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angelahayes's review
5.0
5 Stars
Craving Secrets is a fabulous collection of stories from 12 amazing authors. Each story has its own individuality and identity, but all the stories follow a theme- which is ‘Secrets’. Each author has their own take on the theme, which makes for some really wonderful stories. There are all kinds of secrets and different reasons for keeping them- but everybody at one time or another has held a secret. It is a theme we can all relate to. Some secrets are small, minor and easily forgivable- but others have major consequences, they can be life changing- sometimes in a good way and sometimes not so good. This anthology is made up of many secrets and the various characters that are keeping them. We meet mafia types, Bikers, a Chef, a CIA operative, an investment banker, town Councillors, an escort, a lawyer, a detective and so many more. So, if you’d like to lose yourself for a few hours, in some extremely captivating and entertaining stories, then this is definitely the book for you.
Alternative Facts By: A.J Norris
Mitchell has to prevent his best friend from getting married. There are lives at stake, including his own. What ensues makes for quite an absorbing read. Secrets unfold, that bring danger and mayhem. A very well thought out story with an originality to it that held my attention the whole way.
Breach of Trust By: Shannon Nemechek
Madison Carver has just discovered a secret that puts her life in peril. Hunted by gunmen, she needs to find somewhere safe to lay low till help arrives. Chance Maxwell is a CIA operative sent to bring Madison to safety. Her testimony is needed on Capitol Hill. I loved this story. There was so much packed into a short space. Adored the characters. It is sweet, suspenseful, heartfelt and a touching read. So happy to know the story is to be continued, because I really want more of this fantastic story.
Hiding in Plain Sight By: Lavinia Leigh
Tamryn and Caleb are Councillors on the River Valley town council. Their opposing views and heated debates in Council Chambers have become the talk of the town. This latest debate over the best use for a parcel of land has been going on for months and is becoming tiresome. These two are not going to back down from their passionate viewpoints. Will they ever come to an agreement? What secret weaves its way through this fun, light-hearted story? This would make a wonderful full-length novel. Well Done!
Lies Between the Sheets By: Christine Hartmann
This is an interesting take on the ‘secret’ theme. It has a lot going on in a small space. The pace is fast, which makes this a very quick, easy read. The story centres around paying attention to details. Janessa learns this lesson in a very hard and somewhat scary way.
Little Black Book By: Sara Schoen
Madeline has a really big secret. One that had cost her the love of her life. When she meets up with him some time later, he seems to think that she has dealt with the secret that drove him away. But she hasn’t. When things come to a head, will she be left broken hearted once more? This is well written, with complex and well-developed characters. Not what I was expecting, and ended up being a nice surprise.
Little Blue Lines By: Erin Lee
Callie and Austin are due to get married in a few short weeks. Austin has been away on boot camp and will be home soon. When a surprise arrives on the doorstep, will this secret drive these two apart? This was a creative and well plotted story, that kept me flipping the pages to discover all the details.
Love Tattoo By: Selene Chardou
Kassie had no choice but to leave her home. She couldn’t stay. She is confused, hurt and unsure of what the future will bring. Not long after, Kassie comes across a group of bikers from a MC club. This story takes us on quite a ride as Kassie finds more than she bargained for with the MC club. Sometimes fate has a different plan for us than what we originally thought. This is a great MC/biker story- I would love to read a longer version of this book too!
Masquerade By: A.L Vincent
Quinn and Alex had once shared a glorious, sexy summer together, before Alex left without a word. Quinn had been left devastated, he’d searched for her but found no trace of her anywhere. Now Alex is back in town, still keeping secrets. Old feelings resurface and Quinn is determined to find out why she left without a backward glance, what secrets drove her away and what has finally brought her back. A captivating, well written story that was full of wonderful descriptive details and interesting dialogue.
Pushing Past By: Amy L. Reece
This story is about two old friends who bump into each other after many years. Reconnecting and bonding over a shared history. They have both lost someone close to them and are both still stinging from the loss all this time later. But there is a secret that could drive these two apart. What happens when the secret is revealed? This story had a bit of a mystery going on, as well as some drama and romance. Well worth the read.
Severed Secrets By: Ashley Johnson
Laurel, Kurt and Jasper make great music together. They band is taking a break due to a death in the family. While back in their home town, Laurel happens to meet an old school friend and they have a connection that soon develops into more. But Dean has a huge secret that he knows could destroy what he and Laurel have got going on. When Laurel finds out, what will she do? What is the secret and is Dean right to be apprehensive about her finding out? This was such a heartbreaking secret. The story was well put together by the author, who was able to convey so much in such a short space, without making the story feel rushed or cut short.
