Hush Series
“In a city like Grand Haven, rich with real estate, startups, and old and new money, everything has a hefty price tag. Including me.”
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1. TRAMP by Mary Elizabeth
SYNOPSIS
Lydia Montgomery is a Tramp.
After fleeing a tragic past, Lydia’s determined never to go back to the life she left behind at any price. She lands in Grand Haven, California—a city booming with billion-dollar corporations and tech money—and everything changes. Armed with the only lesson she learned from her mother, Lydia builds a life of routine, solitude, and success. Nothing is out of reach when you’re beautiful.
Nearly a decade after her arrival, Lydia’s the highest paid escort in the city, and only the most influential people in Grand Haven can get near her. She’s a goddess among her clients, and out of reach to everyone else. Lydia’s created the perfect illusion, and no one will take it from her again. Until a misunderstanding lands her in the office of the city’s most eligible bachelor.
Talent Ridge is Grand Haven royalty. Despite running in the same circles as Lydia’s clients, he’s scandal-free and on his way to being the most powerful man in the area.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but a relationship has the potential to destroy everything they’ve worked for. Especially when Lydia is running from her past, and Talent is running toward a future she can never be a part of. Beauty and money can’t save them this time. Are Lydia and Talent willing to give it all up for each other, or will their differences cost too much?
BOOK REVIEW
Tramp by Mary Elizabeth was the first book I’ve ever read by the author, and oh boy, what a great experience it was. I must say that the main subject of this work touched upon a very feely-touchy topic, the job of a prostitute in the modern world as well as a stigma attached to it in particular. It was really appreciated that there were no slut-shaming or inappropriate references to a supposedly inadequate profession. More than anything, Tramp was about the irresistible and kind of forbidden love between two people from two completely (but maybe not) worlds who did their best to navigate within the given circumstances.
“You’re the fucking devil.”
Lydia Montgomery was a strong and extremely stubborn young woman who was determined to stay independent and take care of herself, all while trying to contain a broken little girl screaming inside to be let out and truly loved. I admired but despised at the same time, her ability to maneuver life rather than actually living it. She was a creature of habit who never imagined a life beyond the one she was used to. But once she had her taste of one not-like-others-for-some-reason man, the world around her started changing rapidly.
Turning my gaze to him, my lips part and I exhale. He stops time.
Talent Ridge was everything I love to see in a real man. He was delicious, paying close attention to all the little things as well as keeping his distance when necessary. He didn’t abuse his obvious power over Lydia and rather took good but very conscious care of her.
“His enjoyment is my favorite sound.”
The chemistry between Lydia and Talent was the best aspect of the entire book. The dynamic between the two reeked of confidence and independence and sex. Their passion for one another was tangible. The allure was off the charts. I absolutely loved it and just couldn’t get enough.
Tramp was so beautifully painful and yet incredibly honest. The story didn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truth. While Lydia who believed she was unworthy of love accepted her path, Talent didn’t treat her as some dirty little secret. If anything, he tried to love her like she definitely deserved with everything he got. The story was layered, well-structured, and evenly developed. It was angsty, swoony, and sweet. Highly recommend!
PS. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. And I’m pleased to announce a confirmation by Mary Elizabeth that Lydia and Talent have more of the story to tell.
2. HARLOT by Mary Elizabeth
SYNOPSIS
Camilla Hearst is a Harlot.
God forgives little girls who don’t obey, but he forsakes women who surrender their bodies to desires of the flesh. Raised to believe her very existence was a sin, Camilla escaped her father’s iron fist and chased the sun to Grand Haven, California, where one thing was for certain: It’s a man’s world.
She was prepared to live in it until the day Camilla met the highest paid escort in the city—exposing an underground world where women rule like queens. Now Camilla finds herself offering her body to the highest bidder.
Falling for Grand Haven’s golden-boy and mafia attorney, Wilder Ridge, only strengthens her desire to break free from her dark past and control her own destiny. But in a society where everything has a price tag, she discovers her body isn’t the only thing for sale. So is her life.
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3. CRIMINAL by Mary Elizabeth
SYNOPSIS
Talent Ridge is a Criminal.
On the surface, Talent has it all. The respect from his city, a successful law firm he shares with his brother, and a beautiful woman by his side. But nothing is as it seems. When the workday is over and the lights go down, the charming and sophisticated lawyer loosens his tie and takes rank in the mob he grew up in.
The elusive Lydia Montgomery changed everything the moment she stepped into his office and his heart a year ago and gave him something other than revenge to focus on. As they enter the world of organized crime and balance their public and private lives, Talent sees a new future. But there’s a reason why Lydia’s called Ice Queen.
As a lawyer, he swore to abide by the law. As a made man, he pledged his life to the mafia. He has one more vow to make. If only she’ll let him in.
