ŷ

Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sins and Secrets Club #2

Lessons to Learn

Rate this book
Book 2 in the Sins and Secrets Club World.

Every day they are notes and flowers, messages from a stalker.

But it won't stop Laci from living her life, and it lands her in a sticky situation one evening at the adult club. And things only get more complicated when her best friend sends Emilio, the guy of her dreams, to help out. LAcu has always been a submissive and wants Emilio as her Master. It's only a minor inconvenience that Emilio is a private guard and could change the dynamics of her stalker situation.

No Dom has ever been able to keep up with Laci, but she challenges Emilio in ways he couldn't predict, and soon he finds himself falling for her. When her stalker becomes desperate, it will take everything Emilio has to guard and protect Laci.

No matter the cost.

Lessons to Learn is the second novel in a series of interconnected stand-alone books in the Sins and Secrets Club world. Read this dark romance as a stand-alone or as part of the series. TRIGGER WARNINGS include assault not by MMC, stalking, abduction, lights mentions of drugging a female, BDSM aspects and some childhood grooming as a teen (seventeen).

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2023

59 people are currently reading
226 people want to read

About the author

H.N. DeFore

30books207followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
125 (52%)
4 stars
77 (32%)
3 stars
28 (11%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
14 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2023
I have now read 3 books by H.N. Defore and this is my absolute favorite! The book is so well written and has so much packed into one book! The plot contains romance, spice, and suspense. It kept me on my toes. Not to mention Emilio is definitely one of my top book boyfriends! He is AMMMMAAAZZING.
Laci and Emilio's relationship is THE BEST.

And once again Defore does an amazing job touching on some tough topics. It isn't just thrown in there it adds so much depth and connection to the characters in this book.

Definitely one of those books that you wish you could experience for the first time over and over again!
Profile Image for Trista Martin .
460 reviews31 followers
August 28, 2024
Feel so lucky to get to be an Alpha reader for this talented author! Her books are so spicy with a wonderful plot. She does a wonderful job with developing her characters with the perfect amount a relatable flaws. Check your trigger warnings and if that is a go dive in!!!!
Profile Image for Emily.
336 reviews12 followers
April 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book which surprises me because I did find it a tad bit challenging in the beginning getting into the book. It seemed a tad bit too slow for me, but I think i wasn't in the right head space when I started reading. I will say as the story went on, I found myself being sucked in without even realizing it and by the middle, I needed to know everything about Laci, Milo, the threats, where their relationship was going to end up, etc.

I will say that I did not realize that this book was the 2nd book in a series- 4 in total. While I certainly will be going back and reading book 1, having started at book 2 didn't make me feel like I was missing out on any details that were present in the first book. I can safely say that these are all standalone reads and there is no harm in starting in the middle, the end or the beginning- the story flows beautifully regardless of where you start.

There was a lot to digest within this story between Laci's stalker and Milo's past and I will say the detail that was put into each was fantastic. Milo is certainly guarded and after hearing his story he certainly has a good reason to be. It took a lot for him to open up in general and I loved seeing that Laci brought something out in him that made him comfortable to do so. It was also really interesting to see the stalker storyline evolve throughout. It starts as just a tame simple story and morphs into something much more dangerous that I could have ever imagined and let me tell you when I finally figured out who her stalker was my mind was beyond blown! The hints about who it was were so subtle that I had to go back to the beginning once I found out just to look at what I had missed. I am not one who normally loves reading romantic suspense stories but holy crap this one has changed my mind and makes me want to go read more, especially if they are written like this one.

Great read and one that I am certainly glad to have stumbled upon. I can't wait to go back and read the rest of this series because if the other books are as good as this one, I am certainly in for a treat!
Profile Image for Kristina Marquardt.
211 reviews13 followers
March 4, 2024
The second book in the Sin & Secrets series has me weak in the knees. A combination of intense attraction and terrifying obsession had me reading late into the night. Again, as I was wrapped up in this story of passionate desires being fulfilled. I couldn't help but wish for someone in my local area to open up such a luxurious club. Wink Wink. All jokes aside this is a steamy read with suspenseful events and plenty of drama to keep you engaged throughout the entire novel. I highly recommend this to all those who secretly wish to let go and let someone else take control. Another 5 star read to a 5 star series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laz the Sailor.
1,718 reviews80 followers
February 25, 2024
A solid sequel to the first book. Laci is more outgoing than Myla from book 1, and she has a pretty good idea of what she wants - a Dom who knows how to train her and find her limits, without diminishing her. There are some entertaining aspects of this process, though the actual "training" part is mostly skipped over. The sex was hot without being sizzling. Here again, the sex club is under utilized.

