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.
Mary Elizabeth was born and raised in Southern California. She is a wife, mother of four beautiful children, and dog tamer to one enthusiastic Pit Bull and a prissy Chihuahua. She's a hairstylist by day but contemporary fiction, new adult author by night.
Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it's perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she's not letting go until every story is told.
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."--Jeremiah 17:9
Camilla Hearst is a high end escort that only the elite can afford. After an upbringing filled with threats of damnation, she is finally free of the past, but are you ever really? Because in her instance, it doesn't erase the emotional scars caused by the family that was supposed to love her.
Cover me in beautiful wrapping paper, top me with a big red bow, and sell me as a gift, but the naked truth is, I’m not worth opening. I’m trash.
Wilder Ridge is high society with shady ties that prevent many from messing with him. With his brother dating Camilla's best friend, the four of them have formed their own inner circle. Even though Wilder and Camilla are not exactly together, he is possessive and her self appointed protector.
It's a fine line they walk. There is mutual respect, friendship and undeniable attraction. So you spend the first half of the story trying to figure out why they're not together since no secrets exist between them.
He’s not illicit, and I’m not a whore—we’re free.
Thank fuck, when one of the villains take a shine to Camilla and try to lay their claim, Wilder's inner caveman gets unleashed.
Harlot is set in a world of illegal activities and mafia affiliations, where everyone needs to stay one step ahead. All the men will soon learn that woman were meant to rule this world. The premise was great, but it was a little story slow going.
After reading 'Tramp' last year, I was so excited to get to Camilla and Wilder's story. I was so intrigued by them both and really enjoyed this one.
Camilla is Lydia's roommate and friend, and honestly, aside from the Ridge men, they're the only family each other has. Camilla had a family, but she's moved past that. Her backstory is one that broke my heart. Honestly, the found family between Camilla and Lydia is one of my favorite things about this book. But back to Camilla and Wilder's story...
Wilder Ridge is Talent's brother and he and Camilla have loads of chemistry. He has his reasons for not going there with her, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about her and protect her. When some associates of the Ridge family come out of the woodwork, the brother's have a hard choice to make. And along with that choice, Wilder makes another. To give Camilla and himself a chance.
I enjoyed Wilder and Camilla's romance so much. She truly deserved someone who would love her, cherish her, and protect her at all costs and Wilder was that man for her. I wish this story was a little more romance heavy and a little less into the angsty drama side plot, but still I loved it lots. I'm not sure if Mary Elizabeth will be writing more in this 'Hush' world, but if she does, I'll be reading it!
"I'm a harlot, and he's a killer. We're a match made in heaven."
Harlot takes place about a year after the conclusion of Tramp, with Lydia running Hush, Camilla servicing her wealthy clients, and the Ridge brothers running the world from their glass tower. Talent is still perfection, Wilder is still dark and brooding, and Lydia is still Queen with a capital Q.
There's less escorting this time around, as the focus is more on the Ridge family's secrets that were revealed at the end of Tramp. This caused a bit of a disconnect between the book and me because the story is only told in Camilla's POV, but we hear so much about the Ridge brothers and their dealings. I think if Wilder's POV was included, the plot would have felt more cohesive and at times less flat.
What I loved most about Tramp (which was a 5 star read for me) was Lydia. I loved watching her transformation, and I loved watching her relationship with Talent unfold. I didn't feel that same connection with Camilla, although I did love learning about her past and felt so much sympathy for her. My favorite scenes in Harlot all included Talent and Lydia, and the epilogue, which is told in Talent's POV, was fantastic.Harlot definitely moved the plot forward, but I'm so excited for the release of Criminal, which will put the focus back on Lydia and Talent.
I am beyond obsessed with this world. Mary Elizabeth’s Harlot has everything I love in a romance, strong heroines, romance, and suspense. I consumed Tramp and Harlot in a matter of days.
There are several reasons I’ve loved Harlot: 1. Camilla, the heroine of Harlot, and Lydia, the heroine of Tramp, for me, really exemplify a form of feminism. In a world that sexualizes and mistreats women, they weaponize it for their own power as escorts. There is a strength to their characters and an ownership of who they are that is empowering.
That isn’t to say they aren’t flawed. They are. Seeing Camilla work through her past and how it as affected her as an adult create a fantastic character ARC.
