Review Promo and Giveaway: S.E.C.R.E.T. : L. Marie Adeline

by - Friday, September 13, 2013

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In S.E.C.R.E.T there are…
No Judgments. No limits. No shame.

Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.

Secret Shared (Secret #2)



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Expected publication: October 15th 2013
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"I, Cassie Robichaud, solemnly swear to serve S.E.C.R.E.T. to the best of my abilities. I will do what is necessary, what is right and what is within my power to assist in the execution of sexual fantasies for our participant(s)..."

And so begins S.E.C.R.E.T. II, which opens with Cassie's initiation into this mysterious organization, one that helps women experience their most potent sexual fantasies. Cassie spends the next year as a "S.E.C.R.E.T. member-at-large," not quite a guide, she'll assist Committee members (including two new ones, Kit DeMarco and Angela Rejean) in recruiting men and helping to execute a new inductee's fantasies. 

After a false start with the first potential inductee, Cassie makes the acquaintance of Dauphine Gray, a 31-year old who works at the Funky Monkey vintage clothing store on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Geeky, gawky and easily distracted, Dauphine has no idea how attractive she really is because her face is forever in a book. Reading is her passion, music is her pleasure, and Dauphine's all but given up on sex, especially after a painful rejection that still haunts her. Then Cassie and the women from S.E.C.R.E.T. show her it's possible to reignite that flame.

Meanwhile, Cassie must work through her resentment over losing Will to Tracina and their future baby. But when paternity questions surface, Tracina threatens to expose Cassie's S.E.C.R.E.T. membership to the one man both women love. Will Tracina expose Cassie to Will, and if she does, what will he make of his secret love's S.E.C.R.E.T. life?

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 there was more about this story I liked 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 it's 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 based 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.
About the Author:


Website/Facebook/Goodreads/Twitter

L. Marie Adeline is the pseudonym for the best-selling author Lisa Gabriele, who has written both novels and non-fiction.

S.E.C.R.E.T., the first installment of an erotic trilogy is published in more than thirty countries. It was a bestseller in several countries, including Canada where it was #1 for several weeks.



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Giveaway: 

(1) Paperback Copy of  S.E.C.R.E.T. : L. Marie Adeline (U.S. & CANADA ONLY)- Book will be sent to the winner directly from the publisher.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Age 18 and over please. Ecopy giveaways are international. Signed or paperback giveaways are US only unless otherwise specified. Giveaway will run 9/13/13 to 9/21/13 closing at 12:00 a.m. Winner will be notified via email. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize; otherwise, a new winner will be chosen. Please allow time (up to two weeks, unless stated otherwise) for the delivery of your book. If you have not received your book within the started time please notify us. In addition, if the book has yet to release please keep in mind that the book will be distributed within two weeks of it's release date.
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17 comments

  1. I just turned 40 so i am interested soem because she is a little older then some books now that they write the main girl as 20 to 27 years old denise smith denise226@verizon.net

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  2. I have only read the blurb on this book & I am already sucked in!! I love what I have read about it so far!

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  3. Sounds so fun to be able to find yourself at 30.

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  4. I like that the book is about someone that just turned 30. So many books are written about young adults now.

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  5. Thirty is still young to me! Brings back memories (from what I can remember)!

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  6. It's nice to read romances that aren't all about teens and YA.

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  7. This sounds really interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  8. I like the concept of this book! I'm actually turning 30 this coming year...bleh! Looking forward to reading this book :)

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  9. Absolutely I turned 30 and freaked out. 40 is going to be super tough. Good thing I have 8 more years to prepare.

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  10. Life is not over just because we get older. Sounds like quite the adventure and looking forward to reading. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  11. book sounds good...cant wait to read since i already passed 30...lol

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  12. Sounds interesting, especially since I just turned 30 this year. I really like the part about no judgment while Cassie's on this journey. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  13. Sounds quite hot. Definitely sounds like an excellent read. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  14. I love the idea and cannot wait to see how the main character discovers herself. Thank you for the giveaway.

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