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Buried Secrets #1
Buried Secrets
When Alek Belanov loses his family at four years old, his Russian mobster uncle raises him. Now, at twenty-two, Alek wants nothing more than to find out who murdered his family and why. After Alek gets out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, his uncle sends him away to the Gay Protection Society, claiming Alek's life was in danger.
Sexy Rafe Escobar is the head of the secret Gay Protection Society, and he chooses Alek as his personal charge. Rafe warns Alek that if he breaks security rules, he will discipline him. Alek has some slip-ups here and there, but he adores his protector and wishes to please him in every way. Alek quickly finds his place among the other men who seek shelter and those who guard them.
Strict and Caring Dom/Insecure sub/Age Gap/Comfort & Hurt/Spankings
While Buried Secrets is a stand-alone book with no cliffhanger, the story will continue with Emilio and Kaden.
Sexy Rafe Escobar is the head of the secret Gay Protection Society, and he chooses Alek as his personal charge. Rafe warns Alek that if he breaks security rules, he will discipline him. Alek has some slip-ups here and there, but he adores his protector and wishes to please him in every way. Alek quickly finds his place among the other men who seek shelter and those who guard them.
Strict and Caring Dom/Insecure sub/Age Gap/Comfort & Hurt/Spankings
While Buried Secrets is a stand-alone book with no cliffhanger, the story will continue with Emilio and Kaden.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2019
38 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Brina Brady
60 books227 followersI read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.
I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.
I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.
During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.
I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.
I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.
During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 25, 2023
Secrets do not remain buried, but the remains are evil.
Most families with lots of political influence, inherited wealth, international drug trading, power to control sex trading, alcohol, or weapons, food supplies, or adoption act like they are above the law or make their own.
Children born into such families are lied to from birth by family members to maintain control while trying to protect the inheritance and lives of the pawns in the imaginary Chess game. Moves may not follow the rules and may not make sense unless you know the history and dreams of those playing the bigger pieces or blocking limited options.
The safety and protection of the unfortunate children is often handed over to relatives or the ancestry and incestry blends into secret relationships that should be buried. The kingdoms of history had to deal with intermarriage producing severe handicaps in children resulting from similar DNA crisises. The whole world suffered from the power greed.
Now the powerful cartels, mafias, and international criminals are destroying the world and the future.
Yet sometimes a perfect found family will emerge to fight to make it better for the downtrodden and poor left buried with the secrets.
Most families with lots of political influence, inherited wealth, international drug trading, power to control sex trading, alcohol, or weapons, food supplies, or adoption act like they are above the law or make their own.
Children born into such families are lied to from birth by family members to maintain control while trying to protect the inheritance and lives of the pawns in the imaginary Chess game. Moves may not follow the rules and may not make sense unless you know the history and dreams of those playing the bigger pieces or blocking limited options.
The safety and protection of the unfortunate children is often handed over to relatives or the ancestry and incestry blends into secret relationships that should be buried. The kingdoms of history had to deal with intermarriage producing severe handicaps in children resulting from similar DNA crisises. The whole world suffered from the power greed.
Now the powerful cartels, mafias, and international criminals are destroying the world and the future.
Yet sometimes a perfect found family will emerge to fight to make it better for the downtrodden and poor left buried with the secrets.
April 15, 2019
I didn't quite know what to think of this book. The general concept of the story was good but overall a lot of the conversations seemed forced to me. It didn't flow. And it bothered me whenever Alek would be angry with Rafe, like really angry, Rafe expected sex and all would be ok. It doesn't really work like that. Also, it didn't sit well with me that his own uncle basically pimped him out to people for protection as well as paying for him. It was a lot of little things that just didn't add up for me. BUT don't take my word for it. Give it a try and see what you think.
Alek got out of prison after two years and was immediately set off by his uncle to a gay protection society where he will be bonded with a man who will protect him. His uncle told him there's a hit out on him and he needs to go away to be safe. Alek is distraught. It's bad enough he lost his lover to murder, then went to prison for something he didn't even do, now he's being sent away from the uncle who was like a father to him. And how he has to get bonded to a man is making him feel worse. But he's picked by Rafe and they are in the wind with 4 other couples. As they are off the grid, they learn a lot about each other. Alek is quickly finding out there's a lot more going on. Something his cousin said to him and it's triggered something for him. He's determined to dig and find out what really happened to his family and to him. And what he finds is horrible. He now has to figure out how to go on with his life and if life with Rafe is really worth it.