Mixed in with this BDSM tale is a solid mystery involving an unhinged guy who is not from her own past. The mystery and the thrilling parts were quite well done.

I'll read the next one.
Profile Image for Kaylie Helfrich.
729 reviews89 followers
August 23, 2023
This book and series is everything and I think I liked this book even better than the first.

I loved Emilio and Laci and the way that their relationship grew throughout the course of this book. The spice was also top notch.

Laci has a stalker and has just been ignoring it because so far everything has been non violent. She is constantly feeling watched, and she has flowers show up in places they shouldn't be. One night she goes to try out a new schmex club and has a horrible experience (Including not listening to safe words and security doing nothing about it). She sends an SOS to her best friend, but her friend is drunk so she sends her boyfriend's friends who also happens to be a sexy, scary, emotionally distant security specialist. He also happens to be a dom and a master.

Emilio keeps his scenes separate from his emotions. Laci has her sights set on Emilio as a new partner (No strings attached of course).

What could go wrong?

The relationship dynamics both in the bedroom and out of the bedroom, the spice, the mystery, the suspense, the little snippets of Myla and David from book one; It was just all so wonderful and put a huge smile on my face.
Profile Image for Kayla Fitzgerald.
24 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2023
I ate the book up for dinner. Check your triggers but DAMN, this was a joy to blow through. I really enjoyed not only the spice but the characters and story.

I was late on my ARC read for this, due to some pretty severe health issues and this was my first read when I was finally feeling better and it did not disappoint!

*ARC review*
Profile Image for Rebecca Gavin.
23 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2023
Omg I absolutely love this series I read the first one and it was amazing and had to read second and it’s even better. I absolutely love Emilio and Laci💕 I can’t wait for the next book will definitely be reading. Highly recommend! Check those TW
Profile Image for What! in the HEA.
464 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2024
🔥🔥

I always love a good stalker / bodyguard romance.
Add in the following and I can’t get enough:

Sex club
Bondage
Power dynamics
Master/Slave
Friend to lovers

TRIGGERS
Grooming
Kidnapping
Drugging
Sexual assault (on page)

5/5 ⭐️ Storyline
5/5 🌶� Spiciness
998 reviews17 followers
April 7, 2024
Holy Hot Read!!



I loved, loved, loved Laci and Emilio’s story. It’s full of great kinky heat, amazing characters and swirls of darkness. This is a protector story and I loved that role Emilio played. I loved how he also let himself be vulnerable and how Laci was honest with herself about her needs, wants and desires. This whole series is amazing and I love everything this author writes. I can’t wait to read more!!

Profile Image for rebecca.
913 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2024
Great read. She is looking for a master, he is a body guard. They met under interesting things. I enjoyed this one she is a sassy which makes the story good. Recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Noriboo.
603 reviews41 followers
April 10, 2024
Romantic suspense with a proper dash of smut. I liked how the relationship developed from sex club buddies, to something deeper. Milo and Laci were really sweet together.
3 reviews
August 29, 2023
Y’all! I devoured this book! I finished it in one sitting and couldn’t be happier! Make sure to check your trigger warnings, because your mental health matters. I enjoyed reading for the plot as well as the spicy scenes, it was amazing seeing the story line progress and see the characters interact with each other.
It took me a minute to get to this one, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to read it! This book did not disappoint and you will not regret reading it!
Profile Image for jackie.
73 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2023
Lessons To Learn : H.N. Defore
鲹پԲ:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


This is my second book by H.N. DeFore and damn girl, you did it again!!! 🙌🏻

Cue the mesmerizing world of sex clubs, BDSM, and allll the praise 👏 There were also multiple storylines of mystery and suspense. H.N. DeFore really keeps you guessing until it suddenly clicks! You bet your butt I marked in my book EXACTLY when I figured it out 🤣

Laci and Milo in a social setting seem like they’d be complete opposites from each other but are so compatible behind closed doors. Their club scenes were so hot. 🥵 and his nickname for her (pet)…� yes please! But it wasn’t just all the sexy steamy parts that had me rooting for them the whole story. It was the way they cared for each other in their own ways. And watching Milo feel again with Laci after so much pain in his past.

As with most of the books I read, I do recommend checking the trigger warnings. But triggers aside, this was such a great read and I can’t thank H.N. DeFore enough for the ARC opportunity!!



