What do you think?
Rate this book
Hernandez Brothers of Rose Valley #1
Fall Secrets
Hazel
Dexter has been my soulmate since we met eight years old. Everyone around us knows that we belong together. Now it’s time for him to realize the feeling I’ve been concealing from him.
I’ll put the plan into action. I have the perfect place - our small town Fall carnival. My outfit is ready and I’ve even rehearsed what I’m going to say.
The last thing I expected is for him to chase me through the hay maze. I’ve never felt more alive than I do when he tells me to run. But what happens when he catches me?
Dexter
I’ve been in love with Hazel since we were kids. I’ve kept my feelings to myself. I’m not good enough for her - I’ve been keeping parts of my life from her. Parts I’m not sure I want her to know.
I love a good chase. The thrill exhilarates me. What I don’t know is how Hazel will take it. I should’ve known to expect the unexpected when it comes to Hazel.
When I tell her to run, my little bunny does. When I start my hunt everything feels right in the world…until it doesn’t.
Will she still love me when she finds out what else I’ve been keeping from her?
This is a short read and first installment for Dexter and Hazel. It ends in HEA in the next book the Secrets Behind Us coming June 2024.
Dexter has been my soulmate since we met eight years old. Everyone around us knows that we belong together. Now it’s time for him to realize the feeling I’ve been concealing from him.
I’ll put the plan into action. I have the perfect place - our small town Fall carnival. My outfit is ready and I’ve even rehearsed what I’m going to say.
The last thing I expected is for him to chase me through the hay maze. I’ve never felt more alive than I do when he tells me to run. But what happens when he catches me?
Dexter
I’ve been in love with Hazel since we were kids. I’ve kept my feelings to myself. I’m not good enough for her - I’ve been keeping parts of my life from her. Parts I’m not sure I want her to know.
I love a good chase. The thrill exhilarates me. What I don’t know is how Hazel will take it. I should’ve known to expect the unexpected when it comes to Hazel.
When I tell her to run, my little bunny does. When I start my hunt everything feels right in the world…until it doesn’t.
Will she still love me when she finds out what else I’ve been keeping from her?
This is a short read and first installment for Dexter and Hazel. It ends in HEA in the next book the Secrets Behind Us coming June 2024.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 12, 2024
Fast, hot, and in your face. This is not a slow burn. It is quick and leaving you wanting more. I am ready for the next book. This one was such a tease.
June 19, 2024
Best friends since elementary school, Hazel and Dex keep their romantic feelings hidden, so as not to ruin their friendship. Hazel’s tired of waiting, though so she vows to confess how she feels to Dex at the upcoming Fall Carnival.
A spicy, dramatic novella that ends with a cliffhanger, the first book in the Hernandez Brothers of Rose Valley series, Fall Secrets will make you happy that the second book is now available. You won’t want to have to wait to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A spicy, dramatic novella that ends with a cliffhanger, the first book in the Hernandez Brothers of Rose Valley series, Fall Secrets will make you happy that the second book is now available. You won’t want to have to wait to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2024
This was a short and very quick read. As far as a short story I was invested and really want to know what happens after the cliffhanger we were left on. Childhood friends who have always been in love but it’s also a forbidden love due to some family aspects on his side. Excited to finish the story in June!
May 6, 2024
Hazel (h22) and Dexter (h24), best friends since childhood, are set to meet up at the fall carnival and she's determined to let him know how she really feels about him, hoping that he'll be open to more than just friendship - talk about putting yourself out there & risking your friendship. Luckily for Hazel, Dexter feels the same way and things quickly heat up with some primal fun in a win-win chase through the carnival corn maze, though honestly corn and hay can make for some itchy action. But as quickly as things heat up, they cool down even faster when lives are on the line and the best defense is to run. Ultra-hot and steamy friends to lovers romantic quickie with primal play, danger, angst, and heartbreak, leaving you on a cliffhanger of unresolved emotions and tension heading towards a showdown in "The Secrets Behind Us" when Hazel and Dexter meet again after years apart.
August 8, 2024
This is the first in this series and the first book I have read from Nichole. It is very fast paced and a quick read. Dexter and Hazel have been best friends since they were little. One night they both decide to admit their feelings for each other. But Dexter is doing something that is going to change how they feel about each other. Hazel can't handle it and takes matters into her own hands. This does end on a cliff hanger so to speak. But it was still an enjoyable read regarding the relationship between Dexter and Hazel. A great beginning to what I am going to say is going to be a great series.