Alek has just had a raw deal all the way around. His family, prison, his lover. The truth behind it all. How he's introduced in this world with Rafe. Rafe himself. It's one thing after another and a few times I thought Alek should just run for it and see how far he could get. Maybe find some new friends. He certainly didn't deserve everything that's happened to him.
Rafe I don't care for much at all. I'm glad he's responsible and trying to look out for everyone but most of the time, he comes across as a HUGE asshole. I even get him being a Dom and that personality. I totally get. But I still feel like he crosses the line sometimes. But then again, it could be just me.
Alek and a few of the other 'boys’ are just trying to survive. Some have adapted to their 'roles’ and their protectors don't seem as harsh. Even as Doms. Anyway, give it a shot. See what you think.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Alek got out of prison after two years and was immediately set off by his uncle to a gay protection society where he will be bonded with a man who will protect him. His uncle told him there's a hit out on him and he needs to go away to be safe. Alek is distraught. It's bad enough he lost his lover to murder, then went to prison for something he didn't even do, now he's being sent away from the uncle who was like a father to him. And how he has to get bonded to a man is making him feel worse. But he's picked by Rafe and they are in the wind with 4 other couples. As they are off the grid, they learn a lot about each other. Alek is quickly finding out there's a lot more going on. Something his cousin said to him and it's triggered something for him. He's determined to dig and find out what really happened to his family and to him. And what he finds is horrible. He now has to figure out how to go on with his life and if life with Rafe is really worth it.
Alek has just had a raw deal all the way around. His family, prison, his lover. The truth behind it all. How he's introduced in this world with Rafe. Rafe himself. It's one thing after another and a few times I thought Alek should just run for it and see how far he could get. Maybe find some new friends. He certainly didn't deserve everything that's happened to him.
Rafe I don't care for much at all. I'm glad he's responsible and trying to look out for everyone but most of the time, he comes across as a HUGE asshole. I even get him being a Dom and that personality. I totally get. But I still feel like he crosses the line sometimes. But then again, it could be just me.
Alek and a few of the other 'boys’ are just trying to survive. Some have adapted to their 'roles’ and their protectors don't seem as harsh. Even as Doms. Anyway, give it a shot. See what you think.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
July 30, 2019
Wow. This book is so good, so many secrets, lots of tension and excitement.
We follow Alec Belanov, who has recently been released from prison for a crime he did not commit and has been sent to a special protection agency for gay men, by his Uncle, head of a Russian crime family.
Alek Struggles with the rejection by his uncle but does find comfort in his protector Rafe. Alek struggles with the strict rules that Rafe sets to make sure Alek and the group of protectors/protectees is safe. Alek feels like he is back in prison almost. To make matters worse he realises that people have not been telling the truth, or the whole truth. The poor guy is one mixed up person and is like a time bomb waiting to explode.
Rafe hates not being able to tell Alek everything he knows or believes to have happened. He just can not be the one to bring Aleks world crashing down, and possibly lose Alek as well.
The two characters are so made for each other. I love the way they fit together. As do the other characters that are part of their group of 5 protectors/protectees. You get a real feeling of family. Brina has done a great job of weaving the story and building the tensions. The is a real sense of danger around the group. I felt like I wanted to keep checking over my shoulder in case someone was after me lol.
The story is about the deceit of which Alek is the victim of and how he deals with the truths as they unravel, with Rafe there to hold and love him.
I have just started reading to review book two which focuses on Emilio and Kaden two secondary characters from book one. And I must say this series is becoming a masterpiece. I loved Emilio in book one, how he became good friends with Alec from the beginning. So was so happy to see that we get to know Emilio’s story next.
We follow Alec Belanov, who has recently been released from prison for a crime he did not commit and has been sent to a special protection agency for gay men, by his Uncle, head of a Russian crime family.
Alek Struggles with the rejection by his uncle but does find comfort in his protector Rafe. Alek struggles with the strict rules that Rafe sets to make sure Alek and the group of protectors/protectees is safe. Alek feels like he is back in prison almost. To make matters worse he realises that people have not been telling the truth, or the whole truth. The poor guy is one mixed up person and is like a time bomb waiting to explode.
Rafe hates not being able to tell Alek everything he knows or believes to have happened. He just can not be the one to bring Aleks world crashing down, and possibly lose Alek as well.
