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Secret #1
S.E.C.R.E.T.
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.
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.
271 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
355 people are currently reading
10227 people want to read
About the author
L. Marie Adeline
30 books571 followersL. 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, was published October 2013.
S.E.C.R.E.T. Revealed, the final in the trilogy is out May 2014.
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, was published October 2013.
S.E.C.R.E.T. Revealed, the final in the trilogy is out May 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,040 reviews
March 25, 2015
This book made me want to do physical harm to my e-reader.
I'm lucky I didn't have it in print because I would crush it and then step on it and then set it on fire!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the most frustrating reads I've EVER read!
The story is about Cassie. She's 35 and hasn't had sex in 5 years. She's not comfortable with herself sexually and doesn't go on dates.
She likes her boss, but they are just friends (because she said no when he asked her out).
She finds a diary in the cafe she works in, and it's full of sexy confessions and whatnot.
Turns out that the diary is part of a secret organization.
You know what that secret organization is called???
S.E.C.R.E.T.
Wow, I mean I'm in shock by the ingenuity here!
Anyway, a woman approaches her and offers to help Cassie get in touch with her sexual side, via S.E.C.R.E.T.
Pause for a second and imagine this scenario:
You go into a room, this SECRET headquarters or whatever, and there are a dozen sexy hot men who tell you: "We are here to fulfill your every desire and to make you feel sexual again..."
Now imagine this scenario:
You go into a room, this SECRET headquarters or whatever, and there are a dozen women from 40-80 years old who tell you: "We are here to fulfill your every desire and to make you feel sexual again..."
Maybe it's just me, but my fantasies are NOT of old women fulfilling them. NOT!
Anyway, there are ten steps in the SECRET thing, and each one is a sexual fantasy. Luckily, HOT YOUNG MEN are part of each step.
BUT!
One thing that bothered me the most is the fact that she hasn't had sex in five years, and the ten steps take a whole damn year!!!!
It's sometimes two weeks, and sometimes six weeks between each fantasy (and I'm just making it clear that those fantasies are nothing THAT hot, one was getting off in a club, or a sexy massage, or doing a blow job to someone, and so on). And she has to go through them for a whole year???????? It takes a whole year for someone to get in touch with her sexuality?????????? Seriously????
*THIS HAS HUGE SPOILERS!!! HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
OK then, later on, she finds she wants to be with her boss, after a whole year she managed to get that into her head, and they hook up. He broke it off with his b*tch of a girlfriend who cheated on him constantly, and he doesn't even love her or anything.
They have sex (finally), they realise they're right for one another, she's in love and all, only for the ex girlfriend to come and say she's pregnant! And of course, Cassie decides to break it off with the boss because she isn't going to come between a man and his child.
She goes to SECRET and becomes one of the women in the council.
THE END.
???????????
I mean, are we in the middle-freaking-ages????
For one, the baby probably isn't his.
For two, he doesn't even like his ex, let alone love her.
For three, like I said, this isn't the middle ages dammit, getting married just because of a baby is really NOT a solution! Especially if both persons are adults. He can easilly support it (if it really is his).
But that ending... OMG! I just wanted to kick her in the head and choke her till she died! OMG! The woman is beyond stupid and frustrating!
So thank you, if there ever was a secret group called S.E.C.R.E.T. I'd NEVER EVER join it, if it means I'd have to wait a year just to have sex, and if it made me that f*cking stupid like the heroine here.
*ARC courtesy of Transworld via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2013
Cassie has some self-esteem issues. The only man who she's ever slept with, her worthless husband, is dead. She's a 35 year old waitress who's given up on life and love until a customer drops her diary and Cassie totes reads it!
And she's shocked! The diary is totally naughty town!
Enter S.E.C.R.E.T., which is like a slutty support group. It's basically and 10 step plan for chicks like Cassie to get their grove back. Yes, ladies. That's right. A whole lot of different fantasies, with beautiful, willing men.
Did I like this book?
Indeed, I did.
There were some sections of the book where I was all...
And others parts, where I was like...
Slowly, through the hottest therapy EVER, Cassie starts to come out of her shell.
My only complaint was the focus on age. Yes, I know 35 is not old, but Adeline keeps pressing it to the point I was applying Retinal while reading. S.E.C.R.E.T. was sort of making me self-conscious!
Still, it was pretty yummy. No regrets! I'ddo it read it again.
And she's shocked! The diary is totally naughty town!
Enter S.E.C.R.E.T., which is like a slutty support group. It's basically and 10 step plan for chicks like Cassie to get their grove back. Yes, ladies. That's right. A whole lot of different fantasies, with beautiful, willing men.
Did I like this book?
Indeed, I did.
There were some sections of the book where I was all...
And others parts, where I was like...
Slowly, through the hottest therapy EVER, Cassie starts to come out of her shell.
My only complaint was the focus on age. Yes, I know 35 is not old, but Adeline keeps pressing it to the point I was applying Retinal while reading. S.E.C.R.E.T. was sort of making me self-conscious!
Still, it was pretty yummy. No regrets! I'd
October 30, 2013
Color me fairly well shocked...I really didn't expect to love this book so much. It's not a romance. It's erotica. But it was really good erotica, with a story that resonated with me.
MY SYNOPSIS
Cassie is a widow in her mid thirties living in post Katrina New Orleans. And she feels a bit like the city...struggling to stay afloat after her life seems to have stagnated. She's living a blah existence...waiting tables, no real drive to pretty herself up, no real love interests, no sex, just her job, her frumpy clothes and her cat in her little boring apartment.
She notices a couple who always sit in her section at work...the woman poised and confident, the man gorgeous and smitten...and both of them seem not only happy, but content. And so Cassie starts to wish for more. She knows that this woman she's become isn't who she really wants to be, her life not what she ever imagined. But between her emotionally and physically abusive alcoholic husband and her lack of friends, she doesn't have the confidence or drive to change anything...let alone the know-how. Until her mystery couple leaves behind a little notebook one day...and Cassie snoops inside, getting a titillating glimpse of this woman's sexy sexcapades.
And now, Cassie's desires are awakened, but still with no outlet or confidence.
Until the secret of S.E.C.R.E.T. is revealed, and Cassie is invited to join. It is a group of people dedicated to helping other women find themselves through exploring their sexuality. There are nine steps to take, nine fantasies to explore, and a year to finish. She can back out at any time. But with each step she takes, Cassie is more and more awakened, more alive than she's ever been...and feeling sexier than she's ever felt.
MY THOUGHTS
While I say that there is no romance, I suppose I have to also admit that's not entirely true. It's not a romance in the accepted sense of the word; however, it is romantic. It's romantic, it's empowering, it's freeing and it's thought provoking. I think women lose so much of themselves living their daily lives...wifing, mothering, working, friending...and being everything that is expected of them. Most of which are thankless chores with enough love and devotion thrown in to make them worthwhile. But we dont' spend enough time working on ourselves, on our psyche, on our confidence and self image. It is so easy to feel inadequate.
So while Cassie's situation may not be one that we all find ourselves in, I think most women will relate. I certainly did.
And yes, there are a lot of sexual partners for Cassie. It was a fact that only added to the titillation for me. Pure fantasy...a new man each time. Each one more gorgeous and lustful than the last.
However, there wasn't a lot of kink factor. Small things, like public sex and random fantasies were the norm. Really, this was all about Cassie letting go of her inhibitions and overcoming her own fears. Part of that was admitting to her desires and then accepting how desirable she was. Liberating herself sexually lead to an emotional liberation as well.
If I had to list my complaints, I would say that the cliffhanger killed my high. I literally read this from start to finish in one evening. I was that engaged. But the end left me feeling like someone hit me in the face with a two by four. It was just so out of nowhere. Thankfully, I didn't realize that this is a trilogy. There is more to Cassie's story. Personally, I'm hoping it's the guy on the boat ;P Love me some tall, dark, and handsome.
Copy provided by the publisher via Net Galley
July 15, 2013
Initial reaction: I need to stop letting books with pretty covers fool me. But then again, I was fooled by a lot of things about this book. This should've been something I ended up liking. Actually, this is probably a book I would've liked a lot more given the elements. Self-discovery! Set in New Orleans! Features characters of color in prominent roles! Sexy time fantasies with cute guys!
But instead of "Wow!" all I pretty much got was "Ow, ow, ow!"
And that ending. THAT ending. What on ever lovin' Earth was that? Argh.
Skip this one. Please. It's not sexy or a true coming of terms, it's really stupid.
Full review:
I think like quite many people, I saw the advertisements flashing along the sidebars in Goodreads for this book and that somewhat played into my reading of this much sooner than I thought I would've. I had an ARC of it from NetGalley, and from reading the premise - I was very excited about this book and hoped it would prove to be a good reading experience. I love self-discovery stories, and that's probably playing into my interest and previous studies/work in the spectrum of personal wellness. I may have had background exposure in the measure of physical fitness and wellness when it comes to physical/mental dimensions, but my passion/interest also lends to other dimensions of wellness including spiritual, emotional, sexual, and between and beyond those lines. I think they're all important in the collective umbrella of one's health and well being fulfilled.
Not to say that I expected this book to go into any of that measure of detail. Nah. I just wanted a fun, sexy, exploring read perhaps where the heroine comes into her own and finds her own sense of happiness with either someone she cared about or maybe being put on her way towards being more confident, sexy and going in her own path in that measure for her life. I wouldn't have minded either of those things. The blurb of this really has some very cool ideas and promises to it (and LOOK at that cover! The charm bracelet looks nice with the colors - in both the U.S. and U.K. editions).
At the beginning of the book, we meet Cassie, a 35 year old waitress who's lost her ex-husband (who really wasn't even good to her and made her feel like crud) and hasn't had sex in about five years. I at least appreciated the way that L. Marie Adeline introduced Cassie and her background, because a lot of erotic novels don't really take the time to develop their characters. Cassie's pretty much stuck between a rock and a hard place with respect to being comfortable about going out and being in a relationship with someone. I don't really blame her for that, and I even forgave some of the things she said initially in her mental filter that I didn't like/see eye-to-eye with. She likes her boss (Will), but turned him down so now he's going out with another woman. She still kind of pines for him, and in general wants some form of a relationship with someone.
One day while at work, she comes across a notebook that one of her customers leaves behind. Guess what she does? She opens it, and "accidentally" reads some of it's rather explicit sensual details. Which turns her into a blushing, harried mess of things and she realizes she needs to return it. At this point I realized that I was at least in part reading an erotic novel about a woman reading a part of an erotic account and there were some Inception type vibes going on (couldn't help the reference, ha!).
But here's the thing - Cassie *lies* about how she came across it and has one of her coworkers a part of the measure, but then ends up confessing later to the woman that she lied, found, and read a part of it. I never understood why she lied in the first place, even with understanding she was frazzled about reading someone's personal accounts of sexy times (I mean, I know I would be, but that's with a different consideration), but to lie about it to that extent? Meh.