2. The Ridge brothers, Talent from Tramp and Wilder from Harlot, are hard to resist. While I loved Talent, Wilder is broody and gruff, and “I’ll burn the world down for you” here. He is a whole mood, and I was here for it. The way he cares for and loves Camilla is what I love in an anti-hero.
3. These people made a family. I love when books show that family is more than blood. Family is understanding and accepting each other, loving the flaws, and fighting tooth and nail against the world for their happiness and survival, and these four exhibit that in every way.
4. The integration of religion into this story is done so well. Everything from being the impetus for the choices in Camilla’s life as a child all the way to adulthood is profound and her revelations as an adult are prolific. This aspect of the story was done with care and hits on some hard to swallow realities, but it also shows the personal nature of religion. It added real depth to the story.
5. Hello, mafia. I’m a sucker for anything mafia and I will not apologize for it in any way at all. This aspect of the story added a layer of suspense I needed and love in a story.
If you have not read Tramp or Harlot, stop sleeping on these books. Mary Elizabeth is a gifted writer that has crafted a unique world and complex, morally-grey characters, and I’m here for every single book she wants to write in this world
Did I binge on this series in a matter of 3 days? Yes. Yes I did. Being a huge fan of the escort trope, this really hit the spot, because I do love it when the roles are reversed and you have a female who knows her sexual power. And while I'm entirely too lazy to write a full review here, I will tell you that I'm now completely obsessed with this series and need more. SO MUCH MORE!
Harlot is book 2 in the Hush series. This time it’s Camilla’s story. She was introduced in book 1 Tramp. She’s come a long way since then but still has a long way to go mentally. Her childhood trauma is rooted deep in her. Her boss and former escort Lydia has taken her under her wing and so has Lydia’s man Talent. His brother Wilder is another story.
He and Camilla shared a night and since then they’ve formed a connection. He wanted to “save” Camilla and be her everything. Sadly I felt their connection as abrupt throughout the story. Maybe it had something to do with Wilder and how he disappeared once in awhile. I think if he had POV my feelings would’ve been different. The pace of story was slow so it took me quite awhile to get into it. I enjoyed following Lydia and how she was navigating through the whole new boss of the Hush empire and her relationship with Talent. I think the reason I felt a deeper connection to them and not Camilla and Wilder was because of the previous book Tramp.
The writing was fabulous but the overall story was lacking. Not as good as Tramp but still enjoyable.
I hate when I forget to review a book after I read it. It’s been a while since I read this story but I remembering enjoying it and wanting more. I liked the premise of the story as it was a unique dynamic for me at the time of reading. Might be time for a complete reread of the series
Something you should know: I pulled an all-nighter to finish this book. I could not put it down.
First of all, as always, Mary Elizabeth has such a natural writing talent. It’s beautiful, effortless, and so so alluring. Sprinkled with humor, loaded with passion, and filled with love. She is, without a doubt, one of my favorite authors. It’s a pleasure to read her words.
This book is so different from Tramp but in the best ways.
I loved Camilla in Book #1 and I was so eager for her book from the moment I put it down. Let me just say, she might just be a new favorite fictional character. After leaving a horrible life behind, Camilla re-invents herself as Megan Rice, one of Grand Haven’s most desirable escorts. Camilla is strong–stronger than anyone else in this book, in my opinion. In the midst of darkness, she is the light (literally). She wears her heart on her sleeve–unashamed, unapologetic, and I love her even more for it.
Wilder Ridge–Grand Haven’s golden boy, mafia-attorney, and my newest crush. The palpable tension between the two of them from Book 1 does not disappoint. It’s insane how much I found myself literally slowing down my reading because I wanted to know more about him, wanted to dig deep and see what made him tick. Wilder Ridge is a different kind of alpha male, though. He is so. fucking. sweet. He’s insanely possessive, incredibly protective and OH. SO. HOT. His words are everything. The way he makes Camilla feel–he isn’t shy about showing her how much he cares and I love it. He’s a smooth-talking suave professional, with darkness lurking under his perfectly tailored suits. And when a man says, “How could I not worship every single thing about you?”, you can’t help but fall in love with him.
