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A Royal Secret
Steve Mitchell doesn’t date. That’s what he tells his friends to keep them from prying too much into his private life. He’s at college and he’s doing his best to focus on his major. Dating is the last thing on his mind.
Of course, running into Robert “Bobby” Connors changes all of that. Their relationship is fun and fast. Though Steve tries his best not to, he ends up falling in love.
Bobby is an enigma. Though he tells Steve things about himself, he holds back enough that when a mysterious stranger turns up on Bobby’s doorstep, he’s about to throw everything Steve knows upside down.
With a boyfriend determined to break up with him if it means fulfilling a promise made on his behalf, friends who are torn between loyalties, and Steve’s own feelings about politics and his life, things seem as if they’re spiraling out of control.
Can Steve collect the pieces of his life back together. If he does, will Bobby want him back? Steve’s determined to set it right. Even if it costs him Bobby for good, Steven is going to try.
Please Note: This book contains adult language and steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approximately 62,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger." Themes include: Budding romance, secrets, lies, breakups and makeups, developing feelings, friends
Of course, running into Robert “Bobby” Connors changes all of that. Their relationship is fun and fast. Though Steve tries his best not to, he ends up falling in love.
Bobby is an enigma. Though he tells Steve things about himself, he holds back enough that when a mysterious stranger turns up on Bobby’s doorstep, he’s about to throw everything Steve knows upside down.
With a boyfriend determined to break up with him if it means fulfilling a promise made on his behalf, friends who are torn between loyalties, and Steve’s own feelings about politics and his life, things seem as if they’re spiraling out of control.
Can Steve collect the pieces of his life back together. If he does, will Bobby want him back? Steve’s determined to set it right. Even if it costs him Bobby for good, Steven is going to try.
Please Note: This book contains adult language and steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approximately 62,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger." Themes include: Budding romance, secrets, lies, breakups and makeups, developing feelings, friends
- GenresM M Romance
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2019
45 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Cole
182 books293 followersJerry Cole is a gay author who lives in California & enjoys writing love stories. Jerry has been writing fiction since he was a child. As a young adult, he worked as a freelance writer in the evenings & on weekends. Jerry started writing gay romance stories several years ago, but initially just for his own entertainment & occasionally sharing stories with his friends. In the summer of 2015 he published his first gay romance short story on Amazon. Overwhelmed by the positive response he decided to quit his “day job” & took up writing gay romance full time. When he’s not writing steamy M/M romance he enjoys globetrotting, watching movies with family and friends, working out, & being dragged down the road by his two Great Danes.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 12, 2019
not too bad tbh / im a sucker for Royal Romances
August 13, 2019
DNF after chapter one in gross disgust at the quality of the writing. No wordsmith with a modicum of taste and half-baked technical chops would think to narrate the following way:
"the guy he’d run over was smaller than he was in bulk and in stature. When Steve caught his eyes, he was smirking. His hair was disheveled, in a way that screamed on purpose, and unlike most of the guys on campus, he actually had decent facial hair—a goatee that accentuated the attractiveness of the guy. “No problem. In a hurry, huh?”
"the mural itself filled the whole wall, and Steve could remember having to get ladders, then debate with the school about whether it was unsafe or against health and safety until everyone was satisfied and the mural could be completed. Depicting the rise of the royal family through the secession from Britain to the current modernization of royalty throughout the world (?), it was mostly abstract to people who didn’t know what it represented (?), but people Steve had seen admiring it assure him they get the story behind it".
We are dealing with an half-illiterate peddler of cheap, stale storylines with a abiding fondness for run-on sentences - someone who cannot even be counted on to narrate consistently in past tense:
"“I would love to,” Bobby says, smirking, around the same time Steve realized what he said."
"The laugh Bobby let out was small but genuine, and his eyes were shining when he looked back at Steve. “I like you,” Bobby paused, realizing he doesn’t have Steve’s name and Steve opens his mouth to reply".