I have other issues with Cassie lying with respect to other parts of this story but I'll get to that later. In any case, the owner of the book, as well as a mysterious woman, invites Cassie to be a part of this "secret society" called (you guessed it) S.E.C.R.E.T. Now I actually had no problem with the secret society in itself or that it was composed of women, who may I add were of various backgrounds - there was an Argentine woman, a Indian woman, and there are various other characters of color in this book. At first I would've like to say that's a positive inclusion, especially with this taking place in New Orleans, buuuut there's not much done with them and the fact that they're this secret society that's watched Cassie for a time and supposedly want to fulfill her sexual desires kind of creeped me out. Not to mention Cassie's sort of goaded along this whole stretch of things and I don't really feel like she was an active part of making all these decisions. I could understand her not having much confidence, but I don't think that changed at any point during the entire narrative of the story. ESPECIALLY with the ending.
I'm not one to judge anyone on the level of their sensual fantasies, but I have to admit that the portrayal here of the different realms that Cassie went through over the course of a year in each of the steps of the S.E.C.R.E.T ideology felt very detached and uninvolved to me. The initial questionnaire that Cassie's given by the society was really threadbare, I thought. They weren't even fun questions, because you'd think for a woman who wants to try new things and explore her sexuality and build her respective confidence, it wouldn't be so mechanical and it felt that way even to me at the jumping point. So I had issues with that, but I decided to see where it would go.
The fantasies weren't really that much and ended a bit sooner than they began, with some degrees of repetitive elements. The guys, who were a mix of different backgrounds, were kind of in and out. While I understood that was a part of the process, it made me want to know more about their involvement and who they were, especially given the time frame that's supposed to measure in this book. I actually felt the only scenario that did anything for me was the tattoo guy who said he had a kid, because his personality and klutzy nature was actually kind of cute (what little could be seen of it). There were activities of a term with each dimension, but they lacked a certain degree of intimacy. What made it worse was that Cassie's voice didn't really carry these scenarios that well. A lot of telling, not showing, very threadbare presentation.
During this time, Cassie lies very much about her involvement with this group, and even lies to herself in measures - which for a novel that's about self-discovery and coming to terms, I thought that didn't mesh well. Ultimately, Cassie realizes that in the course of her journey, she loves a certain guy all along and goes to be with him, only to find out that she can't because of a certain other consideration and then she takes what I thought was a really stupid route in the consideration of this entire narrative.
And then it ends, just like that. So abrupt, it wasn't sexy, it wasn't even in the measure of any path to confidence or competence or whatever the author was going for. It just ended like that.
I imagine any person picking up this book wanting Cassie to have a happy ending or a true coming to terms would throw this book at the wall and never want to pick it up again. It was really stupid. I would admit for my own reading experience, I had problems throughout this entire narrative, but the ending was the last straw. My inference would be that the author tried to end it in a way where Cassie was coming into her own sexual liberation or something of that nature, but it wasn't done well. It really wasn't conducive to what the promises of this book lent. I couldn't have been more disappointed with reading it.
If this is a part of a series, it did nothing to make me want to read onward. Just confirmed a level of disappointment of this book's promises and what it could've become from its respective blurb. No, this is not "emotionally powerful", no this is not "liberating" or even close to being "enticing" - it's just a really silly novel that I don't want to pick up again.
I guess if there's something to be said positively about this read, it made me want to do two things in its aftermath.
I've decided the next time I go to a special stationery store or bookstore with specialty journals - I'm going to buy a special journal with letters I can run my fingers over, have a gold plate with my name on the inside, and use it to explore different personal dimensions of wellness and confidence building questions that I can keep in a daily format, because I like keeping journals and special stationery measures (see my review on Megan Hart's "Switch" as to why).
I'd recommend giving this book a pass. It wasn't good, and the measures behind it aren't even profound or worth writing home about.
Overall score: 0.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
But instead of "Wow!" all I pretty much got was "Ow, ow, ow!"
And that ending. THAT ending. What on ever lovin' Earth was that? Argh.
Skip this one. Please. It's not sexy or a true coming of terms, it's really stupid.
Full review:
I think like quite many people, I saw the advertisements flashing along the sidebars in Goodreads for this book and that somewhat played into my reading of this much sooner than I thought I would've. I had an ARC of it from NetGalley, and from reading the premise - I was very excited about this book and hoped it would prove to be a good reading experience. I love self-discovery stories, and that's probably playing into my interest and previous studies/work in the spectrum of personal wellness. I may have had background exposure in the measure of physical fitness and wellness when it comes to physical/mental dimensions, but my passion/interest also lends to other dimensions of wellness including spiritual, emotional, sexual, and between and beyond those lines. I think they're all important in the collective umbrella of one's health and well being fulfilled.
Not to say that I expected this book to go into any of that measure of detail. Nah. I just wanted a fun, sexy, exploring read perhaps where the heroine comes into her own and finds her own sense of happiness with either someone she cared about or maybe being put on her way towards being more confident, sexy and going in her own path in that measure for her life. I wouldn't have minded either of those things. The blurb of this really has some very cool ideas and promises to it (and LOOK at that cover! The charm bracelet looks nice with the colors - in both the U.S. and U.K. editions).
At the beginning of the book, we meet Cassie, a 35 year old waitress who's lost her ex-husband (who really wasn't even good to her and made her feel like crud) and hasn't had sex in about five years. I at least appreciated the way that L. Marie Adeline introduced Cassie and her background, because a lot of erotic novels don't really take the time to develop their characters. Cassie's pretty much stuck between a rock and a hard place with respect to being comfortable about going out and being in a relationship with someone. I don't really blame her for that, and I even forgave some of the things she said initially in her mental filter that I didn't like/see eye-to-eye with. She likes her boss (Will), but turned him down so now he's going out with another woman. She still kind of pines for him, and in general wants some form of a relationship with someone.
One day while at work, she comes across a notebook that one of her customers leaves behind. Guess what she does? She opens it, and "accidentally" reads some of it's rather explicit sensual details. Which turns her into a blushing, harried mess of things and she realizes she needs to return it. At this point I realized that I was at least in part reading an erotic novel about a woman reading a part of an erotic account and there were some Inception type vibes going on (couldn't help the reference, ha!).
But here's the thing - Cassie *lies* about how she came across it and has one of her coworkers a part of the measure, but then ends up confessing later to the woman that she lied, found, and read a part of it. I never understood why she lied in the first place, even with understanding she was frazzled about reading someone's personal accounts of sexy times (I mean, I know I would be, but that's with a different consideration), but to lie about it to that extent? Meh.
I have other issues with Cassie lying with respect to other parts of this story but I'll get to that later. In any case, the owner of the book, as well as a mysterious woman, invites Cassie to be a part of this "secret society" called (you guessed it) S.E.C.R.E.T. Now I actually had no problem with the secret society in itself or that it was composed of women, who may I add were of various backgrounds - there was an Argentine woman, a Indian woman, and there are various other characters of color in this book. At first I would've like to say that's a positive inclusion, especially with this taking place in New Orleans, buuuut there's not much done with them and the fact that they're this secret society that's watched Cassie for a time and supposedly want to fulfill her sexual desires kind of creeped me out. Not to mention Cassie's sort of goaded along this whole stretch of things and I don't really feel like she was an active part of making all these decisions. I could understand her not having much confidence, but I don't think that changed at any point during the entire narrative of the story. ESPECIALLY with the ending.
I'm not one to judge anyone on the level of their sensual fantasies, but I have to admit that the portrayal here of the different realms that Cassie went through over the course of a year in each of the steps of the S.E.C.R.E.T ideology felt very detached and uninvolved to me. The initial questionnaire that Cassie's given by the society was really threadbare, I thought. They weren't even fun questions, because you'd think for a woman who wants to try new things and explore her sexuality and build her respective confidence, it wouldn't be so mechanical and it felt that way even to me at the jumping point. So I had issues with that, but I decided to see where it would go.
The fantasies weren't really that much and ended a bit sooner than they began, with some degrees of repetitive elements. The guys, who were a mix of different backgrounds, were kind of in and out. While I understood that was a part of the process, it made me want to know more about their involvement and who they were, especially given the time frame that's supposed to measure in this book. I actually felt the only scenario that did anything for me was the tattoo guy who said he had a kid, because his personality and klutzy nature was actually kind of cute (what little could be seen of it). There were activities of a term with each dimension, but they lacked a certain degree of intimacy. What made it worse was that Cassie's voice didn't really carry these scenarios that well. A lot of telling, not showing, very threadbare presentation.
During this time, Cassie lies very much about her involvement with this group, and even lies to herself in measures - which for a novel that's about self-discovery and coming to terms, I thought that didn't mesh well. Ultimately, Cassie realizes that in the course of her journey, she loves a certain guy all along and goes to be with him, only to find out that she can't because of a certain other consideration and then she takes what I thought was a really stupid route in the consideration of this entire narrative.
And then it ends, just like that. So abrupt, it wasn't sexy, it wasn't even in the measure of any path to confidence or competence or whatever the author was going for. It just ended like that.
I imagine any person picking up this book wanting Cassie to have a happy ending or a true coming to terms would throw this book at the wall and never want to pick it up again. It was really stupid. I would admit for my own reading experience, I had problems throughout this entire narrative, but the ending was the last straw. My inference would be that the author tried to end it in a way where Cassie was coming into her own sexual liberation or something of that nature, but it wasn't done well. It really wasn't conducive to what the promises of this book lent. I couldn't have been more disappointed with reading it.
If this is a part of a series, it did nothing to make me want to read onward. Just confirmed a level of disappointment of this book's promises and what it could've become from its respective blurb. No, this is not "emotionally powerful", no this is not "liberating" or even close to being "enticing" - it's just a really silly novel that I don't want to pick up again.
I guess if there's something to be said positively about this read, it made me want to do two things in its aftermath.
I've decided the next time I go to a special stationery store or bookstore with specialty journals - I'm going to buy a special journal with letters I can run my fingers over, have a gold plate with my name on the inside, and use it to explore different personal dimensions of wellness and confidence building questions that I can keep in a daily format, because I like keeping journals and special stationery measures (see my review on Megan Hart's "Switch" as to why).
I'd recommend giving this book a pass. It wasn't good, and the measures behind it aren't even profound or worth writing home about.
Overall score: 0.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
February 15, 2013
LOVED the book but the ending WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have so many rants and bitches inside me that I just might burst!!!!
February 6, 2013
This is a Fifty Shades for grownups. Except well-written. And fun. And migods it would be cool to have this sort of thing available.
Instead of a quivering virgin awaiting the brutal manipulations of an uber-controlling damaged man, here we have a sensible 36 year old who has forgotten how to live. Yes, she's sexually dead, but she's also dead in the rest of her life, lacking confidence and zest after a destructive marriage.
And so the lucky lucky lucky (sorry, some envy here) lucky gal gets invited to join a secret society that seeks to enliven her again. With some of the most wonderfully written sexual fantasies I've read in a long time.
It helps that the book is set in N'awlins, post-Katrina, a town as damaged as Cassie was, trying to reclaim its life and sexiness. I adore New Orleans in stories and it is definitely a place of my secret fantasies.