But honestly, the best part of this book was the friendships. There’s something about a found family that tugs my heart so so hard. How protective Talent is of Camilla, the way he wants to get to know her so much so he goes out of his way to do so, and how much he cares about her wellbeing–even when they’re Camilla’s nightmares. Didn’t think I could love Talent more. Harlot also made me like Lydia so so much. As protective as Wilder and Talent are of Camilla, Lydia is even more. Her love language is actions and she acts for Camilla. The smallest gestures, the littlest things–they tend to have the greatest impact.
All I could wish for was more Wilder and Camilla. More more more because I felt like it was really overshadowed at times by Lydia & Talent, or the plot. As much as I appreciate the plot focused story, I would have liked more of the couple to really appreciate their growth. They weren't on page as much as I would have liked, and I was constantly wishing for more.
A complicated romance in a complicated world. The mafia does tend to make things complicated, don’t they?
*Beta copy kindly provided by author in exchange for honest review.
My favorite of the series. I love this couple- all of the intrigue of the first of the series, but with a bit more heart and vulnerability. Loved the chemistry, loved the steam, love this world. And, I loved the secondary relationships- the girl power relationships and closeness, the brothers and their dynamic, and the whole quadrilateral connection. I love these characters and hope we get more from this world.
Harlot is the second book in the Hush series, following it's predecessor Tramp which I rated 4 stars and pretty much loved. In case you missed it, Tramp focuses on the main female character Lydia Montgomery in her line of work as an escort and follows her as her love life with Talent Ridge starts blossoming.
Now, Harlot follows the romance between Camilla (another escort we were introduced to in Tramp) and Wilder Ridge (the older Ridge brother). Where Tramp focused on the escort business, Harlot focused more on the Ridges' ties with the mafia.
Very much like Lydia, Camilla has her own set of baggage which she carries around in the form of her dark past. However, unlike Lydia, Camilla is a ray of sunshine and despite awful beginnings, still tries her best to not let it get to her.
I liked Camilla's character the way she was. I didn't want to see her turn into another Lydia even though she was trying to be. The escort business didn't suit her character in my opinion and sometimes I found it hard to correlate her words with her actions.
However, I wasn't a huge fan of Camilla and Wilder together. Perhaps it was the lack of build up in the chemistry or maybe it was the fact that he kept disappearing in the book but there was no constant connection between them. I do think, had we gotten Wilder's POV, it would have made their story stand out but all we got was poor Camilla. A girl who was vulnerable and soft and knew how to love hard.
I hate to say it, I really do, but Lydia and Talent stole the show for me which is the worst thing when you're supposed to be focusing on a different couple all together. Every time they were in the room with the main characters, I was zoomed in on them. Every time they were in another room and bits and pieces of their conversation was overheard, I wished I was in their room instead. I was swooning over them instead of the main couple and halfway through, I felt guilty enough (it felt like cheating) I wished Lydia and Talent wouldn't appear in any more scenes because they stole the show and it wasn't fair.
The writing, as expected, is phenomenal. I can never fault Elizabeth on that.
Truthfully, my favourite scene had to have been the last few pages, seeing the Ridge brothers in action and with the way it ended, I definitely need the next book pronto because we're back to Lydia and Talent's story, baby. Oh boy, am I excited.
This is book 2 of the Hush series. recap - I loved book 1 Tramp, I thought the storyline was intriguing and both main characters, Lydia and Talent were great together!!! We got a lot of glimpse of the characters for this book - Talents brother Wilder and Lydia's main girl Camille in book 1 - so I wouldn't recommend reading this one as a standalone - I think you would miss too much of the whole backstory.
Having said all that - I really did not enjoy this one. I felt like Camille and Wilder could have had sooooooo much more fleshed out and felt between them - I did not feel their connection at all as a reader in book 2. I felt the twinges in book 1, but no flame here!!! There were a lot of back flashes with Camille's parents/church - lock her in the closet because females are sinful storyline that bored/irritated me. Also this takes a massive jump into the mafia world. But in this story it all just confused me, it didn't make sense - but maybe that's because I read a lot of mafia. I love Mafia books - just not this story. I think the next few books in the series delve more into that - so maybe the series can redeem itself and I'll call this a speed bump book! 2.5 stars
An intensely passionate love story that straddles the dark side and sets it on fire. A runaway seeking a new life so far from her smothering religious background. It was a baptism by fire into the world of prostitution, mafia ties, and bloodshed.
