I knew the rules.Never reveal my true identity.Play the game, give the illusion. Don’t get close to the clients. The dark and glamorous lifestyle of the rich and shameless open my eyes to a lavish world of sin and wealth, and a man I can’t have. A man I desperately want—James Riviera. We’re treading a fine line as we live the ultimate double life until we make a startling discovery that tests … we make a startling discovery that tests both our loyalties.
I only had to follow the rules, but rules are meant to be broken.
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Hush Hush is my obsession!
Fucking obsession!
I love this book!
Lucia Franco is a new author for me only in reading, because I have her books on my Kindle.
Hush Hush is the first book written by her that I had read.
And I lost my mind with it.
Thank You Lucia for this.
I won’t write about the story because You must read this book on yours own but I never read something like this. The connection between characters is so strong and intensive!
Aubrey and James are so different from each other.
She is a modest girl with school in her head. Also she is thinking about her grandma. Aubrey wants to help grandma with everything and this is one of the reason that she is thinking about new job for real.
James is a sexy, alpha gentleman with account full of cash. He can have everything and everyone he wants.
But he only wants Aubrey.
I love age gap in books!
When I started read Hush Hush I didn’t know that this book has age gap in the plot. So when I read about it, I was in love for the first time in this book.
When I saw borderless story I was in love for the second time.
The third time love came, when I read a hot, sex scenes. Lucia Franco knows how to write about desire, lust and tough love.
Not everything in this book is pretty and beautiful. We have the moments of truth, of lost and sadness. All emotions can be read from yours face, when You will read Hush Hush.
This book is uniqe. I never read something like this. And I say more! This book is a new level of forbidden. It is seductive, intense and sexy AF. Now, I know that I must read all books written by Lucia Franco, because with Hush Hush, she came to my list of favourites authors. I highly recommend this book!
Secretive. Sexy. Forbidden. Taboo.
Just a few words to describe Hush Hush. Lucia Franco really outdid herself with this book. The characters and their interactions really blew me away.
The relationship between Natalie and Aubrey really made me smile. Their quick wit and sarcasm had me laughing ridiculously loud and their sisterly feel for each other made me love them even more. Their stories of their ‘experiences’ cracked me up.
James. James, James, James. That man can have me. Willingly. Full-heartedly. Okay. Enough of that.. But seriously, can you say SWOON? I love reading a sexy age-gap romance but this one really pulled me in. The sex scenes in this book were some of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read, but with the secrets and forbidden feel, it made them that much hotter.
Aubrey made a lot of decisions that I was really starting to question. But in reality, what young woman, who has struggled her whole life, with not many role-models, wouldn’t make some decisions like she did? Yeah, it was wrong, and she screwed some people over, but we all make mistakes and she was only looking out for herself before all the feelings got mixed in.
I do feel really bad for Daniel though. He definitely didn’t deserve the treatment Aubrey gave him. It was selfish and wrong for her to string him along knowing how he had been previously treated. I hope to see more with this world and hopefully he gets a happy ending.
The ONLY thing I would’ve like to see was more at the end. I don’t want to spoil anything for new readers.. But I just wanted more.
I loved this book and hopefully Lucia gives us more because I fell in love with these characters and I want more. 4.5 stars!!
OMFG!!!! This book is freaking phenomenal!! If Lucia Franco writes a book you need to stop what you are doing and read it! They are that good! No one writes a book like Lucia Franco!
I did not want to stop reading once I started, and when I did have to adult I was so angry. Aubrey’s story sucks you in from the very start and never lets you go. Aubrey and Natalie are best friends with completely different upbrings. Aubrey’s parents died when she was a young age and her grandmother raised her. Aubrey now feels it’s her job to help support her grandmother and works two awful jobs to do so. Natalie grew up rich and without a care in the world, money is no object to her but yet she still wants more, and she wants it without the strings of her parents.
Natalie informs Aubrey of what her job actually is and it is not a shot girl. Aubrey decides to interview at Natalie’s work and gets the job. Aubrey gets the job and that’s how she meets James. And let me tell you, I don’t care if James is 52, he is hot AF!! Like tattooed, alpha who gets what he wants.
Aubrey immediately falls for James, and once you read you’ll understand why. You just cannot. not fall for him. James goes after Aubrey hard, and refuses to take no for an answer. Aubrey is a high priced hooker.