Unlike the rape-oriented 50 Shades, the writer here has put the woman in charge of everything, her fantasies created for her (according to her requests) by a group of women. And instead of endless shouting of "Holy S***!" by a character as shallow as that phrase, the main character here has adult thoughts, feelings, some sense of normalcy, a desire to find richness in life as versus finding life in richness.
I heard about it on the Current on CBC and had to download it - read it over two days and it isn't a good thing as I have a date tomorrow and I may well leap on the poor guy like a starving wolf after spending time with Cassie. It's our first date. I may give him a heart attack.
It's cold out.
Read it.
Get warm.
Instead of a quivering virgin awaiting the brutal manipulations of an uber-controlling damaged man, here we have a sensible 36 year old who has forgotten how to live. Yes, she's sexually dead, but she's also dead in the rest of her life, lacking confidence and zest after a destructive marriage.
And so the lucky lucky lucky (sorry, some envy here) lucky gal gets invited to join a secret society that seeks to enliven her again. With some of the most wonderfully written sexual fantasies I've read in a long time.
It helps that the book is set in N'awlins, post-Katrina, a town as damaged as Cassie was, trying to reclaim its life and sexiness. I adore New Orleans in stories and it is definitely a place of my secret fantasies.
Unlike the rape-oriented 50 Shades, the writer here has put the woman in charge of everything, her fantasies created for her (according to her requests) by a group of women. And instead of endless shouting of "Holy S***!" by a character as shallow as that phrase, the main character here has adult thoughts, feelings, some sense of normalcy, a desire to find richness in life as versus finding life in richness.
I heard about it on the Current on CBC and had to download it - read it over two days and it isn't a good thing as I have a date tomorrow and I may well leap on the poor guy like a starving wolf after spending time with Cassie. It's our first date. I may give him a heart attack.
It's cold out.
Read it.
Get warm.
July 27, 2019
enjoyed reading this book
This is the first book in the S.E.C.R.E.T trilogy.
I read this book in one day, but the ending was not what I had expected. I wasn't sure how things were going to work out and to be honest, I was happy there for a minute and kind of saw it coming, but then things take a turn.
I really need to know what happens next.
This is the first book in the S.E.C.R.E.T trilogy.
I read this book in one day, but the ending was not what I had expected. I wasn't sure how things were going to work out and to be honest, I was happy there for a minute and kind of saw it coming, but then things take a turn.
I really need to know what happens next.
January 4, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
3 Stars
Cassie Robichaud is thirty-five, a widow and currently waiting tables at a rundown café in New Orleans. One particular day at work, Cassie discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman. The eye-opening contents lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, darkest, and most intimate sexual fantasies. The S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T motto: No judgment. No limits. No shame. Cassie soon begins a journey toward sexual fulfillment and acceptance, experiencing a variety of....everything.
I have to admit, when I first stumbled upon this book, I was fascinated with the idea of this story. The idea of (secret society or not) a group of women making it possible for other women to explore their sexuality, their hidden wants and desires, in managed and safe environments was intriguing to me. It was my hope that Cassie would take a very personal and emotional journey as well. For these reasons, I was excited to begin reading. Plus, I have a love of stories set in and around New Orleans, one of my favorite places.
What I found most interesting about this story took place in the very beginning. I loved the scenes where Cassie is first introduced to the women, some of them founders, of the society. I felt a true sense of sisterhood as they explained the reasons for and behind the founding of the society and their desire to help Cassie find her true self by exploring her sexuality. These scenes, to me, had the potential to set up what could have been a somewhat unique series in this genre. This was the only reason for my giving it three stars rather than two. However, not long past this point, that potential seemed to completely disappear.
SECRET ultimately became one more story of sexual encounters interspersed with uninteresting filler. I truly do not enjoy being harsh or critical of a book. I realize there is an author, a person, who labors over every scene, probably every word. But, I was honestly and thoroughly disappointed in this book because there *was* such potential. There was simply no follow-through. Once the random sexual encounters began, I felt like the story lost all of the qualities that connected me to it early on. I lost all connection to and interest in Cassie. There was none of the emotional exploration I looked forward to with such anticipation. I actually found myself becoming bored by the story the longer I read.
In the end, the point I keep making, this is actually a story of unfulfilled potential and expectations. For everyone involved. I wish this author much luck with her next endeavor. Given time and the proper format, I believe she has a story worth telling.
**ARC courtesy of Random House via Edelweiss
3 Stars
Cassie Robichaud is thirty-five, a widow and currently waiting tables at a rundown café in New Orleans. One particular day at work, Cassie discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman. The eye-opening contents lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, darkest, and most intimate sexual fantasies. The S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T motto: No judgment. No limits. No shame. Cassie soon begins a journey toward sexual fulfillment and acceptance, experiencing a variety of....everything.
I have to admit, when I first stumbled upon this book, I was fascinated with the idea of this story. The idea of (secret society or not) a group of women making it possible for other women to explore their sexuality, their hidden wants and desires, in managed and safe environments was intriguing to me. It was my hope that Cassie would take a very personal and emotional journey as well. For these reasons, I was excited to begin reading. Plus, I have a love of stories set in and around New Orleans, one of my favorite places.
What I found most interesting about this story took place in the very beginning. I loved the scenes where Cassie is first introduced to the women, some of them founders, of the society. I felt a true sense of sisterhood as they explained the reasons for and behind the founding of the society and their desire to help Cassie find her true self by exploring her sexuality. These scenes, to me, had the potential to set up what could have been a somewhat unique series in this genre. This was the only reason for my giving it three stars rather than two. However, not long past this point, that potential seemed to completely disappear.
SECRET ultimately became one more story of sexual encounters interspersed with uninteresting filler. I truly do not enjoy being harsh or critical of a book. I realize there is an author, a person, who labors over every scene, probably every word. But, I was honestly and thoroughly disappointed in this book because there *was* such potential. There was simply no follow-through. Once the random sexual encounters began, I felt like the story lost all of the qualities that connected me to it early on. I lost all connection to and interest in Cassie. There was none of the emotional exploration I looked forward to with such anticipation. I actually found myself becoming bored by the story the longer I read.
In the end, the point I keep making, this is actually a story of unfulfilled potential and expectations. For everyone involved. I wish this author much luck with her next endeavor. Given time and the proper format, I believe she has a story worth telling.
**ARC courtesy of Random House via Edelweiss
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars
Cassie's character is very lonely. She works at café Rose working as a waitress. She does not have many desires, with low self-esteem issues. Her husband has died 4 years ago and has not had sex for 5 years. That is a long ass time. She feels she is done with it all. Cassie is 35 years old does not have a life outside being a waitress.
Then one day she finds this journal at the café that changes her forever. She starts to read the journal and it is very open, talks about the sexual acts this person was going though at the moment. So all of this is new for Cassie has she has shut down all the desires she has had and not want to date.
Anyhow then she finds her self in the situation where she has the choice to join a group called S.E.C.R.E.T. This is a 9 step program that takes her on all of her fantasies that she has ever wanted and makes her feel like a woman again.
I was not a big fan of Cassie in the beginning. She was very boring and not about life or anything. But, once she started to open up and embrace her sexual self, I started to warm up to her.
The fantasies Cassie started to have and actually take place were quite interesting, lovely, and fucking sexy. I was quite impressed with her for going through with it all. Once Cassie finishes the 9 steps and gets all of the charms for her S.E.C.R.E.T. bracelet then she has a choice where she can leave with all the experience she has learned and move on with her life and find love maybe, or she can stay with S.E.C.R.E.T. and be apart of it.
Which I am not going to tell you what she chose. Overall I did enjoy this story. There was quite a bit of backstory that I did not like and all the history telling which did not work for me. But I am looking forward to what is going on next!
Copy provided by the publisher for exchanged for an honest review.
Cassie's character is very lonely. She works at café Rose working as a waitress. She does not have many desires, with low self-esteem issues. Her husband has died 4 years ago and has not had sex for 5 years. That is a long ass time. She feels she is done with it all. Cassie is 35 years old does not have a life outside being a waitress.
Then one day she finds this journal at the café that changes her forever. She starts to read the journal and it is very open, talks about the sexual acts this person was going though at the moment. So all of this is new for Cassie has she has shut down all the desires she has had and not want to date.
Anyhow then she finds her self in the situation where she has the choice to join a group called S.E.C.R.E.T. This is a 9 step program that takes her on all of her fantasies that she has ever wanted and makes her feel like a woman again.
I did the strangest thing! The strangest thing was done to me! I wanted to scream, something happened to me. Something is happening to me. And I will never be the same again.
I was not a big fan of Cassie in the beginning. She was very boring and not about life or anything. But, once she started to open up and embrace her sexual self, I started to warm up to her.
The fantasies Cassie started to have and actually take place were quite interesting, lovely, and fucking sexy. I was quite impressed with her for going through with it all. Once Cassie finishes the 9 steps and gets all of the charms for her S.E.C.R.E.T. bracelet then she has a choice where she can leave with all the experience she has learned and move on with her life and find love maybe, or she can stay with S.E.C.R.E.T. and be apart of it.
Which I am not going to tell you what she chose. Overall I did enjoy this story. There was quite a bit of backstory that I did not like and all the history telling which did not work for me. But I am looking forward to what is going on next!
Copy provided by the publisher for exchanged for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
Όπως μου έχει συμβεί κι άλλες φορές στο παρελθόν, έτσι και τώρα, επηρεάστηκα από τις γνώμες – απόψεις – κριτικές, φίλων ή γνωστών με τους οποίους έχουμε σε γενικές γραμμές κοινά γούστα. Και παρότι είχα υποσχεθεί στον εαυτό μου ότι θα έπαυα να επηρεάζομαι από τους άλλους, εφόσον η πλειοψηφία κατέταξε το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο ως μέτριο στην καλύτερη περίπτωση, δεν αποφάσιζα να το διαβάσω.
Ωστόσο, κάποια στιγμή έρχεται η «ώρα» για το κάθε βιβλίο κι αυτές τις μέρες η διάθεση μου είναι τέτοια που ήθελα κάτι ανάλαφρο μα και ενδιαφέρον συνάμα κι όσο κι αν σας φανεί παράξενο, το Secret ξεπέρασε τις προσδοκίες μου.
Κατ’ αρχάς, βρήκα πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα την ιδέα του μυστικού «κλαμπ» που θέλει να πραγματοποιήσει τις πιο κρυφές φαντασιώσεις ορισμένων γυναικών όπως της κεντρικής ηρωίδας, της Κέισι, που αναμφισβήτητα διανύει μια δύσκολη περίοδο της ζωής της καθώς την κατατρώει η ρουτίνα και η κατάθλιψη.
Θα συμφωνήσω πως το θέμα από μόνο του είχε πολλές προοπτικές και σίγουρα το κείμενο στο σύνολο του διακατέχεται από μια κάποια αφέλεια ενώ το στόρι έχει κάποια κενά. Αλλά πιστεύω πως στις μέρες μας λίγα είναι τα άρτια και συγκλονιστικά βιβλία, οπότε για το είδος του το Secret περνάει τις εξετάσεις και προσωπικά, πέρασα καλά διαβάζοντας το. Με κράτησε κάνοντας με να θέλω να δω την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας χωρίς να με κουράσει με ανώφελα πισωγυρίσματα, υπερβολικές περιγραφές και ανούσιες φλυαρίες.
