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A tantalizing PR guru who loves the game. A former basketball star now known as The Negotiator.

Meg Grail goes for the guys she knows she can play with…it's easier than dealing with her past. Then she meets Collin Corwin, a sports agent who doesn’t compromise—and always gets the better end of the deal. Soon, a business meeting turns into a fiery, undeniable attraction.

The only problem: Collin has a rule about dating his client’s exes. And as it turns out, one of his clients is still head over heels for Meg.

Meg doesn’t take no for an answer, and she’s the queen of tease. She convinces Collin that they can be together and keep their trysts a secret. But secrets are hard to keep, especially when you have a dark past to contend with.

THE SECRET is the second installment of the All In series. At 75,000 words, this sizzling novel features a love-at-first sight secret romance and a guaranteed HEA. It can be read as a stand alone or after book on of the All In Series, The Rule.

292 pages, ebook

First published September 8, 2023

651 people are currently reading
522 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Cole

66 books2,330 followers
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Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.

She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.

Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.

Her current series were written in the order below:
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)
Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)
Mafia Wars
Mafia Wars New York
Club Indulgence Duet
Mafia Wars Ireland
Wilted Kingdom Duet
The Underworld
The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)

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5 stars
469 (60%)
4 stars
214 (27%)
3 stars
75 (9%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
841 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2020
Super Great Read & Super Steamy Story!

Maggie Cole does it again with book number 2 in the “All In” series. Collin & Meg are such diverse characters but find love & lust with each other. Coming from two different backgrounds can they really be a good fit or will it divide them? Their love story is superb. Once again there is mystery, suspense, intense situations, deep love and lots of steamy sex! The story takes a few unexpected twists & turns that really keeps the reader on edge, but an HEA is always the goal. Loved how the author brings some of the other characters into the depth of the story which becomes as much their tale as the main characters. Really enjoyed having Tom & Liv from Book 1 “The Rule” be such an integral part of the story. It’s still a stand alone book but you’ll enjoy it more if you read book 1 first. Well done Maggie! I’m still “ALL IN” with you as a favorite author. Highly recommended! Looking forward to book number 3!!!
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
November 15, 2019
This was an incredible story. Fair warning you will need kleenex. The book was funny, sexy, heartbreaking and inspirational. The characters were well developed, beautifully flawed and role model material. As I read each book in this series I am grateful for how each book deals with real tragic subjects in such caring ways. Cannot wait for the next book by this author.

