I've got a S.E.C.R.E.T.....

Okay... I really don't have a secret.

At least I don't think I do...... 

(Let's see if I can remember one by than end of this post) 
I'm pretty much an open book. (I've posted pictures of my fuzzy handcuffs on a previous blog, so the admission I don't have a secret shouldn't shock you)
I'm pretty bad with secrets in the sense I completely forget what anyone tells me. Do you know how awkward it is when a friend tells you something, than six months later they bring it up to discuss and you are like "WHAT??? Why didn't you tell me!!!!" and they reply "I DID tell you" and I'm like "Oh NO you didn't" ....so than they fill me in on the conversation and I am like "Oh yeah.....now I remember" (But half the time I really don't....There it is! MY secret!!)

My memory gets worse with age. (And lack of sleep)

However, I am pretty sure if a friend of mine told me she joined a 'Secret Sex Society'.... I'd remember that doozy!!! (All the while bugging for details....Some people need to live vicariously you know)

I finally picked up a copy of S.E.C.R.E.T by L.Marie Adeline on the weekend, read it in less than 24hours.
 (One cool thing for us Canadian chicks......the author is from Canada eh?)

If you haven't heard what all the fuss is about, than let me fill you in.

S.E.C.R.E.T is about a woman named Cassie, in her thirties, widowed and living a dull life as an insecure waitress. She's watching life pass her by, thinking she is past her prime and has no hope for love or anything. She's all but given up on dating and her appearance. A large part of her insecurities stem from a husband who had verbally, emotionally and physically abused her. She feels worthless. She has not led a sexy life, very virginal and 'boring' by today's standards.
She starts noticing and envying a woman who frequents the cafe she works at. This woman accidentally leaves a notebook behind, a diary of sorts, which Cassie can't help but sneak a peek at.
Just a few explicitly detailed paragraphs are enough to make her blush.

Enter what is to become her dirty little S.E.C.R.E.T.
A society where you get to act out your sexual fantasies as a way of healing and self discovery. It's essentially a hands on approach to therapy.
No Judgements. No Limits. No Shame.
With the help of S.E.C.R.E.T Cassie learns to be empowered by her sexuality, gaining confidence over the year as she completes her steps and gains a charm for her special bracelet.

What did I think?

I'm not going to lie. I have heard so many people making such a big deal about this novel I was expecting something 'new' and spectacular that would blow my mind. I was a bit disappointed that it didn't meet my expectations at all. The hype was overrated. It wasn't as dirty or complicated a storyline as say Fifty Shades or the Crossfire series.

Now, I am NOT saying I didn't enjoy it. I actually DO think it was an entertaining read, a nice simple story to pass the time. (Truth be told I would probably classify this as more a beach or bubble bath read) If you like sexy 'Mommy Porn' books than by all means do pick up a copy. (Treat Yourself!)
For me, it was very 'skim the surface' and a bit predictable. I found it was tame compared to other books in the genre, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Especially if the thought of sexy books scares you or makes you uncomfortable. I found myself constantly comparing S.E.C.R.E.T to the likes of Kathryn Harvey's 'Butterfly', but that particular novel had more twists, turns, storyline etc...
S.E.C.R.E.T to me was a 'safer' version. (Is it stereotypical that the Canadian author has the more 'polite' sexy novel?)

I have to admit the way it ends peeved me off a bit. It took me by surprise how abrupt it was and left me wanting more.... but in a different way than most books.
Let me explain:
Recently Blackbrooke by Emily Silver left me screaming "Nooooooo don't leave me hanging!!!" I can't wait to read the next installment of that series and am practically jumping up and down salivating for it.....
S.E.C.R.E.T on the other hand left me thinking "Gah, how dare you just slam the breaks on the story!!WTF!"... but I do have the patience to wait for any sequel in the works and wont rush out to get it....Eventually I will get around to it when the mood strikes. (Get my drift?)

I guess we are just going to have to wait and see how the next novel plays out..... if it is a continuation of Cassie's story or perhaps a new recruit into S.E.C.R.E.T with a whole new batch of fantasies played out.....

Happy Reading!


For more information visit the author website at www.secretnovels.com