Για τη σύγκριση που έγινε κατά καιρούς με τις Πενήντα αποχρώσεις του γκρι, απλά θα χαμογελάσω. Νομίζω πως είναι άδικο να συγκρίνουμε μεταξύ τους δύο εντελώς ανόμοια πράγματα καθώς το μόνο κοινό που έχουν οι δύο ιστορίες είναι το ερωτικό – τολμηρό και αισθησιακό υπόβαθρο. Κατά τα άλλα, πραγματεύονται εντελώς διαφορετικά θέματα.
Ωστόσο, κάποια στιγμή έρχεται η «ώρα» για το κάθε βιβλίο κι αυτές τις μέρες η διάθεση μου είναι τέτοια που ήθελα κάτι ανάλαφρο μα και ενδιαφέρον συνάμα κι όσο κι αν σας φανεί παράξενο, το Secret ξεπέρασε τις προσδοκίες μου.
Κατ’ αρχάς, βρήκα πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα την ιδέα του μυστικού «κλαμπ» που θέλει να πραγματοποιήσει τις πιο κρυφές φαντασιώσεις ορισμένων γυναικών όπως της κεντρικής ηρωίδας, της Κέισι, που αναμφισβήτητα διανύει μια δύσκολη περίοδο της ζωής της καθώς την κατατρώει η ρουτίνα και η κατάθλιψη.
Θα συμφωνήσω πως το θέμα από μόνο του είχε πολλές προοπτικές και σίγουρα το κείμενο στο σύνολο του διακατέχεται από μια κάποια αφέλεια ενώ το στόρι έχει κάποια κενά. Αλλά πιστεύω πως στις μέρες μας λίγα είναι τα άρτια και συγκλονιστικά βιβλία, οπότε για το είδος του το Secret περνάει τις εξετάσεις και προσωπικά, πέρασα καλά διαβάζοντας το. Με κράτησε κάνοντας με να θέλω να δω την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας χωρίς να με κουράσει με ανώφελα πισωγυρίσματα, υπερβολικές περιγραφές και ανούσιες φλυαρίες.
Για τη σύγκριση που έγινε κατά καιρούς με τις Πενήντα αποχρώσεις του γκρι, απλά θα χαμογελάσω. Νομίζω πως είναι άδικο να συγκρίνουμε μεταξύ τους δύο εντελώς ανόμοια πράγματα καθώς το μόνο κοινό που έχουν οι δύο ιστορίες είναι το ερωτικό – τολμηρό και αισθησιακό υπόβαθρο. Κατά τα άλλα, πραγματεύονται εντελώς διαφορετικά θέματα.
December 17, 2012
This book will be a best seller. The character carries you along with her as she grows with the secret society. The timid widow who works as a waitress in New Orleans takes the steps to become confident and aware. The ending caught be. From the middle of the book on I was confident that I knew how it would turn out and in the end I was fooled by the author, yet not disappointed in how it turned out. It left me looking for more to come from these exciting characters. The setting and description keep the reader into the action and the characterization causes the reader to have compassion for Cassie as well as other characters in the novel. Well done.
March 12, 2018
Full Review on my blog!
November 11, 2024
Είμαι σίγουρη πως όλοι οι fans, ή όλες για να ανακριβολογώ, των "Πενήντα Αποχρώσεων", μόλις μάθατε πως κυκλοφορεί από τις εκδόσεις Πατάκη το "S.E.C.R.E.T.", ενθουσιαστήκατε και σπεύσατε να το παραγγείλετε. Έχω λοιπόν την βεβαιότητα πως αν όχι όλες, οι περισσότερες, απογοητευτήκατε και αυτό, όχι γιατί το βιβλίο είναι εν τέλει κακό αλλά γιατί περιμένατε κάτι διαφορετικό. Περιμένατε τις καινούργιες "Αποχρώσεις". Λυπάμαι που θα γκρεμίσω το όνειρο, σε όσες δεν έχουν προλάβει ακόμα να το διαβάσουν, αλλά το "S.E.C.R.E.T." είναι κάτι εντελώς διαφορετικό και τελικά, αυτό είναι που το κάνει ιδιαίτερο. Ότι είναι μια ιστορία πρωτότυπη, που όσον αφορά το είδος, τουλάχιστον στη χώρα μας, δεν έχουμε διαβάσει, άσχετα ποια από τις δύο σειρές θα καταλήξουμε να προτιμάμε για τους προσωπικούς μας λόγους οι οποίοι είναι στο κάτω-κάτω της γραφής, εντελώς υποκειμενικοί.
Η Κέισσι λοιπόν είναι μια γυναίκα, όχι έφηβη ή στα πρώτα στάδια της ενήλικης ζωής της αλλά 35άρα, χήρα εδώ και τέσσερα χρόνια κι έχοντας να κάνει σεξ, ακόμα περισσότερα. Εργάζεται ως σερβιτόρα σε ένα καφέ και έχει παραμελήσει εντελώς τον εαυτό της, όχι μόνο την σεξουαλική της ζωή. Έχοντας πλαγιάσει με έναν και μόνο άντρα, που πάντα φρόντιζε να καταστρέφει την αυτοπεποίθησή της, η Κέισσι δεν αισθάνεται ασφαλής να ανοιχτεί και να δοκιμάσει νέες εμπειρίες, πόσω μάλλον, να αφεθεί σε μια νέα σχέση. Όλα αυτά βέβαια αλλάζουν όταν στον δρόμο της θα βρεθεί μια ώριμη γυναίκα η οποία είναι μέλος του S.E.C.R.E.T. μιας μυστικής και κλειστής λέσχης η οποία έχει ιδρυθεί με έναν και μοναδικό σκοπό. Να απελευθερώνει κάθε χρόνο μία γυναίκα, από τους φόβους, τα άγχη και τις ανασφάλειές της, να φέρει στην επιφάνεια την θαμμένη σεξουαλικότητά της και να ικανοποιήσει τις πιο μύχιες επιθυμίες της, αλλάζοντάς την μέσα κι έξω κι επιτρέποντάς της να ζήσει από την αρχή. Και φέτος, είναι η χρονιά της Κέισσι που δέχεται την πρόσκληση.
Όπως πολύ εύστοχα ανέφερε μια φίλη με την οποία συζητούσαμε για το εν λόγω βιβλίο, η υπόθεσή του, θυμίζει σε πολλά σημεία την "Ιστορία της Ο", ίσως μέσω ενός διαφορετικού πρίσματος. Όπως εκεί, έτσι κι εδώ, λειτουργεί μια λέσχη η οποία όμως, προσδιορίζει με διαφορετικό τρόπο την υποταγή. Ακριβώς το ίδιο ισχύει και συγκριτικά με τα υπόλοιπα erotica μυθιστορήματα που κυκλοφορούν, στην ελληνική τουλάχιστον αγορά. Η Κέισσι δεν είναι απλά πρωταγωνίστρια στην ιστορία της. Είναι πρωταγωνίστρια στις ίδιες τις φαντασιώσεις της. Δεν είναι εκείνη που πρέπει να υποταχθεί στις ανάγκες, τα θέλω και τις επιθυμίες κάποιου άντρα αλλά αντίθετα, οι άντρες που θα συναντήσει σε αυτό το σεξουαλικό ταξίδι απελευθέρωσης, είναι εκείνοι που πρέπει να ικανοποιήσουν κάθε μικρή ή μεγάλη της επιθυμία. Οι δοκιμασίες της, κατευθύνονται σύμφωνα με τα δικά της θέλω και κανένας δεν μπορεί να πράξει με τρόπο που εκείνη δεν επιθυμεί. Είναι ασφαλής, είναι ελεύθερη, έχει τον απόλυτο έλεγχο και όλο αυτό, καθορίζει τους κανόνες του παιχνιδιού τοποθετώντας τους σε ένα διαφορετικό επίπεδο.
Άλλο ένα ενδιαφέρον στοιχείο στην ιστορία είναι πως το S.E.C.R.E.T. μπορεί να είναι μια λέσχη ιδιαίτερου ενδιαφέροντος όμως δεν φαντάζει σκοτεινό κι επικίνδυνο. Αντίθετα, αγκαλιάζει την Κέισσι ως προστατευόμενή του και την κατευθύνει, όχι για να την ελέγξει αλλά για να την κάνει να ανακαλύψει ποια είναι. Δεν υπάρχουν περιορισμοί, δεν υπάρχουν κανόνες, δεν υπάρχει λάθος και τιμωρία. Το μόνο που έχει να κάνει εκείνη, είναι να ακολουθήσει τα δέκα βήματα που θα την οδηγήσουν στο να βρει τον πραγματικό της εαυτό, την ειλικρινή σεξουαλική της ταυτότητα και υπόσταση ή να υπαναχωρήσει όποια στιγμή εκείνη θέλει. Κανένας δεν μπορεί να την δεσμεύσει, κανείς δεν μπορεί να την εξαναγκάσει να μείνει. Το τι θα κάνει, είναι δικιά της επιλογή. Το ποια θα καταλήξει να είναι στο τέλος αυτού του ταξιδιού, βρίσκεται στα δικά της χέρια. Και η συγγραφέας μας επιβιβάζει στο ίδιο τρένο με την Κέισσι και μας αφήνει να είμαστε παρατηρητές της ιστορίας της χρησιμοποιώντας λόγο απλό, σέξι αλλά όχι πρόστυχο, στήνοντας ιστορίες που μπορεί να μην είναι απόλυτα λογικές ωστόσο, δεν είναι και απόλυτα παράλογες, ιστορίες που θα μπορούσαμε να κατακρίνουμε και όμως, δεν έχουμε καμία τέτοια πρόθεση στην πραγματικότητα.
Αν επιλέξετε λοιπόν να διαβάσετε το "S.e.c.r.e.t." σας παρακαλώ, κάντε μου μια χάρη. Ή μάλλον όχι! Κάντε μια χάρη στον εαυτό σας. Μην μπείτε στην διαδικασία να το συγκρίνετε με το "Πενήντα Αποχρώσεις", όχι γιατί είναι καλύτερο ή χειρότερο αλλά γιατί είναι τόσο διαφορετικά μεταξύ τους που πραγματικά, δεν υπάρχει λόγος να μπείτε σε μια τέτοια διαδικασία. Και γενικά, πάψτε να συγκρίνετε βιβλία μεταξύ τους επειδή βρίσκονται στην ίδια κατηγορία. Όταν ο πυρήνας είναι διαφορετικός η όποια σύγκριση, είναι ανούσια και ανώφελη. Προσωπικά, απόλαυσα αρκετά την ιστορία της Κέισσι και δεν σας κρύβω, πως έτσι όπως τελείωσε, ανυπομονώ να διαβάσω την συνέχειά της για να μάθω που τελικά θα καταλήξει στη ζωή της κι αν θα βρει αυτό που πραγματικά αναζητάει. Γιατί το να ξεκλειδώσουμε την σεξουαλική μας ταυτότητα, δεν είναι αρκετό για να καθορίσει ποιοι είμαστε και τι θέλουμε να κάνουμε. Μπορεί να είναι απλά η αφετηρία για μια νέα διαδρομή σκέψεων και ενδοσκόπησης που ποιος ξέρει... μπορεί να οδηγήσει οπουδήποτε.
