Shattered Secrets (Hudson Island #4) by Christina Sol

By Sharon Clayton on July 17, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

She's a young single mom hiding a dark past. He's a jaded former detective who's lost all faith in love. When a dangerous encounter forces them to live together, their mutual attraction erupts into flames. But as her secrets come to light, an unexpected threat emerges…

Scarlet Miller has flown under the radar on peaceful Hudson Island for the past year and a half, working hard to build a safe and quiet life for her four-year-old daughter. During that time, she formed unexpected friendships—and a crush on the handsome friend-of-a-friend who's the epitome of tall, dark, and growly hotness. However, since he's much older and way out of her league, she knows nothing will come of it. Besides, with her chaotic history, romantic relationships are off the table.

Matt Alvarez has come a long way since arriving on Hudson Island angry, bitter, and reclusive. With time, therapy, and the help of his friends, he's recovered from a career-threatening injury and joined Hudson Security. He's eager to make a positive difference through his work, and while he's not the most social guy, he's looking forward to building relationships in his newfound community. Well, except for Scarlet. Something about the beautiful waitress with the rainbow-streaked hair ties his tongue in knots. But no matter how alluring he finds her, she's way too young for him. Which is fine, because after a dramatic divorce, the last thing he wants is any sort of commitment.

When dire circumstances push them together, their protective walls crumble, revealing an undeniable connection. But as their relationship blossoms, Scarlet's buried secrets claw to the surface, bringing unforeseen perils with them. Can Matt protect Scarlet from the shadows of her past? Or will her skeletons destroy their future?

MY REVIEW

There's nothing quite like a captivating romance novel that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you breathless with anticipation. Shattered Secrets is the fourth installment of the Hudson Island series with Matt and Scarlet.

If you follow my blog, you know I'm not a big fan of age gap romance and this one is a 17-year difference. However, I believe Scarlet's tragic past gives her a maturity that no woman her age should have endured, and Matt's past gives him a right to relax and enjoy life with the family he always wanted.

I adore Mateo "Matt" Alvarez's kind and protective ways hidden by his growly alpha exterior. His awkward tongue-tied meetings with the beautiful and cheerful Scarlet Miller are delightful. However, it's his precious moments with the adorable 4-year-old Daisy Miller, endearingly nicknamed Otter Pop, that turned my heart to mush.

Scarlet is a strong, resilient woman and under her cheery demeanor she has insecurities about being a good mother and providing for her little girl. Sharing her past with Matt is a moment of vulnerability and courage, and her reticence gives way to a moving display of trust, as she takes a leap of faith and shares her heartbreaking past with sweet Matt who does not judge her.

Because this is a romantic suspense, I can't get into a lot of details about the story because you have to experience it yourself. I can say that Matt and the Hudson Security team are badass as they protect their own from evil forces.

The delightful array of supporting characters add depth, complexity, and charm to the plot. Cade and Poppy are friends with the protagonists and are good role models for a loving relationship. My favorite character is the adorable and refreshing Daisy "Otter Pop" Miller who steals the show with her love of unicorns, freezer pops, and a big, gentle man named "Matty". Sigh!

Ms. Sol writes her stories with heart and soul, and I highly recommend this engaging novel filled with compelling characters, thrilling suspense, and an emotional HEA.

Thank you to Ms. Sol for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.