Profile Image for Iskra Dimitrova.
416 reviews25 followers
August 13, 2023
/ARC review!/
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶�



The author continues to impress & surprise me!
Just when I think, there’s no way I’m going to fall for her new characters? Is it possible to fall even harder?


- to answer it plainly? - YES
Favourite quotes:

"Nobody can see anything but me. If the damage is invisible is it even real?"

“Sometimes lying beneath six feet of dirt is the only help a person deserves.�

“I want you to know what it feels like having both holes filled while I fuck your ass,�

“What a good little toy. I knew you could take it, Barbie. Now you’ll get a reward.�


The mouth on the silent guard for hire left me with my mouth on the floor. Cause, holy fucking shiiit!

There is so much to MMC - we don’t know going in, that at first, you’re like? How are they going to collide?
But, of course we have our brazen FMC - who isn’t embarrassed by who she is, or what she wants, she takes life as a big challenge, one she won’t back down from. Nor roll over.



As usual, check your TWS!
Again, you have created another couple, with so much deliciousness & darkness, that it’s an absolute hit for me!


Can’t wait for more! 🫠🫠🥵🥵🥵👌🏻👌🏻🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,170 reviews19 followers
April 15, 2024
I need a Sins and Secrets Club close to me. I would be like Laci. Laci was looking for something. Something that was kinda in between everything that was available. She knew who she wanted it from, but did not know how to go about getting it. I really loved Laci she did not play even though she had somethings going on in her life. She had a stalker, but she was cautious. She wanted Emilio. Emilio was a friend of a friend, and Laci definitely wanted to get to know him better. So she goes after him the only way she knows how. Emilio forces Laci into the exact situation that she wanted. No strings. How is that going to work out?

I am loving this series. If you read book 1, you know it was about Myla and David. Well, Myla is Laci's best friend. Laci is out there. She and Myla could not be more different. Their friendship works though, and that is all that really matters. Will Emilio use his skills to help Laci figure out who is stalking her? Both Laci and Emilio have secrets that prevent them from getting close to anyone. The club is the one place that they feel comfortable. Readers will devour this book. The action and mystery will keep readers on their toes. I am ready for the next book in this series. I hope it is about their other friend. I just feel that Sin and Secrets would do her so well.
Profile Image for Connie.
330 reviews18 followers
May 23, 2024
I loved Emilio and Laci and the way that their relationship grew throughout the course of this book. The spice was also top notch. Laci has a stalker and has just been ignoring it because so far everything has been nonviolent. She feels like she’s being watched all the time, and she has flowers show up in places they shouldn't be. One night she goes to try out a new adult club and has a horrible experience (Including not listening to safe words and security doing nothing about it). She sends an SOS to her best friend, but her friend is drunk so she sends her boyfriend's friends who also happens to be a sexy, scary, emotionally distant security specialist. He also happens to be a highly respected dom and a master in a high-end adult club. Emilio keeps his scenes separate from his emotions. Laci has her sights set on Emilio as a new partner with no strings attached of course. But the problem is that Emilio doesn’t take partners, because of his past. Their relationship dynamic both in the bedroom and out of the bedroom, the spice, the mystery, the suspense, the little snippets of Myla and David from book one, were totally amazing. I really loved this book and that mystery twist I never ever saw coming. This is one of those you just need to read and give it a chance to fully appreciate the plot, characters, and the amazingness of this book.
Profile Image for Amber VZ.
40 reviews
August 14, 2023
Laci has the feeling that she is watched, and got mysterious yellow roses multiple time. She has no clue who could be behind this.
When a interaction at a club went wrong, her best friend maya send a bodyguard to help her. There small was a spark between them that night, that ignited into something Amazing! But will this mysterious person that has been sending flowers mess things up?

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time! The story is so good and thought out . And has so many Hot and spicy scenes.