Η Κέισσι λοιπόν είναι μια γυναίκα, όχι έφηβη ή στα πρώτα στάδια της ενήλικης ζωής της αλλά 35άρα, χήρα εδώ και τέσσερα χρόνια κι έχοντας να κάνει σεξ, ακόμα περισσότερα. Εργάζεται ως σερβιτόρα σε ένα καφέ και έχει παραμελήσει εντελώς τον εαυτό της, όχι μόνο την σεξουαλική της ζωή. Έχοντας πλαγιάσει με έναν και μόνο άντρα, που πάντα φρόντιζε να καταστρέφει την αυτοπεποίθησή της, η Κέισσι δεν αισθάνεται ασφαλής να ανοιχτεί και να δοκιμάσει νέες εμπειρίες, πόσω μάλλον, να αφεθεί σε μια νέα σχέση. Όλα αυτά βέβαια αλλάζουν όταν στον δρόμο της θα βρεθεί μια ώριμη γυναίκα η οποία είναι μέλος του S.E.C.R.E.T. μιας μυστικής και κλειστής λέσχης η οποία έχει ιδρυθεί με έναν και μοναδικό σκοπό. Να απελευθερώνει κάθε χρόνο μία γυναίκα, από τους φόβους, τα άγχη και τις ανασφάλειές της, να φέρει στην επιφάνεια την θαμμένη σεξουαλικότητά της και να ικανοποιήσει τις πιο μύχιες επιθυμίες της, αλλάζοντάς την μέσα κι έξω κι επιτρέποντάς της να ζήσει από την αρχή. Και φέτος, είναι η χρονιά της Κέισσι που δέχεται την πρόσκληση.
Όπως πολύ εύστοχα ανέφερε μια φίλη με την οποία συζητούσαμε για το εν λόγω βιβλίο, η υπόθεσή του, θυμίζει σε πολλά σημεία την "Ιστορία της Ο", ίσως μέσω ενός διαφορετικού πρίσματος. Όπως εκεί, έτσι κι εδώ, λειτουργεί μια λέσχη η οποία όμως, προσδιορίζει με διαφορετικό τρόπο την υποταγή. Ακριβώς το ίδιο ισχύει και συγκριτικά με τα υπόλοιπα erotica μυθιστορήματα που κυκλοφορούν, στην ελληνική τουλάχιστον αγορά. Η Κέισσι δεν είναι απλά πρωταγωνίστρια στην ιστορία της. Είναι πρωταγωνίστρια στις ίδιες τις φαντασιώσεις της. Δεν είναι εκείνη που πρέπει να υποταχθεί στις ανάγκες, τα θέλω και τις επιθυμίες κάποιου άντρα αλλά αντίθετα, οι άντρες που θα συναντήσει σε αυτό το σεξουαλικό ταξίδι απελευθέρωσης, είναι εκείνοι που πρέπει να ικανοποιήσουν κάθε μικρή ή μεγάλη της επιθυμία. Οι δοκιμασίες της, κατευθύνονται σύμφωνα με τα δικά της θέλω και κανένας δεν μπορεί να πράξει με τρόπο που εκείνη δεν επιθυμεί. Είναι ασφαλής, είναι ελεύθερη, έχει τον απόλυτο έλεγχο και όλο αυτό, καθορίζει τους κανόνες του παιχνιδιού τοποθετώντας τους σε ένα διαφορετικό επίπεδο.
Άλλο ένα ενδιαφέρον στοιχείο στην ιστορία είναι πως το S.E.C.R.E.T. μπορεί να είναι μια λέσχη ιδιαίτερου ενδιαφέροντος όμως δεν φαντάζει σκοτεινό κι επικίνδυνο. Αντίθετα, αγκαλιάζει την Κέισσι ως προστατευόμενή του και την κατευθύνει, όχι για να την ελέγξει αλλά για να την κάνει να ανακαλύψει ποια είναι. Δεν υπάρχουν περιορισμοί, δεν υπάρχουν κανόνες, δεν υπάρχει λάθος και τιμωρία. Το μόνο που έχει να κάνει εκείνη, είναι να ακολουθήσει τα δέκα βήματα που θα την οδηγήσουν στο να βρει τον πραγματικό της εαυτό, την ειλικρινή σεξουαλική της ταυτότητα και υπόσταση ή να υπαναχωρήσει όποια στιγμή εκείνη θέλει. Κανένας δεν μπορεί να την δεσμεύσει, κανείς δεν μπορεί να την εξαναγκάσει να μείνει. Το τι θα κάνει, είναι δικιά της επιλογή. Το ποια θα καταλήξει να είναι στο τέλος αυτού του ταξιδιού, βρίσκεται στα δικά της χέρια. Και η συγγραφέας μας επιβιβάζει στο ίδιο τρένο με την Κέισσι και μας αφήνει να είμαστε παρατηρητές της ιστορίας της χρησιμοποιώντας λόγο απλό, σέξι αλλά όχι πρόστυχο, στήνοντας ιστορίες που μπορεί να μην είναι απόλυτα λογικές ωστόσο, δεν είναι και απόλυτα παράλογες, ιστορίες που θα μπορούσαμε να κατακρίνουμε και όμως, δεν έχουμε καμία τέτοια πρόθεση στην πραγματικότητα.
Αν επιλέξετε λοιπόν να διαβάσετε το "S.e.c.r.e.t." σας παρακαλώ, κάντε μου μια χάρη. Ή μάλλον όχι! Κάντε μια χάρη στον εαυτό σας. Μην μπείτε στην διαδικασία να το συγκρίνετε με το "Πενήντα Αποχρώσεις", όχι γιατί είναι καλύτερο ή χειρότερο αλλά γιατί είναι τόσο διαφορετικά μεταξύ τους που πραγματικά, δεν υπάρχει λόγος να μπείτε σε μια τέτοια διαδικασία. Και γενικά, πάψτε να συγκρίνετε βιβλία μεταξύ τους επειδή βρίσκονται στην ίδια κατηγορία. Όταν ο πυρήνας είναι διαφορετικός η όποια σύγκριση, είναι ανούσια και ανώφελη. Προσωπικά, απόλαυσα αρκετά την ιστορία της Κέισσι και δεν σας κρύβω, πως έτσι όπως τελείωσε, ανυπομονώ να διαβάσω την συνέχειά της για να μάθω που τελικά θα καταλήξει στη ζωή της κι αν θα βρει αυτό που πραγματικά αναζητάει. Γιατί το να ξεκλειδώσουμε την σεξουαλική μας ταυτότητα, δεν είναι αρκετό για να καθορίσει ποιοι είμαστε και τι θέλουμε να κάνουμε. Μπορεί να είναι απλά η αφετηρία για μια νέα διαδρομή σκέψεων και ενδοσκόπησης που ποιος ξέρει... μπορεί να οδηγήσει οπουδήποτε.
January 28, 2013
Rating: 4 out of 5
S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline
Warning: this is not a love story.
For those who have picked up the book, thinking to read a nice erotic romance, beware that this is not a love story. There is erotica, there is romance, but you may be disappointed if you expect something more. This is about a woman’s sexual emancipation.
The protagonist Cassie is a 35-ish year old woman whose husband of 14 years died a bit more than 5 years ago, and she is finding it hard to find herself after years of unhappy/mediocre marriage. For a woman who had only ever been with one man – the deceased, sometimes abusive and unhappy husband – she takes extraordinary steps to become more empowered and this she does through freeing herself sexually.
All this starts with a journal that’s been accidentally left at the café Cassie works in. When she reads bits and pieces of it, she is surprised and shocked to read what the content is about. When she gives back the journal, she is approached by a woman who offers her a card and an offer to join the club. This introduces her to a world that brings back her confidence, trust and love in herself.
There were many things I liked about the book. Things that had to do with her fantasies and just funny snippets that made me laugh out aloud. For example, I loved how Adeline describes Cassie’s five years of celibacy like it is a living thing. She compares it to a dog following her around, like Five Years slinked down the road behind me. Five Years lay down at my feet during my date... It was so amusing.
I also liked the ending. I liked how Adeline did something so out of the blue, and that she did so with no sequels waiting. It made this book different for me. Different from all the other contemporary romances and erotica. Having said that, I’d understand why other may feel dissatisfied with the ending. But for me, the ending fit in perfectly with the idea of her not being so dependent on someone else. I felt like she had to enjoy this power she has over herself away from S.E.C.R.E.T. before she could truly be happy with someone in her life.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Crown Publishing.
S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline
Warning: this is not a love story.
For those who have picked up the book, thinking to read a nice erotic romance, beware that this is not a love story. There is erotica, there is romance, but you may be disappointed if you expect something more. This is about a woman’s sexual emancipation.
The protagonist Cassie is a 35-ish year old woman whose husband of 14 years died a bit more than 5 years ago, and she is finding it hard to find herself after years of unhappy/mediocre marriage. For a woman who had only ever been with one man – the deceased, sometimes abusive and unhappy husband – she takes extraordinary steps to become more empowered and this she does through freeing herself sexually.
All this starts with a journal that’s been accidentally left at the café Cassie works in. When she reads bits and pieces of it, she is surprised and shocked to read what the content is about. When she gives back the journal, she is approached by a woman who offers her a card and an offer to join the club. This introduces her to a world that brings back her confidence, trust and love in herself.
There were many things I liked about the book. Things that had to do with her fantasies and just funny snippets that made me laugh out aloud. For example, I loved how Adeline describes Cassie’s five years of celibacy like it is a living thing. She compares it to a dog following her around, like Five Years slinked down the road behind me. Five Years lay down at my feet during my date... It was so amusing.
I also liked the ending. I liked how Adeline did something so out of the blue, and that she did so with no sequels waiting. It made this book different for me. Different from all the other contemporary romances and erotica. Having said that, I’d understand why other may feel dissatisfied with the ending. But for me, the ending fit in perfectly with the idea of her not being so dependent on someone else. I felt like she had to enjoy this power she has over herself away from S.E.C.R.E.T. before she could truly be happy with someone in her life.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Crown Publishing.
April 19, 2021
Не беше лоша книжката, малко странна - доста странна. Имаше поучителни неща, но това цялото общество ми бяха буквално като някоя секта. Честно казано и аз не знам какво точно мисля за историята, има някои неща, които те карат да се замислиш като например: да вярваме повече в себе си, да се научим да се обичаме т.н. Но всичко останало със срещите и стъпките, които се изпълняваха, беше доста странно. Краят....неочаквах, че Уил така ще предаде Каси, тъкмо им се зарадвах, защото буквално цяла книга Каси се готви за него и накрая не успяха да си се нарадват, случи се тази "глупост" с Трачина....ама пък ако не беше това, нямаше как да се заформи история за 2ра книга. Силно се надявам двамата да се събират във втората, защото още отначалото си личи, че има химия между тях и си подхождат.