The two characters are so made for each other. I love the way they fit together. As do the other characters that are part of their group of 5 protectors/protectees. You get a real feeling of family. Brina has done a great job of weaving the story and building the tensions. The is a real sense of danger around the group. I felt like I wanted to keep checking over my shoulder in case someone was after me lol.
The story is about the deceit of which Alek is the victim of and how he deals with the truths as they unravel, with Rafe there to hold and love him.
I have just started reading to review book two which focuses on Emilio and Kaden two secondary characters from book one. And I must say this series is becoming a masterpiece. I loved Emilio in book one, how he became good friends with Alec from the beginning. So was so happy to see that we get to know Emilio’s story next.
January 16, 2019
I have read this author before. This is a mm contemporary story based in the USA. Book 1 of the Buried Secrets series. Rafe is the head of the secret Gay Protection Society, and Alek is his personal charge. I’ll read more from this author and this new series.
January 14, 2019
💖 5 Stars.🌟. Loved this as a new start the the series.
Right off at the start of the book Alek connected to me, the further I'd read I loved him. Aleks's curious nature had him not trusting anyone, scenes are written brilliantly to reflect this. As I read I got to know their personalities and their rolls. I thought Alek and Rafe where well matched for this book and the future books to follow. This includes some great twisters along the way with drama and not forgets some hot sexy scenes. Betrayals and secrets are high which poor Alek must uncover. BDSM scenes are smoking hot and yah it'll be fun to see whats in next book with the curiosity of young minds learning. The ending was emotional as scenes played out I wanted to send hugs to Alek. The next book will definitely be intriguing as I think the storyline will get more hotter in more than one way.
Alek 22 yrs was hiding (for his life) with the help of his Uncle Sacha after getting out of prison. A special party held in the hopes he'd find a new protector amongst them.
From jail he hoped to find freedom one day.
Rafe 34 yrs was in charge of the Gay Protection Society and couldn't take his eyes of Alek (his chosen). But Rafe was in danger too as with the others if the group.
*This book was kindly given in exchange for an honest review.
Right off at the start of the book Alek connected to me, the further I'd read I loved him. Aleks's curious nature had him not trusting anyone, scenes are written brilliantly to reflect this. As I read I got to know their personalities and their rolls. I thought Alek and Rafe where well matched for this book and the future books to follow. This includes some great twisters along the way with drama and not forgets some hot sexy scenes. Betrayals and secrets are high which poor Alek must uncover. BDSM scenes are smoking hot and yah it'll be fun to see whats in next book with the curiosity of young minds learning. The ending was emotional as scenes played out I wanted to send hugs to Alek. The next book will definitely be intriguing as I think the storyline will get more hotter in more than one way.
Alek 22 yrs was hiding (for his life) with the help of his Uncle Sacha after getting out of prison. A special party held in the hopes he'd find a new protector amongst them.
From jail he hoped to find freedom one day.
Rafe 34 yrs was in charge of the Gay Protection Society and couldn't take his eyes of Alek (his chosen). But Rafe was in danger too as with the others if the group.
*This book was kindly given in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2021
Loved it, mild BDSM
Gay russian mobster contract
Alex, young gay and part of a Russian mobster family.
Alek's list his parents young, his lover has been killed, then Alek was set up for dealing drugs and served 2 years in prison.
Once released his uncle told him there was a hit on him and he was given away to a group og protectors.
However, things are not as they seem, his protector is older and gay and into BDSM,would Alex like that, would he cope with life in hiding.
Then he found out his families secrets and his whole world wasn't as he thought. Lots of twist and turns which Brina is known for in her books.
Another great book and I know there is at least another book to come, also on Audio, can't wait to start it.
Mild BDSM in this book, great characters Rafe is Sir and lots of side characters. Plus we have our HEA even with a book 2. Would highly recommend listening/reading this book.
James Rainwater has done a great job again although I do have to speed him up. I read this book at 1.25 speed. Which cuts down the hours but for me it helps.
Buried Secrets
By: Brina Brady
Narrated by: James Rainwater
Series: Buried Secrets, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Authors Direct
Gay russian mobster contract
Alex, young gay and part of a Russian mobster family.
Alek's list his parents young, his lover has been killed, then Alek was set up for dealing drugs and served 2 years in prison.
Once released his uncle told him there was a hit on him and he was given away to a group og protectors.
However, things are not as they seem, his protector is older and gay and into BDSM,would Alex like that, would he cope with life in hiding.