My favorite quotes:

“I crave total dominance, and finding a submissive who trusts me enough to submit fully to the pleasure I deal out is a special challenge. I don’t want to be gentle. It’s not about their pain, it's about their trust.�

“Crawl for me, Barbie.�

“What a good little toy. I knew you could take it, Barbie.�

⭐️5
🌶�

▪️Ѳٱ/
▪️
▪️sex club
▪️bodyguard romance
▪️ܳ/ܲԲ󾱲Ա
▪️touch her and die

Make sure you read the trigger warnings before you start the book!
Profile Image for Allison Comis.
627 reviews10 followers
July 4, 2024
Laci

This book was about Laci. She was at a club with Jonah and he was trying his attempt at being a dom. But he was failing and Laci told him to stop. When he didn’t she took matters in her own hands the best she could. When she got to the club she texted Myla to let her know where she was. When she didn’t answer Myla David and Milo went to get her. Milo ended up going In first. He saw the state she was in and was just in time to see her put Jonah on his knees. He ended up taking her home where he saw yellow roses. She had no clue who they were from. He didn’t say anything to her about them. They both liked each other but she didn’t know him well enough to figure out a way to talk to him. She ended up getting David to set her up with Russell who worked at the club Milo worked at. It was only supposed to get her into the door and to get Milo’s attention and it worked. Everything Changed for them after that. So far this is a great series. The characters are throughout the books but they are stand-alones.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
42 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2023
ARC Review! Please check the trigger warnings before starting this. I loved this book from start to finish. The spice, the storyline, the character development...all of it. If I could read it again for the first time I would. This is book two of the Sins and Secrets books and while you can read it as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading book one first since certain characters make an appearance in book two. Also for me it helped me get introduced to Laci and Emilio before delving into her story. The spice was top tier. Like.. Top. Tier. This book follows Emilio as he works on coming to terms with his past trauma and Laci as she tries to deal with a crazy mystery stalker and them together as they delve into this crazy thing called a relationship. Its a major bombshell when all the pieces finally fall into place and it will blow your socks off. It's a slow burn Dom/sub romance with plenty of spice.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
799 reviews30 followers
August 16, 2023
Lessons to Learn by H.N DeFore is book two in the Sins and Secrets Club. After reading the first book I knew I had to continue with this series. I really liked how the author writes so as soon as I read the blurb for this book, I was instantly in. This is a dark romance, so always be on the safe side and check your trigger warnings. I enjoyed the plot and pace, I found myself addicted. I didn’t want to put my kindle down until I finished the book. The descriptions were hot and spicy, it was easy to imagine what you are reading. My favorite part was the characters and how they were portrayed. I really, really liked reading Laci and Emilio start a relationship through the club but then having it become more. The ending was just so fitting and satisfying. This was a great read and another amazing book from H.N DeFore. Can’t wait for the next one.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Heather Emery.
231 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2024
I have been wanting to dive into more BDSM books and this book was amazing and everything I could have asked for. 5 stars and 5 🌶. It has plot, spice and amazing characters.

Laci knows what she wants but can't seem to find the person to give it to her. Until she meets Milo that is. She has a stalker. Everywhere she goes she feels eyes on her and flowers keep showing up for her. She meets Milo through her best friend and she is introduced to a real schmex club but the jokes she has been going to.

Milo is a bodyguard with a very guarded past. He and Laci agree to a contract with" no strings or emotions attached" purely physical. Yeah what can go wrong with that. As this contract progresses so does Laci's obsessive stalker. Who will win out in the end, and can Laci endure anymore. You just have to read their incredible story to find out. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing
Profile Image for Katrina.
97 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2023
Favorite Quote: ““I can’t allow him to live for hurting what’s mine,”�

The book begins by perpetuating a bad bdsm scene which outlines the FMCs search for a partner to make all her kinky dreams come true. Finding out the enigmatic, Emilio, whom she met briefly through her friend Myla is also apart of the club, S&S, Laci finds a way to visit hoping to catch his eye. The two form a relationship through the club which slowly evolves into more. But of course things are not always easy, as the FMC also has a stalker that is escalating into something nefarious.
Tropes:
#grumpysunshine
#touchheranddievibes
#bodyguardromance
#mastersubmissiveslave

TW:
Grooming (off page)
Stalking, drugging, SA (on page, not MMC)
BDSM scenes gone wrong (on page)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alonna.
456 reviews14 followers
August 16, 2023
First off, this cover is amazing and I love it. This is the fourth book out by H.N. DeFore, and the second in the Sins and Secrets series and he writing is amazing. I don't know where she gets the ideas for these characters, but she makes you feel for each one through her writing. This storyline was great and captured me from the first few lines. Emilio is my new book husband and I don't care what my irl husband has to say about it 🤣 he is perfect. Laci was an interesting character when compared to Myla from Rules, she is excited about the lifestyle and actively seeks it out, which brought her a lot of trouble and the stalker makes the drama come out and I absolutely devoured this book. I can not wait for what this author has in store next.
Profile Image for Jessica -jessyisabookaholic.
129 reviews51 followers
August 26, 2023
Oh God this was book was oh God. Before reading this book read the trigger warnings.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ .

Laci is a submissive looking for something more. She met Emilio when helping Myla and David. Emilio saved Laci from a bad situation. Laci seeks Emilio out to sight a contract to start their Submissive and Master relationship. They sex scenes were sooooo damn hot. Laci doesn’t tell anyone that she has a stalker but after 2 incidents she moves in with Milo aka Emilio. After this their relationship starts to change.

I got this ARC to review it normally does not take me long to read an ARC but it’s been crazy busy with the kiddos, dealing with my mental health and getting my 4 year old school ready.

ARC Review***
Profile Image for Briar Reeds.
118 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2023
Holy smokes.

First of all- it was great to see a better depiction of BDSM than a lot of other books I’ve read. Usually it’s the Dom abusing power over the sub, and not enough aftercare etc, but this book showed a great representation of it!

Onto the story - Laci and Emilio have amazing chemistry! It was easy to love them. I’m a total sucker for Grumpy/Sunshine. I like the even the side characters play big parts in this book. I somewhat figured out who the stalker was a little early, but H.N was like “BUT WAIT! There’s MORE!� And totally threw a curve ball at me.

I’m incredibly excited for book 3.

This book does have a HEA and a *small* cliffhanger, but not one that interferes with the story or the enjoyment of it. It is book 2 in a series of three, which you can read in order or as a standalone!

I loved it.
Profile Image for Elle.
166 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Here we meet Laci, Myla's best friend suffering a rough time, she keeps getting these yellow roses from a mysterious person and it almost feels like she's being watched.... Safe to say this isn't a secret admirer.

Turns out she is also adventurous and after a trip to a club goes horribly wrong she is saved by non-other Emilio who she had already set her sights on.

Oh, this was so excellent, I thought book 1 was good but holy crap book 2!!!! Emilio definitely served and I ate up! I think I enjoyed this one more than the first (but number 1 was excellent!) I think for me it was the development of the relationship that really did it, at first, we see Emilio as a no nonsense, feelings and scenes separate, no strings attached kinda guy and we get this amazing development between him and Laci. This book goes deeper than just two people finding out they like the same things and falling for each other, it does talk about trauma and overcoming it, so please do check the TW!

In this book we get to see a new and different dynamic, which I don't think is often explored much in erotic fiction and this was excellent, the way the submissive and master dynamics are written feel super real and not at all fake or too over the top and dramatic. The dynamic and spice scenes were written so well and honestly I am screaming for book 3, what could possibly happen next!

What to expect:
� master/slave
� bdsm & s*x clubs
� beefy bodyguards
� grumpy x sunshine
� touch her/you die
Profile Image for midnight.reads.
635 reviews46 followers
July 30, 2023
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

𝔸 𝔹𝕠𝕕𝕪𝕘𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔� 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖

~ Laci & Emilio ~

I’m a sucker for a protective man. And that’s what Emilio is. I love a sassy strong FMC too & Laci fits that to a T. Buuuut having that strong man come to the rescue I just melt for it. 🫠🩵

I love the nickname he gave her too 🩷👑�

I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the pace of the book!

THE SPICE 🔥🥵
Was so good! If you’re looking hot scenes and great plot, I recommend! 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝐵𝒟𝒮𝑀

I really love the dynamic between the Laci and Emilio. Overall, great read! Will read more by this author. 🤍�

Profile Image for Dirty Birdy~Bonnie.
7 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2023
The author seamlessly continues this series by bringing “Rules of Play� characters Laci & Milo into the spotlight.
The dual viewpoints are smooth (normally I’m not a dual POV fan) and showcase each character’s growth and personality. Each scene is devilishly detailed for your guilty enjoyment 🥵

Milo and Laci �. Not a relationship you’d ever see coming. But when it does ~ they come hard. Plenty of hot, spicy content & as HEA as a Sins and Secrets member could want. No spoilers because the book is a MUST READ!

Check all TWs for your own comfort
🌶️🌶️🌶�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Profile Image for Brandi Sylvester.
187 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2023
Oh my hotness! This book was so good and the spice was on point. I've definitely read books that had more spice but this was perfect for the relationship with Milo and Laci! I loved that they both had things they needed to work out emotionally, but that is what made them work so well together. This series is so much more than just the sex, kinks, and relationships between the main characters. The relationships between the friends is real and you can tell how much they are all there for each other. Definitely a must read, I loved every minute of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.