May 20, 2024
Fall Secrets is a quick and easy read so perfect for an afternoon reading session. There is no slow burning in this one and the intense chemistry between Hazel and Dexter is perfect. This has the right amount of spice and it finishes on a cliffhanger which I cannot wait to read to see what happens to Hazel and Dexter. A really enjoyable read! I received a complementary copy from the author.
May 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Story is only 52 pages. Very short. It moves very quickly and ends in a cliffhanger. I wish it was just longer and not left as a cliffhanger. But it was a short spice book. And there is another one coming later this year.
🌶️🌶️
Story is only 52 pages. Very short. It moves very quickly and ends in a cliffhanger. I wish it was just longer and not left as a cliffhanger. But it was a short spice book. And there is another one coming later this year.
May 20, 2024
This was an Great Short Book. This book gives you so many things in a short amount of time. It gives you emotions, second chances, steamy, fast read, quick and fast, wonderful characters, small town. entertaining, short read, an a Cliffhanger at the end. 💓 Hazel and Dexter. Can't Wait , for the next book.
May 16, 2024
Cliffy much
Dang lady, you led us right to that cliff and pushed us off it hard. We need to know what happens with Hazel and Dex. Hurry up, book 2.
Dang lady, you led us right to that cliff and pushed us off it hard. We need to know what happens with Hazel and Dex. Hurry up, book 2.
May 14, 2024
This book is a quick and easy read, and I absolutely loved it. This story is a best friends to lovers story, it isn’t my typical read but I absolutely loved it this time around. I absolutely devoured this book and cannot get enough. One thing I will say is this does end on a cliffhanger and the cliffhanger absolutely broke my heart.
May 18, 2024
Crazy
This book was a Rollercoaster and finding out what happened at the end with the cliff hanger was a brutal ending
This book was a Rollercoaster and finding out what happened at the end with the cliff hanger was a brutal ending
May 15, 2024
Outstanding childhood to lovers romance! Hazel and Dexter go after what they want after being friends for to long. Amazing short read, fast burn, spicy, mega hot and steamy! Enjoyed reading! Can’t wait for book 2!
May 23, 2024
This book is a short little prequel to The Secrets Behind Us. I am so ready to read this when it comes out as this had be hooked from the beginning.
Hazel and Dexter have been best friends for most of their lives. However Hazel has been feeling things that are more than best friends should feel the past couple years. At the fall carnival she is ready to tell Dexter exactly how she feels in hopes that he feels the same way. Dexter has been feeling the exact same way however he fears the secret he has been hiding from Hazel. After Hazel confesses her feelings Dexter, Dexter tells her that he is absolutely obsessed with her and things get steamy immediately. A Farris wheel and a corn maze later they are ready to take things back to Dexters apartment but Dexter is called away by his dad.
There is little to no communication from Dexter in the week after the carnival and Hazel is getting really concerned so she goes to check on him. She finds him beaten up and resting in his bed. Dexter tells her that he was underground fighting but I reality he was punished by his father for being out with Hazel and not training. Hazel has been getting threatening text messages to stay away from Dexter. She ends up listening to them fears of what they will do to Dexter and her family. Dexter awakens to a note from Hazel saying she cant do this. She cant watch him hurt himself over and over again. Finally, that will always love him. Dexter is extremely hurt and tries to get her back but she changes her number and moves across the country.
Five years later she is called back to Rose Valley as her mom has cancer. She is reluctant as she knows that Dexter Hernandez does not give second chances.
I am so ready to read The Secrets Behind Us. I need to know what happens between Hazel and Dexter. Do you ever find out who is behind the threatening text messages? Will Dexter forgive Hazel? Will they fall back in love with each other? Will they have a HEA? I need to find out these answers.
Hazel and Dexter have been best friends for most of their lives. However Hazel has been feeling things that are more than best friends should feel the past couple years. At the fall carnival she is ready to tell Dexter exactly how she feels in hopes that he feels the same way. Dexter has been feeling the exact same way however he fears the secret he has been hiding from Hazel. After Hazel confesses her feelings Dexter, Dexter tells her that he is absolutely obsessed with her and things get steamy immediately. A Farris wheel and a corn maze later they are ready to take things back to Dexters apartment but Dexter is called away by his dad.
There is little to no communication from Dexter in the week after the carnival and Hazel is getting really concerned so she goes to check on him. She finds him beaten up and resting in his bed. Dexter tells her that he was underground fighting but I reality he was punished by his father for being out with Hazel and not training. Hazel has been getting threatening text messages to stay away from Dexter. She ends up listening to them fears of what they will do to Dexter and her family. Dexter awakens to a note from Hazel saying she cant do this. She cant watch him hurt himself over and over again. Finally, that will always love him. Dexter is extremely hurt and tries to get her back but she changes her number and moves across the country.