This book features Meg and Collin. Meg pulled herself out of an abusive family and ex boyfriend situation to be one of the driving forces in the top PR & Marketing agency. She has always had relationships for fun until she met Collin. Collin is the premier sports agent and business manager in town. He has been attracted to Meg since he first saw her in a photo with one of his clients. They get together with the understanding they need to keep their relationship hidden from their mutual clients. They have personal and business struggles to overcome before they can have their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
972 reviews11 followers
November 17, 2019
Great book, couldn't put it down. I would have gladly given more stars for this novel. It has everything. Absorbing, entertaining, informative, often witty, romantic, action-packed and incredibly hot hot hot! It had given me an insight into the world of professional athletes, their agents and the PR team that works behind the scenes. There is a little 'deja vu' with Jerry Maguire with regards to the world it explores but this book is so much better, as books usually are. The author had described and developed all the characters in the book really well and the dialogue was intelligent, topic appropriate and at times, well often sexy. The magnetic attraction between Meg and Collin is brilliantly described and the caring, close relationship that our heroes have with their friends was wonderful to see. This book is a great all-rounder that I can wholeheartedly recommend for its feel-good factor and the love that the heroes bring to the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill Haworth.
1,031 reviews25 followers
November 23, 2019
This is the second book in the All In series. It picks up exactly where book one, The Rule finished but this time it focuses on Meg and Collin’s story. Just like the first book, it is well written, entertaining and the characters that were in the first book are present and correct :-)
Meg and Collin’s attraction is instant, but similar to Liv in book one, Collin doesn’t like to risk mixing business with pleasure. Determined not to be put off from further getting to know to this intriguing, sexy and intelligent man, Meg makes him a deal...that they see each other in secret. Collin agrees as he is smitten with this gorgeous and intelligent young woman. Initially this starts off with no problems, but as times ticks on, their secret become the ‘elephant in the room’ of their relationship. An excellent follow up with plenty of chemistry between the characters. Highly recommend. (This is a stand-alone book, but reading book one first introduces all of the invested characters in this book).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Hammond.
808 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2022
Meg is no.2 at a top women run p r firm. We first met her in book one "the rule" & now we get to read her story. Tom & Liv (from book one) feature a lot, which I like as I really enjoyed their story & it's good to see how they're getting on. Collin is a top sports agent & meets Meg through his relationship with their mutual client Tom, who is married to Meg's boss/best friend Liv. The attraction between Meg & Collin is through the roof hot but as Meg is trying to end a relationship with another of Tom's clients, he feels she's strictly of limits. As the two entities share several clients they can't avoid each other. Soon they embark on a secret relationship but Meg surprises herself when she realises she has fallen for Collin & no longer wants to sneak around & hide. Collin has fallen for Meg too but needs to convince her to keep their secret until a big sponsorship deal is concluded for 2 of their mutual clients but negotiations are not going well due to the clients misbehaviour.
Lots of passion, 3 dark pasts, masculine egos & paparazzi torment. Keeps you reading until the end.
2,104 reviews32 followers
November 12, 2019
This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it and just grabbed the first book in the series. I loved Collin and Meg, they were awesome. Their story was fun, quirky and deliciously sexy, I couldn’t put this book down. The attraction between these two is palatable, the only thing holding Collin back from making a move on Meg is the man in Meg’s life at the moment who just happens to be his client and he just can’t go there even though there is nothing between them anymore. Their work is intertwined which makes it difficult for a relation of any kind, or is it? Dating in secret, telling lies to friends, they both bring baggage to this relationship, but how long will they be able to keep their feelings hidden from the world before it all comes to light? Such a great read, loved it, loved the characters and I can’t wait for me to come for this series. I found this book on Booksprout.
3,221 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2019
Collin is a sports agent, a player and former player, with one rule - no dating clients' exes. One of his clients is still in love with Meg. Problem: he's very interested in him but she's completely off limits. Meg left behind an abusive family and boyfriend, and is at the top of her game in the PR business. She was involved with one of Collin's clients, but she broke it off because he wants more than she's willing to give. What she wants is Collin, and she always gets what she wants. She convinces him that they can do this and keep it a secret. But secrets are so hard to hide... This is an incredible book - interesting characters who have sizzling chemistry, working hard to find the happy ending. The book has it all - suspense, drama, steam, and great friends. This is my first read from this author - looking forward to the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura.
527 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2020
Maggie Cole does it again with the Secret, Meg Grail is the right hand woman for Liv ( Book one, The Rule) in Liv's PR business. In her way Meg is a player of her own when it comes to her love life but knows she doesn't want anything serious. So when she decides to take a break from dating, along comes Collin Corwin comes along and she is starting to change her mind. Collin is agent plus business manager for many athletes , known as The Negotiator. But Collin has his own rule, he does not get in a relationship with any women who have been involved with any of his clients. Don't be surprised when things start to heat up in The Secret, these books are HOT and things are never boring in them. A 10 star review from me and reading this series in order is a must as they are tied together. Another must read, so if you read nothing else this year , it has to be The All In Series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wilson.
802 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2020
Wonderful

Meg doesn’t have serious relationships, and only dates men for fun. Collin is recently divorced. When Collin see Meg, he knows instantly that he wants her. But he has a rule, he doesn’t date his clients ex’s. And Meg has just broken things off with his client. Who still seems to be into her. Meg is attracted to Collin from the start, but he doesn’t want to risk it. So, on a night between kisses, they make a deal to keep their relationship a secret. Then things from the past come up, and Meg wants to not be kept a secret.
I really enjoyed this book. It starts of great from the beginning, and holds your interest. I just love the characters. They were all strong and written wonderfully. You wanted them to get their happily ever after. This book has it all. I definitely recommend this book. If you want a super quick read with the right amount of heat this is the book for you.
306 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2019
The Negotiator😍😍😍

Oh my goodness... The Secret started out fun and sexy never in a million years would I guess that I’d be balling like a baby reading the last few chapters.

Meg is the COO of one of the best PR firms in the city. Her fun, sassy, and independent personality make her quite the catch. When she meets the negotiator she knows the game just changed.

Collin is one of the best sports agents around. He has one rule about getting involved with his clients ex’s, Don’t Do It! But when the beautiful Meg comes along he decides maybe a Secret isn’t so bad.