"the guy he’d run over was smaller than he was in bulk and in stature. When Steve caught his eyes, he was smirking. His hair was disheveled, in a way that screamed on purpose, and unlike most of the guys on campus, he actually had decent facial hair—a goatee that accentuated the attractiveness of the guy. “No problem. In a hurry, huh?”
"the mural itself filled the whole wall, and Steve could remember having to get ladders, then debate with the school about whether it was unsafe or against health and safety until everyone was satisfied and the mural could be completed. Depicting the rise of the royal family through the secession from Britain to the current modernization of royalty throughout the world (?), it was mostly abstract to people who didn’t know what it represented (?), but people Steve had seen admiring it assure him they get the story behind it".
We are dealing with an half-illiterate peddler of cheap, stale storylines with a abiding fondness for run-on sentences - someone who cannot even be counted on to narrate consistently in past tense:
"“I would love to,” Bobby says, smirking, around the same time Steve realized what he said."
"The laugh Bobby let out was small but genuine, and his eyes were shining when he looked back at Steve. “I like you,” Bobby paused, realizing he doesn’t have Steve’s name and Steve opens his mouth to reply".
August 8, 2019
wow this one was amazing.. it was strong.. well written.. fast paced and entertaining. it made me smile and happy. i loved it
August 3, 2019
‘Loss and Gain’ – one fine romance!
California author Jerry Cole is a gay author who has been writing fiction since he was a child. As a young adult, he worked as a freelance writer in the evenings and on weekends. In the summer of 2015 he published his first gay romance short story on Amazon. Overwhelmed by the positive response he decided to quit his “day job” and took up writing gay romance full time. His publications are now in the range of 90!
The high quality of Jerry’s novels is consistent, and this novel is very strong. Knowing his style of writing, the prose flows out smoothly and the choice of character types he has selected for this novel are not only well sculpted: they are men affected by the impact of mixing royalty with ‘commoner’ – a subject particularly poignant as we all observe Meghan Markle’s entry into British royalty!
When an author titles his book with the word ‘secret,’ it is difficult to share a review of the story, fearing that disclosing the secret will diminish the impact of the novel. Having read many of Jerry’s novels, it seems only appropriate to encourage others to step into his well-designed tale. Jerry offers a synopsis that skips important details: ‘Steve Mitchell doesn’t date. That’s what he tells his friends to keep them from prying too much into his private life. He’s at college and he’s doing his best to focus on his major. Dating is the last thing on his mind. Of course, running into Robert “Bobby” Connors changes all of that. Their relationship is fun and fast. Though Steve tries his best not to, he ends up falling in love. Bobby is an enigma. Though he tells Steve things about himself, he holds back enough that when a mysterious stranger turns up on Bobby’s doorstep, he’s about to throw everything Steve knows upside down. With a boyfriend determined to break up with him if it means fulfilling a promise made on his behalf, friends who are torn between loyalties, and Steve’s own feelings about politics and his life, things seem as if they’re spiraling out of control. Can Steve collect the pieces of his life back together? If he does, will Bobby want him back? Steve’s determined to set it right. Even if it costs him Bobby for good, Steven is going to try.’
Insert a coronation that opens Steve into a royal family and palace and the media makes the ‘prince and consort’ uncomfortable. It is the manner in which these two engaging men resolve differences that make this one fine Happy Ever After love story.
The manner in which the story unravels marries art and passion and identity and makes for an illuminating premise – and of course the erotica is very present. The story is strong, not only because of the two fine characters Jerry has created, but also because of the sensitive manner in which he addresses the disparity in ‘class.’ This is a fine new novel by a man who grows with each story he explores. Once again, hats off to a Pro!
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
California author Jerry Cole is a gay author who has been writing fiction since he was a child. As a young adult, he worked as a freelance writer in the evenings and on weekends. In the summer of 2015 he published his first gay romance short story on Amazon. Overwhelmed by the positive response he decided to quit his “day job” and took up writing gay romance full time. His publications are now in the range of 90!