Camilla found a family of her own making when she fled the one she was born into. It’s not a traditional family, yet they would die for her. Somehow she found her way into Lydia’s grinchy heart and made a home. She knows how to take care of herself and HUSH gave her the financial freedom and confidence to build a new life.
Wilder has a legacy to uphold. Him and his brother Talent may be lawyers, but they also work with the mafia. It’s a life he never wanted to share with anyone because he knows the danger his future will bring. She wasn’t supposed want to stay, but he can’t let her go.
A complicated love story that goes beyond a relationship. She found the love of a woman who is the sister she never had, the love of a friend who wants to protect her and the love of her life. The author told a story with so many layers. Lydia and Talent will play a major role and you’ll love the reminder of how deep they feel for one another.
Camilla and Wilder are straight up FIRE! Their feelings are palpable. Wilder is fierce and he is low key obsessed with her. He resisted but once he decides to be all in, that man will claim what’s his and not hold back. This had to be one of the hottest sex scenes ever and once you read you’ll know exactly what I mean.
If you loved Tramp, you will love this even more. A girl who had nothing, finds the ultimate happiness when she finds love. Love of self. Love from friends. Love from the man who owns her heart.
Harlot is the second book in the Hush series. While it focuses on Wilder and Camilla, but you definitely need to read the first book to understand everything that is going on in this book.
We met Camilla in book one, but in this book we get to know her more and her background. Wilder is Talent's brother and while they may be the best lawyers in their area, they also are tied to the mafia.
As book the progresses, we get bits and pieces about Camilla's past. It is impossible to miss the chemistry between Wilder and Camilla but it's not an easy journey for them. The story as a whole is quite unique.
I really loved Tramp so I had extremely high expectations for Harlot. While I enjoyed the intensity between Wilder and Camilla, something was missing for me. I can't say what it was because while I enjoyed reading this one, I did not have that same overall "OMG! This is amazing" vibe as I did with Tramp. It could possibly be more of a "me" thing.
I would definietly still recommend reading this because it was interesting and kept me intrigued. It was just missing something that was there in Tramp but still just as well written and entertaining.
I couldn't wait to hear what happens after what happens at the end of Tramp. It wasn't technically a cliffhanger but when you get invested with the tortured Lydia Montgomery, the Ridge's brothers, and a new entry like Camilla Hearst... well... you want to know how it ends. Book 1 was about Lydia, book 2 is about Camilla. I can't spoil anything but we get to see again Lydia and Talent (Talent baby ily) and a new relationship is developing and that is Camilla and Wilder's. Camilla is a high-end escort working for Hush, like Lydia and she's found a home in the agency, in Gran Haven and... in Wilder's arms (😂) Wilder is a lawyer working for the mafia... oh, and Talent's older brother. I loved the four of them together. The Ridges brothers are willing to do ANYTHING to protect their queens. Camilla and Wilder are explosive and I kinda miss them already 😭 so kudos @maryelizabeth ❤️ can't wait for Criminal and Talent's pov!
After reading Tramp (the first book in this series) I was really curious and excited for this second book.
And before anything I have to say this: Mary Elizabeth did it again and this cover is just pure perfection and so freaking stunning.
I really liked Camilla in the previous book and I was so excited to know more about her, her past and the reason she run away and ended up in Hush. Wilder was also a good character and I enjoyed reading more about his family story. I liked them but I felt like it was something missing and I really can’t put my finger on what it was.
Overall it’s a good book and I enjoyed it, I just didn’t love it as much as the first one. Maybe I had really high expectations and it’s a case of “it’s not the book, it’s me” problem.
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: friends to lovers, opposites attract, age gap, found family ▬ 𝐭𝐰: abuse
Humor. Steam. Angst. Harlot has it all!!! I absolutely loved Camilla and Wilder. I love a male lead who’s obsessed with his woman. There was no doubt in my mind Wilder would burn down the world to have and keep Camilla. You have to read Harlot as soon as it releases!!!
Well that was a disappointment. Couldn’t get into Camilla at all. She was great in Tramp but I lost the connection in this one and skimmed which is not a good sign. I’m not sure now if I want to continue with the series. Tramp the first book was edgy and well written and maybe after reading this one should of finished on there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and I was not disappointed. We meet both of these characters in the previous book and just from their minor scenes alone I was intrigued.
