Secret Sin

The Byrne Brothers #1.5

by Jill Ramsower

It was supposed to be a one-time thing,
but I failed to divulge one little detail.

I was a virgin.

Bishop Bohanan was my first.
Now he’s demanding to be my one and only.

And he won’t take no for an answer.

Author’s Note: Secret Sin is a 25,000 word Byrne Brothers novella meant to be read after Silent Vows, in which the Secret Sin characters first appear. It is a dark romance with adult themes and may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. But if you’d enjoy a filthy-mouthed Irish mobster going up against a headstrong Italian heroine, this spicy mafia romance complete with a happily ever after will hit the spot! (You know the one.) 😉

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Novella, Dark, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Jill is a Texan, born and raised. She manages the hectic social calendars for her three active children and occasionally spends an evening with her dashing husband. Aside from being an author and a mom, she's a travel junkie and loves to read when she is not lost in her own stories.

With Jill’s books, you can count on confident heroines, plenty of steamy tension, and deliciously assertive leading men. There are no guarantees in life, but with her books, you know everything will work out in the end. However, a perfect ending would not be nearly as satisfying without a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Jill loves to add plenty of adversity in her stories, creating unforgettably dynamic characters and sneaky plot twists you will never see coming.

Find her on Facebook here-->https://www.facebook.com/jillramsower...
Never miss a release! Sign up for her newsletter here-->https://jillramsower_234b.gr8.com/
Check out her website here-->https://www.jillramsower.com/

Reviews

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

''I'd be her damn everything''

Safety warnings:
- H 27 / h 20
- No cheating
- OM drama (small)
- No OW drama
- HFN

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

This was a quick read; we got the story of Noemi's (first book FMC) cousin and best friend Pippa and Conner's (first book MMC) cousin? (I forgot lol). We got a taste of their angst towards the end of the first book and this story gives us a look into how it played out for them and their dynamic.

Pippa loses her virginity to Bishop, and he is shocked by that revelation the moment they have sex. She never told him but despite the first reaction he had, he can't help but not care. Pippa leaves him the next morning without a word, and this causes Bishop to be one angry Irishman lol He desperately wants her to be with him and just have her admit she wants it to, but she is stubborn and looking for independence from her overbearing father that being tied down is not what she wants for herself.

Eventually she gives in, and they get together.

The scene where he brings his friend to initiate a threesome with Pippa was almost going to ruin this book for me but I'm glad it never happened. Pippa wants to experience life and others, so Bishop wants her to experience everything she desires but he want to be with her during them, so he gets his friend to show up and proposition her but thankfully she does not want it and finally reveals she wants him and her reasons for lying before.

Do I wish this was a full-length book? Not really. It worked as a novella. Her dad approved of Bishop and there was no real conflict that could last for 200+ pages between them.

BUT I wish we did get her discovery as to why he was called Bishop since the explanation in the first book as epic enough.

We didn't get a full HEA for this couple since they ended the book in a relationship and her living in her own apartment as she always wanted but they are end game.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so obsessed with Jill Ramsower's Byrne Brothers series it isn't even funny. I absolutely FLOVED Silent Vows and could not jump on Secret Sin fast enough! Pippa and Bishop were absolutely incredible!! This was such a fun and engaging novella!

I loved how this story was part of the storyline from Silent Vows but it was also a complete standalone at the same time. I enjoyed Bishop and Pippa's chemistry and the connection between them! Bishop was protective and sexy and Pippa was a breath of fresh air! Now I can't wait for more from this author in this series! 4 stars! ~Ratula

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

''When circumstances overwhelmed me, I withdrew from friends and family in order to sort through my thoughts and feelings''

Weirdly accurate but ok 💀☝️.

Anyways this was an alright novella. I feel like there was a bit too much miscommunication for me, considering the length of the book, but aside from that it was pretty cute.

- 2.5 stars -

[Grecia Robles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este es un libro corto y tiene como protagonistas a Pippa prima de Noemí y Bishop el mejor amigo de Conner.

Ellos tienen una noche loca, ella quería experimentar y tener una aventura de una noche, sus intenciones eran que fuera una sola vez, pero Bishop tenía otra opinión y la va a perseguir hasta que cambie de opinión

Estuvo entretenido, muy spicy y con un final bonito.