I cannot tell you all the stuff that happens but man do I want to. This book is angsty, and so freaking hot. The twist that this book took I couldn’t believe. And every time I thought secrets were coming out, they never did. Then BAM it happens and I’m like well I didn’t see it happening like that.
Then I had a moment were I was like Lucia you cannot do this to me! It cannot end like this! The anxiety was deep.
I’ll say it again, NO ONE writes like Lucia Franco!! She gets me all hot and bothered like no other author can, while at the same time has me sitting on the edge of my chair with my heart racing to find out what happens next.
Hush Hush is definitely a top read for me! It has just the right amount of everything! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!!
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Perfect five steamy stars!
When your forbidden romance Queen say she’s going to release a new book called Hush Hush, you definitly jump in the wagon full of sinfully forbidden, steamy, and angst romance just to be left wanting more at the end.
And Hush Hush…. Dangit for all the guacamole in the world!
Forbidden √
Hot and dominant silver fox with manbeard√
Undies melting super steamy foreplay√
And finally super steamy rip your undies scenes√
Angst that make you blabbering mess√
Strong characters√
An ending that just left you wanting more√
Hush, Hush is my first read from the new to me author. This is a stand alone, contemporary, forbidden, age gap romance.
I was taken by its blurb first and then the cover. I must admit, I was kind of giddy with excitement to read it because, ya know, the forbidden element of it. I’ve read one a few months ago and I was still reeling from that one. So I was kind of looking forward to this read.
Without spoiling anything and base on blurb alone, you will get the gist of it. Well I’d like to think so. Anyway, the pace of the story is a bit slow for me and I’d attribute it to building Aubrey’s character. On how she needed more money for her Grammy and how she is as a woman: young, experimental and a touch reckless. I think in doing this, it showed how she could fall to this kind of job. Her meeting someone like James is unavoidable, but falling for him is inevitable. I’d like to address the elephant in the room and to say that there is cheating. I know they have reasons to why they cheat, whether it is valid or not. Nonetheless, as I said, it is unavoidable in this story. You can’t help who you love. Do I condone it? Nope, but as I always say, who am I to judge?
James, oh my goodness gracious! He is such an intense kind of man for an older guy. I am swooning with his brand of passion and intensity. He is the kind of man who knows how to take care of his woman, in every way. And I mean, EVERY WAY. The heat of their chemistry is leaping off the pages of my e-reader. Whew!
This was a great, enjoyable read and highly recommends it to those who likes forbidden, age gap romance. I look forward to reading this author’s other series.
Okay, so full disclosure…this is my first read by Lucia Franco!
And holy shit, I sure started off with a bang.
Let me begin by saying that the blurb is deliberately vague when it comes to exactly what happens to the characters in this story; there are so many layers to the story line and its characters that people’s truths are slowly revealed throughout the course of the entire book, and even at the end, it’s clear that readers don’t know everything there is to know about the heroine or the hero.
In my opinion, the forbidden and taboo aspects of this story have very little to do with the hero and heroine’s age difference; in fact, I truly didn’t see it as an issue, even when the decades between them were made clear. There are so many other issues to contend with and so many ways that the agreement/deal that Aubrey and James made could destroy their lives as well as those closest to them.
Through Aubrey and James’ intimate, sensual, kinky, and emotional scenes, Lucia Franco clearly illustrates just how deep these two are with each other, even from the onset of their interactions. And the kind of connection they form could ruin them both in significant and life altering ways, but what’s also vividly shown is how difficult it is for them to separate themselves from each other – to keep a safe distance, so things don’t get anymore difficult or overwhelming than they already are.
But ultimately, this is where the angst comes into play and it is torture at times, and ultimately it’s what had me questioning the kind of person Aubrey is numerous times. I get that she felt like she was in a no-win situation, even at the beginning of the story, which is why Natalie’s revealed double-life was something that Aubrey gravitated toward…that and the way she viewed sex. For me, though, I took issue with her not being truthful to herself and stringing things and people along when it was more than obvious where she stood.
I also desperately wanted to understand James better. I don’t know how many times I wished James’ perspective was provided. It’s too easy to judge his words and his deeds, holding them against him because they break vows taken and they paint him as an immoral asshole who uses his money to get whatever and whoever he wants. And I felt this way about James BEFORE it was revealed who exactly he is in the grand scheme of things in this story.
For a first read of a new author, this one was a doozy, but I’m so glad I read it. Aubrey and James’ story is intense; it’s overwhelming, both for the characters and its readers; it pushes boundaries; it questions the truth of facades and the honest answers beneath the lies; it’s not an easy read because it crosses questionable lines and it also barrels over people’s morals, but it’s a well-written, thought-provoking, and provocative story that is well worth the read.
4 Poison Apples
“Sex is how you connect with another person. It’s where you see their vulnerabilities and insecurities, where you want to make them forget everything but remind them you’re there for them. When you’re both into each other and understand each other’s minds, it’s a deeper connection. It’s how intimacy grow’s.”
Hush, Hush by Lucia Franco is a standalone novel. A forbidden age gap romance. I’m a huge fan of the Off Balance series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this.
Aubrey is a college student who lives with her best friend Natalie. She lost her parents at a young age. Her grandmother raised her. Even though she didn’t have much growing up, she’s extremely grateful for everything her grandmother has given her. She loves her and struggles to give her grandmother a better life.
I had a hard time liking Aubrey but had to take in consideration she’s only 21 and still trying to figure herself out and what she wants to do with her life.
Aubrey is tired from working two jobs and going to school. It’s not enough to pay her bills and take care of her grandmother. She discovers what Natalie does for a living and how much she makes. Natalie introduces her to Christine and her entire world changes.
Aubrey meets James Riviera. Let me tell you, when these two are together and James starts talking good gahhhhhhhh is it HOT!!!! He’ll have your panties melting right off. Can I have a James to go please?
Aubrey struggles with intimacy issues. Her decisions frustrates me to no end. I wanted to ring her neck so many times because I knew it wouldn’t end well if she kept going.
“Intimacy is the bottom lock on a door. It can be toyed with and sometimes popped open for others to enter if there isn’t a strong trail of communication. Trust is what seals the relationship and keeps it solid, the bolt that keeps both people locked in and makes that intimacy build. I can’t afford to be trapped when he has the key, and a year from now when he unlocks that door and says goodbye, I’m walking out with the clothes on my back and nothing more.”
As much as I didn’t agree with Aubrey, I felt her pain. Lucia had me in tears. Her words are so beautiful! I truly enjoyed this story.
This cover is literally perfect for this story!!!!!!
Aubrey hasn’t had the best of life’s but when her best friend Natalie talks her into a different mmm line of work shall we say, Aubrey is hesitant…..
I love Aubrey & Natalie’s friendship chicks before di**s!! They are hilarious together, two girls trying to get through college Real friendships are hard and take time and effort just as much as making money on tedious jobs trying to get through their education.
But what happens when someone shows up and throws a spanner in the works.
When relationships are tested & lines are crossed in so many ways!
Is there a way back or has Aubrey taken on more than she can handle?
Hush, Hush is a big departure from Lucia Franco’s much loved ‘Off Balance’ series and I found that I absolutely loved it! Aubrey and Natalie’s friendship is the heart and soul of this story. Two carefree college roommates with the world at their feet, Natalie’s wild personality balances Aubrey and brings her out of her comfort zone. I loved these two together and I really hope Natalie gets her own story.
Depending on who reads this story Aubrey could be seen as selfish and reckless or misunderstood and desperate. To me, Aubrey is wonderfully complicated. She knows her actions are wrong, but she has dreams and goals and she feels she can accomplish them the quickest way possible, morals completely forgotten. Now is James Riviera worth losing your morals over? Hmm, maybe. I love that this is an age gap romance, James is 52 and Aubrey is 21. James is a sexy, rich, silver bearded fox that knows what he wants and will do anything to get it. I can understand why Aubrey can’t resist him. By the way, there is also plenty of steamy, sexy moments in this book that will definitely keep you satisfied.
I really enjoyed this story but it is a dark romance. If you know that before reading this story then I think you’ll love it just as much as I did.
Sinfully sexy, addictive and forbidden Hush Hush the latest novel by Lucia Franco will have you glued to the pages of this story and unable to put it down. This age-gap story will have you riveted. It was HOTT, steamy, decadent……you will love it.
The characters were well developed and you will love the secondary characters however I did have some mixed feeling for the h and some of the things she did.This book will take you out of your comfort zone but you will enjoy every moment. It will evoke a range of emotions from you as the story progresses.