From the beginning Camilla and Wilder have this incredible push and pull relationship that I was in love with. Even looked at platonically it made me fuzzy. He was always there for her even when he didn’t realize it. Both of their professions require a stoic exterior so getting to see their guards come down around each other made for some of my favorite moments.
The whole world that was created in Tramp was given a new view when religion was involved. Camilla went through some pretty traumatic things in her childhood that left her with a tarnished view on herself and others. It added so much depth to her and gave me a new appreciation for her hustle.
Wilder honestly gave Talent a run for his money. He’s a lot more outgoing and outspoken than his brother and… *slams credit card down on table* I was here for it. He is very protective of the people he cares about so where Camilla is involved, I wouldn’t even think of trying him. He was her light and I don’t even think a hurricane could have dimmed that.
Overall, I just loved this story and the characters involved. Even Dog and Dog Mom. The found family they created with each other is an element that really makes this series. The concept created here is one of my favorites ever and I can’t wait for the finale.
Outstanding.Raw. Real. Captivating. ADDICTIVE with the biggest capital A, You can only imagine... Absolutely a must read!
Harlot should definitely goes with a warning - Your heart will never be the same. It will open Your mind for the new world and possibilities. It will be like awakening, from a very long sleep. It might be not a fairy tale about unicorns and rainbows, just because... Harlot is an unicorn by itself.
I started Hush Adventure not long ago but I'm obsessed with these characters since day no 1. Harlot and Mary Elizabeth were keeping me on my toes, literally, for the whole time! I can't get enough of Harlot. I can't get enough of Hush. This very unique romance is mixed perfectly with very thoughtful, intense suspense in the background. Harlot is just is a place where strong Women rules like the strong men.
Camilla, like Lydia is a league od her own. She is the Queen. She might look more fragile at the first moment, but... she still is the Queen. She knows how to keep her crown in a righ place. Wilder is a match perfect for her - I cannot lie, if I could, I would steal Him from Her. I adore them like a friends. I'm obsessed with them as a love couple. I just want to be a part of their not easy world.
Gahhh... It's hard to write about them without giving any spoilers, because every detail, every evening has it's own meaning. Once You meet them, You will understand.
Hush, Tramp, Harlot is a journey!Be sure to join the tribe. One Click when You only can!
4.5 - 5 Harlot (Hush 2) by Mary Elizabeth picks up after Tramp focuses on Camilla and Wilder. Camilla left her extremist religious family to start a new life working for Lydia, who she met in Hush (Hush Book 1). Camilla, who battles her dark past, becomes a high-priced escort and meets Wilder Ridge. Wilder is a high visibility mafia attorney, with a dangerous legacy to uphold. That's all I'm going to say since I don't want to spoil this book for you.  If you like mafia romances and strong heroines, you are going to love Harlot. I want more Hush!!!. This mafia romance series is unputdownable and one-click-worthy.
Harlot Another enjoyable spicy read by Mary Elizabeth. My only problem is that I just wasn’t invested in Wilder and Camilas story don’t get me wrong it was good, a really good story. They had great chemistry and lot of cross my legs over scenes. 😉I’m just too much in love with Lydia and Talent to care about anyone else in this series lol! Sorry not sorry!
I was worried about this book. I waited 4 months to read it. I should've gone with my gutt and never read it. This was painful for me to get through. I hate DNF'ing books because I always hope they will get better. It did. In the epilogue, because I finally didn't have to listen to Camilla anymore and had Talent's POV.
This book was awful. Seriously, Camilla did nothing for me in the first book. She did nothing to change how I felt about her in this one. Her inner thoughts were absolutely dreadful. The same thing over and over and over and over and over....get my drift?? She keeps thinking she's a harlot. Um, did she forget she CHOSE to be a high-paid escort???? Clearly she did.
It's like the author wanted her to be strong, but kept dragging her into being this whiny girl who constantly cried. For example, shes told by everyone to stay put. Don't leave. What does she do? she leaves, then gets kidnapped (lol there are so many other ways for this to happen, but we went with the cliche expected thing, but I digress), and what does she do?? She cried. She literally says to someone she's scared. Come on!!! This is supposed to be a mafia book. Make the freaking females have a backbone and FIGHT for themselves. Then afterwards, Lydia says to her that she's a queen. LOL Um, Lydia, you need to re-read chapter 17 because Camilla is most definitely NOT a queen.
This book desperately needed dual POV because for me only have Camilla's POV ruined it for me.