Five years later she is called back to Rose Valley as her mom has cancer. She is reluctant as she knows that Dexter Hernandez does not give second chances.
I am so ready to read The Secrets Behind Us. I need to know what happens between Hazel and Dexter. Do you ever find out who is behind the threatening text messages? Will Dexter forgive Hazel? Will they fall back in love with each other? Will they have a HEA? I need to find out these answers.
July 22, 2024
This book was about Dexter and hazel. They have been best friends since they were 8 years old. She had just moved to town and on her first day of school a boy pushed her down. Dexter stood up for her and that boy as how their friendship started. When they were older they both developed feelings and they were too scared to say anything. One night hazel had enough and she finally told him how she felt. That same night Dexter got a text from his father that he needed to come home. So he walked hazel to her car and left. She texted him when she got home and she never heard from him. She got a text from an unknown number to stay away from him. She texted Dexter but he never responded so a week later she went to his house and he didn’t answer so she climbed in through the window and found him in bed with bruises all over. He told her he got it fighting but it was really his father because he wasn’t happy that Dexter went out with her instead of training. He woke up in the night alone and to a note from her. Telling him she needed to leave. He texted her and she never responded to him. She ended up moving to California. And whoever the unknown number was knew she moved and had a picture of her in front of her apartment.
May 13, 2024
Fall Secrets is book one in the Hernandez Brothers of Rose Valley Series.
Dexter and Hazel are perfect for each other. I loved reading about them finally embracing how they feel about each other and taking that step into the unknown. However, not everyone wants them to be happy together. There are a lot of secrets between these two which hinders their relationship.
That ending! I just can't right now! It leaves you with a semi concluded ending and not really a cliffhanger, but it does leave you with a semi cliffhanger. I need to read the next book in the series as I need to read about the reunion of Dexter and Hazel. I need to know if they ever figure out who is trying to drive them away from each other. I have a feeling the next book is going to be a bit darker than this one, as Dexter is not going to be happy with how Hazel treated him during the ending. I want him to be able to listen to her, but I don't think he's fully going to give her that chance.
This was definitely a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see how we can resolve the past between Dexter and Hazel.
Dexter and Hazel are perfect for each other. I loved reading about them finally embracing how they feel about each other and taking that step into the unknown. However, not everyone wants them to be happy together. There are a lot of secrets between these two which hinders their relationship.
That ending! I just can't right now! It leaves you with a semi concluded ending and not really a cliffhanger, but it does leave you with a semi cliffhanger. I need to read the next book in the series as I need to read about the reunion of Dexter and Hazel. I need to know if they ever figure out who is trying to drive them away from each other. I have a feeling the next book is going to be a bit darker than this one, as Dexter is not going to be happy with how Hazel treated him during the ending. I want him to be able to listen to her, but I don't think he's fully going to give her that chance.
This was definitely a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see how we can resolve the past between Dexter and Hazel.
May 10, 2024
This is short, steamy and angsty book that left me wanting to know more and eager to read the next book. I loved the heat, the passion between Dexter and Hazel. Friends since childhood, both have been hiding their deeper feelings for fear of the other not feeling the same and pushing them away. Hazel is the one brave enough to declare her feelings, but Dexter, a very alpha male, takes the lead after hearing her say she wants more than friendship. Unfortunately, Dexter’s world is darker than Hazel knows and one night of bliss is all they have before the darkness comes between them.
This book is just a spicy appetizer to Hazel and Dexter’s second chance at love story in the next book. I can’t wait to read it and discover more about Hazel and Dexter’s story. I highly recommend this book.
This book is just a spicy appetizer to Hazel and Dexter’s second chance at love story in the next book. I can’t wait to read it and discover more about Hazel and Dexter’s story. I highly recommend this book.
May 17, 2024
This is an introduction novella of Hazel and Dexter’s story. Super fast read that pulls you in immediately. It’s a best friend’s to lovers story that takes a turn due to secrets in Dexter’s life. They have one explosive, super hot and smexy night together that they hope is the beginning of something magical and then when Dexter pushes Hazel away, it breaks her and she makes the decision to leave town to heal her broken heart.
This is kind of a cliffhanger to lead into the first full book in the series where years have passed and Hazel returns and things are very different for her and Dexter.
I am excited to continue their story and find out how things will play out for them.
This novella did its job brilliantly in capturing my attention right away and packing so much much into such a short story and leaving me wanting much, much more!!
This is kind of a cliffhanger to lead into the first full book in the series where years have passed and Hazel returns and things are very different for her and Dexter.
I am excited to continue their story and find out how things will play out for them.
