Brutal Secret (Unabridged‪)‬

There’s always a first time for everything, right?

I have fallen for every single male character that Laurelin Paige, one of my favorite authors, has written, but this is the first time an author has made me fall for a female character. Really, ever!

Without a doubt, I love Emmalina, Lina Quinn!!
She’s realistically quirky, honest, empathetic, funny, honest to a fault, and absolutely adorable! I couldn’t help it and as the story progresses neither can Reid Sebastian.

Reid is a self proclaimed love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. No commitments. That is until he can’t help himself with Lina.

I giggled, outright laughed out loud and thoroughly enjoyed reading and relating to Lina and her personable personality as I have someone so very much like her in my life.

I absolutely loved their story and it is undoubtedly one of my favorites of 2023.

Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved Brutal Secret by Laurelin Paige. Never did I expect to be laughing quite so much while reading one of Laurelin’s books. Lina Quinn is just hilarious! When she gets flustered or nervous she just rambles on and on and on. In her own words she typically “word vomits” when nervous or just in general. Reid Sebastian is a bit older than Quinn and typically only has one-night stands with women. That is until he meets Quinn. Like all other Sebastian men, Reid is sexy, handsome, and brutal. Reid tries valiantly to stay away from Lina once he discovers a bit of information about her. 1.Virgin, 2. 12 yrs younger, 3. her mom married his uncle, and 4. she is now family.
Lina and Reid staying away from each other is like keeping two magnets apart. NOT happening!! I really could not stop reading this book. It has funny, steamy, beautiful and sexy characters, and a plot with lots of twists and turns. Reid’s commentary when Lina rambles and delivers dry one-liners is pretty hilarious too!! 5 stars! I’m very excited for Brutal Secret in audio!! Jason Clarke and Vanessa Edwin bring Reid and Lina to life for our aural pleasure. Mmmm….Jason Clarke is just perfect for Reid. Such a smooth and delicious voice enjoyed the audio as much as I did reading the book. Vanessa Edwin is perfect as Lina. These are two of my favorite narrators. Very difficult to find any two better than Jason and Vanessa. Whether you read or listen to Brutal Secret you will absolutely love it if you like broody, cocky, age-gap, and billionaire stories. Brutal Secret is not “dark” nor is it a rom-com but I do find it to be very, very sexy, steamy, and entertaining.

Astonishing and intense is the narration by both Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke in Brutal Secret by Laurelin Paige.

Vanessa Edwin brings Lina Quinn to life in a way that every facet of her personality - her vulnerability and her strength are tangible. Lina is a bit all over the place, yet also very sure of her personal needs and wants. Edwin really showcases Lina’s growth and her ability to shock with her lack of filter. And cringe-worthy moments were often mixed in with a healthy dose of humor that usually was followed by my own verbal outbursts.

The role of Reid Sebastian, played by the ever-so-delectable voice of Jason Clarke, made permanent butterflies in my stomach seem normal. Jason Clarke encompassed Reid’s struggle like no one else could. The cocksure Reid was challenged nonstop; and Clarke’s gravelly, fierce voice washed over me, allowing me to really feel his inner-fight when it came to his feelings for Lina.

I absolutely loved this dynamic duo of Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke in Brutal Secret. Paired with Laurelin Paige’s smart, witty and funny writing, these two have this story jumping off the pages and provide for a complete blissful aural experience.

The Audible version of Brutal Secret is a very necessary addition to Paige’s kindle version. This story’s aural version is a very unique and pleasurable ride. You’ll be so happy you listened to it. The brilliance that is Laurelin Paige’s words via Audible really changes the way you take in this story, and it offers up a mind-blowing jaunt. Bravo to Vanessa Edwin, Jason Clarke and the amazing awesomeness of Laurelin Paige! I loved listening to every single word!