[Bonny Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every since reading Silent Vows, book one in the Byrne Brothers Series, I have been intrigued by Bishop. This novella (#1.5) between books one and two tells Bishop's story. Have to say, I was not disappointed. Where Bishop intrigued me before, I fell in love in this story.

I loved the Pippa and Bishop pairing. Loved that Pippa was so fiercely independant and wanting to experience life and make her own way rather than wait for her mafia father to choose some stranger for her to marry. I loved that Bishop, the player, the one night stand pro, knew what he wanted from the first time he and Pippa hooked up; that he recognized what happened between them was more than just a fu¢<. I loved that he had to fight for it as Pippa struggled between her dreams, wants and needs, believing that one would negate the other; and I loved how far Bishop was willing to go to give her what she thought she needed to convince her to give them a chance.

Honestly, I loved everything about this story. If I have any complaint it's that it wasn't long enough. But fear not, we get a freebie bonus epilogue and, of course, I'm sure well be seeing more of Bishop and Pippa in future stories. (Each story in the series is a stand-alone focusing on a different couple, but characters, families and back stories intertwine in each.). Looking forward to Book 2 and Shae's story in the following novella (book 2.5). Ramsower never disappoints, one of my top favorite authors. Love her books!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My quickie review: This novella was absolute perfection. I adored getting to know both Pippa and Bishop even more with their own story. Together these two kept one another on their toes and it made for an entertaining read. I loved seeing Bishop fall hard for Pippa. He was a man obsessed and it was impressive watching him do whatever it took to get his girl. He was even willing to sacrifice parts of himself if it made her happy. SECRET SIN was a great, well written story that had me devouring it quickly and eager for more of the series that is to come. 5 Stars!

[AvidReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75🌟.

[Zoe-Amelia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesssssss 🙌🙌🙌 Bishop and Pippa were a breath of fresh air 😍 their story was short and sweet but that doesn't mean it wasn't packed full of deliciousness!

I LOVE nothing more than a secret virgin h, and Jill wrote this scene to perfection!

Bishop is used to women falling at his feet, but Pippa isn't about to give up on her mission for independence easily! Bishop has his work cut out for him, but throw in an epic grovel and I. Am. Here. For. It 👏👏

Pretty sure I say this everytime I review Jill's books, but her poetic writing style gets me everytime. I'm sucked in from the first word and don't come up for air until I'm finished, but I still want more 😂

I can't wait for the rest of this series! Thank you for another masterpiece Jill 😘

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short prequel to the Byrne brother's series. While I loved Conner & Noemi's story, Pippa & Bishop were a delight to read about and I am so excited to divulge into this new world that Jill is working on. The book was fast paced, exciting and was like a quick taste of what's to come in the future. I can't wait to read Corrupted Union next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed the ARC of this book

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHEER PERFECTION!
I have anticipated a story for Bishop since Silent Vows and this author did not disappoint. He's every bit as dark, gritty and steamy as he was in SV. His pairing with
Pippa was brilliant! Their story is absolutely phenomenal! Bishop and his Kitten were made for each other and couldn't be more perfect together. What a great short story to tide us over. I can't wait for more from the Byrne brothers.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes what you think you really want isn't what you really want....this novella is a steamy delight, filled with angst, anger and lust but underneath it all is a love that Bishop finds himself wanting more than his next breath...but 1st...Pippa needs to show him she doesn't know how to roll over. Loved it!

[Melissa Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me MORE!!! Oh yes! This is an absolute MUST READ. Any mafia loving, dark romance loving readers out there, go click this NOW. So hot scorching hot, with a demanding headstrong yummy alpha that you don’t want to ever say no to.

I need more NOW. Such a great read!

[Never2Busy4Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo, who's ready for a quick novella to tie you over before the next in the Byrne Family I am. Releasing on the 31st of January, this quick story will have you wanting book 2 to come out faster. It gave me juat enough to keep me satisfied but leaving me wanting more while also giving you extra side stories to be excitted for. Don't forget to check out the rest in Jill's lineup.

[Nicola (nicolas_books_uk) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two.

Reading about how Pippa went after what she wanted and then how everything went after that, it felt more realistic in a way, which was nice.