This novella did its job brilliantly in capturing my attention right away and packing so much much into such a short story and leaving me wanting much, much more!!
June 15, 2024
As the prequel to Hazel and Dexter’s story, it jumps right into the action with a feeling of nervous anticipation as Hazel builds up the nerve to tell her BFF that she wants more than friendship at the carnival that night. I was all geared up for a standard friends-to-lovers romance, until Dexter told her he was into primal play. Say what! Well, that got my attention! With an unforgettable ride on the Ferris wheel and a chase through a corn maze with an unexpected prize, the carnival would be one neither Hazel or Dexter would forget. However, with a lot happening behind the scenes and secrets Dexter doesn’t want to share, their euphoria doesn’t last. And so, with their relationship hanging in the balance, we’re left hanging to impatiently wait for the next instalment to find out what happens next.
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.
June 19, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Dexter and Hazel
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- about 60 pages
Heat- ���️☢️☢️☢️☢️ With Al Fresco zexytime!
Series? Y. This is a prequel and ends in a cliffhanger.
Triggers- Language! Violence! Zexytime!
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Looking for Lovin’ in Unexpected Places, Secrets and Lies, The Boxer
Mewsings
This is a prequel, so its job is to whet the reader’s appetite for the series. It worked- my interest is well and truly piqued. It introduces Dexter and Angel, best friends to lovers, and ends on a cliffhanger. The world building is great, and the Ferris Wheel scene perfection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Dexter and Hazel
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- about 60 pages
Heat- ���️☢️☢️☢️☢️ With Al Fresco zexytime!
Series? Y. This is a prequel and ends in a cliffhanger.
Triggers- Language! Violence! Zexytime!
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Looking for Lovin’ in Unexpected Places, Secrets and Lies, The Boxer
Mewsings
This is a prequel, so its job is to whet the reader’s appetite for the series. It worked- my interest is well and truly piqued. It introduces Dexter and Angel, best friends to lovers, and ends on a cliffhanger. The world building is great, and the Ferris Wheel scene perfection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This short novellas tell the story that will captivate readers and make you fall in love with the characters. This book introduces readers to Dexter and Hazel. Hazel and Dexter have been best friends. Feelings are changing and both are ready to take the plunge. Both are also a little scared to tell the other. They did not need to worry. Their friendship turned into more seamlessly.
There is always something going on. Dexter fights for his father who is indebted to the Wolves. Yes, those Wolves. After a particularly brutal fight, Hazel came over and saw the aftermath. Can Hazel deal with the life Dexter leads? There is also another element that could make or break this couple. I'm telling you this book will have you hooked and begging the author for the next book in this series.
There is always something going on. Dexter fights for his father who is indebted to the Wolves. Yes, those Wolves. After a particularly brutal fight, Hazel came over and saw the aftermath. Can Hazel deal with the life Dexter leads? There is also another element that could make or break this couple. I'm telling you this book will have you hooked and begging the author for the next book in this series.
June 4, 2024
This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed reading. This is a short story but it sure does pack a punch. I enjoyed this author's writing style as well as her attention to details that made the characters come to life. It is a well written story that is fast paced and hard to put down. A story that I read in one night. The characters add so much to the story as well as their chemistry. They made the story easy to read and have great growth as well. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the second book in this series
June 15, 2024
DNF
I generally like friends to lovers; it feels more real, to me than most other romance tropes. So I was looking forward to reading this story.
Unfortunately, it takes more than a trope I like for me to enjoy a book, and decent writing, characters, and plot are also essential.
This book had 2 out of the 3 - the characters and plot, for as far as I got, were fine. The writing...:sigh:
I'm afraid that, despite how short the book is, I still only managed to read just over ⅓.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I generally like friends to lovers; it feels more real, to me than most other romance tropes. So I was looking forward to reading this story.
Unfortunately, it takes more than a trope I like for me to enjoy a book, and decent writing, characters, and plot are also essential.
This book had 2 out of the 3 - the characters and plot, for as far as I got, were fine. The writing...:sigh:
I'm afraid that, despite how short the book is, I still only managed to read just over ⅓.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2024
Even for a short story this felt too fast paced and very little feeling to it.
It had potential but I couldn't really connect with the characters or the story. I felt like we needed more indepth explanation of the events that took place.
We just get odd basic info that he clearly lives a secret dangerous life. And we are told they both have feelings and an attraction. But there was no real build up to it, no real connection.
They admit their feelings, bang eachother, then suddenly they are being pulled apart. It all felt off for me.
It had potential but I couldn't really connect with the characters or the story. I felt like we needed more indepth explanation of the events that took place.