Then he found out his families secrets and his whole world wasn't as he thought. Lots of twist and turns which Brina is known for in her books.
Another great book and I know there is at least another book to come, also on Audio, can't wait to start it.
Mild BDSM in this book, great characters Rafe is Sir and lots of side characters. Plus we have our HEA even with a book 2. Would highly recommend listening/reading this book.
James Rainwater has done a great job again although I do have to speed him up. I read this book at 1.25 speed. Which cuts down the hours but for me it helps.
Buried Secrets
By: Brina Brady
Narrated by: James Rainwater
Series: Buried Secrets, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Authors Direct
July 9, 2023
Stilted and stupid… but kinda hot
Ugh. I did not like the book. It starts off really dark and with no consent. Pairing young men in danger with older men to protect them in exchange for sex slavery is not cute. I felt really bad for Alek.
And then it just gets stupid. What exactly is a Rafe’s business plan? Are these guys his employees? And why would you keep groups of hunted people together? Like if one kid is running from the mob, why risk him getting killed when the gang hunting another kid finds them?
And the Emelio stuff is gross. Why is Rafe letting him run around naked bartending? And why are they going to sex clubs together? Rafe couldn’t protect him on his own… without the making him a sex slave but? Eww
And there are so many loose ends! How did Sara find them? How did that one guy dodge the vetting? And who was that other person calling in New York?
Ugh this book was STUPID
The sec was kind of fun… but then it just got boring.
Ugh. I did not like the book. It starts off really dark and with no consent. Pairing young men in danger with older men to protect them in exchange for sex slavery is not cute. I felt really bad for Alek.
And then it just gets stupid. What exactly is a Rafe’s business plan? Are these guys his employees? And why would you keep groups of hunted people together? Like if one kid is running from the mob, why risk him getting killed when the gang hunting another kid finds them?
And the Emelio stuff is gross. Why is Rafe letting him run around naked bartending? And why are they going to sex clubs together? Rafe couldn’t protect him on his own… without the making him a sex slave but? Eww
And there are so many loose ends! How did Sara find them? How did that one guy dodge the vetting? And who was that other person calling in New York?
Ugh this book was STUPID
The sec was kind of fun… but then it just got boring.
July 7, 2019
Great start to a new series. Alek and Rafe's story was intense, sexy and full of surprises. This Universe plot idea grabbed me from the start and was very unique to me. I loved the idea of matching people up with a protector and seeing them learn and grow from each other. Alek has had more then a hard time lately and not only feels like he's alone but that those he thought he could trust have betrayed him. Rafe is use to taking care of his brother and cousin, being in charge and knowing what to do. He wanted Alek from the first moment he saw him and nothing is going to stop him from not only finding the truth but showing Alek that he can have a life again. Loved the side characters mixed in and the added BDSM elements weaved into the action of this group of people. Can't wait for the next.
April 3, 2021
Skeptical of the 5 star reviews
However unlikely the premise of this book is, it has some potential. Gay Protection Society is a very odd concept. I can dig the whole “protector” scenario (which is why I downloaded the book in the first place), but the writing was amateurish, as were the characters. It seemed like the author decided to put as many different storylines together as possible, with weak tie-ins. I spent a lot of time clueless as to what was going on and the sex scenes were mediocre and lacking any kind of connection between the characters. If this book were a house, it would have stairs that went nowhere, doors that opened to walls, holes in all the floors and a shoddy foundation. If this ever goes through an extensive re-write, I might be interested in trying again...but as it is? I’m going to have to pass.
However unlikely the premise of this book is, it has some potential. Gay Protection Society is a very odd concept. I can dig the whole “protector” scenario (which is why I downloaded the book in the first place), but the writing was amateurish, as were the characters. It seemed like the author decided to put as many different storylines together as possible, with weak tie-ins. I spent a lot of time clueless as to what was going on and the sex scenes were mediocre and lacking any kind of connection between the characters. If this book were a house, it would have stairs that went nowhere, doors that opened to walls, holes in all the floors and a shoddy foundation. If this ever goes through an extensive re-write, I might be interested in trying again...but as it is? I’m going to have to pass.
February 22, 2024
Complicated mob story
This is an interesting concept wherein young men can get an older man to act as their protector as they live in groups of ten off grid. The story starts off with Alex getting out of prison where he had been set up by person unknown. His uncle, a big mob boss, picks him up and tells him he is being sent away for his own protection. So begins his relationship with Rafe who was paid by the uncle to keep him safe. We learn the stories of the others making up the group, the efforts to keep everyone safe, shootouts, betrayals, deep lies of decades and the budding romances of the young men and their protectors. The relationship between Rafe and Alex is happily resolved but it is expected that the mob and other couples will be told in subsequent books. Well written and highly recommended.
This is an interesting concept wherein young men can get an older man to act as their protector as they live in groups of ten off grid. The story starts off with Alex getting out of prison where he had been set up by person unknown. His uncle, a big mob boss, picks him up and tells him he is being sent away for his own protection. So begins his relationship with Rafe who was paid by the uncle to keep him safe. We learn the stories of the others making up the group, the efforts to keep everyone safe, shootouts, betrayals, deep lies of decades and the budding romances of the young men and their protectors. The relationship between Rafe and Alex is happily resolved but it is expected that the mob and other couples will be told in subsequent books. Well written and highly recommended.
July 6, 2023
It was ok
The overall story was good, and there was plenty of spice, but it was missing a steady flow of events. Things were often stunted and shuddered from one scene to the next. At times you were given an abundance of information…. Then you weren’t being given any at all. Alek bothered me to the point I wanted to jump into the book and smack him silly. He was wishy washy and would change his mind about something within just a few paragraphs. I’m curious about certain things that were left without any answers, but not sure if I will be reading Book 2 yet.
The overall story was good, and there was plenty of spice, but it was missing a steady flow of events. Things were often stunted and shuddered from one scene to the next. At times you were given an abundance of information…. Then you weren’t being given any at all. Alek bothered me to the point I wanted to jump into the book and smack him silly. He was wishy washy and would change his mind about something within just a few paragraphs. I’m curious about certain things that were left without any answers, but not sure if I will be reading Book 2 yet.
January 17, 2019
Alek Belanov lost his family as a child and was raised by his uncle. After getting out of prison, his uncle sent him away to the Gay Protection Society claiming Alek's life was in danger. Rafe runs the society and has chosen Alek as his. Together, they must face the past and all the questions it raises and the answers to these questions. This is the first book in Brina Brady's new series and I cannot wait for the next one.
January 18, 2019
A great book...
I find this to be a great start to a new series. It's about a group of men, known as protectors, who work for an organization called "The Gay Protection Society". It was very interesting and exciting, and I will be watching out for the next book.
I find this to be a great start to a new series. It's about a group of men, known as protectors, who work for an organization called "The Gay Protection Society". It was very interesting and exciting, and I will be watching out for the next book.
August 1, 2019
I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I expected to. The characters were interesting and the concept was good, but it was sort of choppy and character development was superficial at best.
March 9, 2022
Not for me.
July 7, 2023
Buried secrets
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
July 17, 2023
Negative -3 stars. That was probably the worst book I’ve ever read.
January 5, 2021
I loved this book. Alek Belanov family is murdered when he was young. Alek wants to know who did it. But when people want him dead his uncle has him put in the Gay Protection Society. Rafe Escobar is the leader of the Gay Protection Society and chooses Alek as the one he protects. Learning to live on the run isn't easy. But with a group of them it makes the hardship easier. With security breaches and threats that keeps them moving from place to place. Can Rafe and Alek dodge all the lies and deception and finally be free and happy?
August 15, 2022
I really tried to persevere with book, but I couldn't get there. Had to stop at about 15%. It just doesn't read authentically and I cannot believe that in the given situation, that type of dialogue would happen. Too cutesy, too unreal, too unlikely for me. Sorry - DNF
July 29, 2019
I struggled with this one, the story premise was there and could have been great but the execution wasn't done well for me. I felt a lot of things were forced and didn't really flow well.
There were some aspects of the story that were just there to make it easier and all the couples were essentially the same, I didn't really see any real difference between the couples of their individual dynamics.
The BDSM aspect of this story was not well written at all. What a coincidence all the protectors were Doms and *gasps* all the guys being protected wanted to be Subs and do all this BDSM stuff and get into Subspace. All the Subs jumped into theses D/s relationships without really any research and just went along with it.
There were some aspects of the story that were just there to make it easier and all the couples were essentially the same, I didn't really see any real difference between the couples of their individual dynamics.
The BDSM aspect of this story was not well written at all. What a coincidence all the protectors were Doms and *gasps* all the guys being protected wanted to be Subs and do all this BDSM stuff and get into Subspace. All the Subs jumped into theses D/s relationships without really any research and just went along with it.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews