What do you think?
Rate this book
Curves and Ruins #7
The Big Bad's Secret
He’s my daddy’s best friend…
and my best friend’s daddy.
For the past three years, I’ve wanted someone I can’t have.
My father’s best friend. His business partner.
Big. Bulky. Twenty years older.
My best friend’s father.
It was just a crush.
He’d never want someone as inexperienced as I am.
And the fact he never glanced my way makes me want him more.
He’s here for two weeks.
Off limits. Forbidden.
And I plan to give him everything before he leaves.
That will be our little secret.
and my best friend’s daddy.
For the past three years, I’ve wanted someone I can’t have.
My father’s best friend. His business partner.
Big. Bulky. Twenty years older.
My best friend’s father.
It was just a crush.
He’d never want someone as inexperienced as I am.
And the fact he never glanced my way makes me want him more.
He’s here for two weeks.
Off limits. Forbidden.
And I plan to give him everything before he leaves.
That will be our little secret.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2023
About the author
Erin Havoc
128 books274 followersErin Havoc writes short, steamy romance with no cliffhangers, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA! There's almost always an alpha male who loves his curvy girl, but hot and sweet scenes are a must!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 19, 2023
**2.3/5 stars**
When Maddie met her bestfriend's father for the first time three years ago, it was love at first sight. It's only then that she also realized Brett is her own father's bestfriend, only adding to her despair. How could their love ever be possible, assuming that he also feels the same way? But now, it's summer vacation; Maddie and her father, as well as her bestfriend and her father Brett planned to spend time at the summer house, and there might be a chance to finally get closer to Brett.
Gosh this was actually such a weird situation. And at some point, it felt like it was a setup for two end couples but I'm so glad that the author didn't go that route in the end. It was forbidden love but I just felt so uncomfortable. Not only because of the age gap but the fact that Maddie fell for her bestfriend's father and her father's bestfriend, but also the other way around; Brett falling for his own daughter's bestfriend and his bestfriend's daughter. Isn't it such a weird and impossible situation? Was it necessary? It was just too much for me.
Maddie was sweet, and I appreciated that she attempted to talk to her friend about her crush (of course, always interrupted), but at least she wanted to be honest with her. While on the other side, we had Brett who didn't know what to do with the situation. He had some morals and fought his own feelings a bit. He was the one who was pushing and pulling the most. Sadly, he wasn't a very interesting hero.
I was just personally overwhelmed with all that taboo and forbidden situation. It was too much for my liking. The fact Maddie's father was also in the mix by being bestfriend with Brett could've easily been left out. Overall, it wasn't all that bad, but I really feel worn out by what I've read and it was too complicated, especially for a novella.
✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Forbidden love
✔️Bestfriend's father
✔️Age gap
✔️Obsessed/ Possessive/ H
✔️Sweet/ Obsessed/ Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
🔥 Steam level: 2/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this novella? It was okay. Just too complicated.
**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**
When Maddie met her bestfriend's father for the first time three years ago, it was love at first sight. It's only then that she also realized Brett is her own father's bestfriend, only adding to her despair. How could their love ever be possible, assuming that he also feels the same way? But now, it's summer vacation; Maddie and her father, as well as her bestfriend and her father Brett planned to spend time at the summer house, and there might be a chance to finally get closer to Brett.
Gosh this was actually such a weird situation. And at some point, it felt like it was a setup for two end couples but I'm so glad that the author didn't go that route in the end. It was forbidden love but I just felt so uncomfortable. Not only because of the age gap but the fact that Maddie fell for her bestfriend's father and her father's bestfriend, but also the other way around; Brett falling for his own daughter's bestfriend and his bestfriend's daughter. Isn't it such a weird and impossible situation? Was it necessary? It was just too much for me.
Maddie was sweet, and I appreciated that she attempted to talk to her friend about her crush (of course, always interrupted), but at least she wanted to be honest with her. While on the other side, we had Brett who didn't know what to do with the situation. He had some morals and fought his own feelings a bit. He was the one who was pushing and pulling the most. Sadly, he wasn't a very interesting hero.
I was just personally overwhelmed with all that taboo and forbidden situation. It was too much for my liking. The fact Maddie's father was also in the mix by being bestfriend with Brett could've easily been left out. Overall, it wasn't all that bad, but I really feel worn out by what I've read and it was too complicated, especially for a novella.
✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Forbidden love
✔️Bestfriend's father
✔️Age gap
✔️Obsessed/ Possessive/ H
✔️Sweet/ Obsessed/ Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
🔥 Steam level: 2/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this novella? It was okay. Just too complicated.
**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**
Curves and Ruins Series
1. The Big Bad's Temptation - 2. The Big Bad's Obsession
3. The Big Bad's Claim - 4. The Big Bad's Surprise
5. The Big Bad's Mail-Order Bride -
6. The Big Bad's Darling
7. The Big Bad's Secret* - 8. The Big Bad's Lies
9. The Big Bad's Forever - 10. The Big Bad's Offer
11. The Big Bad's Game
February 21, 2023
Brett (H43) and Maddie (h21) have been attracted to one another for years but have never acted on or acknowledged how they felt about the other until they’re faced with spending two weeks together at a beach house. They fight their attraction to one another to avoid hurting those they’re close to – Brett’s daughter is Maddie’s best friend and Maddie’s father is Brett’s best friend. Things heat up and sparks fly in this age gap forbidden romantic quickie with a bit of heat.