August 19, 2017
SECRET 5 stars
it comes out today, Feb. 5 2013
Ok. Let me start out by saying…this is not my usual genre of book. I am not judging, just saying.
I had seen this book once before I decided to try and get it for review. I passed it by because it is an erotic book.
Then one day I saw it again and decided I would try for it because it was supposed to be a different kind of erotic book, one where the woman had all the control, I was intrigued. Then upon further research I realized it took place in New Orleans. Boom, I was in. I used to live in NOLA many years ago and have often missed my old southern home, not to mention my little brother now lives and plays music professionally there. If nothing else I could read about my former beloved home and have my own erotic dreams….about oyster po’boys!
Cassie Robichaud is recently widowed and waitresing at the rundown café Rose in the quarter. Her now dead husband, towards the end was a mean drunk and this has left Cassie feeling down & depressed. She often daydreams about the customers who come in the café and one particular day she notices this couple, the woman is glowing and looks so in love, as Cassie wistfully clears the dishes after they have gone she notices a small, slim book on the floor, it is a journal. She opens it to find a name so she can return it but she finds it is a sexual journal, fascinated she turns a few pages and sees “steps 1 through 10” and some very explicit entries, she slams it shut & puts it away. Days later the woman whose journal she found comes back in with a wonderfully dressed elderly woman, she returns the journal and feels some kind of connection with this SECRET society whatever it is. And so begins Cassie’s sexual awakening. Starting with step one.
So I am reading along and as Cassie gets to step 2, which is to meet an anonymous stranger and hear a jazz band play at Halo, a rooftop bar at the Saint Hotel I read this; “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band” was going to be playing tonight. SAY WHAT? What did I just read? I re-read it again & proceeded to flip out. “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band” is my brothers band!! Just mentioned in a book!! But not just any book, an erotic book!!
The entire passage was “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band was going to be playing tonight, but they hadn't yet taken the stage. I had heard them before at the Blue Nile. I loved the lead singer, a quirky girl with a shaved head and a powerful, hypnotic voice”
I then had to contact the family and report John’s band, was in this book I was reviewing! I have three little brothers. I am the oldest and only girl ( I know! ) so to tell them and my mother that John’s band was in an erotic book was, well… quite comical!
But I digress... As Cassie goes through all 10 steps of the “SECRET” which is a secret, wealthy society formed specifically for women, by women to help empower them sexually, the motto being: “No judgements, No limits, No shame” she does become confident and more self assured. There is no happily ever after with a man in this first book but, with more books to come in this series, and more sexual adventures, I think Cassie will one day find her true self and get her happy back.
I very much enjoyed the premise of the book, empowering women. I also enjoyed the story, fun characters and especially the wonderful detail of New Orleans, the quarter, the smells, sights, the wonderful people as well as talk of Mardi Gras (which is the 2 weeks before ash Wednesday and going on now people!)
would this book have gotten 5 stars had my brother's band not been mentioned? yes it would but I suggest you read the book and find out for yourself!
I will be reading Ms. Adeline's books in the future...:)
P.S. you can find out all about “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band” here: Hey, he’s my brother. A little shameless plugging is ok…:)
http://www.smokingtimejazzclub.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/smoking...
http://www.myspace.com/smokingtimejaz...
And if you are in New Orleans see them live at:
The Maison on Saturdays 7 to 10 pm
508 Frenchman St. New Orleans
and
The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St. New Orleans
1st and 5th Tuesdays of every month 10 pm to 2 am
2nd and 5th Thursdays of every month 10 pm to 2 am
it comes out today, Feb. 5 2013
Ok. Let me start out by saying…this is not my usual genre of book. I am not judging, just saying.
I had seen this book once before I decided to try and get it for review. I passed it by because it is an erotic book.
Then one day I saw it again and decided I would try for it because it was supposed to be a different kind of erotic book, one where the woman had all the control, I was intrigued. Then upon further research I realized it took place in New Orleans. Boom, I was in. I used to live in NOLA many years ago and have often missed my old southern home, not to mention my little brother now lives and plays music professionally there. If nothing else I could read about my former beloved home and have my own erotic dreams….about oyster po’boys!
Cassie Robichaud is recently widowed and waitresing at the rundown café Rose in the quarter. Her now dead husband, towards the end was a mean drunk and this has left Cassie feeling down & depressed. She often daydreams about the customers who come in the café and one particular day she notices this couple, the woman is glowing and looks so in love, as Cassie wistfully clears the dishes after they have gone she notices a small, slim book on the floor, it is a journal. She opens it to find a name so she can return it but she finds it is a sexual journal, fascinated she turns a few pages and sees “steps 1 through 10” and some very explicit entries, she slams it shut & puts it away. Days later the woman whose journal she found comes back in with a wonderfully dressed elderly woman, she returns the journal and feels some kind of connection with this SECRET society whatever it is. And so begins Cassie’s sexual awakening. Starting with step one.
So I am reading along and as Cassie gets to step 2, which is to meet an anonymous stranger and hear a jazz band play at Halo, a rooftop bar at the Saint Hotel I read this; “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band” was going to be playing tonight. SAY WHAT? What did I just read? I re-read it again & proceeded to flip out. “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band” is my brothers band!! Just mentioned in a book!! But not just any book, an erotic book!!
The entire passage was “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band was going to be playing tonight, but they hadn't yet taken the stage. I had heard them before at the Blue Nile. I loved the lead singer, a quirky girl with a shaved head and a powerful, hypnotic voice”
I then had to contact the family and report John’s band, was in this book I was reviewing! I have three little brothers. I am the oldest and only girl ( I know! ) so to tell them and my mother that John’s band was in an erotic book was, well… quite comical!
But I digress... As Cassie goes through all 10 steps of the “SECRET” which is a secret, wealthy society formed specifically for women, by women to help empower them sexually, the motto being: “No judgements, No limits, No shame” she does become confident and more self assured. There is no happily ever after with a man in this first book but, with more books to come in this series, and more sexual adventures, I think Cassie will one day find her true self and get her happy back.
I very much enjoyed the premise of the book, empowering women. I also enjoyed the story, fun characters and especially the wonderful detail of New Orleans, the quarter, the smells, sights, the wonderful people as well as talk of Mardi Gras (which is the 2 weeks before ash Wednesday and going on now people!)
would this book have gotten 5 stars had my brother's band not been mentioned? yes it would but I suggest you read the book and find out for yourself!
I will be reading Ms. Adeline's books in the future...:)
P.S. you can find out all about “The Smoking Time Jazz Club Band” here: Hey, he’s my brother. A little shameless plugging is ok…:)
http://www.smokingtimejazzclub.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/smoking...
http://www.myspace.com/smokingtimejaz...
And if you are in New Orleans see them live at:
The Maison on Saturdays 7 to 10 pm
508 Frenchman St. New Orleans
and
The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St. New Orleans
1st and 5th Tuesdays of every month 10 pm to 2 am
2nd and 5th Thursdays of every month 10 pm to 2 am
September 11, 2013
10 Steps. 9 Fantasies and 1 decision.
No judgment. No Limits. No Shame.
S.E.C.R.E.T. is intriguing; it's a journey that pushes the boundaries of self-discovery.
Step One: Surrender/ Step Two: Courage/ Step Three: Trust/ Step Four: Generosity/ Step Five: Fearlessness/ Step Six: Confidence/ Step Seven: Curiosity/ Step Eight: Bravery/ Step Nine: Exuberance/ Step Ten: The Choice
A secret society of women, 12 months, 1 recruit, 10 steps, 9 fantasies, and 1 decision. The society's newest recruit is a rundown waitress, going nowhere fast. Cassie couldn't remember the last time she looked into the mirror and saw the fun vibrant personality; she once was, looking back at her. She is the perfect candidate. With the guidance of the counsel and some added incentive, Cassie is given the means to discard and repair her damaged self-worth and esteem. The concept of S.E.C.R.E.T. is alluring to say the least. Think about it, is there really a woman as broken down as Cassie out there who wouldn't want a new lease on life. Especially if that life came without out any form of judgment or limits. For me, the fact that each step is tailored specifically to certain personality characteristics is fascinating (it wasn't just about the sexual gratification), the fantasy had to challenge something about yourself and affect your inner persona in a positive manner. The society custom designs these fantasies and scenarios to coincide perfectly with the challenge and personal struggle Cassie felt she faced in re-finding her identity. Once the contract was signed, sealed, and delivered Cassie flew blind. She wasn't allowed even the tiniest minute detail. In addition, the identity of the others involved must always be kept a secret; never can the fantasy take on a personal twist. In the end, it all came down to whether or not Cassie had the courage and desire to be whole and vital again. This alone was my absolute favorite part about this adventure. I had so much fun following her journey, and if she completed the task, I cheered her on. I felt as though I was living my own fantasy through Cassie.
"Sexual Emancipation of Cassie Robichaud. Exciting Times."
Overall, on my second read through I found I liked it much better than the first time; however, I still didn't love it as much as I thought I would. S.E.C.R.E.T. had the capacity to be extremely naughty and scorching. Unfortunately, I never quite reached this stage; I think the reason for this is I struggled in my connection with the heroine while she was physically involved in her fantasies. Outside of those fantasies, I absolutely adored her, and I often related with her. The fantasies felt lacking in description, the chemistry and interactions she felt with the men just didn't hold up to its potential. Even though Cassie was meeting strangers, the encounters should have still held a seductive and tantalizing edge to them. Sadly, the fantasy's that involved no physical penetration were hotter than the ones that did. Those seemed to carry a more descriptive and alluring feel to them, however those scenes still lack the push they needed to be downright dirty! With that said, I have to give the author tons of credit because each scene she wrote was unique and creative. I just needed a bit more oomph.
I would recommend this book on the first half of my review and the plot alone.
Thank you, Caroline Ambuhl & Sullivan and Partners, for providing me with an ARC of S.E.C.R.E.T. in exchange for my honest opinion.
No judgment. No Limits. No Shame.
S.E.C.R.E.T. is intriguing; it's a journey that pushes the boundaries of self-discovery.
Step One: Surrender/ Step Two: Courage/ Step Three: Trust/ Step Four: Generosity/ Step Five: Fearlessness/ Step Six: Confidence/ Step Seven: Curiosity/ Step Eight: Bravery/ Step Nine: Exuberance/ Step Ten: The Choice
A secret society of women, 12 months, 1 recruit, 10 steps, 9 fantasies, and 1 decision. The society's newest recruit is a rundown waitress, going nowhere fast. Cassie couldn't remember the last time she looked into the mirror and saw the fun vibrant personality; she once was, looking back at her. She is the perfect candidate. With the guidance of the counsel and some added incentive, Cassie is given the means to discard and repair her damaged self-worth and esteem. The concept of S.E.C.R.E.T. is alluring to say the least. Think about it, is there really a woman as broken down as Cassie out there who wouldn't want a new lease on life. Especially if that life came without out any form of judgment or limits. For me, the fact that each step is tailored specifically to certain personality characteristics is fascinating (it wasn't just about the sexual gratification), the fantasy had to challenge something about yourself and affect your inner persona in a positive manner. The society custom designs these fantasies and scenarios to coincide perfectly with the challenge and personal struggle Cassie felt she faced in re-finding her identity. Once the contract was signed, sealed, and delivered Cassie flew blind. She wasn't allowed even the tiniest minute detail. In addition, the identity of the others involved must always be kept a secret; never can the fantasy take on a personal twist. In the end, it all came down to whether or not Cassie had the courage and desire to be whole and vital again. This alone was my absolute favorite part about this adventure. I had so much fun following her journey, and if she completed the task, I cheered her on. I felt as though I was living my own fantasy through Cassie.
"Sexual Emancipation of Cassie Robichaud. Exciting Times."
Overall, on my second read through I found I liked it much better than the first time; however, I still didn't love it as much as I thought I would. S.E.C.R.E.T. had the capacity to be extremely naughty and scorching. Unfortunately, I never quite reached this stage; I think the reason for this is I struggled in my connection with the heroine while she was physically involved in her fantasies. Outside of those fantasies, I absolutely adored her, and I often related with her. The fantasies felt lacking in description, the chemistry and interactions she felt with the men just didn't hold up to its potential. Even though Cassie was meeting strangers, the encounters should have still held a seductive and tantalizing edge to them. Sadly, the fantasy's that involved no physical penetration were hotter than the ones that did. Those seemed to carry a more descriptive and alluring feel to them, however those scenes still lack the push they needed to be downright dirty! With that said, I have to give the author tons of credit because each scene she wrote was unique and creative. I just needed a bit more oomph.
I would recommend this book on the first half of my review and the plot alone.
Thank you, Caroline Ambuhl & Sullivan and Partners, for providing me with an ARC of S.E.C.R.E.T. in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 23, 2013
Loved this book!!!
It is under erotica but it is so much more than that! It has a story, it has emotions, it has great character build up.
I don't like to write what the book is about in my reviews because I believe if you read it yourself, you will love it.
Cassie did not have an easy life. Her marriage wasn't that great, her husband abusive and an alcoholic. When he dies Cassie doesn't feel any better. She lives her life the same, wasting away, doing the exact same thing every day, including working at a Cafe.
I was excited when Cassie found the S.E.C.R.E.T notebook but a little disappointed she didn't read more of it. Not sure if I would either though.
I was surprised when Cassie agreed to join S.E.C.R.E.T but excited at the same time! She had to fill out sheets writing out her fantasies. Every few weeks, one of her fantasies came true. And oh the fantasies!!! So hot, and oh so exciting!!!
A lot of women can relate to this book. If you don't feel great about yourself or if you feel down for any other reason, read this book. You will enjoy it. I hope that these kind of underground groups do exist and if they do damn I am sorry I wasn't a member of one myself! Which woman doesn't have a fantasy? Imagine if it could become a reality! Would you second guess yourself before each fantasy? I would, Cassie did but she went for it.
There is so much more to this book than just the fantasies. There is Will, the cafe owner and his girlfriend. There is S.E.C.R.E.T....will Cassie end up joining S.E.C.R.E.T after her fantasies are completed or will she choose one of the men?
The ending was great. Love a cliffhanger. I need more. Now.
It is under erotica but it is so much more than that! It has a story, it has emotions, it has great character build up.
I don't like to write what the book is about in my reviews because I believe if you read it yourself, you will love it.
Cassie did not have an easy life. Her marriage wasn't that great, her husband abusive and an alcoholic. When he dies Cassie doesn't feel any better. She lives her life the same, wasting away, doing the exact same thing every day, including working at a Cafe.
I was excited when Cassie found the S.E.C.R.E.T notebook but a little disappointed she didn't read more of it. Not sure if I would either though.
I was surprised when Cassie agreed to join S.E.C.R.E.T but excited at the same time! She had to fill out sheets writing out her fantasies. Every few weeks, one of her fantasies came true. And oh the fantasies!!! So hot, and oh so exciting!!!
A lot of women can relate to this book. If you don't feel great about yourself or if you feel down for any other reason, read this book. You will enjoy it. I hope that these kind of underground groups do exist and if they do damn I am sorry I wasn't a member of one myself! Which woman doesn't have a fantasy? Imagine if it could become a reality! Would you second guess yourself before each fantasy? I would, Cassie did but she went for it.
There is so much more to this book than just the fantasies. There is Will, the cafe owner and his girlfriend. There is S.E.C.R.E.T....will Cassie end up joining S.E.C.R.E.T after her fantasies are completed or will she choose one of the men?
The ending was great. Love a cliffhanger. I need more. Now.
December 19, 2012
4.5 Stars
This 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!
This 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!
February 6, 2013
I was a little excited about reading this book. And I was going to give it 3 stars...until the end. I hate the ending. For a book that's all about fantasy it's a bitch slap back to the real world, which was not what I was anticipating and definitely not appreciated.
Call me greedy, but I want the empowerment of women and the happily ever after, not just one or the other.
Call me greedy, but I want the empowerment of women and the happily ever after, not just one or the other.
April 2, 2015
Not a big deal (Jesse is a cutie, btw) but the last three pages...
Will no :'(
I have to read the next book.
Will no :'(
I have to read the next book.
June 17, 2020
Nope, not for me, thank you very much.
June 9, 2013
Wow. This book was an incredible rollercoaster ride, following the sexual emancipation of heroine Cassie. I had trouble putting it down. After a sad marriage to a man who treated her ill, Cassie is lonely and fearful and listing. When a mysterious woman loses her sexy journal and Cassie finds it, she becomes privy to a secret club that helps women regain their mojo through having their lusty fantasies fulfilled. This isn't just a hot book, though. It has layers, with Cassie's sweet boss Will, her backstory with her husband and all the mystery men who cater to her. BEWARE: there is a twist I never saw coming, and it had my gut churning! Oh, Cassie! What a read!
May 11, 2018
This was....Just such a cliche. The writing style is comparable to Fifty shades of Grey, since there seems to be a mania after that book came out. The plot is bland, not exciting and kind of weird. I didn't care for it.
March 17, 2013
just because of the ending...
March 8, 2013
REVIEW: S.E.C.R.E.T. is the first storyline in L.Marie Adeline’s new series focusing on a secret club for women only. The premise is such that experienced women who have previously gone through the ten-step sexual program will mentor one new recruit per year. The recruits are women who are deemed ‘worthy’ of the S.E.C.R.E.T society.
S.E.C.R.E.T. is an acronym Safe, Erotic, Compelling, Romantic, Ecstatic and Transformative. The club is run by women for women who want to experience their sexual fantasies without fear of retribution or intimidation. Each step requires their acceptance and the sexual fantasy must be played out to its end. And for each successful conclusion, the women are ‘awarded’ a gold charm symbolizing another step in their sexual transformation and liberation.
The reader is taken on one woman’s journey through S.E.C.R.E.T.’s ten step program -35 year old widow Cassie Robichaud-as she struggles with her daily life. Accepting an offer to join S.E.C.R.E.T, Cassie endeavors to step outside of her comfort zone to experience the fantasies she has only ever dreamt of. We watch as each ‘step’ brings Cassie closer to the realization that there is more to life than the daily grind.
The storyline had promise but fell flat in many areas. First and foremost, it has been described as a more mature Fifty Shades-but it does not come close to being in the same category or similar premise. The sex scenes are stilted and almost robotic; too quick to come to fruition; and the detail is limited. The sexual fantasy scenarios could have been played up with more energy, more descriptive narration and more steam. In the end, I was left ‘unfulfilled’. Another area not addressed are the men involved in the sexual fantasies. There is never any explanation as to ‘how’ these men became involved with S.E.C.R.E.T. and in most cases we do not know anything about their characters. They are simply the epitome of a fantasy lover and a means to an orgasm. There are two willing men who have the potential for something more permanent, but rules of the ‘club’ state that once a relationship is established off-side, the woman is forbidden to continue on her sexual journey with S.E.C.R.E.T.
The character of Cassis is searching for something in her life, and when she finally figures out who and what she wants, she is blind sided and suffers terrible heart ache at the expense of someone with whom she has fallen in love. The town of New Orleans is the setting for S.E.C.R.E.T. and many of Cassie’s acquaintances are part of the club. She will meet up with the men and women who create her fantasy but in the end, it is Cassie who must make the decision about whom and what she wants.
S.E.C.R.E.T. is an interesting storyline that failed to reach its potential. I can only hope that the author L.Marie Adeline (not her real name) brings in a more descriptive storyline for the second instalment because the first book barely scratched the surface of what could have been a great story.
See all of my reviews at thereadingcafe.com
S.E.C.R.E.T. is an acronym Safe, Erotic, Compelling, Romantic, Ecstatic and Transformative. The club is run by women for women who want to experience their sexual fantasies without fear of retribution or intimidation. Each step requires their acceptance and the sexual fantasy must be played out to its end. And for each successful conclusion, the women are ‘awarded’ a gold charm symbolizing another step in their sexual transformation and liberation.
The reader is taken on one woman’s journey through S.E.C.R.E.T.’s ten step program -35 year old widow Cassie Robichaud-as she struggles with her daily life. Accepting an offer to join S.E.C.R.E.T, Cassie endeavors to step outside of her comfort zone to experience the fantasies she has only ever dreamt of. We watch as each ‘step’ brings Cassie closer to the realization that there is more to life than the daily grind.
The storyline had promise but fell flat in many areas. First and foremost, it has been described as a more mature Fifty Shades-but it does not come close to being in the same category or similar premise. The sex scenes are stilted and almost robotic; too quick to come to fruition; and the detail is limited. The sexual fantasy scenarios could have been played up with more energy, more descriptive narration and more steam. In the end, I was left ‘unfulfilled’. Another area not addressed are the men involved in the sexual fantasies. There is never any explanation as to ‘how’ these men became involved with S.E.C.R.E.T. and in most cases we do not know anything about their characters. They are simply the epitome of a fantasy lover and a means to an orgasm. There are two willing men who have the potential for something more permanent, but rules of the ‘club’ state that once a relationship is established off-side, the woman is forbidden to continue on her sexual journey with S.E.C.R.E.T.
The character of Cassis is searching for something in her life, and when she finally figures out who and what she wants, she is blind sided and suffers terrible heart ache at the expense of someone with whom she has fallen in love. The town of New Orleans is the setting for S.E.C.R.E.T. and many of Cassie’s acquaintances are part of the club. She will meet up with the men and women who create her fantasy but in the end, it is Cassie who must make the decision about whom and what she wants.
S.E.C.R.E.T. is an interesting storyline that failed to reach its potential. I can only hope that the author L.Marie Adeline (not her real name) brings in a more descriptive storyline for the second instalment because the first book barely scratched the surface of what could have been a great story.