The high quality of Jerry’s novels is consistent, and this novel is very strong. Knowing his style of writing, the prose flows out smoothly and the choice of character types he has selected for this novel are not only well sculpted: they are men affected by the impact of mixing royalty with ‘commoner’ – a subject particularly poignant as we all observe Meghan Markle’s entry into British royalty!
When an author titles his book with the word ‘secret,’ it is difficult to share a review of the story, fearing that disclosing the secret will diminish the impact of the novel. Having read many of Jerry’s novels, it seems only appropriate to encourage others to step into his well-designed tale. Jerry offers a synopsis that skips important details: ‘Steve Mitchell doesn’t date. That’s what he tells his friends to keep them from prying too much into his private life. He’s at college and he’s doing his best to focus on his major. Dating is the last thing on his mind. Of course, running into Robert “Bobby” Connors changes all of that. Their relationship is fun and fast. Though Steve tries his best not to, he ends up falling in love. Bobby is an enigma. Though he tells Steve things about himself, he holds back enough that when a mysterious stranger turns up on Bobby’s doorstep, he’s about to throw everything Steve knows upside down. With a boyfriend determined to break up with him if it means fulfilling a promise made on his behalf, friends who are torn between loyalties, and Steve’s own feelings about politics and his life, things seem as if they’re spiraling out of control. Can Steve collect the pieces of his life back together? If he does, will Bobby want him back? Steve’s determined to set it right. Even if it costs him Bobby for good, Steven is going to try.’
Insert a coronation that opens Steve into a royal family and palace and the media makes the ‘prince and consort’ uncomfortable. It is the manner in which these two engaging men resolve differences that make this one fine Happy Ever After love story.
The manner in which the story unravels marries art and passion and identity and makes for an illuminating premise – and of course the erotica is very present. The story is strong, not only because of the two fine characters Jerry has created, but also because of the sensitive manner in which he addresses the disparity in ‘class.’ This is a fine new novel by a man who grows with each story he explores. Once again, hats off to a Pro!
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 3, 2019
Good
I didn't think I would enjoy reading this book about Steve and Bobby because it started off slow. But it was great reading. Love is grand!
I didn't think I would enjoy reading this book about Steve and Bobby because it started off slow. But it was great reading. Love is grand!
August 5, 2019
💕✨🎓👑👬👑🎓✨💕
The book: A Royal Secret by Jerry Cole
• 204 Pages • MM Romance • Contemporary • Standalone • Happily Ever After • Third-Person Narrative •
The romantic theme(s)/ trope(s):
• First Love • Runaway-Royalty • Alternate Universe • College Life • YA/NA
The read:
• Easy Read • Good Pace • Made Me Smile • Light Angst • Sexy Sweet
SMMexy Swordplay:
• 3 out of 5 ⚔⚔⚔
Story ingredients:
• Miscommunication • Witty Banter • Secrets • Clever Characters • Unique World Building •
MC#1 - Steve is...
• Photography Major • Creative • Never Stops • Hot • Two Best Friends Since Childhood • Adores his Mom
MC#2 - Bobby is...
• Engineering Major • Reserved • Also Has 2 BFFs • Gorgeous • Mom has passed •
I love a story that makes you feel all gooey and HaPpY. My adoration for our MCs, Steve and Bobby was truly heart felt. However, that adoration extended to their lil make-shift family made up of their best friends. They went from being two guys dating, who happened to have two best friends apiece to being two different couples, and two singles and all six of them were close friends. I loved that!
I also loved the alternate universe used and instead of having a President presiding over the U.S., there was a Royal and that resided in D.C. instead. Clever story line indeed. I enjoyed this thoroughly.
A Royal Secret, should definitely not stay a SECRET! You should read it! 💋
4.5 shining-like-royalty-stars ✨✨✨✨•✨
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. 💕
The book: A Royal Secret by Jerry Cole
• 204 Pages • MM Romance • Contemporary • Standalone • Happily Ever After • Third-Person Narrative •
The romantic theme(s)/ trope(s):
• First Love • Runaway-Royalty • Alternate Universe • College Life • YA/NA
The read:
• Easy Read • Good Pace • Made Me Smile • Light Angst • Sexy Sweet
SMMexy Swordplay:
• 3 out of 5 ⚔⚔⚔
Story ingredients:
• Miscommunication • Witty Banter • Secrets • Clever Characters • Unique World Building •
MC#1 - Steve is...
• Photography Major • Creative • Never Stops • Hot • Two Best Friends Since Childhood • Adores his Mom
MC#2 - Bobby is...
• Engineering Major • Reserved • Also Has 2 BFFs • Gorgeous • Mom has passed •
I love a story that makes you feel all gooey and HaPpY. My adoration for our MCs, Steve and Bobby was truly heart felt. However, that adoration extended to their lil make-shift family made up of their best friends. They went from being two guys dating, who happened to have two best friends apiece to being two different couples, and two singles and all six of them were close friends. I loved that!
I also loved the alternate universe used and instead of having a President presiding over the U.S., there was a Royal and that resided in D.C. instead. Clever story line indeed. I enjoyed this thoroughly.
A Royal Secret, should definitely not stay a SECRET! You should read it! 💋
4.5 shining-like-royalty-stars ✨✨✨✨•✨
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. 💕
August 6, 2019
I'm a fan of this book for several reasons:
First of all it offers a peek on what an "American Royalty" would look like and the political struggle it would involve between republican and royalist points of view.
Bobby's background offers some mistery for the reader at the beginning of the story and makes you want to know what's going on with him.
The relationship between Steve and Bobby grows quickly without enough time for them (for Bobby) to share their secrets and expectations. However, it's filled with such beautiful things that make their crisis all the more painful. You experience the feeling of betrayal and pain, as well as the need to mend things between them.
But the thing I loved the most might be their support network: colorful characters with distinct personalities and points of view, having none of the main character's b****hit. The parallalel love story going on between both of the main characters best friends mirrors their own in a beautiful way.
I long to see more stuff like this, it had my own imagination going fast and that's one trait that makes this a great book in my honest opinion.
I received an early ARC for this novel in order for me to leave an honest review.
First of all it offers a peek on what an "American Royalty" would look like and the political struggle it would involve between republican and royalist points of view.
Bobby's background offers some mistery for the reader at the beginning of the story and makes you want to know what's going on with him.
The relationship between Steve and Bobby grows quickly without enough time for them (for Bobby) to share their secrets and expectations. However, it's filled with such beautiful things that make their crisis all the more painful. You experience the feeling of betrayal and pain, as well as the need to mend things between them.
But the thing I loved the most might be their support network: colorful characters with distinct personalities and points of view, having none of the main character's b****hit. The parallalel love story going on between both of the main characters best friends mirrors their own in a beautiful way.
I long to see more stuff like this, it had my own imagination going fast and that's one trait that makes this a great book in my honest opinion.
I received an early ARC for this novel in order for me to leave an honest review.
September 14, 2019
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
A very enjoyable MM romance with the usual flair that JC brings to his stories and characters. I liked how he portrayed both Steve and Bobby. how a relationship can grow from a meeting and obvious attraction but that even with this how the strongest of relationships in their growing stage can be affected with secrets and fear of trusting how the other will respond when the truth comes out. JC deals I feel with the whole journey of realising that in love you have to give and take and fortunately for the two lads, there is a presence of good friends who are willing to take no b--- s--- from either and get them to realise they can be together if they only work through their fears and vulnerability.
well worth the read..
A very enjoyable MM romance with the usual flair that JC brings to his stories and characters. I liked how he portrayed both Steve and Bobby. how a relationship can grow from a meeting and obvious attraction but that even with this how the strongest of relationships in their growing stage can be affected with secrets and fear of trusting how the other will respond when the truth comes out. JC deals I feel with the whole journey of realising that in love you have to give and take and fortunately for the two lads, there is a presence of good friends who are willing to take no b--- s--- from either and get them to realise they can be together if they only work through their fears and vulnerability.
well worth the read..
August 3, 2019
Steve is a man on a mission to finish school except his friends are determined to take up he time dating. He's having none of it until Bobby shows up. He makes friends with Steve's friends, but he has secrets that can change his and Steve's relationship and does. Learning Bobby's secret only makes Steve angry and they fight and separate for months. Steve however can't forget Bobby and he and his friends go on a mission to win him back. A really good story that I really enjoyed. The reason for the Four stars is that it was hard to tell what country the boys were living in and where Bobby's home is located. In other words, I was having a heard time connecting the dots as to where the story was taking place. Otherwise great story. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
August 4, 2019
Keeping secrets are never a good idea as Steve and Bobby find out. This is an excellent story following the ups and downs of Steve and Bobby’s love life.
I loved Steve’s friends, Jaime and Sam. They along with Helena and Noah bring fun and laughter into the story.
Jerry Cole has again brought two great characters together with a steamy romance that has its own trials and tribulations to work out.
I highly recommend this book, I loved to read each page to see how they would overcome their differences.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
I loved Steve’s friends, Jaime and Sam. They along with Helena and Noah bring fun and laughter into the story.
Jerry Cole has again brought two great characters together with a steamy romance that has its own trials and tribulations to work out.
I highly recommend this book, I loved to read each page to see how they would overcome their differences.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
August 7, 2019
Steve does not want to date and concentrates on his studies. Then he meets Bobby and everything changes. They fall in love. Bobby keeps a secret from Steve and when he finds out he gets very angry and ends the relationship. But Steve cannot forget Bobby and eventually tries to get him back. Will he be successful?
This is a very interesting story and the supporting characters make it funny at times. Jerry knows how to weave an interesting yarn. This is a book well worth reading.
I read a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
This is a very interesting story and the supporting characters make it funny at times. Jerry knows how to weave an interesting yarn. This is a book well worth reading.
I read a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
August 11, 2019
College romance
I love the premise of the story, but I think the effort to hold true to the time frame, which I can concur, as time in college is very sectioned off, it was confusing. Did they hook up or didn’t they, and sometimes their conversations sounded like they were having sex, but not followed through. Like I said with classes and chaos that is trying to find time to hang out, I understand, been there. I just was confused along the way. Steve and Bobby were both so lacing in confidence as well, I almost wondered what held them together. The ending was better, strength showed more and attraction between them felt stronger.
I love the premise of the story, but I think the effort to hold true to the time frame, which I can concur, as time in college is very sectioned off, it was confusing. Did they hook up or didn’t they, and sometimes their conversations sounded like they were having sex, but not followed through. Like I said with classes and chaos that is trying to find time to hang out, I understand, been there. I just was confused along the way. Steve and Bobby were both so lacing in confidence as well, I almost wondered what held them together. The ending was better, strength showed more and attraction between them felt stronger.
August 11, 2019
Since I met the books of this author in a giveaway, I'd been discovering amazing stories in where you can get lost while reading them. That is the case of this book. The story of Bobby and Steve is like a lot of stories about a prince and a commoner falling in love with each other but the approach of this author is refreshing and enjoyable. The only missing part is the place where all is happening, but you really forget about it as the story develops. Amazing reading!!
"I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review."
"I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review."
August 5, 2019
A college age romance, with all the new, teenage-anst. Steve is super nervous and awkward when meeting men he's interested in. Thank goodness Bobby find it endearing. But Bobby is hiding from something, and he does not confide in Steve after their trust and love grows. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 7, 2019
This is the story of Steve and Bobby. I loved this book. It was written beautifully. I loved the dynamic between Steve and Bobby and the relationship between all the friends and friends as couples. The mystery surrounding Bobby and the realization of what that is makes for a great story. Great read.
I received this book as an Arc and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews