Wicked as Secrets (Matt & Madison, Part One‪)‬

4.25stars—WICKED AS SECRETS is the first instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary adult WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense duet focusing on thirty-three year old, security specialist Matt Montgomery, and twenty-seven year old, primary school teacher Madison Archer.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Madison and Matt) using present day and memories from the past, WICKED AS SECRETS follows in the aftermath of a murder Madison Archer witnessed her politically connected husband Todd Pershing, kill his cousin , and was now on the run for her life. Three years earlier, having met security specialist Matt Montgomery, thinking she had fallen in love, Madison’s heart was broken when our hero ghosted the woman he would never forget. Fast forward to present day, Madison battled between head and heart, knowing the only person who might be able to protect her was the man who had broken her heart. In hiding, Matt and Madison would have to remain one step ahead of the powerful Pershing family, a step that is about to close fast with conditions applied. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Madison and Matt, as our couple must come to terms with what happened in the past, and the terms present to our heroine in an effort to move on with her life.

The relationship between Matt and Madison is one of second chances. Matt broke Madison’s heart three years earlier, sending her into the arms of a man she could never love but nothing is as it appears to be, and Madison’s life is not the picture present to the American public. Matt was destroyed the day Madison married Todd Pershing, and has never forgotten about the woman who got away. In hiding, Matt begins to consider his Dominant side in respect to Madison’s submission, and begins to act on his need to control the woman with whom he is falling in love but the Dom/sub plot line comes out of left field, and feels awkward in contrast to their current situation. The $ex scenes are intimate, numerous and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the numerous Wicked Lovers instalments. Everyone is willing to help keep Madison Archer safe but they seem to take issue with Matt Montgomery’s involvement.

WICKED AS SECRETS is a story of betrayal, murder and vengeance; second chances and forgiveness. The fast paced premise is intriguing, engaging and suspenseful; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is seductive yet struggles in the face of history and hurt. WICKED AS SECRETS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Right from the first words, this book had me on the edge of my seat! I’m loving Matt and Madison`s story! It`s hot, it`s addictive, it`s full of twists and turns that have me wanting more… The end of this book though… I can`t believe they agreed to that!!! I can`t wait for the next part! Five Big Beautiful Stars!!!.

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

What a wickedly good story! Matt and Madison meet at a wedding and have this intense chemistry and connection, after a passionate weekend they parted ways hoping to see each other again and never forgetting what they had. Fast forward years later, she crashes in his life again after witnessing something that almost got her killed. She came to him to help her disappear from her husband's powerful family and their connections, but the magnetic connection they have will bring out the Dominant in Matt and his need to control and protect her . Can he keep her safe and rekindle what they had? Dramatic, suspenseful, nail biting story that will have your head spin. What's next in the conclusion of this amazing story. I love everything about this series