Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Unavailable
    SECRET: A SECRET Novel
    Unavailable
    SECRET: A SECRET Novel
    Unavailable
    SECRET: A SECRET Novel
    Ebook259 pages4 hours

    SECRET: A SECRET Novel

    By L. Marie Adeline

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    The erotica series for readers of 50 Shades and Sylvia Day, now an international bestseller

    In S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T there are…
    No judgments. No limits. No shame.
     
    Cassie Robichaud’s life has been filled with regret and loneliness since the death of her husband. She waits tables at the run-down Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her cat and solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed.

    The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying ten-step journey through a series of rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating, and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where erotic fantasy becomes reality.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRandom House Publishing Group
    Release dateFeb 5, 2013
    ISBN9780385346443
    Unavailable
    SECRET: A SECRET Novel

    Related to SECRET

    Related ebooks

    Contemporary Women's For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      The Heavy Load

      Dec 31, 2018

      The Heavy Load
      4 min read

    • Article

      The Straw Hat

      Aug 2, 2018

      The Straw Hat
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Duplex

      Jun 9, 2020

      I moved to Los Angeles to sing. When was this? August? June? I was twenty-nine, and those were shapeless months, when the days blended together and I refused to pull them apart. My landlord was unusually close to her adult son. His name was Jeffrey,

      21 min read

    • Article

      Love, Lust, and More

      Feb 12, 2020

      Fleetwood Mac was singing She is dancing away from you now, and I squirmed in my seat. Kabir was rubbing my thigh as he drove, a gesture I once thought was reserved for me. Bah! I also used to think he only took naked selfies in bed with me, but then

      11 min read

    • Article

      Where the HEART IS

      Dec 20, 2022

      Where the HEART IS
      4 min read

    • Article

      The Man I Should Have Married

      Dec 29, 2019

      The Man I Should Have Married
      11 min read

    • Article

      Diary of My Leg Hair

      Dec 8, 2022

      Diary of My Leg Hair
      21 min read

    • Article

      Book Extract

      Jan 20, 2020

      My year off was also interesting, in that I didn’t feel any less loved, or cherished, or wanted. Why? Because my life is already rich with soulmates, and I got the chance to behold that. You don’t have to shag someone for them to be a soulmate. We do

      7 min read

    • Article

      First Person Singular

      Dec 1, 2023

      First Person Singular
      17 min read

    • Article

      Uncontrollable, Irrelevant

      Dec 6, 2022

      My sister called me the other day. She wanted to let me know that I had once more been merciless and cruel in my relations with our parents. “They say there’s a lot of anger in you,” she said. “It makes them mad. It hurts their feelings. They think y

      14 min read

    • Article

      SHORT STORY by MARGARET ATWOOD

      Mar 22, 2023

      SHORT STORY by MARGARET ATWOOD
      7 min read

    • Article

      Love Is All Around

      Jan 16, 2020

      IT’S a leap year, gulp. As if the Valentine’s gush isn’t enough, now the girlfriends and single ladies among us must publicly announce our undying love by proposal. I’ve spent at least two leap years and nearly a decade of Valentine’s Days concentrat

      4 min read

    • Article

      SHORT STORY by MARGARET ATWOOD

      Mar 22, 2023

      SHORT STORY by MARGARET ATWOOD
      7 min read

    • Article

      Strangers In Love

      Mar 7, 2022

      Strangers In Love
      4 min read

    • Article

      Not That Story

      Oct 28, 2017

      Not That Story
      7 min read

    • Article

      The Freshening

      Sep 15, 2018

      My cashier’s black hair was beautiful. Though not unlike mine, it was shinier and thicker, and hung glamorously down to her waist. It looked strong, too, like Christopher Reeve’s in the Superman movies. A strand of Superman’s silvery hair could hold

      21 min read

    • Article

      My #MeToo

      Jul 17, 2020

      My #MeToo
      6 min read

    • Article

      Festival

      Sep 15, 2018

      My husband, who loved festivals, who was a great fan of festivals, wanted to get to the square in time for the first band at eleven o’clock. From bed, the dog and I watched him dress. He tried on various T-shirts, declaring some of them too tight and

