Behind Closed Doors (Rochester Trilogy, #3.5) (2025)

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS is live! 🔥

Marjorie Dunn is hiding in plain sight. Until Sam Brewer walks through the door. He arrives in the dead of night, with a dark suit and storm-gray eyes.

The past has caught up to her...
He's the only man who can save her.

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EXCERPT FROM BEHIND CLOSED DOORS:

Sam hesitates, his eyes searching mine. They glint with how much he wants this. The smallest tension in his muscles gives him away. Prove it, I’m saying with my invitation. Prove you won’t hurt me. Prove you were telling the truth.

He bends his head to mine with a frustrated groan. In that sound I hear how he’s been holding himself back. Maybe for as long as I have. Since he first walked in the door of the inn.

Sam’s mouth meets mine in a rough, possessive crash. It’s the kiss of a man who’s finished resisting. Who’s constantly having to restrain himself, and now he can’t anymore. He makes a low noise and pulls back. He takes a sharp breath, but that’s all the control he has.

He kisses me again. Hard. I can’t help but like this about him. He might have given me a fake name, but this is his real kiss. This is the real man.

I want more of him.

It’s against every instinct that’s kept me safe all these years, but it’s so powerful that it feels like a storm off the ocean. It’s ready to shake down the walls of the Inn. Only it’s me shaking, not the foundation.

I press my body harder into his, throw my arms around his neck, and beg him silently to take me upstairs. If Sam pushes me away, if he turns his back—

He doesn’t.

He takes me into his arms, lifting me from the floor without a hint of effort, and goes up the stairs. In his guest room he puts me on my feet and strips off my clothes. Sam’s matter-of-fact about it. He does the same to his own clothes, tossing them to the floor in a pile that somehow remains neat.
Then he’s all motion and muscle, taking me to the bed and spreading me out. His body folds over mine. Sam crushes more rough kisses to my lips. More and more and more until I feel like I’m part of the bedspread. Until I’m melted electricity, waiting for him. He eases my thighs apart with his body, kissing me with the same kind of thorough concentration he was using to go through my things.

He kisses me like he’s discovering me.

Like I’m all the information he could ever need.

Like his last job is to kiss me in a way I’ll never forget.

Sam runs calloused palms over every inch of my body. Testing my skin. Exploring it. Finding something there. I’m not sure there’s anything to find. I’ve never been a very interesting person. And now I’m Marjorie Dunn. A boring, safe name for a boring, safe life. A life where nothing ever gets dark. A life where nothing ever comes to the door and sends you fleeing to the attic.

There’s no mystery here, but Sam acts like I’m the greatest mystery of his life.

ONE CLICK Behind Closed Doors Now...
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When I read the Rochester trilogy, I was so consumed with every detail of Beau & Jane that I quite honestly paid less than zero attention to secondary characters outside of their roles in their story. It didn’t even occur to me anyone would spin-off and have their own journey, and here we are now with not just Marjorie & Sam but also more Jane & Beau alongside Emily and Mateo (Hiding Places, available via Radish). It’s a whole new world and I am invested!!

Sam & Marjorie’s journey is a suspenseful, action packed, slow burn, steamy story that totally took me by surprise. Sam and Marjorie both are multi-dimensional characters that fit beautifully together. They played off each other well and made for a captivating read. Skye has a way of spinning stories and twisting plot-points that always take me by surprise. I just didn’t see this story coming at all, and it surprised me in a fantastic way. It opened of this world to so much more and now I’m thinking about every secondary character with a potential of future stories!

Behind Closed Doors is a nice addition to the Rochester' Series.
It's a short and fast paced story, with many action' moments and hot ones.
It's also very intense due to the main characters' past.

Marjorie has been hiding for her whole life, but the last 5 years has been good and she almost forgot that someone is still hauting her.

Sam has a job to do. Feelings are something he can’t afford. Especially not those towards a target.

They can't be together, but somehow they gonna find what they didn’t even know they needed in each other: safety, love... home.

