SECRET Shared: A SECRET Novel

I was really hoping for a little more from this one. The overall concept of the story was great. Cassie has fallen into a horrible rut. After her alcoholic husband died, she kind of sank into herself and hasn't come up for air (or sex). Five years later and she's still stuck. She stumbles upon an organization that helps women in her sort of position open themselves back up again. The regain their confidence, their passion, and awaken their sexual desires. Cassie has doubts at several stages along the way - who wouldn't - but chugs along through the 10 step program. This reminded me a bit of what AA is describes as.The downfall is that it didn't seem like enough really happened. A whole year goes by in the story, but I felt like her SECRET encounters were the only thing she had in her life - and the whole point of the group is for the opposite to happen. The encounters were fun and quite exciting - and they did teach her valuable lessons about opening herself up to new possibilities. I just wish more "real" life had happened in between them for her to explore as well.I will admit that I was hoping for just a smidge of romance to pop out of the story somewhere - even if it wasn't a prevalent topic. But I was sorely disappointed. There really isn't a happy ending for Cassie and her personal life. She does complete the program, but I'm not sure how much better her life really is now. There is a sequel and since it's already on my shelf I'll give it a go to see if the series turns into anything better.

I feel bad giving a book a 1 star review, but this was a really bad book. I downloaded this book because I read an article talking about how publishers were going crazy over the manuscript. I thought "Yippee, finally some well written erotica!".I read through the entire book in a week or so, looking for something, anything that might make this book sought after, interesting, erotic. I honestly could not find anything and am surprised that this manuscript was picked up by an agent or a publisher.I'd like to mention here that I don't tend to read extreme sex or BDSM or anything like that. When I was younger I went through scores of historical romances as well as modern romances. I did enjoy the Sleeping Beauty books by Anne Rice as well as Belinda and a couple others she wrote along the same sexy genre. I have not read Fifty Shades yet. I started and it was poorly written and edited so I kind of dropped it for the moment. I'll get to it at some point, I'm sure. The story of O was interesting, but made me cringe in a few places. So that should give you some idea of where my personal tastes are when I am writing this review.Let's start with the sex. The sex in this book is so vanilla that I didn't even get warm, let alone hot. The only scene that I thought had some sex appeal was the first sex scene where a sexy masseuse shows up at her house and proceeds to give her a massage. BUT, she did not even have actual sex in this scene, or in the next 2 or 3 sex scenes either! How do you write a sex book without the main character actually having sex? Honestly, the entire book felt like it was written by someone who is uncomfortable with sex and is writing a sex book to cash in on the popularity of it, not because she enjoys writing abut the subject. I want some passion, some heat, some excitement!The main character, Cassie, comes off about as sexy as my grandma. And even worse, the plot was weak and unbelievable, it really was. If the sex is great then one can forgive boring writing and a thin plot. In this case, none of it worked and I am truly surprised at all the great reviews.The basis of the plot had great possibilities. I liked that it was set in New Orleans, which is a sexy, steamy, mysterious place at the best of times. I liked the idea of sexy men showing up at unexpected moments to have erotic encounters with the heroine of the book. But the telling of the idea in this case just did not work. And honestly I really think it comes down to the discomfort and stiffness of the writer when writing about sex.So that's it, my honest opinion of this book. I really wish it had been better. It was not worth my time or money spent for this book.

I am recently back into the reading scene (my absence due to my MMORPG addiction), and due to the S.E.C.R.E.T Shared I have experienced a first. I started this book and nine hours later I was done. I have NEVER finished a book in one sitting before. I loved the first book and was so excited when the sequel came out. It doesn’t disappoint. I must warn you that besides all the usual M/F action there is a little F/F, but even if you aren’t into that sort of thing, it is only a small part in the story and is tastefully done. I also have to tell you that I was initially upset after reading this book. I realized that even though the book doesn’t end the way I wanted it to, it still had a somewhat of happy ending. I love these books because they empower women without bashing men. These stories chronicle the personal, emotional, and spiritual development of women. They try to show that there is nothing wrong with a woman exploring her sexuality. When men do it they are sowing their wild oats. If women are doing it they are considered sluts and whores.In this story, Cassie is still enjoying her new found empowerment after her experience with S.E.C.R.E.T, but she is still trying to navigate through all the new feelings and the heart ache over losing Will. We are also introduced to Dauphine a woman who reminds Cassie of herself before S.E.C.R.E.T. Cassie learns to be her guide through Dauphine’s own escapade. Both women find something unexpected during their time together. S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared is an amazing read. If you enjoyed the first book you won’t be able to put this one down. There are a lot of sexy scenes, drama and even a little brawling action. Secrets are revealed and lives are changed.