      13 min read

    • Article

      La Bohème

      Mar 1, 2022

      ON A SATURDAY or Sunday afternoon in the cold early months of 1988, I sat alone at a table for two in a Greenwich Village diner, twenty-four years old, hopelessly young, my notebook open in front of me. At the table next to mine were three people, al

      13 min read

    • Article

      Kings

      Jun 5, 2023

      1.Kings lie down to zip up their jeans,buy Cetaphil, candy, magazinesat Walgreens because they canwalk there unsupervised, describeblowjobs they’ve given to seniorsin cars, spend what they think of astheir own money. Home sick from school,they learn

      6 min read

    • Article

      My Best Friend

      Oct 1, 2020

      My Best Friend
      6 min read

    • Article

      Righteous

      Jan 22, 2019

      Righteous
      8 min read

    • Article

      Perfection

      Jun 9, 2020

      For years I could barely write a page. I thought I was becoming a virtuoso of smallness while the grief, which is wordless, occupied an ever-greater volume. My friend lived in the estates on the bad side of town. Let’s go to the forest, she said when

      9 min read

    Reviews for SECRET

    3.5/5

    106 ratings27 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      Cross posted from rabidgummibear.wordpress.com
      A group of women aged 30-80 or something like that gather in a mansion where they help other women rediscover their sexuality with some drop dead HOT men! Sounds awesome right? The cherry on top was that this took place in New Orleans, LA and that for me is awesome. I was able to easily imagine what all the buildings looked like and the locations.

      We join Cassie at 35 having not had sex for 5 years and a widow working at a cafe. She came out of a terrible marriage of abuse that has left her feeling drab and worthless expressed by her plain clothes and just lack of life. Cassie finds a journal that was left behind by one patron she often admires. Total shocker the book is full of naughty stories and the customers experience. Cue S.E.C.R.E.T. becoming a part of Cassie's life and yes we know it's corny that the group was named secret, but in the end it was okay.

      The things I liked? Oh boy this book was hot. I really enjoyed it and every step Cassie took on the path of S.E.C.R.E.T. was pretty amazing. Cassie becomes a great character by the end and we see a lot of growth in her as a person. I loved how the book focused on Cassie finding herself again in not only a sexual way but also as a person. The scenes in the book are incredibly sexy as well.

      The things I didn't like is a short list. I hated that Cassie's age kept being shoved in our face. I felt it wasn't that important of a fact. I also didn't like that the ten steps took a year, but I suppose rediscovering yourself sexually from a position like Cassie was previously in would take a while. The end sucked I mean it was terrible at the time I didn't know there was a second book coming so I was livid. I wanted to throw my e-reader across the room and pitch a fit. So remember the ending sucks, but we get book 2 sometime soon.

      Overall 4/5 stars. I enjoyed this book a lot. It was refreshing and different. I enjoyed that it was focused on her rediscovering her sexuality not some man running her life.

    • 4/5
      I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It was a fun, quick and juicy read. It was not as "dirty" as some of the more well known books (Bared to You or Shades of Gray), but it was blush worthy all the same. It made you wonder what you would do having been thrown into the same situation as the main character (Casse) was. And are there really clubs out there like that? Hmmmm.....
    • 3/5
      it took me a long time to start on this one... guess the cover could use something to attract me to it. The lead was a boring person and everyone else in the story was just there for her to reflect on.... so overall, boring book. Then the ending.... you wait until the end of the book to put in some conflict... and pretty transparent conflict. I guess I should have paid more attention to it being a trilogy.
    • 3/5
      A sexy premise, a secret club that helps women find the inner confidence to be fully sexual and sensual beings. There's depth and interest to the characters and Cassie has a compelling story; it's cheering to witness the eventual shedding of her self-imposed restraint. The erotic scenes could use more scintillating descriptives; they lack a degree of steaminess. Other than that, I will probably look into the sequels.
    • 1/5
      OK, where do I start.....

      To me it felt like a very, very toned down version of other erotic books out there that were remotely influenced by "Fifty Shades of Gray". And let's be honest, that book wasn't that great of a read either.

      I absolutely despised Cassie and pretty much every character. I am sick of reading how female leads do not view themselves as others view them (i.e., they think they aren't pretty enough), but when a handsome guy(s) comes along, the females instantly becomes sexually aware and beautiful *cue eye roll*. Enough! I want a strong female lead, not this boring, clich̩d model that authors keep cranking out. Yes, female leads can be beautiful and sexual but they don't need this bullshit about how they only find out about themselves thanks to a guy or a secret society.

      Look, this story has it's moments but come on, it's just basically Cassie hooking up with a bunch of guys to live out some fantasy and being part of S.E.C.R.E.T., and that's basically the story right there.

      All in all, Cassie is a rather bland and boring character, who I feel isn't really developed any further other than being a one dimensional character...along with the rest of the cast.

      Overall, if you want a quick and bland erotica give this a shot, otherwise go find other books...just NOT Fifty Shades.
    • 3/5
      Although she is content in the life she made for herself after her alcoholic/abusive husband dies, Cassie Robichaud feels there is something missing from her life. She has co-workers and acquaintances, but really, no friends, certainly, no dates. All in all, with the exception of her cat, her life is very solitary. As Cassie is clearing a table after a café customer leaves she realizes the woman has left behind a notebook. Not wanting to read it, yet feeling somehow compelled to do so the diary leads her to a life that she could only have imagined. No … even Cassie herself would admit she could never have imagined the series of erotic fantasies to which she was introduced.