This story was so ridiculously good!! Now I’m anxiously awaiting book number 3 in the All In series: The Crime.

514 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2020
Again, a well written, fresh storyline. Meg is Olivia's right hand woman. She is smart and fun-loving. Meg is not looking for a serious relationship, she's been there, done that, survived long enough to run. Her last fun flame refuses to die out, and though she likes him as a person, Keri wants more. A Chance meeting with Keri's agent Collin throws Meg into a spin. Sparks are flying. But Collin is in the middle of negotiations that will set Keri up for life, and Keri still thinks he's in love with Meg. So they decide to keep their liaison a secret from everyone. Trouble with secrets is that everyone wants to know them. Once the cat is out of the bag, Meg's past finds her and it has catastrophic results.
1,886 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2019
This was an incredible awesome story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I highly recommend. The story and characters pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading. Collin and Meg were a well written couple and went well together, I enjoyed watching them grow. The chemistry between them was off the charts. There's plenty of action, drama, attraction, suspense, secret, excitement, hot scenes, hot and steamy romance. It''s an action packed incredibly hot romantic read I highly recommend a must read for any fan!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,058 reviews21 followers
November 22, 2019
It all starts with Collin realizing that Maggie is dating one of his clients. He thinks she is hot and that she would be better off with him but he has a rule that he does not date people his clients have dated or are dating. Of course, not only does he find her intriguing and off limits, she finds him hot. Their attraction is off the charts and they are both very strong in charge characters. Makes for a steamy story as they work their way through some interesting stuff - is it really possible to date in secret when you are really hot for one another?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.7k reviews49 followers
November 24, 2019
Can a secret stay in the dark or will secrets from that past cause problems

The Secret is the second book in the All In series and is about Meg and Collin who carry on a secret affair. But as everyone knows this type of secret never stays hidden in the dark, especially when Meg and Collin have flaming hot chemistry.
The author has written an interesting and engaging story-line and nice characters. There were a few things in the story that I did not agree with and skimmed over. But on the whole I would recommend this book.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
3,447 reviews18 followers
November 25, 2019
The Secret is the second installment in Maggie Cole’s All In series. This book focuses on Meg Grail, a PR expert, and Colin Corwin, a sports agent who has a client who is in love with Meg even though she doesn’t share his feelings. Colin has a strict rule of not dating his client’s ex-girlfriends. However, sparks fly when Meg and Colin meet and they agree to keep their relationship a secret, but fate has other plans for this couple. I strongly recommend this fun and well written book which has a great plot, amazing but flawed characters, suspense, action, drama, and sizzling romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7 reviews
February 24, 2020
Feisty red head meets her match.

Meg is a feisty PR genius working with her best friend. She's lives fast and meets any challenge head on. Collin is a straight laced sports agent always looking out for his client's best interests.

Meg and Collin come together in an explosion of passion. However, Collin doesn't want to hurt one of his clients. They agree to be together, but only if they keep it secret. Ups and downs, laughs and tears, this couple is a roller coaster. You'll definitely laugh at some of Meg's antics. Collin will pull on your heartstrings. A great cast of secondary characters rounds out this fantastic second installment of the All In series by Maggie Cole.

128 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2020
Collin and Meg, both with their own insecurities , are extremely likable characters. Meg did not have an easy childhood or young adulthood but she was able to rise above and make something of herself. Collin had a good childhood but made choices as an adult that he admits weren't right for him. I love Collin, as a male he is very able to admit things he did wrong and take ownership for his part of a failed marriage, even though his wife cheated. (although I don't agree with him...there is never a reason to cheat, so I wouldn't blame him). Collin and Meg are likable from the start right on through the finish and they are really just adorable together.
Profile Image for Marina Mariles.
105 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2020
Meg Grail was always a have fun only type of girl. That is until she meets Collin Corwin. She is instantly attracted to him. What she doesn't know is that he has a rule of not dating his clients exes. What she also doesn't know is that he's wanted her since even before he met her. Finally, they get a chance at romance but it must be kept a secret. Can this love affair last? Will someones past come back to haunt them? Maggie Cole keeps you on the edge of your seat with the second installment of the All In series. She also keeps you needing a cool drink with the steamy romance. I give this book a million stars!
Profile Image for Carrie.
33 reviews
November 10, 2019
Let me just say.....Yuuuummmm!!! Collin is the greatest negotiator and Meg isn’t half bad either! Their romance is not conventional but still so beautiful! This book had me sucked in from the beginning and with a bit of a ‘WTF’ in there, I could not put this one down! You will love Collin and Meg’s negotiations, er I mean story! Spice factor? OFF THE CHART!!!!!! So steamy and sexy (And I love steamy and sexy!!)!!!! Maggie Cole is Amazing...this is the 2nd book of hers I have read and can’t wait for the next 4 to come out! I need them in my life now!!!
391 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2020
The Secret is the second book in Maggie Cole's All In Series. I became a fan of Meg in the first book, The Rule. She is fiery, caring, independent, and intelligent. In this book we learn about her painful past. I absolutely love and adore Collin. He is a strong male character, who is also loyal, caring, and compassionate. The two of them together is explosive. Again, I love the use of the secondary characters. Collin and Meg deal with a lot of pain and emotional turmoil. I highly recommend this book.
7 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2019
This was the second book in the All In Series and I can’t wait to read the rest! Maggie Cole has again captivated me with her sassy heroine and the playful banter and ongoing negotiations between Meg and Collin are hot! Steamy, flirtatious and inventive, this novel will leave you wanting more. If you read The Rule, the first book in this series, you will get to revisit Liv and Tom’s story, but if you haven’t this book stands alone.
149 reviews
November 21, 2019
Another awesome read by Maggie Cole! She always has a way of bringing her characters to life. Meg has gone thru so much and Collin is perfect for her and such a protector. Meg was soo strong. There are a few obstacles they have to face before they get their HEA. This steamy novel made me laugh, shed a tear or two and bite my nails. I loved the ending! I highly recommend reading this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2019
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.

The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jamie.
21 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2020
And the secrets in this story will be revealed they always are. In the mean time, take a steamy ride with Collin and Meg while they learn to not only trust each other, but themselves as well. Meg will also have to come to terms with her past and the violence that made her who she is. Again, Maggie Cole has you turning page after page, unable to put the book down. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
Profile Image for Jenpen76 .
36 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2020
Maggie Cole will leave you breathless in her second page-turner of the All In series with The Secret. It’s lust at first sight for Collin and Meg, but mixing business with pleasure can lead to unexpected consequences. Collin has a rule that’s important to his integrity as a negotiator. Meg doesn’t chase guys, they chase her. The chemistry is off the charts as they both realize, “If you don’t try, you can’t win!”
5,947 reviews30 followers
April 29, 2020
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength. The story of eroticism of sensation. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,756 reviews212 followers
May 2, 2020
The Deal Is...

Here's the deal. If you're looking for a gut wrenching, rip-your-heart-out love story that requires tissues and ice cream, this is it. If you want a romance that will send all your parts to their happy places, this is it. Maggie does a great job developing these characters and their stories. My only regret is that it took me so long to finally read this.

Oh, before I forget. Be prepared for some FANTASTIC negotiations!
580 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2020
Good

But neverending. I kept thinking things were wrapping up and then nope, still %% left.
The characters were ok, well written a nd defined.
Car too image conscious and weapy for my tastes though. I think. I'm reading a few similar stories that are equally engaging so it's hard to keep track of which rich person went to which elite place surrounded by paps.
Maybe I need to switch it up abit , hit some fantasy or cowboys, so I can appreciate the city folk again.
Profile Image for Steph Lee.
273 reviews
November 3, 2020
LOVE COLIN

This book was a solid 3 1/2 Star for me.
Colin and Meg had so much chemistry but under the current circumstances they had to keep their relationship a secret. Meg had a past that would come back to hurt them.

Only thing I cant take is grown men crying like teenage girls and eating ice cream. Maybe I'm old school but I prefer men to be manly and fight for what they want not cry. Other than those few parts book was solid
422 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2021
WOW 😲 this was a 10

Collin agent for a few Volts player. Meg is Liv partner in the PR business. Meg at one time dated one of Collins client and fear of blow back but did not stop to get close to Meg. Meg also wanted Colin she agrees to keep it a secret even from Liv her friend/partner.. but Meg past come back to harm her and Collins pays the price. Could not out it down it kept you wanting to keep reading more to the end. It also has HEA.🤯🙄💖🎉🍹🔥🍹🔥🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews

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