Review: Secrets & Lies by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank
SYNOPSIS:
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.
REVIEW:
As a ex-teacher, I have to admit I was nervous about starting this story. The whole forbidden, teacher-student trope had me feeling tepid but I gave the story a go anyways…and I actually liked it! I didn’t fall head over heels in love with it but I enjoyed the read and thought that Brooke and Ella navigated these murky waters perfectly.
From Ryder and Ash’s unconventional meet-cute, lust-cute is what it really should be called, these two just clicked. Instantaneous attraction, Ryder’s endless flirting and bold claims countered Ash’s reservation and hesitancy perfectly. As identities are revealed, Ash shores up his walls and tries to resist Ryder. Ash’s internal battle was just as intriguing as Ryder’s endless pursuit. I liked how the romance progressed in stolen moments and heartfelt confessions. Regardless of the age gap and trope, at some point you forget about those details, as the love these characters shares slaps you in the face. It’s passionate, tangible, and had my heart aching.
I was worried about how this budding romance would blow up because lets be real, we all know it would, and I didn’t even hate how that happened. Of course, the hard conversations were had but as time passes, Ryder and Ash still love each other. And while Ash was willing to wallow in sadness and solitude, after graduation we know that Ryder is nothing if not persistent. The ending wrap up was cute and exactly what I needed. In fact, I’d go so far to say that I wish there was just a little bit more at the ending.
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