Intense, gripping and engrossing Hush Hush was a fascinating read and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of age-gap/forbidden romances.
“I don’t want to lose myself.”
“Then get lost inside me and I’ll take care of us.”
I love a good forbidden romance. When I first started reading this one, I was confused at first. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting. Lucia Franco builds the plot precisely, with such detail, that I was able to quickly get lost in Aubrey’s world. Can I related to her? Not at all. But isn’t that why we read fiction? You get swept away, behind the closed doors, of an industry built on sex.
Lucia really upped the ante on this taboo tale. She is well known for The Balance Series, which has an age gap. It was like Lucia heard us begging for her to push more boundaries and she completely blurred all the lines. There’s a scene where Aubrey ‘meets’ Christine. All I can say is WOW. You’re not going to want to like that scene, but I dare you to not reread it (it’s ok… I won’t judge you).
Lucia Franco writes long books. She covers all her bases. The worlds that she creates are constructed so intricately. It’s evident that every facet is thought-out and written with passion. Will this book be for everyone? No, it won’t. But if you can go in with an open mind, you will be blown away by Lucia’s writing.
The feelings. The emotions. The steaminess. This book has it ALL. It will rock your world and then put it back together again. The uniqueness of this book and story will leave you in awe and the need of a fan to cool off.
The way she writes a story and weaves age-gap, angst, steaminess, deception, control and all around romance in its own way has me panting and breathless. It also includes some funnY LOL moments that might have people looking at you like you’re crazy!! It is everything I’ve come to expect from Lucia Franco and so much more.
Lucia Franco continues to amaze me with every new book she produces. She makes writing an art that she has perfected. I was actively involved in this book and these characters. I can’t even tell you about these characters without ruining the story for you. It’s a must read to watch this amazing, mind-blowing sorry unfold.
The secondary characters play a huge part in this story and are so well developed.
There are characters and plots that will leave you begging for more. A girl who does everything she has to do to survive and take care of her loved ones. Men who are well-off and have everything they want. Friends and people who play a huge part in the characters life. You HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK to find all the greatness that is Lucia Franco.
Blog Sol and Us
PT-BR/EN
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*Eu recebi um ARC grátis em troca de uma resenha honesta.*
Lucia Franco me fez sair da minha zona de conforto de novo. HUSH, HUSH não faz meu estilo então eu fiquei com medo de não gostar. Mas, surpresa, estava errada.
HUSH, HUSH é ótimo. Cenas quentes ainda são tediosas mas a história e os personagens são fortes e eles prenderam minha atenção.
A história do Daniel precisa ser contada. Ele sofreu muito e eu me sinto mal por ele.
Enfim, HUSH, HUSH merece todas as estrelas. A Aubrey e o James são sexy e a Natalie é fabulosa.
Boa leitura.
Sol and Us https://linktr.ee/solandus2
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*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Lucia Franco made me get out of my comfort zone again. HUSH, HUSH is not my cup of tea so I was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy it. But, surprise, I was wrong.
HUSH, HUSH is great. Hot scenes are still boring, but the story and the characters are strong and they held my attention.
Daniel needs his story told. He suffered a lot and I feel bad for him.
Anyway, HUSH, HUSH deserves all the stars. Aubrey and James are sexy and Natalie is awesome.
Good reading.
Sol and Us https://linktr.ee/solandus2
5 MUST READ STARS!!! Hush, Hush is a must read and I am SCREAMING it from the rooftop. This is my favorite book of 2019, so far. Oh my goodness….the feels are off the charts, the sexy times are hot and phenomenal and characters engrave themselves on your heart. Lucia Franco has given us the perfect story with fantastic storytelling. Believe me when I say you MUST 1-Click this book, so do it NOW.
Oh wow. This book was not only beautiful written but the plot was enchanting. The author pulled me right in and had me reading this book in one sitting. All the characters were beautiful and full of flaws, but you couldn’t help but love them for those flaws. There’s a taboo feel to this book that had me craving more because I love all things taboo. The characters don’t have it easy but even during the right times they work hard and try to prevail. I do with the ending had been more detailed or drawn out rather. Like a second epilogue. Even with that I loved this story. #2OCCJD
I have been struggling for weeks with what to read… Nothing captivated me. Nothing pulled me in. Nothing hooked me. Until this gahdang story.