The bonus epilogue was just everything I needed at the end because I was left wanting more, and that was the cherry on top of this novella.

[Tetyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Тропи:
- інтрижка на одну ніч;
- незаймана головна героїня;
- мафія.

Мені дуже сподобалося. Це було весело, гаряче і напружено. 

Після ночі, проведеної разом, Бішоп не може викинути Піппу з голови, тому намагається будь-яким способом її завоювати. Вирішив, що вона його, і все на цьому. Дівчина то хотіла просто погуляти, інтрижку на одну ніч і бувай здоровий😂. А він бідний закохався. 

Мені дуже сподобався головний герой, такий собі мафіозі-золотистий ретривер з владними замашками. Його жарти, ставлення до Піппи, миле прізвисько "кошеня"🫠

Головна героїня сподобала��я менше. Я могла зрозуміти її прагнення свободи, але якби вона просто поговорила з Бішопом, все можна було б набагато швидше вирішити. Тому в ситуації з  Каллумом, я на боці Бішопа, хоча вони обоє наворотили справ. 

Сподобалося, що в героїні адекватні батьки і що тут трохи відхилилися від теми мафії і майже не акцентували на цьому увагу.  З мінусів, мені хотілося кращого розкриття Бішопа, хотілося дізнатися більше про його минуле і дружбу з Коннером, хоча в цьому й особливість новели — всього не розкриєш.

В цілому, хоч це й новела, не було відчуття незавершеності, стосунки героїв розвивалися стрімко, але все було органічно. Я не змогла відірватися поки не дочитала, тому однозначно рекомендую

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book, short review, I guess, but I still want to express how much I enjoyed Pippa and Bishop.

Someone who would read this as a standalone would think it was instalove. But we met both characters in the first book in the series, and you could see there was something there. The only thing that bothered me was that one night together basically make them fall in love when there was mostly attraction between them before.

Once you accept the sudden feelings, though, you’ll watch them share meaningful moments and learn more about each other–at least Bishop learning more about Pippa. Pippa is so far in denial that Bishop is the only one really fighting for them and make efforts. Even cute ones, like the conversation he’s supposed to have had with Pippa’s father.

Mafia isn’t a huge part of this novella. There’s nothing even remotely dangerous or violent here, besides talks of the past and current events that don’t seem to have any effect on them.

It’s really just a sexy novella, but it’s done well.

Quickie

- Series: The Byrne brothers #1.5 (can be read as a standalone, but linked to another series by the same author)
- Hashtags: #mafia romance #one night stand #age gap #virgin
- Triggers: mention of violence
- Main couple: Pippa Revello & Ewan Bohanan
- Hotness: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
- + Bishop’s passion was endearing
- – the sharing thing? nope, I’m out

[GinaCW_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was everything I needed in Pippa & Bishop's story. Short and sweet with a bit of spice and just enough character development to give both main characters some depth.

Bishop's had just a taste of Pippa and knows she's his end game. Pippa is fiercely independent, but her feelings for Bishop make her unsure of what she wants. Bishop goes to great lengths to show Pippa he can give her everything she wants and needs without stealing away the independence she's so desperate for. (...Swoon...)

Just when I thought their HEA couldn't be more perfect, Jill Ramsower gave us the most perfect bonus epilogue. For a short novella, these two have crept deep in my heart.

This was a fantastic continuation/addition to the book 1 in the Byrne Brothers series (book 1, Silent Vows, is a standalone that you should definitely be reading). Book 2, Corrupted Union is due out early spring 2023 with another novella in the series to follow.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Sin is a five star read from Jill Ramsower! I am loving the Byrne Brothers series, and this novella is fantastic! Pippa and Bishop were hinted at in Silent Vows, and they were just what I needed. Pippa and Bishop are an absolute steamy must-read! Now I'm ready for the next book in the series!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Silent Vows, I knew that something went on between Pip and Bishop, and I was thoroughly intrigued with these characters. Even though Secret Sin is a novella, I think their story was perfectly written and I’m 100% satisfied! Bishop is hot as hades and book boyfriend material!

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧

Things I loved about Secret Sin …

I was engaged and invested from the very beginning by Michelle Sparks & Gabriel Spiers’ narration. It was a first for me for both these narrators and I’m really glad they worked well together to make my listening experience fantastic!

