Publication Date: February 5th 2013 by Brodway
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!
The S.E.C.R.E.T. erotica trilogy is published in more than 30 countries, and is a bestseller in many of them. They’re written by L. Marie Adeline, a pseudonym for Lisa Gabriele, who has also written Tempting Faith DiNapoli and the Almost Archer Sisters, both bestsellers. She also writes and produces for television and radio, and was the show runner on the Gemini and Screen award-winning CBC reality program, Dragons’ Den. Her essays and articles have appeared in several anthologies and in the New York Times Magazine, New York magazine, the Washington Post, Salon, Nerve, Glamour, Flare, Elle and Chatelaine. She was the original Dear Diary columnist for Vice Magazine.