I really loved this novella; and hopefully Skye Warren will give us more about the Rochesters world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Mention of d*ath/violence
- HEA

This was a novella about a side character from the Rochester trilogy. I had no idea the kind of life she lived and what had occured in her past so this storyline came as quite a shock.

To be honest I think it would of been a really interesting full book. The storyline was there and the plot was intriguing.

I wish the ending was also more fleshed out...I wanted to know more about them in the future.

I also don't know their ages? lol

Loved Sam though - he was an interesting MMC.

Beautiful and blissful, also gritty and dangerous. This is the best description for this novella and in general all books by this author. I love this style.

This is a tale of longing for peace and love, of dormant passion and tortured lives, of a man and a woman who need solace in the midst of violence and uprooting.

I enjoyed it for many reasons, including the fact that it links with the Rochester series. I met Marjorie and her Lighthouse Inn there, so I was happy to return to her own love story. It's touching and gorgeous on its own, though.

A melancholy permeates the atmosphere because of loneliness, of lost loved ones and lost opportunities, yet the place that Marjorie has built for people to find haven on their journey is full of cosy warmth and welcome-to-home vibes. That's vital when a dangerous man comes to her threshold and brings menace from long ago. He is not immune to her beauty and the myriad of comforting little things she does for her guests. For the first time in his life he learns what loving care feels like.

It is really beautiful and heart-warming to be part of their romance because it's gentle in the middle of sharp threat and evil secrets, it's erotic and needy and intense while they fight for their lives and their hearts.

I loved Marjorie. She's sweet, good, caring. She has a hobby that tugs at the heart and is also very creative. It encompasses all that she is and what life has taken from her. And Sam is a formidable man, an antihero who yearns for a glimpse of domestic paradise with a woman he doesn't deserve. So romantic!

Quick short story that kept me intrigued through the book with characters that we’ve met in the Rochester trilogy and the same chemistry and great dialogue as expected from a favourite author.

Arc review

Skye Warren writes some wonderfully dark stories. This was dark and dangerous but the pull between Sam and Marjorie was undeniable. This was a great quick read.

A triumphant return visit to the Rochester world- one of Skye's most alluring and addictive series to date. This novella is packed with all the things that made me fall in love with this world- the atmosphere, the tension, the intensity, the chemistry. A fabulous introduction to the Rochester world for those that are new, and a satisfying chance to dive back into one of the best Skye worlds for those that have read the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

Marjorie is the beacon of the Lighthouse Inn, she drew me in with her light. Whereas, Sam sucked me in with the intrigue of his darkness. I loved Marjorie and Sam's story! Behind Closed Doors: A Rochester Novella by Skye Warren is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

Trust Skye Warren to write a novella and make it feel like a whole book! I already knew about Marjorie Dunn from the Rochester series and knew the ambience of the Lighthouse Inn. I felt the danger emanating from Sam from the moment he arrived, and also sensed the attraction he felt for Marjorie from the start.

The story is short, it depicts Marjorie’s reason for appearing suddenly in Eben Cape and why she has no personal history of the years prior to her arrival. Now we get why she felt sort of mysterious in the previous books, and we get to know how kind she is, and why she decorates the inn with such personal touches. She’s proving herself and others a safe and peaceful harbor.

I loved reading how Sam feels at home for the first time in his life, and how his career is suddenly at odds with his reason for being here. They are like two vectors going in different directions and clashing into one wonderful collision. There is suspense but there’s also incredible chemistry between these two. Incredible how, in spite of how dangerous Sam felt, he made Marjorie feel so safe. And that is how the story goes, danger and safety together, some suspense, and to the reader, an immensely satisfying and romantic story.