      I’ve enjoyed a good “bodice-ripper” every once in a while, but despite all the hype and hoopla “Shades of Grey” totally put me off the pop-erotica that is available lately. My hairdresser, of all people, recommended this book so I felt I had to read it. Knowing I am an avid reader, she would no doubt ask about it at my next appointment. I have to say; this book pleasantly surprised me. There are no quivering virgins and although there is a slightly Christian-esque character he has a minor role (big sigh of relief). Cassie is a mature woman who makes an informed choice to experience, unapologetically, a series of erotic encounters. Cassie is a fun character that I got to like as the book progressed. This book had a little more meat on its bones than some erotic fiction out there. I will definitely pick up the sequel.
    • 3/5
      This book is a series of sexual fantasies realized without attachment, harm or repercussion. It is a reawakening for Cassie. The fantasies themselves are hot but without emotional attachment, they lack. The ending is a disappointing and sudden twist. No happy ending here. Curiosity and brevity makes this book an easy disposable read.
    • 4/5
      I really liked this book. I liked that Cassie saw that she needed to find herself and learn who she was in her mid thirties. Lets face it, none of us are who we were in our twenties, but to have the courage to define who you were and want to become, sexually, and become comfortable with taking the risks to create that definition should be embraced. This book is a great reminder that we all need to take the steps in self-exploration throughout our lives.
    • 1/5
      Ridiculous. Incredulous. WTF?!! I threw it across the room half way through. Implausible and silly.
    • 2/5
      I truly cannot rate this book past two stars...With all the hype that surrounded it's release I thought that it would be comparable to the "50 Shades of Gray" series, not even close... I did not feel that we got to know any of the characters in any great depth, the story line was fluff with a few erotic scenes thrown in for good measure. I couldn't wait until it was over, thankful that it too was rushed and the ending was terribly disappointing. I cannot recommend to anyone unless you are looking for mindless reading for the beach...
    • 4/5
      I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was not quite what I expected, but it was really enjoyable to read. In recent months I have read books by Sylvia Day and the Fifty Shades Trilogy, but this was a pleasant departure from those. It was not as 'dirty' and yet it left you knowing the passion that existed. The ending made me sad for Cassie, the main character, and yet at the same time it was what I thought should have happened.
    • 5/5
      I don't generally review books that would be considered erotic this one I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact read it cover to cover in one sitting, then spent so much time talking about the book to others I completely forgot to actually write a review. The main character's journey of discovery makes for a wonderful read and you can't help but want to cheer for her. I for one will be looking forward to more from this author.
    • 3/5
      Well I have finally finished this book - 3+ weeks later for its little 288 pages - I guess that says a lot right there - I must say that the first 100 pages took most of that time - The begining of this book is very slow and if you are a mid-aged woman might have you pulling your hair out - not to mention doing a few more sit-ups and side-bends. Cassie is very insecure with lots of baggage and 5 long years of celibacy who doesn't know her own worth - Then come along the members of S.E.C.R.E.T who give her the chance to finally find herself through several steps of empowerment - all of which involve sexual encounters with strangers and letting go of her insecurities and doubts about herself and just enjoying her body - not thinking of tomorrow. Many of these had me blushing and shaking my head - (Great Writing Ms. Adeline - I love it when I can feel what the characters are - even embarassment) My main issues with the book are the the 1st 100 pages - did I mention the toning creams I went and bought??, and the story seems so incomplete - I mean ok she completed the steps - Good for her but the story felt rushed and the ending was abrupt and left me shaking my head - wondering what now? Will I pick up book 2? Yes I will - Just because I want to know where the story will go from here.
    • 4/5
      **Original review posted on Honest Reviews Corner**One of my pet peeves with the writers of the erotica genre is that they spend so much time focusing on getting to the next sexcapade that character development, believable plot, and good writing are often thrown out the window entirely. [I am convinced that this is the real reason authors of the genre are not taken seriously.] Fortunately, I am happy to say that all of these downfalls are not an issue in L. Marie Adeline’s S.E.C.R.E.T.I loved that details about the “secret” club S.E.C.R.E.T. were provided throughout the novel in a way that was so natural as to not take the reader out of the overall story. Authors really are not commended enough for being able to blend such information into the story so the reader doesn’t see it for what it really is: an information dump. Of course, the New Orleans setting was a perfect place, and the architecture and descriptions of such a well-known, fascinating location only served to complete the picture.Not only was the story itself well-written, Adeline’s erotic segments completely lacked all the normal linguistics that make these type of books laughable. You won’t find any manly unicorns pillaging delicate gardens in S.E.C.R.E.T. Of course, as mentioned, the book’s greatest achievement was to actually have some character growth and legitimate, believable plot to go along with the sexcapades expected in the genre.Cassie’s character arc was well developed and, as promised, each of the steps she completed added to the story and, though it moved pretty quickly for being spaced out over a year, reached a logical conclusion. It is a lot more tame than some of the “erotica”-genred books that have made their way to popularity recently, but the story is so much more logical. The core plot is focused on Cassie learning to accept herself and explore her own needs and desires in spite of the terrible, abusive relationship that burned her previously.There were some minor problems with the story, such as the creepy way the women approached her [apparently they'd been watching her for a while - which is stalking, no matter why they were doing it] and the fact that she initially lied about having found the “diary” that introduced her to the club [it really didn't make sense as to why she would have lied about that - though I guess it could have just been because she was that timid]. However, the good writing definitely outweighed the few bad points in the story.Fortunately, the story is kind of left open for an option to provide a sequel, which will be one that we’ll look forward to checking out when the time comes. If you’re looking for a satisfying ending in the romance department, this may not be the book for you. That said, I’m fairly certain that she’ll get her happy ending before the series ends – and I think that the way it ended was perfect for where Cassie needs to be after going through such a life-changing year.-------Additional Note: I received an ARC from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline is an interesting Erotica. #1 in the S.E.C.R.E.T trilogy. Follow Cassie Robichaud on a journey of finding her sensual self. New Orleans’ newest underground society is S.E.C.R.E.T. A secret society that helps women recognize their wildest sensual fantasies whose motto is: “No judgements. No Limits. No Shame”. Cassie’s new confederate transforms her into a courageous and passionate woman. Emotional and sexually charged! Some are saying this is better than 50 Shades of Gray, however, I have not read 50 Shades of Gray so couldn’t say. But with this said, it was tastefully done! With gorgeous men and liberating experiences for women. Emotionally and sexually charged! An interesting tale of sex and emotion. Received for an honest review the publisher and/or publicist.RATING: 4HEAT RATING: Steamy/Sizzling: Sensual, with more explicit love scenes, and the language may be more graphic and direct.REVIEWED BY:AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
    • 4/5
      4.5 StarsThis book was very enticing. Yes this was erotica but it was so much more. It was a journey of self-discovery. Cassie a widow at a very young age who got stuck in a rut and not knowing she is in a rut. She has hardly any self-confidence (if any at all), and beautiful just not in her eyes. Then there is S.E.C.R.E.T... A group of women who help women discover their sexuality and confidence in themselves. I love this group. Matilda was a wonderful women and an excellent guide for Cassie. I loved reading and seeing how much Cassie grew into the real her after each fantasy. The men weren’t that bad either. Some of the fantasy weren’t my cup of tea. To each their own. I cried just a little at the end. I won’t say anymore because that would spoil the ending. Very good book!
    • 3/5
      I felt that this book was in the 50 Shades vein of erotica; however, I wouldn't rate it as highly. I felt that Cassie accepted the whole idea a bit quickly considering how closed off the author describes her as being and the story was somewhat predictable until the twist at the end. That being said, S.E.C.R.E.T. makes for an easy read and is enjoyable enough to keep the reader moving along.
    • 5/5
      *SPOILER ALERT*Overall this was an awesome book. I loved the plot, loved the character of Cassie, and although the ending threw me, I really liked the book. Random observations:- The book started slowly, with lots of details about Cassie's past and things that I don't really think added much to the actual story.- While I immediately loved this concept of S.E.C.R.E.T., it seemed a tad unrealistic how quickly Cassie accepted the offer. She didn't ask for much explanation on anything, she really had no clue at all what would happen, and at *that* point Cassie was still very much a shy/closed-off person, so that didn't really make sense.- I absolutely loved the Fearlessness Step. The storm, the danger, was completely unexpected and not planned, and yet it fit in perfectly with what the step was all about.- I like how Matilda gives these little pieces of advice throughout the book, things that really make sense in any context; fear can't be released without our permission, since we generate it only we can let it go; Sex creates chemicals that can be mistaken for love and a lot of women don't realize that...- The Society Ball was just awesome. As soon as Matilda started talking to Cassie I *knew* they were putting her on the auction, but I never imagined billionaire hot-shot Pierre would be a S.E.C.R.E.T. participant!- The last Step, Exuberance, totally caught me off-guard. Kit faking a fall so Cassie would have to dance instead of her, *Kit* being a S.E.C.R.E.T. member, didn't expect that! From the very start of the book I had a feeling (or a hope) that Cassie and Will would end up together, so Will saving her from Pierre was wonderful.- And then the end. Yeah, I teared up, won't lie. I was so excited that Cassie and Will had finally gotten together!! ... And then it all went to hell when Will's ex announced her pregnancy, and Will chose to go back to her. But I guess it all worked out how it was supposed to, because that's what pushed Cassie to say yes to staying with S.E.C.R.E.T.
    • 3/5
      It was ok but I just could not stayt interested in it enough to finish it.
    • 1/5
      Not that I'm a fan of the Fifty Shades books, but this book is really not at all like them. That would be fine, except that's exactly how this book has been marketed. It is actually better written and better edited than the Fifty Shades books, but it lacks whatever it is that made the 50 Shades books intriguing, despite their numerous and serious flaws. This book is not sexy, and not very interesting. I guess the point of this book is female empowerment, which is great, but the story and the characters just are not appealing to me, and thus its message is not very effective. I can't really see the point of this book.