April 6, 2023
Maddie is in love with her best friends dad. They met three years prior and she can't forget him and her crush. What she doesn't know is that Brett feels the same. But they are both afraid to make a move because of their age gap and Brett's daughter and Maddie's father. But sparks fly and they finally get a shot at a HEA 😍😍 Age gap, best friends father, sweet ,steamy, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍
April 14, 2023
Maddie has had a crush on her best Anne dad when she was 18 but has never said anything.
Brett was in the navy with Maddie dad but he left the navy before Maddie was born, but as always wanted Brett to work for him, plus he didn't really get to spend a lot of time with Anne when she was young.
Maddie and Anne are spending 2 weeks on vacation at the beach house and Brett is going to be there.
Brett has wanted Maddie since the first time they met but has not done anything about it because of Maddie's dad and Anne his daughter.
But Maddie and Brett can't stop what they are feeling and when they both realise they both feel the same they kiss and keep kissing whenever they can.
When it's time for Maddie and Anne to go back to college, Brett does not say goodbye to Maddie and that really upsets her and Anne says something to her when it all comes out.
Will Maddie's dad and Anne accept their relationship, Can Maddie and Brett work despite their age gap.
Brett was in the navy with Maddie dad but he left the navy before Maddie was born, but as always wanted Brett to work for him, plus he didn't really get to spend a lot of time with Anne when she was young.
Maddie and Anne are spending 2 weeks on vacation at the beach house and Brett is going to be there.
Brett has wanted Maddie since the first time they met but has not done anything about it because of Maddie's dad and Anne his daughter.
But Maddie and Brett can't stop what they are feeling and when they both realise they both feel the same they kiss and keep kissing whenever they can.
When it's time for Maddie and Anne to go back to college, Brett does not say goodbye to Maddie and that really upsets her and Anne says something to her when it all comes out.
Will Maddie's dad and Anne accept their relationship, Can Maddie and Brett work despite their age gap.
February 27, 2023
Maddie and Anne met in college and instantly became best friends. However Maddie has a secret from Anne and that is she is madly in love with Anne's dad Brett. To make things worse, Brett and her dad were best friends. Now it is summer break before her last year of college, Maddie and her dad are spending two weeks at their summer house on the lake and have invited Brett and Anne to come with them. How is Maddie going to hide her feelings for two whole weeks of close contact?
Brett fell for Maddie the first time he saw her her freshman year. He would love to make her his but his daughter and best friend would not be happy. When he realizes that Maddie feels the same way about him, he has to decide between his heart Maddie and his daughter and best friend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brett fell for Maddie the first time he saw her her freshman year. He would love to make her his but his daughter and best friend would not be happy. When he realizes that Maddie feels the same way about him, he has to decide between his heart Maddie and his daughter and best friend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2023
An older man and a younger woman with best friends involved! This is about Maddie and Brett. Maddie is Brett’s daughter’s best friend, and Maddie’s dad is Brett’s best friend from the Navy! The attraction is there for the two, but neither of them acts on it until it is too late. The discovery is also stunning as to how the best friend realizes this, and when the declaration is there, Brett’s daughter defends her friend, not her father! Doug, Maddie’s father, realizes what is happening, and that is where it all goes up for both Maddie and Brett. Love the ending, and it is wonderful that many realize that age is just that, a number.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2023
This age gap romance comes with a double edged best friend sword. Maddie’s in love with her best friend’s father, Brett, who is also best friends with her own father. A father daughter vacation put these two in close enough proximity that they struggle to ignore their deep feelings and connection. The result was the hottest sunscreen application you will ever read! They battle with their feelings and how it will be accepted which leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Luckily Erin Havoc always does a fantastic job bringing us to satisfying conclusions!! I loved this quick and steamy age gap romance and recommend reading it if this is a trope you enjoy.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
Maddie and Brett end up at the lake house by themselves and sparks fly between them. Maddie is best friends with Brett's daughter and has had feelings for him for a while now. Brett has also had feelings for her since he saw her when he visited his daughter at college. Can they be together or with their respective families keep them apart?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2023
How will Maddie & Brett's story end?
I always love reading Erin Havoc books & when the book's description mentions age gap, forbidden, steamy, spicy, taboo I know the author will deliver another brilliant read. Maddie is best friends with Brett's daughter. Brett is best friend's with Maddie's dad & also his business partner. Is this just a crush on her best friend's dad or the start of something more? Brett's eye's follow her everywhere. What pushes them to act?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I always love reading Erin Havoc books & when the book's description mentions age gap, forbidden, steamy, spicy, taboo I know the author will deliver another brilliant read. Maddie is best friends with Brett's daughter. Brett is best friend's with Maddie's dad & also his business partner. Is this just a crush on her best friend's dad or the start of something more? Brett's eye's follow her everywhere. What pushes them to act?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
Maddie has been crushing on her dad's best friend for a while now. Brett feels the same way about her too.