Marjorie runs an inn and her mind seems to know that the person who just checked into her inn isn't who he seems, but her body doesn't care. She knows she should be careful since she has spent most of her life running from the men who killed her father in front of her. Sam has been sent by the CIA to find out if she has information pertinent to her father. He had been in the CIA when he was killed. Sam knows he should not get emotionally involved and just look at this like he has all his other missions - just a job that needs to be done. Something seems off with this job though and he can't quite figure out what it is about Marjorie that has him questioning his newfound feelings. The book does pack quite a bit into it, especially with how short it is. I liked both Sam and Marjorie. I felt they both needed each other and I was glad to see each of them take a chance. It has enough suspense to keep it interesting. Makes me interested to read the rest of the books in this series.

Steam 5
Storyline 5
Feels 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Joanna

A good, quick read. This little novella that is part of the Rochester series. The series does not need to be read to read this, but it is helpful to connect some of the characters mentioned. Marjorie Dunn is an innkeeper in Eben Cape and her past is coming back to haunt her. She has a guest in the inn during off season which has her suspicious, but she can tell he is different. There is something about him that resembles her. Someone who doesn’t have a family or connection to anyone. But they are drawn to each other.

Sam Smith is a CIA agent who was sent to see what Marjorie knows about her father’s death that happened years ago. When he is unable to find any evidence that she knows anything, his orders change. But he can’t do what he is asked to do. He has feelings for Marjorie and now feels like he needs to protect her. The relationship between the two of them happened very quickly. For a woman who knows Sam was up to know good, she put a lot of faith in him which turned out to be in her best interest. It is a sweet, HOT story but too quick for my liking. I want to hear more about the games they like to play.

Behind Closed Doors: A Rochester
Novella
(Rochester Trilogy #3.5)
Written by: Skye Warren

Imagine the opportunity to go back to Eben Cape, Maine and spending time with Marjorie Dunn, the owner of the Lighthouse Inn. Marjorie and her Inn played a role in the Rochester series and her story is one not to be missed.

Alone, no family, Marjorie Dunn has spent the past five years hiding in a place very few people would have known where to find her. However, it appears Sam Smith knew exactly where she was. On the dark rainy night when he appeared to rent a room at the Inn, Marjorie knew that Sam Smith was not his name and he could very well be here for her.

This is a story of a woman who spent most of her life, from childhood on moving and hiding continually, always knowing “someone would show up” and it all started with the death of her father.

Sam Smith had a job to do, but as he searched and shared his past with Marjorie, he was sure that what he was trying to find did not exist. One thing that did come to light though was his having second thoughts about the way his life had been, what he had been missing and what he could have with Marjorie.

There is a darkness out there a darkness he wants to save her from, but will he be able to figure out what and who has sent him here to find something he believes is no more.

Skye Warren writes the most wonderful stories. Stories of women who have conquered the worst of mankind and men who find the one woman who can if not save their soul then save their hearts. Marjorie and Sam’s story is just that. The story of two people who should never have met and are brought together to end the loneliness that has haunted them both. Another wonderful five star read from one of my long time favorite authors Skye Warren.

I enjoyed reading Majorie and Sam's story. I admired Majorie for moving on from her past and opening her inn. She doesn't want to trust Sam, but he begs her to trust him by showing her that he will protect her and not hurt her. Another great book from Skye Warren. I can't wait to read more of her books.

Enjoyable novella with enjoyable characters as well.

Marjorie was sweet and kind and a loving person, however she is a bit lonely and graves intimacy that has been long forgotten. She has the perfect personality for and innkeeper and also for passion she shows her hobby.

Sam was a character with deceitful intentions but, it is clear that he is drawn to Marjorie from the moment they meet. Does she have the answers he seeks?
The man is broken and dark and no matter how much he craves Marjorie, he will never feel like he deserves her.

Passion rages between this couple!
Overall, a compelling read that just got complicated!

I have no idea why I am doing it to myself. This story had potential, but it was just boring. Especially him - I can't remember reading book with such blank character.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Marjorie Dunn is hiding in plain sight. The past can't find her at the peaceful inn sin a quiet coastal town in Maine. Until Sam Brewer walks through the door.. He arrives in the dead of the night, with a dark suit and storm-gray eyes. Marjorie knows better than to trust the stranger, but she can't resist his touch. Every kiss binds them together. Ever night draws the danger close. She risks her heart with him, but more than that, she risks her life. The past has caught up with her. And it wants her dead.