The Secrets We Keep By: Melinda Valentine
This was one of my favourites from the collection. Vincent and Scarlett had loved each other for years-Vincent was Scarlett’s brothers best friend and he had promised never to ‘touch’ her. But one night their passion is ignited and they can’t deny their attraction any longer. Problem is Vincent has kept something from Scarlett, and when she finds out what it is she is devastated. Jump forward nine years and Vincent is about to discover the secret that Scarlett has kept all these years. I really liked this story. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t look away until I’d read every word.
Zoe’s Closet By: Christina Slough
Zoe has carried a secret for the past eighteen years. It is something that has caused her a lot of pain, she’s hidden it from everyone- people closest to her think they know her, but they don’t. They would be shocked to discover the truth. But secrets have a way of catching up to you and this is exactly what happens to Zoe. This is a really heartfelt, emotional and surprising read. It was a little slow to get going, but picked up pace pretty quickly and had a beautiful ending.
I always enjoy reading anthologies because they offer great value for your money, so many great stories for the cost of one book. They are also a great way to discover the work of authors you may not have read before. This anthology had a lot of authors that I hadn’t read before and am looking forward to exploring more of their work/s. There isn’t a story in this collection that wasn’t worth reading, they were all so well written. Really, what are you waiting for, dive in- you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
Craving Secrets is a fabulous collection of stories from 12 amazing authors. Each story has its own individuality and identity, but all the stories follow a theme- which is ‘Secrets’. Each author has their own take on the theme, which makes for some really wonderful stories. There are all kinds of secrets and different reasons for keeping them- but everybody at one time or another has held a secret. It is a theme we can all relate to. Some secrets are small, minor and easily forgivable- but others have major consequences, they can be life changing- sometimes in a good way and sometimes not so good. This anthology is made up of many secrets and the various characters that are keeping them. We meet mafia types, Bikers, a Chef, a CIA operative, an investment banker, town Councillors, an escort, a lawyer, a detective and so many more. So, if you’d like to lose yourself for a few hours, in some extremely captivating and entertaining stories, then this is definitely the book for you.
Alternative Facts By: A.J Norris
Mitchell has to prevent his best friend from getting married. There are lives at stake, including his own. What ensues makes for quite an absorbing read. Secrets unfold, that bring danger and mayhem. A very well thought out story with an originality to it that held my attention the whole way.
Breach of Trust By: Shannon Nemechek
Madison Carver has just discovered a secret that puts her life in peril. Hunted by gunmen, she needs to find somewhere safe to lay low till help arrives. Chance Maxwell is a CIA operative sent to bring Madison to safety. Her testimony is needed on Capitol Hill. I loved this story. There was so much packed into a short space. Adored the characters. It is sweet, suspenseful, heartfelt and a touching read. So happy to know the story is to be continued, because I really want more of this fantastic story.
Hiding in Plain Sight By: Lavinia Leigh
Tamryn and Caleb are Councillors on the River Valley town council. Their opposing views and heated debates in Council Chambers have become the talk of the town. This latest debate over the best use for a parcel of land has been going on for months and is becoming tiresome. These two are not going to back down from their passionate viewpoints. Will they ever come to an agreement? What secret weaves its way through this fun, light-hearted story? This would make a wonderful full-length novel. Well Done!
Lies Between the Sheets By: Christine Hartmann
This is an interesting take on the ‘secret’ theme. It has a lot going on in a small space. The pace is fast, which makes this a very quick, easy read. The story centres around paying attention to details. Janessa learns this lesson in a very hard and somewhat scary way.
Little Black Book By: Sara Schoen
Madeline has a really big secret. One that had cost her the love of her life. When she meets up with him some time later, he seems to think that she has dealt with the secret that drove him away. But she hasn’t. When things come to a head, will she be left broken hearted once more? This is well written, with complex and well-developed characters. Not what I was expecting, and ended up being a nice surprise.
Little Blue Lines By: Erin Lee
Callie and Austin are due to get married in a few short weeks. Austin has been away on boot camp and will be home soon. When a surprise arrives on the doorstep, will this secret drive these two apart? This was a creative and well plotted story, that kept me flipping the pages to discover all the details.
Love Tattoo By: Selene Chardou
Kassie had no choice but to leave her home. She couldn’t stay. She is confused, hurt and unsure of what the future will bring. Not long after, Kassie comes across a group of bikers from a MC club. This story takes us on quite a ride as Kassie finds more than she bargained for with the MC club. Sometimes fate has a different plan for us than what we originally thought. This is a great MC/biker story- I would love to read a longer version of this book too!
Masquerade By: A.L Vincent
Quinn and Alex had once shared a glorious, sexy summer together, before Alex left without a word. Quinn had been left devastated, he’d searched for her but found no trace of her anywhere. Now Alex is back in town, still keeping secrets. Old feelings resurface and Quinn is determined to find out why she left without a backward glance, what secrets drove her away and what has finally brought her back. A captivating, well written story that was full of wonderful descriptive details and interesting dialogue.
Pushing Past By: Amy L. Reece
This story is about two old friends who bump into each other after many years. Reconnecting and bonding over a shared history. They have both lost someone close to them and are both still stinging from the loss all this time later. But there is a secret that could drive these two apart. What happens when the secret is revealed? This story had a bit of a mystery going on, as well as some drama and romance. Well worth the read.
Severed Secrets By: Ashley Johnson
Laurel, Kurt and Jasper make great music together. They band is taking a break due to a death in the family. While back in their home town, Laurel happens to meet an old school friend and they have a connection that soon develops into more. But Dean has a huge secret that he knows could destroy what he and Laurel have got going on. When Laurel finds out, what will she do? What is the secret and is Dean right to be apprehensive about her finding out? This was such a heartbreaking secret. The story was well put together by the author, who was able to convey so much in such a short space, without making the story feel rushed or cut short.
The Secrets We Keep By: Melinda Valentine
This was one of my favourites from the collection. Vincent and Scarlett had loved each other for years-Vincent was Scarlett’s brothers best friend and he had promised never to ‘touch’ her. But one night their passion is ignited and they can’t deny their attraction any longer. Problem is Vincent has kept something from Scarlett, and when she finds out what it is she is devastated. Jump forward nine years and Vincent is about to discover the secret that Scarlett has kept all these years. I really liked this story. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t look away until I’d read every word.
Zoe’s Closet By: Christina Slough
Zoe has carried a secret for the past eighteen years. It is something that has caused her a lot of pain, she’s hidden it from everyone- people closest to her think they know her, but they don’t. They would be shocked to discover the truth. But secrets have a way of catching up to you and this is exactly what happens to Zoe. This is a really heartfelt, emotional and surprising read. It was a little slow to get going, but picked up pace pretty quickly and had a beautiful ending.
I always enjoy reading anthologies because they offer great value for your money, so many great stories for the cost of one book. They are also a great way to discover the work of authors you may not have read before. This anthology had a lot of authors that I hadn’t read before and am looking forward to exploring more of their work/s. There isn’t a story in this collection that wasn’t worth reading, they were all so well written. Really, what are you waiting for, dive in- you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
rooskie87's review
4.0
Craving Secrets Anthology
4 Stars
This anthology includes work by
A.j. Norris, Shannon Nemechek, Lavinia Leigh, Christine Hartmann, Sara Schoen, Erin Lee, Selene Chardou, A.L. Vincent, Amy Reece, Ashley Johnson, Melinda Valentine, Christina Slough
This anthology has 12 stories by 12 authors, some short stories some novellas. Being quick reads made this group of books a breeze to her through but I did find myself wanting more at the end of some stories!
Everyone has secrets whether they are big or small and that's what all these stories are about, secrets. Some are kept to help, some to hurt but all come to light and the aftermath is sometimes not what we expect.
I met some new to me authors that I'll definitely be checking out their work in the near future.
If you like quick reads with drama, love, betrayal and of course secrets this anthology is for you. There's no way I could pick my favorite out of all these as they all had something great about them. This is a must read for finding new authors!
4 Stars
This anthology includes work by
A.j. Norris, Shannon Nemechek, Lavinia Leigh, Christine Hartmann, Sara Schoen, Erin Lee, Selene Chardou, A.L. Vincent, Amy Reece, Ashley Johnson, Melinda Valentine, Christina Slough
This anthology has 12 stories by 12 authors, some short stories some novellas. Being quick reads made this group of books a breeze to her through but I did find myself wanting more at the end of some stories!
Everyone has secrets whether they are big or small and that's what all these stories are about, secrets. Some are kept to help, some to hurt but all come to light and the aftermath is sometimes not what we expect.
I met some new to me authors that I'll definitely be checking out their work in the near future.
If you like quick reads with drama, love, betrayal and of course secrets this anthology is for you. There's no way I could pick my favorite out of all these as they all had something great about them. This is a must read for finding new authors!
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