Hidden Away

Marts takes small town romance to a new level with this novel. She sets the scene well, lending itself to the intricate story of the characters’ lives. I enjoyed how Marts takes the general form of a second chance romance but gives it a twist, making it all her own. I enjoyed the way that Marts combines a second chance romance with a new start for her characters. It was a unique mix that lent extra complexity to their lives. Marts developed their personalities individually, creating two extremely well rounded people that I loved getting to know. At the same time, neither were perfect. I enjoyed the jagged edges that Marts not only leaves, but actually points out in her characters. It made them so much more real. This was a fun and emotional second chance romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was my first novel by Marts, but it won’t be my last. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

The engagement was supposed to be fake, but it doesn’t take long for Taylor Johnson’s pretend feelings to become real for both Cherry and her adorable nephew, Sam until a secret threatens to tear them apart in this captivating romance. Cherry Hill is now the sole guardian of her nephew and with the upper crust of the Hill family trying to take him away, she has no choice but to accept the help of the man who broke her heart and the reader can’t help but get pulled into the story as Taylor and Cherry begin to form a new family. The chemistry between Cherry and Taylor is a smoldering inferno of heat but this relationship has quite a few issues, like trust, secrets and the past that adds lots of emotional turbulence that captures the heart. Strong compelling characters are easily related to while the fast paced, smooth flowing plot captivates readers with suspense, turmoil and romance. Expectation builds throughout the story as the reader waits for the other shoe to drop because of Cherry’s secret that she’s been hiding and tension builds as Cherry’s family connive to take Sam away from Cherry in any way they can. The well written scenes and details bring the story to life making it easy for the reader to get caught up in the exciting events as they are drawn farther in to the story. First, let me start off by saying that I have not read Tucked Away…yet, but that did not stop me from enjoying Hidden Away so it can be read as a stand-alone story although it does mention bits and pieces of the events in the previous story, which has enticed me to read it, especially as the Broken Falls, Montana town is a small community that looks out for each other, so I can’t wait to visit again.

This book was ok. I would have given it 4 stars but I get so tired of the women making stupid choices and getting an attitude when the men don't immediately fall in line the way they want them to.