This is a Rochester Novella and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the this book. If you have been reading the Rochester series you're just as excited as am. If you haven't read the series yet, don't think that you can't read this one. It works without the other book and would be a great introduction to the Rochester's for readers who haven't yet met then. Then I highly recommend that you move on over to the other books about the Rochester family.
Have you ever just wanted to have some peace and quiet in you life and while your enjoyed the bliss of that it would be amazing to have the man of your dreams right beside you.? After all when you have suffered a lot of loss you just need the escape but maybe not while all kids of enemies are lurking about. This is a fast paced story that has some edge of your seat moments. This story is about Marjorie and Sam. She has been hiding for most of her life. There have been a lot of bad moments but the last five years have been good to her and she can almost but not quiet forget that someone is still hunting for her. Sam has a job to do. A very serious job and he can't afford to have feelings for anyone or about anything. But Marjorie is a major temptation for him and he knows he can't have her but that doesn't make the way he feels go away. You have to read the story to find out what happens. If I keep typing I am going to give something away!!

Skye Warren goes back to her Rochester series in Behind Closed Doors by focusing on Marjorie Dunn—a character we met in Beau and Jane's story. She was the kind innkeeper who took care of Paige and while I didn't think much of her before because she was a side character, I was pleasantly surprised and heartbroken to read about her past/backstory. Just like the synopsis states, Marjorie has been hiding in plain sight and keeping secrets of her own all this time. No one knows where Marjorie came from and there is a reason for that. I loved how the author made an unassuming character into so much more because Marjorie is my favorite type of heroine—sweet, passionate, loving, and forgiving. Marjorie's ordinary life is shaken when she meets Sam Brewer, another secretive person with a hidden agenda. After hiding for so long, Marjorie is afraid of people discovering her secrets and past.

"Every move she makes shifts the space around us. It pulls my heart towards her."

"It feels like goodbye, and that hurts more than the cold or the fear. Goodbye always hurts the most."

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

4 1/2 Stars
I always enjoy reading books from 1001 Dark Nights because I feel like they are perfect introductions into a series and/or author. Prior to Behind Closed Doors, I had never read a book by Skye Warren. Having now read this novella in the Rochester series I am very interested in seeing what else is in this series and what else she has written. I found it to be the perfect introduction because it told me everything I needed to know, I wasn't confused by anything, the story was a complete story, all the while making me want to read more of this series.
Inn Keeper Marjorie Dunn has been on the run ever since she and her mother witnessed her father being killed. With her mother now gone she has no family left, so she puts all of her effort into staying hidden in plain sight and running her inn. So when she get an unexpected guest, Sam Brewer, during the off season she instantly knows he's a dangerous man, she just doesn't realize just how dangerous he is...
When Sam was sent to the inn by his handler and the agency he has one job, find Marjorie's secrets and if she has any evidence related to her father. He never expected the beautiful woman to make him feel things he has no right to feel during an important mission. But as his stay goes on he starts the realize that his mission might not be everything it appears to be, and he's determined to keep Marjorie safe from those who would hurt her, even himself....

I reviewed this story for the blog The Smut-Brarians
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Feels 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Joanna
A good… quick read.
A little novella that is part of the Rochester series…. The series does not need to be read to read this, but it is helpful to connect some of the characters mentioned.
Marjorie Dunn is an innkeeper in Eben Cape… and her past is coming back to haunt her. She has a guest in the inn during off season… which has her suspicious, but she can tell he is different. There is something about him that resembles her. Someone who doesn’t have a family or a connection to anyone… but they are drawn to each other.
“Sam Smith” is a CIA agent who was sent to see what Marjorie knows about her father’s death that happened years ago. When he is unable to find any evidence that she knows anything, his orders change… but he can’t do what he is asked to do… he has feelings for Marjorie and now feels like he needs to protect her.
Yes…. The relationship between the two of them happened very quickly… and for a women who know Sam was up to know good… she put a lot of faith in him… which turned out to be in her best interest.
It is a sweet… and HOT story… but to quick for my liking… want to hear more about the “games” they like to play. LOL

Fabulous read. Scorching hot, emotional and a side of danger. Although it’s a novella, I got a good sense of the characters and their connection. Absolutely loved it.