    • 2/5
      I was interested in S.E.C.R.E.T because it was recommended for those who like Fifty Shades of Grey. I didn't have anything to lose so I entered to win a copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I should have been happy winning an Uncorrected Proof, but I'm not. S.E.C.R.E.T was no where near the level of Fifty Shades in story or sexuality. Cassie is approached by a society that helps women over the age of 30, who are stuck emotionally and sexually, empower themselves through a series of steps. This book is definitely about an average women learning who she really is, accepting it and then learn to live with it. I love that about this book, unfortunately that's the only thing I love.While secret societies and empowering women is great, large amounts of S.E.C.R.E.T are seriously lacking. The way it was written leaves you feeling disconnected from all the characters. It's like watching the world through a dirty window, you can tell what's happening you just don't care. This book had amazing potential but with parts that were mind numbingly slow, lack of depth, and an abrupt ending that was handled with the emotional maturity of a fourteen year old I'll take a huge pass at the rest of the series.
    • 4/5
      I liked that this book had a great story – it’s not just a string of sexual encounters. Cassie is a well-developed, fun character. I also liked that Cassie’s sexual awakening was driven by her own fantasies and that she didn’t need to be forced, even pretend forced into doing anything she didn’t want to do. It’s not like 50 Shades of Gray in that regard.If you are just starting to read erotica or if you are not a fan of what some may think are crude or vulgar words for sex organs, than this would be a good book for you. The author never uses any descriptive words for genitalia, just vague references like himself, myself, me, and him. If you are an experienced erotica reader like me, then you may feel like the sex scenes lacked “oomph”. There is only so much that can be described if descriptive words are not used.This book ends with a major cliff-hanger which will hopefully be resolved in the sequel that is set to be released later this year. I’ll be reading it for sure – I want to find out what happens to Cassie.
    • 3/5
      E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey appears to have released the floodgates on the popularity of erotic fiction, though it may be more apt to say that erotica is just more mainstream now. S.E.C.R.E.T. fits squarely into that category, though Cassie Robichaud, its main character, is thankfully more mature, nuanced, and believable than any to be found in E.L. James’ books. Having just recently been widowed, Cassie finds herself at a crossroads. Her marriage was an unhappy one – her now-deceased husband was a verbally and sometimes physically abusive alcoholic – and while she can’t quite find it in her to really grieve, Cassie won’t allow herself any vices, either. And in her newly-adopted city of New Orleans, there’s always something interesting around every corner – or maybe under the occasional diner table. Cleaning up after one of her customers one day, she finds a diary left behind on accident; while she refuses to let herself read all that she wants to read, she flips through enough pages that she’s left feeling intrigued by the erotic situations described and guilty for reading it at all. And that, of course, is where the story starts to get interesting. The woman who comes to claim the diary is from an (ahem: secret) organization of women in New Orleans whose purpose is to help women gain personal happiness and self-acceptance through the fulfillment of their erotic fantasies. Each year, the ladies of S.E.C.R.E.T. select one woman to help, and this year it’s Cassie. The erotic scenes that follow as Cassie decides to fulfill her S.E.C.R.E.T. promise aren’t explicitly graphic, but the fact that Cassie doesn’t know any of the men adds plenty of titillating appreciation for the average erotica reader. And for the reader who enjoys a bit of emotional attachment with their sexual fantasies, there’s a little of that here as well. Overall, an above-average erotic read.
    • 4/5
      I have to say I found S.E.C.R.E.T. to be highly readable erotic fiction. The storyline follows thirty five year old widow Cassie Robichaud living in New Orleans. Cassie was in an abusive marriage and now finds herself waitressing tables at a local cafe and living a lonely life. She doesn't particularly miss her husband, but she is a bit depressed in general over the state of things. She hasn't had sex in five years and she tends to do nothing but go to work and come home to her cat after her shift is over. One day one of her regular customers leaves a diary at the cafe and Cassie can't help but skim through it. What she finds are sexual confessions within the pages. Soon after, Cassie learns about a secret society that is run by women for women who are looking to awaken their desires in order to lead an uninhibited and happier life. Cassie is asked to become a member and she soon embarks on her own sexual awakening. The thing about S.E.C.R.E.T. is that you need to suspend disbelief while reading it. This underground group called S.E.C.R.E.T. is free to join, and offers to make women's sexual fantasies become a reality. All they have to do is have an initial consultation and fill out a questionnaire and viola! A series of nine sexual escapades will follow over the next year. The tenth and final step for the recruit is making a decision to either stay with S.E.C.R.E.T for one year and recruit another female or to leave the group and apply the knowledge gained into their own relationships. The women in S.E.C.R.E.T. all wear a gold bracelet with charms on it. Each time a member completes a step, she gains a charm.The story is told first person point of view by Cassie herself so you get more of an intimate take on her as you read."There were days when I felt I was just a suit of flesh pulled over a set of bones, pouring in and out of buses and cabs, walking around a restaurant, feeding people and cleaning up after them. At home, my body was a warm place for the cat to sleep on. How had this happened? How had this become my life?" p.25, S.E.C.R.E.T.The sex scenes are well written and not too explicit. There's actually a good plot here, it's not just about the sex. Cassies' encounters however, are just sex. There's no emotional attachment between herself and the men who are assigned to her. It's all about fulfilling her fantasies and finding herself. It's not about finding love. It's kind of like a role play, every few weeks a different man appears for Cassie to fulfill one of her fantasies. It's pretty much scripted on the part of the male.The women who belong to this secret society actually seem like nice enough people. S.E.C.R.E.T. seemed like a good support group for these ladies. Overall I found S.E.C.R.E.T. to be very well written and entertaining. The storyline took twists and turns that I wasn't expecting and that impressed me the most with this book. I recommend this one to fans of erotic fiction or to those looking to read erotica, but who don't know where to start. S.E.C.R.E.T. is a tad milder than most erotic fiction. On that note, fans of this genre may find the sex scenes too tame. It kind of felt as if the author was holding back just enough when describing the intimate scenes.For being a bit light as far as erotica goes, it's a very sultry story. It's a story about a woman's awakening and about her finding herself when she least expected to. S.E.C.R.E.T. is the first in a series, and yes, I want to read the second installment as this first book leaves the ending wide open for the next one. I want to know where the author takes Cassie's storyline from here.Disclaimer: IThis review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received my free review copy of S.E.C.R.E.T. from the AmazonVine program.
    • 3/5
      This is a light erotic novel which is slightly more explicit than an average romance novel. I enjoyed this book, but I found the concept more interesting than the execution. It would make a good discussion group book, with each person sharing what fantasy they would want for each step. Some of the fantasies presented in the book resonated a lot for me, especially the Cinderella fantasy. Some of the fantasies, such as the rescue scenario, fell flat and didn't interest me at all. Had they been more thoroughly and expertly crafted, they might have held my attention even though they were not my personal choices. I suspect that the writer herself was more interested in the concept than the execution, which may be why this book is a rather shallow attempt.Worth reading, but don't expect any substance.
    • 5/5
      posted on Romancing the Books blogreviewed by Pattireview copy from NetgalleyI wanted to read this book because I have read other books by Sam Crescent that I really loved, so I decided to give this one a try. The only thing that I didn’t like was that this was part of a series and I missed the first one. As I was reading this book I started wondering what it would be like to have three men at my beck and call. I think that I could get used to it. It would be exciting. Especially if I had one that loved to cook just like Connor. I enjoyed meeting all three men and finding out all about them. This is a different menage. I’ve never read one where all three men are straight and they only want one woman between them. Talk about a dream come true for the woman that they pick. The only thing is, is that they pick Zoe and she just fights it. She didn’t have a great childhood and never let herself depend on anyone. She never stays long enough to put down any roots. I really enjoyed reading about Jake, Connor, and Brent. They all have different things that they do to make extra money and it isn’t anything that you would think about. I loved how the author brought all four of them together. They all have something that helps two of them heal. I won’t give any spoilers. I will just tell you that you should really take the time and read this book. I was glad that I did. I am hoping that there is another one coming out because there is more men that needs a story.
    • 5/5
      The Good Stuff Naughty without anything too kink. All about desire which makes it just a good steamy, sensual read Empowering, really liked the message about owning and embracing your sexuality Cassie is a likeable character whom many women will relate to & seriously I just wanted to give her a hug at the beginning Telling you now it will be a huge seller Nice twist - thought I knew what was going to happen and was pleasantly surprised Well written and fast paced Great character development for Cassie Nice injection of humour just when it was needed Um if this society really exists - um call me -- I got one involving Nathan Fillion that would really be nice for a good girl like me LOL!The Not So Good Stuff Some of the naughty bits could have been drawn out more I really don't want this to get put into the genre of Erotica, because it is so much more and the rating could keep people away from reading itFavorite Quotes/Passages"After he died , I cried for all the pain he had been in and all the pain he caused, but I didn't miss him.""Anyone with a set of eyes could have seen that a brown-colored aura had settled over me, like a dusting of defeat. It was time. Time to make a leap.""Yes, the white rippled snow, which stretched to meet a sky so blue it hurt to look at it was utterly breathtaking. But I also marveled at how my world had changed with a simple "yes"."He tasted like wine too, and chocolate. Every cell inside me came alive to his taste and touch, smell, and feel."Who Should/Shouldn't Read Those who thought Fifty Shades of Grey sucked -- this will be more your thing - and trust me there are no mentions of a crack whore mom Just a good story of sexual awakening and taking charge Perfect book for a glass of wine and a bubble bath4.5 Dewey'sI received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review - Jeff says thanks too LOL!