Not only is she his daughter's best friend, but she's also his best friend's daughter. Talk about a complicated scenario. This short, steamy, and forbidden love story had me cheering Maddie and Brett on to get their happily ever after. I like that they both fought their attractions but when sparks start flying there's no stopping love. The Big Bad's Secret is book seven in the Curves and Ruins series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Not only is she his daughter's best friend, but she's also his best friend's daughter. Talk about a complicated scenario. This short, steamy, and forbidden love story had me cheering Maddie and Brett on to get their happily ever after. I like that they both fought their attractions but when sparks start flying there's no stopping love. The Big Bad's Secret is book seven in the Curves and Ruins series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 19, 2023
I liked this book! It was cute and a bit steamy. Both characters were kind of complex in a way that they both didn't know what to do with their feelings. However, once they started realizing they were in love with each other, they were unstoppable.
I would recommend this story to my friends when they want a quick and romantic read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would recommend this story to my friends when they want a quick and romantic read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2023
I'm not sure about this one. It's a good age gap and I liked the characters. I think it's the timing or the way the story progresses that felt awkward to me. There is a break in the story that isn't really explained and I didn't like that. It's a fun and entertaining book but the transition near the end was just different.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2023
This is an over the top forbidden age gap romance. It isn't an instant love since the characters have lusted/crushed over each other for 3 years but it does come on fairly quickly once they see each other again. I thought there would be more drama in the story but other for a few tiny blips, things went fairly smoothly. These weren't my favorite Havoc characters - it was nice they found happiness but I didn't feel invested in the story.
February 23, 2023
This short story is a forbidden love story which had different example of relationships, perceived unrequited feelings, guilt, desires, conflict, doubt, worries, sadness, hope, happiness, connection, chemistry, friends, family and love. Throw in some forced proximity and certain feelings can't be denied or hid any longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2023
The author has given us a fast-paced older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Brett and Maddie. The story keeps us turning the pages with forbidden desire, secrets, familial obstacles and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2023
Maddie had loved Brett ever since she had met him even though his daughter Anne was her best friend. So when things happen, she doesn't know what to think and wonders if they can be. Their love conquers all and they love forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2023
Forbidden love
THE BIG BAD'S SECRET is the seventh book in the Curves and Ruins series. The story is about Madeline (Maddie) Bradley and Brett Grant with a forbidden romance that will not stay secret for long. This story is fast-paced, intense and passionate, with longing, secrets, family, friendship and more add mixed together into an enjoyable read.
THE BIG BAD'S SECRET is the seventh book in the Curves and Ruins series. The story is about Madeline (Maddie) Bradley and Brett Grant with a forbidden romance that will not stay secret for long. This story is fast-paced, intense and passionate, with longing, secrets, family, friendship and more add mixed together into an enjoyable read.
June 1, 2024
This is where the dad's best friend didn't watcher her grow up. If he did i wouldn't have read it. Nice story line. when legally old enough to make decisions (18) crushes have a mind of their own. Who lot of conflict when things get hot and heavy on all parties involved. There is a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2023
Maddie feels guilty, after all, she has a major crush on her best friend's dad. Brett has loved Maddie since he met her but didn't say anything because of the age difference. This quick read is full of romance and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
February 21, 2023
Hidden Agenda ~ I really enjoyed reading this story. Love is unexpected, and it’s not up to you who you fall for. And fall hard they did and neither one thought the other had feelings, or that their respective families would be ok with it. Loved the ending!
February 21, 2023
This was Brett & Maddie's book. For the past three years, Maddie has wanted someone she can’t have. Her father’s best friend. His business partner. Big. Bulky. Twenty years older. And her best friend’s father. It was an entertaining story. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 25, 2023
Sweet & Steamy
The more you read the better this book got! I enjoyed the taboo and age gap. It's steamy, and sweet. Its a page turner and a easy read.
The more you read the better this book got! I enjoyed the taboo and age gap. It's steamy, and sweet. Its a page turner and a easy read.
March 4, 2023
short book
the only thing I don't like about short books, is the characters fall in love after 2 meetings 🙈 it ruins it.
but was a good storyline, quite enjoyed it.
the only thing I don't like about short books, is the characters fall in love after 2 meetings 🙈 it ruins it.
but was a good storyline, quite enjoyed it.
April 14, 2023
Enjoyed reading this book
June 7, 2023
excellent
August 18, 2023
intriguing story
Brett & Maddie story was a short and quick story with great writing and character development. If flowed very well.
Brett & Maddie story was a short and quick story with great writing and character development. If flowed very well.
August 24, 2023
Loved it.
December 30, 2023
Great
Maddie and Brett.
I loved reading this short story.
I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
Friends best friend and her best freinds father.
Maddie and Brett.
I loved reading this short story.
I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
Friends best friend and her best freinds father.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews