Review & Giveaway: S.E.C.R.E.T by L. Marie Adeline

 

S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline

Publication Date: February 5th 2013 by Brodway

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

 

About the book:

Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her 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 journey through a series of ten 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 fantasy becomes reality.

My Thoughts:
I was a bit hesitant about S.E.C.R.E.T. when I found out it was about a woman joining a secret organization that fulfills sexual fantasies.  I’m not much for a read that’s just sex, sex, sex with very little plot. I like a meaningful romances, and if there’s some spicy sex, even better!  I was pleasantly surprised to find a romance that fills you with longing, and a sensual journey of self-awakening. Consider me hooked!

Thirty-five year-old Cassie has been living a lonely life, basically on autopilot since the death of her husband four years earlier.  She’s not upset by the loss of an emotionally, and in the end physically abusive husband, but she bears the scars on her self-esteem, and has yet to move on.  Cassie takes little care in her appearance or attempts at happiness and hasn’t had sex for FIVE years! Not for lack of offers. Her boss, Will, at Café Rose constantly asked her out but she refused over and over because she felt dowdy, boring, with nothing much to offer.  He moved on with another waitress, Tracina.  Cassie feels pangs of jealousy and longing, but she’s the one who refused him, so what can she say?

Things are about to change when she catches the eye of a secret organization that works to build confidence and enthusiasm for living by granting sexual fantasies. Cassie is frightened, tempted, and enticed after reading some of the journal entries of another member, but finally decides to accept.  Oooh la la, let the fun begin! These fantasies do more than just excite, they help Cassie to gain confidence, and start grabbing life by the horns.

But I also marveled at how my world had changed with a simple “yes.” Over the last several months, I had been able to do things that would have been utterly inconceivable a year ago.

My heart was stomped and pierced every time Cassie would glimpse Will and Tracina together, but then she’d get an envelope, begin one of her fantasies, and I’d be distracted and fanning myself!  Sex with a famous person, in a crowded area, or how about after a massage you get more than just relaxed muscles?  Yes, very HOT!  Yet, I was still hoping for a happy ending for Will and Cassie instead.  It was so completely obvious they’re meant for each other!  I wanted to strangle Cassie for missing her chance with him, and I wanted to strangle Will for settling on someone else.  I guess Cassie had to repair some of the emotional damage her husband inflicted before she could move on, but still!! Don’t even get me started on Tracina! Couldn’t stand that woman always making little digs at Cassie!  She was like Cinderella’s ugly sister, fueled by jealousy.  So obvious *gag*!  We do have some satisfaction, but this story is far from over. 

This brings me to the ending.  Ms. Adeline, how could you leave me there?!! First I was over the moon:

“It’s you and me, Cassie. It should have always been you and me.” *happy sigh*

Then you ripped my heart out and stomped it into mush!  Well, thankfully I have the sequel on deck, and will be starting it immediately.  Let’s hope you take pity on my sensitivity in this next one.  Book two, S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, releases October 15^th. 

4 Suns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author:L. Marie Adeline is the pseudonym for the best-selling author Lisa Gabriele, who has written both novels and non-fiction.

S.E.C.R.E.T., the first installment of an erotic trilogy is published in more than thirty countries. It was a bestseller in several countries, including Canada where it was #1 for several weeks.

S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, the second installment, will be published Oct. 15th, 2013.  

 

Connect with L. Marie Adeline on:

 

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

As part of this review, the publisher has generously provided a paperback copy of S.E.C.R.E.T. to one lucky reader! Yay! The giveaway is restricted US or CANADIAN residents only.  Thanks for visiting Waves of Fiction, and good luck!



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