We just get odd basic info that he clearly lives a secret dangerous life. And we are told they both have feelings and an attraction. But there was no real build up to it, no real connection.
They admit their feelings, bang eachother, then suddenly they are being pulled apart. It all felt off for me.
June 25, 2024
Wow! Just Wow!
This book moves fast, hot and doesn’t stop. I read it in one sitting and am now circling to get the next. I loved the story and the characters are some of my favourite of most recently. I’m loving te start of this new series and am craving more, much, much more! I love this author and gobble up each and every one of her books, this book was no different. If you haven’t read any of her works, you are MISSING out! Grab one now! They aren’t long but they are packed full of goodness!
This book moves fast, hot and doesn’t stop. I read it in one sitting and am now circling to get the next. I loved the story and the characters are some of my favourite of most recently. I’m loving te start of this new series and am craving more, much, much more! I love this author and gobble up each and every one of her books, this book was no different. If you haven’t read any of her works, you are MISSING out! Grab one now! They aren’t long but they are packed full of goodness!
July 3, 2024
Fall Secrets
I loooove Nichole Ruschelle!!!! I’ve been reading her twisted Grimm fairy tale stories and I was so excited to see her wrote a new book! Well, novella lol. Even though she’s little, she was still amazing.
Hazel and Dexter have always been best friends but lately they’ve been having more intense feelings for each other. But will their lives allow them to be together.
I can’t wait to read the rest in this series!! I only wish it was longer. I need more!!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤🖤
I loooove Nichole Ruschelle!!!! I’ve been reading her twisted Grimm fairy tale stories and I was so excited to see her wrote a new book! Well, novella lol. Even though she’s little, she was still amazing.
Hazel and Dexter have always been best friends but lately they’ve been having more intense feelings for each other. But will their lives allow them to be together.
I can’t wait to read the rest in this series!! I only wish it was longer. I need more!!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤🖤
May 9, 2024
Fall Secrets is a good quick read.
What you get....
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Spicy Scene
♡Primal Play
♡Chase Through a Corn Maze
♡First Date at the Carnival
♡Chemistry
♡Danger
♡Angst
♡Heartbreak
♡Secrets
♡Unknown Number Text Threats
♡Cliffhanger Ending
♡Prequel
♡Short Story
Hazel and Dexter take the leap from best friends to lovers in this fast-paced prequel to their hopefully HEA. I enjoyed this quick read, and I can't wait to read more!!
What you get....
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Spicy Scene
♡Primal Play
♡Chase Through a Corn Maze
♡First Date at the Carnival
♡Chemistry
♡Danger
♡Angst
♡Heartbreak
♡Secrets
♡Unknown Number Text Threats
♡Cliffhanger Ending
♡Prequel
♡Short Story
Hazel and Dexter take the leap from best friends to lovers in this fast-paced prequel to their hopefully HEA. I enjoyed this quick read, and I can't wait to read more!!
May 14, 2024
This was a quick read that follows the journey between best friends Hazel and Dexter. This novella was told in dual POV between the two main characters. There's also a corn maze scene at the carnival they visit. The ending did end with a cliffhanger that makes me wanting to know what will happen in the next book in the series. I definitely recommend checking this out if you are looking for a quick read with a twist in it.
May 14, 2024
OMG 😱 Fall Secrets is book one in the Hernandez Brothers of Rose Valley Series. Dexter and Hazel was in a romance relationship and the physical attraction was sensational of passion. And their passion got deeper between them every day. It was a quick read and the moment was beautiful and lovely.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
May 26, 2024
Oh my gosh!!! This novella was so good and it does end on a cliffhanger but it's definitely worth it..
This is a friends to lovers, best friends, one night stand plus more story in a novella!!! It might be short but it definitely has alot going on!!
Dex has a secret..but what he doesn't realize is Hazel does too and when push comes to shove, Hazel will do anything to keep Dex safe..she loves him that much...
I can't wait for book 2!!
5⭐
3.5🌶
This is a friends to lovers, best friends, one night stand plus more story in a novella!!! It might be short but it definitely has alot going on!!
Dex has a secret..but what he doesn't realize is Hazel does too and when push comes to shove, Hazel will do anything to keep Dex safe..she loves him that much...
I can't wait for book 2!!
5⭐
3.5🌶
June 16, 2024
Hazel and Dexter have been best friends since they were eight years old. What neither knows is that they both feel something more. Hazel decides today is the day she is going to tell him how she feels. While things go well on the ferris wheel between the best friends, there are dark clouds on the horizon.
This ends on a cliffhanger, it is a prequel to the Secrets Behind US, where their story continues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This ends on a cliffhanger, it is a prequel to the Secrets Behind US, where their story continues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews