perspective which kept me intrigued. I love hearing two sides to stories. I wish I could have seen more character growth between the two main characters. Both were a little overly dramatic. Overall, Of Boys and Men was an average read for me. -
Wow no words Renee Harless has done another great book, I just love the two main characters, Ford and Jolee it's a rollercoaster but it's has such a great ending. You can tell how the two main characters get each other. Y'all need to grab it and love it I know I did and can't wait for more of the brothers.
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The heat between Jolee and Ford melts through the pages straight to your soul! The push and pull between their sizzling hate hooks you instantly!
If there was one word to describe these two at the beginning of the book that word is broken! Both Jolee and Ford have pain that they carry! They are both trying to find their place and Heal what’s been broken! Their first encounter sets off events that neither anticipated! As their hate grows so does their desire! With each heated encounter though they are uncovering pieces of the other that allows them to see what others do not!
What started out as hate morphs into lust and lead them feeling emotions they didn’t know were possible! As the semester continues and truths are discovered they both need to decide what’s more important, matters of revenge or matters of the heart!
A beautiful beginning of a new series that will quickly become your addiction! -
If you love an angsty, enemies to lovers romance, then this new release from Renee Harless is for you.
In an effort to start anew, Jolee moves across the country to continue her college education and connect with a cousin she knows almost solely from video chats. Who knew she would stand out more at this little school than she did at home. And that was before she caught "his" attention.
Ford has one focus. Revenge. He doesn't have time for the spitfire that moved into the apartment above him. The more she intrigues him, the bigger jerk he is.
They are like oil and water. But when they come together, it's like gasoline on a flame. They both combust.
They are from two different worlds. Have different goals. Are totally wrong for each other. So why can't they stay away from each other?
You'll love meeting the characters in this new series from Renee Harless. A few very hot, alpha males that I'm sure we are going to learn to love. -
Jolee and Ford might have started off on the wrong foot but they immediately felt that zing when they bumped into each other on the stairwell. And even though Ford had issues and he wanted to deal with them himself, it was starting to burden him but he didn't want to include his family on any of the familial drama he was dealing with at the time.
Jolee was a good girl who had her head on straight and she had goals that she wanted to accomplish. She might come from an unloving home but that didn't make her the same. On the contrary, Jolee had a heart and she wasn't afraid to open it up to the right guy and she felt like Ford was the right guy even though they constantly bickered. But their bickering soon would turn into hot sex that would leave them both satisfied for the meantime.
Ford was starting to have feelings for Jolee but he was scared to get her involved in his dangerous life. He didn't know what his sperm donor was capable of doing to her and he didn't want to expose her to that. But sometimes love is stronger and it will strengthen you if you only allow it to.
I loved the premise and the storyline of the book, but somehow I still felt like it was lacking a little in the romance part between Jolee and Ford. I think their connection could have been stronger.
I still liked the book and can't wait to keep reading about the rest of the Rogues.
3.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review** -
This college romance by Renee Harless was a total page-turner for me! It was intensely written, and the characters definitely sucked you right into their torturous yet amazing relationship.
Jolee and Ford do not get off on the right foot. It's a love-hate relationship between these two characters. Ford has a lot going on in his life, while Jolee has left her family in Alaska to attend college at a new place, in hopes that she can make her dream of running an animal shelter come true, and be as far away from her parents as possible.
The dynamics in this story was truly gripping but in the end, we see a new love come from the ashes of the past, and Renee Harless has done an amazing job of putting this masterpiece together and making me fall in love with the characters.
Here's to more Rogue stories! -
I was lucky enough to win an arc in a Facebook giveaway and this is the first book I have read by Renee even though I have some of her other books waiting on my TBR. This book brought me out of a reading slump after finishing a fantasy book and I really enjoyed Renee’s writing style. I would have loved more detail into the family secret with Ford and his father, maybe adding more drama as the ending to that conflict seemed to slip away too easily. I really wanted more of the book really because it was such a good storyline with a strong, stubborn and sometimes bitchy heroine. The chemistry between the characters was so good and extremely hot and steamy. I cannot wait to read Rylans book next!
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This enemies to lovers romance surprised the heck out of me. I’m not usually a reader of stories set at colleges or universities but the blurb and darker edge intrigued me. It certainly keep me reading and page turning to see what happens with Ford and Joleen. Nothing of course if ever as it seems. The author continues to prove her writing is fantastic with the right mix of angst, drama and suspense intertwined within a terrific story.
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Attending University is the first step for Jolee to gain some independence from her family. She has plans for her future and this is the only the first step so she isn’t about to be distracted from her goals by her sexy and irate neighbor that brings out a side to her she never knew she had.
Ford is a man with a difficult past which has caused him to be closed off from everyone except for his foster brothers. He and his brothers control the power at the school and he isn’t about to let his feisty and fiery neighbor distract him from his mission.
From their first meeting the sparks of antagonism fly but they are drawn to each other in spite of themselves and that’s when things really begin to heat up.
Secrets, surprises and steam make this a great beginning to a new series and I look forward to stories about the intriguing secondary characters. -
WOW...what a journey this book takes your heart on. Ford and Jolee hit all of the bumps in the road right out of the gate but deep inside they are both seeing the other without letting each other know. Can they get past the hurts and find that love will get them thru it?? Loved it!!😍🤩😍🤩😍
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Of Boys and Men is a really good read. Jolee is a down to earth girl. She definitely would be a fun character to be friends with. She strong and doesn't really take crap from anyone. Ford is a smart guy. He's sexy and most people don't look past it. He had a tough childhood but has great adoptive parents. He focused on getting revenge. Jolee moves upstairs from him and she's a game hanger. She challenges him and doesn't cave when he pushes. They start out as not liking each other but you know that's not going last. They have great chemistry and once they give into their attraction they are pretty good together. I was hooked on their story from beginning to end. This one is book one in the Ridge Rogues but it doesn't end with a cliffhanger.
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"He was a wolf deciding which delicate piece of flesh to devour first, and I knew without a doubt that there was absolutely no turning back now, for either of us."
Oh, this is going to be another amazing series by this author, I can tell!! I'm already in love with Ford even though I'm old enough to be his Mama. #CougarsRule. I loved, loved loved, this story.
So, let's talk about our main characters, Jolee Ward and Ford O'Brien. Their first meeting does not go well at all. A combination of rogue luggage, rude glares, and dagger-like barbs set the stage for a semester of annoying the holy heck out of each other. But, of course, just like we did on the playground when we were kids, you pretend to hate the one you really have a crush on, right?
The push and pull between these two is just great! I've read stories where the back and forth just goes on way too long and by the time the characters finally get their act together, I've lost interest. Not in this case! It was perfect! The slings and arrows masking their undeniable attraction to one another, only fan the flames and KA-BOOM do they explode!! So HOT!!
Add to this story line, someone from Ford's life that has the power to ruin him, and a plan to turn the tables, and it adds a touch of thriller to this one too!
I cannot wait for the rest of this series and each of the brothers' stories! -
Book 1 in the Ridge Rogues series and a great enemies to lovers romance. Loved Ford and Jolee. They had an instant dislike from the very second that they met. Each time they would see each other, they just provoking each other. The more they are around each other, the more that changes. The chemistry and attraction between them was too much for them to fight. Loved watching them realize how much they meant to each other. It is a quick read and can be read in one sitting. Loved this story and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
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3.5/4 stars
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What a fantastic start to a new series. I was hooked on Jolee and Ford from their first encounter. It was hate at first sight, but since they live in the same building and have classes together, they cannot avoid each other. I was immediately intrigued by the secrets both characters were hiding.
Jolee was such an interesting character with a huge heart. She was trying to escape her past and her parents and she mostly wants to fade into the background and get her degree, but there’s something about Ford that draws her out of her shell. She’s sassy and loves to tell him off. Their banter was on point!!
Ford has a painful past and he’s determined to get revenge for it. He keeps people at an arm’s length except for his “brothers” and he hides the kind man that is underneath the icy exterior.
These two broken souls cannot seem to stay away from each other and slowly begin to develop feelings for each other. Their chemistry leaped off the page. Their relationship is a lot of push and pull and they each have secrets that are difficult to reveal, especially Ford. They have to decide if revenge is more important than the way they feel.
My angst loving heart loved this book. I loved the secrets and the twists and turns. The banter made me laugh out loud and I loved the growth each character showed. I can’t wait to read about the next Ridge Rogue!! -
4.5 Stars
“Maybe I was just a disillusioned girl wishing for a man to love her.”
New to me author, thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Ridge Rogue Series. In fact I’ve already preordered Of Bishops and Pawns. I found myself smirking at times, whilst reading about the antics that Ford and Jolee went about like foreplay. A few tears escaped as my heart broke for the wrongdoings. A great storyline, with loveable characters, who left me wanting to get to know them better. I felt as if everything came to a close at once, we were given answers we’d been looking for but they were just dropped like a bombshell. Drawing it out to give a bit more in those closing chapters would of made it a five star read.
It’s time for Jolee to forge a new path, become totally independent from her family and Alaska. Wellington University has been the inspiration to make her dreams become a reality. Living in a unit with her cousin, has helped her settle in. She was warned to keep away from the Ridge Rogues...six alarmingly, sexy, model like brothers. Did she heed that warning, obviously not, but she scores points for trying. She may have her sight set on Ford, but he is seeking lots of attention for all the wrong reasons.
Ford is a one and done kind of guy, he’s broody and an alpha a$$hole on first introduction. However, as you keep reading he’s actually quite sweet, trying to protect himself with fortified walls. He has a hidden agenda and he won’t stop until he has the answers and can finish what he’s started. Ford is distracted though by the gorgeous blond, sitting in his seat. -
Great start to a new series.
Of Boys And Men is the first book in the ‘Ridge Rogues’ series by Renee Harless. It’s an intense, angsty, and often frustrating story thanks to all the bickering between the main characters. It fits in with the story, but… man, did I want to smack them upside the head at times.
When Jolee and Ford first met, it was definitely dislike at first sight. It took a while for that to move on, but when it did, the change was explosive. Both fought their attraction well, but it was pointless. Fate wanted them together and did everything to make that happen.
There’s some mystery, some secrets, and a horrible bad guy. The story kept me engaged and wanting more. The steamy scenes were plentiful and hot as Hades.
Jolee was a strong character who stuck up for herself, she took no prisoners and I think that’s what really drew me, and Ford to her.
Ford has a dark past and is trying to be better than the man who fathered him. He’s gorgeous, built and a bit of a jerk at times, but it’s more in self-defense than to cause harm.
There were a lot of secondary characters, between their families and friends, which helped each of them face their hurdles and ultimately, be together.
I’m looking forward to the next in the series. -
I loved this book and am really looking forward to reading more in the series. Ford and Jolee started off with a love/hate relationship not really liking each other very much and did everything to antagonize one another. This soon changed as they became friends and lovers each revealing little bits of their lives. Jolee came from Alaska to attend school and get away from parents that were a bit odd. Jolee moved in an apartment with her cousin, directly above Ford and his brothers. Jolee wanted nothing but to complete her schooling and focus on opening an animal rescue. Ford's life was complicated from the very beginning and his soul focus in life was compiling as much information on his father as he could in order to destroy him. He didn't have time or room in his life for distractions, such as Jolee. But time and circumstances intervened. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading more in the series.
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Been eagerly awaiting this book since first reading the blurb. It's my second book by this author and won't be my last I'm sure.
Jolee, for once in her life has done something against her parents wishes, but is it instantly going to be ruined by the Ridge Rogues? The elusive group of men are not to be messed with, and already she's in their crosshairs...
Although this book is lighter than expected, this black soul still couldn't stop turning pages to find out the secrets hinted at and of course the end result of the hot and cold relationship between F & J.
Once the truth from both sides come out, that's when the book really redeemed itself, so trust me, stick with it... It's definitely worth it... Hold onto your kindle for the last 10% though. Everything seemed to happen at once, would of been nice to have been spaced out a bit instead of rushed, but still really enjoyed.
4 solid stars -
A great start to this series.
Joleens introduction to her new university couldn't get into a worse start when she bumps into Ford in the stairwell and he has an instant look of hatred in his eyes towards her.
Ford is one of the universitys ridge rogues, him and his brothers all have a past, a reputation for not letting anyone get closer than 1 night in their beds and a great family bond with each other.
They may not be family by blood but they certainly have each others backs, love their adoptive mother Tracy, and have great family values, including nightly family dinners, I loved this about the rogues.
Joleen isn't the meek quiet girl you expect and certainly gives Ford a run for his money in their rollercoaster of hatred and lust inspired run ins.
Really enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the rogues -
The first book of the Ridge Rogues series hinges on Jolee Ward, a strong girl that came from Alaska to Boston to study at Wellington University.
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She didn't expected to meet, the guy that live next to her, Ford O'Brien, the sexy guy that takes her breath away. But wait. They will fall in love, although before that...
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They were enemies!
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She was so easy to hate him and he was hard to love! What a chemistry! As I read, I didn't expected the way that they started their relationship, 'cause they really hate each other, but it developed so well, with more than love scenes. Secrets will be part of them too!
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I'm so happy to be part of Renee's beta team, was amazing to help her in this incredible New Adult novel! Can't wait to read the other books from the series!
5+♡ -
Wow! Talk about a page-turner! I was so invested in this story! I loved Jolee's strength and determination. She had a career goal and kept pushing forward to get it. She had no time for distractions, like dating. Ford is one of the Ridge Rogues, the campus bad boys/hotties. He also had a goal, though totally different than Jolee's. He had no desire to get involved with anyone, least of all Jolee, who had already made a bad first impression on him. But when the tension between them gets so thick, it's bound to explode. Can they have a no-strings affair without getting in the way of each other's plans, or were they meant to be enemies? I enjoyed reading about each of the supporting characters also and can't wait to read more of this series.