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

If you’ve read Skye Warren’s Rochester Trilogy, you’ve met Marjorie, the heroine of her newest novella, Behind Closed Doors. Marjorie is the inn owner where Beau and Jane reside after his mansion burns down. In that trilogy, she’s fairly unassuming, although she plays a minor part in the situation between Beau and his past.

Warren has granted us access to Marjorie’s life in this newest book. Marjorie leads a quiet life, running the inn and crafting scrapbooks for others. Her life is interrupted one night by a new guest, Sam Smith. Exuding darkness, Marjorie should be frightened of him; instead, she is drawn to him. They quickly become entangled, and this short novella clearly shows Warren’s prowess with crafting steamy scenes. In fact, given the brevity of this story form, Sam and Marjorie’s story is insta-love with the complication of her past, adding a bit of suspense to her story.

In true Skye Warren form, Behind Closed Doors is a fast gobble of romance. She draws you into Marjorie’s existence by her quietude. Due to her past, she lives a solitary existence. For the most part, she’s fine with that until Sam upends it. This novella holds this brilliant metaphor wherein Marjorie, whose past has been erased, creates scrapbooks of others’ experiences. Once you read this story, you understand the profundity of her actions. Warren carefully weaves this truth to the end of the story.

I struggled a bit with Warren’s style. Much of the book is punctuated with simple sentences that stunt the storytelling flow. Sometimes, this can be impactful for underscoring aspects of a story, but in this form, it felt jarring. I love that Warren takes us back to one of her popular trilogies, but Marjorie’s story feels like a quick addendum instead of anything significant.

For me, the best part of Behind Closed Doors is Skye Warren’s extended metaphor, one that reminds us of the significance of losing one’s past while needing to find an abundant future. Sam and Marjorie’s journey is difficult, but it finds its home in a happy ending that leaves you satiated.

I been dying for Marjorie's story and it was perfect, Skye Warren delivered an emotional, past paced story with so much feel in it. This novella has the perfect addition to the ROCHESTER series.

Marjorie has been in hiding for a long time, she found her safe heaven in her inn. She lives a quiet live away from her unfortunate past and from the people that killed her father.

When a mysterious guest comes knocking in her door she never expected that her past will come and hunt her once again.

Sam has a mission and he has never fail to deliver but when he mets Marjorie his priority changes and he is conflicted on what to do. He finds himself fascinated with Marjorie's sweetness and good heart.

Their romance is one you don't want to miss reading.

This was a well-written novella that hit on the right spots in a short read. Marjorie Dunn and Sam Brewster are characters that immediately got my attention and held it. Marjorie's character appeared in the Rochester series, but was very understated as the woman who ran the inn in the small town. Very little is said about her character since that series was based on other main characters. Emily makes a quick appearance in this novel as Marjorie's friend and hopefully will get her story now that she and Mateo are dating.

Sam and Marjorie are well defined characters in this novella that included a significant backstory for each as well as plenty of "real time" sizzle, lust, angst, intrigue, mystery and suspense. This novella, although short, was thorough unlike some novella's I've read. The story had an exciting plot that was well formed and wasn't rushed that built to a final climax.

Great story with great characters and a solid plot. There were a few typos, but nothing that changed the meaning of the story or characters.

I really hope we get more from the Rochester series. It is definitely one of my favorites.

