Wicked Secrets: an enemies-to-lovers college romance

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.

"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!

An entertaining story. Jolee's past pushed her to move far from home and work toward her dream. She was kind-hearted, mostly honest (she was defensive about her family), and very studious. Ford grew up in anger and was very self-centered until he met Jolee. Their anger toward each other covered other emotions, and I enjoyed the journey to their happiness. The danger, their priorities, and the people surrounding both of them made this a story that I recommend. I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.