It’s a novella so you know there has to be some getting to the point with the couple, that being said, one would think it would read insta but it doesn’t! Yes, Bishop and Pippa have sizzle from the very beginning but as much as it is fire, it is also understated and not over the top. I might have just talked myself around the point I was trying to make (lol) but basically, they sparked from page one but weren’t written as such and that was unique and refreshing and made their relationship more believable to me.

The way the virgin aspect of the story was written was also refreshing and gave me all the goosebumps for Bishop. I mean my heart aflutter people!

This story could stand completely on its own (apart from the series) but yet it also enhanced the overall storyline arc of the Byrne Brothers.

I am loving this world and can’t wait to jump back in soon!

[Rachel Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc in exchange for a voluntary review.

This is a fantastic short novella, set in the mafia world. It has great character's and a story plot, with plenty of spice and emotion, a possessive man that fights for what he wants. And a adventurous heroine that wants to explore? the story was very well written and I didn't want it to end. I wish the story was longer, I couldn't put this book down. I loved it.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the author’s dedication/note to reader. That is why you don’t go right to the story. You never know what you’ll miss if you do.

Pippa loves to test her boundaries and others as well. Bishop wants to listen to his head, but his heart wants to be heard. It won’t be hard to see the connection these two have. Like any couple, there are ups and downs. But how does an author handle that in a short story?

Our author knows just the right moment to create a test for Pippa and Bishop. Some men know what they need to do, and others try and fail. It’s what they do with failure that’s the true test. This is a story that you won’t want to put down. It’s a great follow up to Silent Vows and I can’t wait to see what the next book will have in store for me.

Ms. Sparks does a great job helping me get to know Pippa in a way that I couldn’t by reading her in a book. She does an exceptional job when she has to change her voice to convey what Bishop was feeling from Pippa’s point of view. Mr. Spires showed me why I need to expand my list of go to narrators. He helped me hear the frustration in Bishop’s voice when I couldn’t do that myself. He has a deep voice, and I loved the fact that he didn’t attempt a high-pitched voice when it came to speaking for a female character.

If you want to take your enjoyment of a book, or series, see if an audio version is available. One good thing about an audiobook is that you can get work done while still getting your story fix. The audio version also makes a commute, or even shopping trip, more pleasurable. And loving the series in the first place is just icing on the cake. In this case, having both versions takes me to my happy place.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t think so much heat could be packed into a tiny book but I was wrong, so wrong,

Jill packed a punch with this novella and the heat starts immediately! WOW! Bishop and Pippa are seriously hot and I loved being immersed back into this world! I loved Pippa’s feisty nature and Bishops alpha need to protect, but he charmed me even more when he gave Pippa her space and groveled when he needed too! A very hot and addicting short read!

[Megan Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read RTC

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This needed to be a little longer.

“Whatever this is, kitten, it’s not the end. This is only the beginning.”

However, I did find the bonus bonus extended scene so I think I'm good now.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet (well, hot really)
This was a great short read featuring Pippa and Bishop, characters we first met in Silent Vows.
For a mafia story, it’s not at all dark but it does have in Bishop, a growly, possessive hunk of a man, that once he has a taste of Pippa, that’s it for him and he is not letting go. She’s a little slower to get on the same page but therein lies the story; but when they’re together the heat level is HOT!
It ends in a superb fashion, leaving me with a huge grin and a desire to read more.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop oh how I love thee!! When we first met him in Silent Vows I instantly knew I needed his story and this author did not disappoint! Him and his kitten are everything my heart needed. Pippa and Bishop are complete perfection and their story captured my attention from the very beginning!! Loved it!! I cannot wait for the next Byrne Brother!!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must read after Silent vows.
Pippa wants her independence but she also wants Bishop but can she really have both.
One taste for Bishop and he knows that Pippa is his now but how can he prove it to her.
I loved how they were together but can they both get what they want.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella normally wouldn't be my thing, but I adore the characters in this world so much I honestly didn't care because we got to spend some time with them while impatiently waiting for the next book.
And despite the overload of steam I couldn't stop turning the pages and the epilogue made everything worth it.