Lucia Franco writes incredible stories, her Off Balance series is one of my favorite series, seriously, #KovaisLife, that is until I met James… And the silver fox knocked Kova to 2nd place, if you’ve read the Off Balance series you’d know why that should be impossible, if you haven’t read, what the… get on that.
Anyway, back to Hush Hush, it’s midnight, tomorrow is my kid’s first say back to school and, and, and I’m well still shaking, I’ve cried, I’ve felt all the feels, I’ve laughed… This one is, without a doubt, Lucia Franco’s best. Her writing, her characters, the luscious and forbidden world intrigued me and captivated me in way i did not know possible… She took a very old ‘it’s already been done’ trope and made it her own, SHE OWNED IT.
She built these characters up, allowed their strength and weaknesses to show in such a beautiful way. The complexity of this story, the bones, the flaws… I’m in love! Five stars aren’t enough.
#inshort it BLEW MY FUCKING MIND… Thanks for reading
So many feeling on on what I just read!……. I found myself wondering about Aubrey‘s decisions, I felt perplexed and disappointed with some of her actions, I just couldn’t connect with her! I was somewhat glad about the end especially when she realized her dream and then ultimately found her match in James! I love their chemistry together, so hot!! I just didn’t understand her way of thinking!!! My feelings on this story in no way detract from Lucia Franco’s fantastic writing
I love this book so much. Two girls in college. One who has money, and one who struggles to survive but are best friends. Their journey is spectacular. I love how relatable the characters are. There are moments that make you laugh, and there are moments that make you cry. I couldn’t put it down. I even went back to reread it. I need more of these characters!!
„The universe is cruel for putting us together, but I don’t feel bad because what I feel when I’m with you is what I’ve been wanting all along, I just never knew it until I met you.”
Just when you think you’ve read it all, Lucia Franco decides to prove you wrong. Hush Hush is an unique book, a outstanding story about love conquering all the obstacles. It’s the balance between the heart and the mind. It’s constant jumping between common sense and desires. This read pushes all the boundaries and extends our moral compass to the limit. But that’s just what Lucia Franco does in her books- she gives us forbidden stories, that are so captivating that we can’t get enough of them. And Hush Hush consumed me whole.
I won’t mention anything about the storyline because you need to dive into this book in headfirst. That’s a whole new level of forbidden and believe me, age gap is the slighest barier between main characters. Every new obstacle screams that Aubrey and James shouldn’t be together, they shouldn’t even think about each other, but their chemistry, the pull is so strong that it’s simply impossible to stay away. I haven’t read about so deep connection in ages. I’m still amazed about intensity this book contains and I’m getting all hot and panting when I think about James and Aubrey’s sexy moments. Darn, just the thought about James makes me melting into a puddle. This older, sexy gentleman is a walking wet dream. Everything about him screams alpha and he’ll always get what he want. Sure, sometimes he acts like a complete asshole, but he’s the type of a man who will turn your brain to mush and you will forget about everything. And Aubrey… struggling student with her own issues, but determined to secure herself a financial stability. I can totally understand some of her choices, but sometimes her age showed up. I get her drive for money, espiecially given the circumstances, but there were times I just couldn’t understand her actions. But I loved her confidence, her caring side and her independence.
READ THIS BOOK. I’m serious. It’s seductive, intense and insanely sexy. This story challenges morality and gives all angst-lovers a field day. I’m so glad that Lucia is such a bold writer, because she definitely doesn’t hold back in her books. And that’s exactly what I crave- raw, real and unrestrained story that will give me all the feels. And that’s what I’ve got in Hush Hush.
I bow down, Mrs. Franco!
This is the 2nd book this year that has sucked me in, put me through a blender and put me all back together again. What I can say about this book is that I was hooked from the start with this story. I have read a few of Lucia’s books so I know the type she writes the forbidden/taboo love. This one is no different.
“Life is a collection of moments” This quote sums up a lot in this book. Moments that you have with someone or in your life define who you are or who you will be. Some may be mistakes and some may be the best decision you ever made.
That is one feeling I have for this book. One thing I will say is that you will need tissues, chocolate and something strong to drink when you read this one. I can say that 5 stars is not enough of a rating for this book from me. If you have not read this author I suggest you check her out. This cover alone is a reason to read this book!!!! STUNNING!!!!!!