Skye hooks you in from the beginning and keeps you reading on this fast-paced short read. Marjorie has lived the past few years running her Lighthouse Inn, forgetting about her past and thinking she is finally safe. Until that night, Sam arrives in the off-season. She should be suspicious but thinks she is just being silly. Sam is here, and he can't believe he is getting feelings when he shouldn't be. He's here to do a job, and he needs to carry it out or face the consequences if he doesn't. I can't tell you too much more, or I will spoil the story for you.
I received an arc for my honest review for NNBB. Although there is a link back to the Rochester series with Marjorie, you won't need to read them as you can read this as a stand-alone. However, if you're looking for a fast-paced short read with some hotness in the romance department, you will love this read. Syke also has some twists and turns you don't see coming to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Behind Closed Doors by Skye Warren is a Rochester Novella and it was everything I hoped it would be and more! Marjorie and Sam's chemistry simmers and sizzles, mixed in with drama, intrigue, and a whole lot of suspense!

Marjorie is a beautiful soul with a dark past. She just wants peace and love and acceptance and to give that to someone worthy in return.

Sam is growly, stern, gruff, all edges, yet captivated by a woman he knows he shouldn't want and can't have.

Their connection is magnetic, is rife with secrets, and yet, they cannot stay away from one another. Watching them struggle with that, work through that, work together, work towards one another, it was beautiful.

If you're looking for a quick read that will hold your attention, look no further! This was scrumptious and I loved every single page of it! Marjorie and Sam blew me away and had me squirming in my seat! So, now, it's your turn to feel all that!

P. S. Those epilogues? Sheer perfection.

Behind Closed Doors is my first experience with Skye Warren's writing. I've had Skye's books on my TBR but you know how that goes. I'm glad I finally took a breath and read something from her.

Behind Closed Doors is a dark and sensual novella. There is something unnerving about Sam when he strides into the inn Marjorie owns. He arrives late at night during the off-season, raising more than just a few questions in Marjorie's mind. Yet, their mutual attraction is undeniable. Marjorie has a bid choice to make, and so does Sam, when Marjorie's past come roaring back in full force.

I loved Behind Closed Doors. Marjorie and Sam had major chemistry and I enjoyed their romance. Their story is short but full of tension, drama, and action. The ending is twisted and I thought my heart was going to pound right out of my chest.

Dangerous and dark, as well as, romantic and life-changing.

This was a short, action packed, steamy read. This story had everything I love in it and this is why Skye Warren is always on my one-click list. Majorie has been hiding longer than she can remember and she is just trying to find peace and love. Sam is her protector, but he feels a pull for more. This story gave the reader all and had two people finding in each other, exactly what they need. ~Helen

Behind Closed Doors is a short novella in the Rochester world, and is the first book from the series I have read. I loved reading following Marjorie and Sam's story as she tries hide from her past and he is there to a job. I found this brief look into this world and meeting the other characters from the series an enjoyable read, and can't wait to read the other books in the series. ~Dawn

Skye Warren is one of those very talented authors who can pen an explosive novella that I LOVE so hard despite the fact that I want so much more, and Behind Closed Doors is definitely all that & a bag of chips. Marjorie has been living under the radar from her past, and she's finally made a home that brings peace to her life, but that's all about to change when Sam comes to town. See, she's not trusted a whole hell of a lot of people & she shouldn't trust Sam, but there's a connection between them that has both acting out of character. With all the secrets that don't make friends, the twists are coming in hot all over the place with a side of dangerous complications. Since it's on the short(ish) side, that's all I'm going to say about it as it's just better to experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This has got to be one of the best series I've experienced.
The 1001 Dark Nights are short stories written by some of the best writers and a great way to discover a new author. If they can pull you in with these short tales imagine what their series are like :)

This time two souls who have both lived in the dark yet Marjorie has managed to build a new life that brings her peace. Sam walks into her inn and both their lives are about to change.
Dark and Light merge into a story that pulls at your heartstrings and has you sighing with a content heart when all is said and done.
I highly recommend this book and offer up advice to grab as many other stories from the 1001 Dark Nights series...you will be grateful you do!