See all of my reviews at thereadingcafe.com
March 7, 2013
Depois de uma campanha de marketing excepcional eis que finalmente o véu de mistério se levanta para que todos possam descobrir este tão famoso segredo. Numa altura em que o que mais se encontra no mercado português são os livros eróticos, com uma premissa mais ou menos semelhante, vem agora até nós algo ligeiramente diferente. L. Marie Adeline, pseudónimo da uma famosa jornalista canadense Lisa Gabrielle, através de uma inversão de papéis acaba por conseguir escrever uma história um pouco diferente daquelas a que estamos habituados e, apesar de tudo se mover dentro do género erótico, a ideia de que é a mulher a ter o controlo acaba por favorecer todo o enredo.
Esta é uma historia que, apesar de se apresentar escrita de uma forma muito simples, dei por mim completamente presa ao livro, a desejar saber como tudo iria terminar e, mesmo tendo uma personagem feminina que ao inicio parecia demasiado tímida para preencher o papel de protagonista, aos poucos ela foi-se desembaraçando de toda a vergonha e começando a desejar pelo momento de avançar para o próximo passo. Este é sem dúvida um livro que fará suspirar muitas das mulheres espalhadas pelo nosso país, o desejo de comandar uma relação e de concretizar as suas fantasias mais íntimas irá fazer com que muitas das leitoras femininas tenham vontade de elas próprias se inscreverem numa sociedade secreta e despiram-se de preconceitos. Em relação às outras personagens, acabei por achar Will um pouco apagado se pensarmos na importância dele no livro e Tracina, apesar vilã, acabou por me proporcionar alguns momentos divertidos, aos quais penso que ninguém ficará indiferente.
Em todo o livro, nada me desapontou, com a excepção do final. Não consigo explicar muito bem, apenas fiquei com uma sensação enorme de vazio em relação aos acontecimentos que a a autora nos apresentou. Depois de um livro que tanto apostou pela originalidade, é-nos apresentado um final muito fechado, em que pouco ou nada deixa a desejar em relação à vontade de ler o próximo volume. É apenas devido a isto que, para a mim, este livro não pode ser classificado com pontuação máxima, a forma demasiadamente apressada como tudo se passou poderia nem sequer existir e a autoria ganharia muito mais em apresentar aqueles acontecimentos no início do segundo livro.De qualquer forma, aqui estarei à espera para descobrir como a autora irá desembaraçar-se das complicações que apresentou no final do livro. L. Marie Adeline, aqui ficarei à espera do segundo livro com a esperança de que tudo melhore para a protagonista. Ela bem que vai precisar de alguma sorte e de um empurrão bastante forte para levantar a cabeça e agir em conformidade com o sucedido.
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
Esta é uma historia que, apesar de se apresentar escrita de uma forma muito simples, dei por mim completamente presa ao livro, a desejar saber como tudo iria terminar e, mesmo tendo uma personagem feminina que ao inicio parecia demasiado tímida para preencher o papel de protagonista, aos poucos ela foi-se desembaraçando de toda a vergonha e começando a desejar pelo momento de avançar para o próximo passo. Este é sem dúvida um livro que fará suspirar muitas das mulheres espalhadas pelo nosso país, o desejo de comandar uma relação e de concretizar as suas fantasias mais íntimas irá fazer com que muitas das leitoras femininas tenham vontade de elas próprias se inscreverem numa sociedade secreta e despiram-se de preconceitos. Em relação às outras personagens, acabei por achar Will um pouco apagado se pensarmos na importância dele no livro e Tracina, apesar vilã, acabou por me proporcionar alguns momentos divertidos, aos quais penso que ninguém ficará indiferente.
Em todo o livro, nada me desapontou, com a excepção do final. Não consigo explicar muito bem, apenas fiquei com uma sensação enorme de vazio em relação aos acontecimentos que a a autora nos apresentou. Depois de um livro que tanto apostou pela originalidade, é-nos apresentado um final muito fechado, em que pouco ou nada deixa a desejar em relação à vontade de ler o próximo volume. É apenas devido a isto que, para a mim, este livro não pode ser classificado com pontuação máxima, a forma demasiadamente apressada como tudo se passou poderia nem sequer existir e a autoria ganharia muito mais em apresentar aqueles acontecimentos no início do segundo livro.De qualquer forma, aqui estarei à espera para descobrir como a autora irá desembaraçar-se das complicações que apresentou no final do livro. L. Marie Adeline, aqui ficarei à espera do segundo livro com a esperança de que tudo melhore para a protagonista. Ela bem que vai precisar de alguma sorte e de um empurrão bastante forte para levantar a cabeça e agir em conformidade com o sucedido.
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
February 6, 2014
As someone who is NOT a fan of 50 Shades but a fan and long time reader of erotic fiction I was hesitant to read S.E.C.R.E.T because of the hoopla surrounding it. Popular does not always equate with good and since I found the so called steamy sex scenes in 50 Shades to be very clinical and unsexy, I was expecting much of the same from this story.
My friend Andrea messaged me one day to say that I HAD to read it! It had blown her away. Now, mostly Andrea and I have different tastes in everything from reading material to music but occasionally we come together on something and when we do….. oh boy! Thus was the case with S.E.C.R.E.T. I am so glad she recommended it to me, I only regret that I didn’t read it months ago when I first got it.
Set in New Orleans, S.E.C.R.E.T tells the story of Cassie Robichaud, a widow who has fallen into the rut of going to work and going home and having the hots for her boss. One day she discovers a secret group run by some very passionate women. This group believes that all women should be comfortable in their own skin, confident in their strength and beauty as well as in charge of their own sexual experiences. Because most women aren’t comfortable with all of that, this group helps women to gain it all through secret meetings that fulfill their wildest dreams and desires.
When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure I liked the heroine (Cassie) by the end I still wasn’t sure if I did or not. Mostly because she reminded me a lot of myself I’m guessing. But over all I really enjoyed the story. The sex scenes may be short but they are definitely tantalizing, hot and steamy. The story takes place in New Orleans which becomes as much a character as the people are. It certainly has given me several ideas of restaurants and places to visit when I travel there in May.
I had this book sitting in my TBR pile for months but after reading it I had to order the second one immediately and am now anxiously awaiting the third installment. Was I excited to hear that I don’t have to wait until 2015 for it!
If you’re looking for a sexy beach read for your winter vacation or to escape the snow outside then I highly recommend giving this one a try.
And if you happen to know of such a club existing………
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 Reads.
My friend Andrea messaged me one day to say that I HAD to read it! It had blown her away. Now, mostly Andrea and I have different tastes in everything from reading material to music but occasionally we come together on something and when we do….. oh boy! Thus was the case with S.E.C.R.E.T. I am so glad she recommended it to me, I only regret that I didn’t read it months ago when I first got it.
Set in New Orleans, S.E.C.R.E.T tells the story of Cassie Robichaud, a widow who has fallen into the rut of going to work and going home and having the hots for her boss. One day she discovers a secret group run by some very passionate women. This group believes that all women should be comfortable in their own skin, confident in their strength and beauty as well as in charge of their own sexual experiences. Because most women aren’t comfortable with all of that, this group helps women to gain it all through secret meetings that fulfill their wildest dreams and desires.
When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure I liked the heroine (Cassie) by the end I still wasn’t sure if I did or not. Mostly because she reminded me a lot of myself I’m guessing. But over all I really enjoyed the story. The sex scenes may be short but they are definitely tantalizing, hot and steamy. The story takes place in New Orleans which becomes as much a character as the people are. It certainly has given me several ideas of restaurants and places to visit when I travel there in May.
I had this book sitting in my TBR pile for months but after reading it I had to order the second one immediately and am now anxiously awaiting the third installment. Was I excited to hear that I don’t have to wait until 2015 for it!
If you’re looking for a sexy beach read for your winter vacation or to escape the snow outside then I highly recommend giving this one a try.
And if you happen to know of such a club existing………
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 Reads.
January 16, 2013
Unbelievable. Mesmerizing. Erotica that leaves a lot to the imagination, that exists to drive the story forward, that's exceptionally well-written (by we-don't-know-who as the author is using a pseudonym and is still anonymous).
Written with strength and a concise understanding of human nature and the power of women to support and help each other to reach their potential.
Cassie Robichaud's life has become drab and lifeless just like the brown shirt she wears to waitress at a small New Orleans Cafe. That's until she finds a journal accidentally dropped by one of her customers. The intriguing contents lead her into a voyage of sexual and emotional self-discovery. She is invited to join a women's group called S.E.C.R.E.T., which exists to challenge it's members to reach out of themselves, accept challenges to their existence that will bring out their true natures, and help them to live a life of No Judgements, No Shame, No Regrets through sexual discovery.
While I found the book started a bit slowly, as I read more, I realized it had to in order to set the stage. For, as Cassie's life expands and becomes more vivid, so speeds up the pace of the novel. When I was done, in less than 8 hours, I felt a bit bereft, like I wanted more. But, Cassie's journey was over.
'Maybe that's what all women do, from time to time. Beneath our everyday costumes, we're all filled with the same fears and anxieties...The feeling flooding my heart at this moment was gratitude, and some hope that they were able to step through their fears, I could do it too. I just had to believe I could.'
**** Reading copy provided by Random House of Canada
Written with strength and a concise understanding of human nature and the power of women to support and help each other to reach their potential.
Cassie Robichaud's life has become drab and lifeless just like the brown shirt she wears to waitress at a small New Orleans Cafe. That's until she finds a journal accidentally dropped by one of her customers. The intriguing contents lead her into a voyage of sexual and emotional self-discovery. She is invited to join a women's group called S.E.C.R.E.T., which exists to challenge it's members to reach out of themselves, accept challenges to their existence that will bring out their true natures, and help them to live a life of No Judgements, No Shame, No Regrets through sexual discovery.
While I found the book started a bit slowly, as I read more, I realized it had to in order to set the stage. For, as Cassie's life expands and becomes more vivid, so speeds up the pace of the novel. When I was done, in less than 8 hours, I felt a bit bereft, like I wanted more. But, Cassie's journey was over.
'Maybe that's what all women do, from time to time. Beneath our everyday costumes, we're all filled with the same fears and anxieties...The feeling flooding my heart at this moment was gratitude, and some hope that they were able to step through their fears, I could do it too. I just had to believe I could.'
**** Reading copy provided by Random House of Canada
January 24, 2013
http://steamyside.blogspot.com/2013/0...
This is an intriguing read. How often do you hear of women in their 30's or 40's who seem to have lost that spark? They have been divorced, don't feel sexy, low confidence, the list goes on. The S.E.C.R.E.T society aims to give these women back what they may have lost or never had in the first place.
Cassie is the perfect candidate for the program only she doesn't know it. The way these women select their candidates is not at all what you would think. It is not based on money or how much they can bring to the table, but by how much they truly need their awakening.
Cassie's journey is an eye-opening one. Step by Step we are with her. I'm not going to lie, there were times when I wanted Cassie to just leave the program and grab on to one of the many male specimen she interacted with, but the way the story unfolded was quite perfect in the end. Except for, well the abrupt end. You think you are getting a nice little bow on top and then bamm. What would it be without a cliffhanger huh? This is to be a series, and I honestly think it could have ended with just the one book, but now that the twist has happened I am very excited to see what is in store for us next!
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