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Set Me Free #1
Secrets Kept
Who the heck gets stuck with six mates? This girl right here.
Lina
Every step I take feels like it’s weighed down by the trauma of my past. The only place I’ve ever felt safe is in Luther’s arms. But fate has other plans, and when he's ripped away from me, my world shatters.
I have my best friend by my side, but I can’t shake the feeling that this is something I have to bear alone. Just as I’m trying to survive the biggest change of my life, two new mates appear out of nowhere. I’m torn between guilt and desire, craving the touch of these strangers while still mourning the one I’ve lost. How can I possibly move on without him?
And what if this is just the beginning of something even more unexpected?
Secrets Kept is book one in the Set Me Free Series. These books must be read in order.
This series is part of the Arcane Bloodlines Universe.
Lina
Every step I take feels like it’s weighed down by the trauma of my past. The only place I’ve ever felt safe is in Luther’s arms. But fate has other plans, and when he's ripped away from me, my world shatters.
I have my best friend by my side, but I can’t shake the feeling that this is something I have to bear alone. Just as I’m trying to survive the biggest change of my life, two new mates appear out of nowhere. I’m torn between guilt and desire, craving the touch of these strangers while still mourning the one I’ve lost. How can I possibly move on without him?
And what if this is just the beginning of something even more unexpected?
Secrets Kept is book one in the Set Me Free Series. These books must be read in order.
This series is part of the Arcane Bloodlines Universe.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
47 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 25, 2023
My obsession with rh paranormal romance knows no bounds. I've seen Quell's books around and have been curious. I decided to take the plunge with Secrets Kept the first book in her Set Me Free series and it was a good read. That being said, I didn't realize that her previous two series are set in the same world and have connecting characters and events, which became obvious at the beginning. I don't think it affects the story too much but I would have liked to read have read the previous two series first. So be warned spoilers for the previous series.
This story centers on Lina, a human engineered to be a shifter. Poor Lina, apparently a lot went down in the previous books, she was kidnapped, tortured, and experimented on and is still suffering PTSD because of it. Every day is a fight, every little activity from getting out of bed to eating is a challenge Lina must face. Some days are good others aren't so good. Depression, anxiety, you name it Lina is coping with it. Lina is dealing with a lot and my heart goes out to her.
At the start of this, Lina and Luther have a completed mate bond and have been together for a couple of years. The bond between them is strong, they love and care for each other and the sexual chemistry is off the charts. Luther would do anything for Lina, even letting her use sex to cope with all her issues. Luther has sort of become a crutch for Lina, doing little things to get her through the day but that is the nature of the mate bond. He's willing to do anything for her so not the healthiest at this point but I think if they have a chance things can improve.
There are at least two others in this harem, Lex and Altas show up about halfway through the story. Atlas is charismatic and flirty but is low-key about it and he's also really nice. Lex is the big and silent type due to reasons but is a good guy. Both of the guys are really great, they have trauma of their own but seem to be coping with it well and it's obvious that they want things to work out with Lina. There is a bond between Lex and Atlas so I believe there will be MM later in the series.
This book is aptly named because it's all about secrets. I like Luther even with his faults but all his secret-keeping has come back to bite everyone. Some of Luther's past is revealed, including how he became a hybrid. Luther is apart from Lina and suffering and feels bad about it, but this may be the thing to snap Lina out of the rut she's been in because she's forced to cope without Luther.
There's a new pack in town that's shady, attacks, and more experiments. Lenora and Friday from the previous series are involved in helping Lina put the clues together but Lenora's mates are causing strife with their attitude toward Luther and I have to wonder where all of the animosity is coming from.
Secrets Kept was a good start to the series. Things sure are complicated and only get more so by the end. What a cliffhanger. Honestly, I don't know what's going on, but the secrets are just starting to come out, and I know it's gonna be good. I enjoyed both the characters and story so much so that I'm even gonna go back and read the two previous series. I enjoyed diving into this world, Secrets Kept was a nice read and I'm interested to see where things head from here.
This story centers on Lina, a human engineered to be a shifter. Poor Lina, apparently a lot went down in the previous books, she was kidnapped, tortured, and experimented on and is still suffering PTSD because of it. Every day is a fight, every little activity from getting out of bed to eating is a challenge Lina must face. Some days are good others aren't so good. Depression, anxiety, you name it Lina is coping with it. Lina is dealing with a lot and my heart goes out to her.
At the start of this, Lina and Luther have a completed mate bond and have been together for a couple of years. The bond between them is strong, they love and care for each other and the sexual chemistry is off the charts. Luther would do anything for Lina, even letting her use sex to cope with all her issues. Luther has sort of become a crutch for Lina, doing little things to get her through the day but that is the nature of the mate bond. He's willing to do anything for her so not the healthiest at this point but I think if they have a chance things can improve.
There are at least two others in this harem, Lex and Altas show up about halfway through the story. Atlas is charismatic and flirty but is low-key about it and he's also really nice. Lex is the big and silent type due to reasons but is a good guy. Both of the guys are really great, they have trauma of their own but seem to be coping with it well and it's obvious that they want things to work out with Lina. There is a bond between Lex and Atlas so I believe there will be MM later in the series.
This book is aptly named because it's all about secrets. I like Luther even with his faults but all his secret-keeping has come back to bite everyone. Some of Luther's past is revealed, including how he became a hybrid. Luther is apart from Lina and suffering and feels bad about it, but this may be the thing to snap Lina out of the rut she's been in because she's forced to cope without Luther.
There's a new pack in town that's shady, attacks, and more experiments. Lenora and Friday from the previous series are involved in helping Lina put the clues together but Lenora's mates are causing strife with their attitude toward Luther and I have to wonder where all of the animosity is coming from.
Secrets Kept was a good start to the series. Things sure are complicated and only get more so by the end. What a cliffhanger. Honestly, I don't know what's going on, but the secrets are just starting to come out, and I know it's gonna be good. I enjoyed both the characters and story so much so that I'm even gonna go back and read the two previous series. I enjoyed diving into this world, Secrets Kept was a nice read and I'm interested to see where things head from here.
January 24, 2023
Wow! This story is so very intriguing. While the story does start off slower it quickly picks up. It is an emotional journey that we take with Lina. She has been through so much pain and anguish that you can feel it throughout the story. It truly makes your heart hurt as you find out more and more. It has so many ups and downs as we proceed with learning about what has happened to her. This story is packed full of secrets and it only adds to the story and gives us a bit of mystery. I throughly enjoyed how the story is playing out. It drew me in and didn’t let go. We learn bits about Luther, Atlas and Lex. They are all so protective and caring. It is extremely well written and developed. This was my first book by Quell T. Fox and I was throughly impressed. The style of writing was beautiful. The way it is written the possible triggers are tastefully done. I find myself so intrigued with the writing style and how well developed the story is. Yes, it definitely ends in a major cliffhanger. It has me saying that I absolutely need the next book. I have to find out what happens next.
March 1, 2023
Not for me
Well this isn't book 1 in the normal sense it's linked I think to the other books the author has written. Major problem with this is, this reads like you are starting in the middle of the book where the characters are already established. As such I felt nothing for the characters and just couldn't engage.
I found the heroine very, very annoying, which is bad as it seems she went through trauma. But the lack of getting to know her meant it was all very wishy washy to me. The main thing that put me off was being subjected to smut on page two, not well written either. Then there was a lot of rinse and repeat. Before Luther was taken this heroine couldn't do anything without leeching onto him, then suddenly she's Nancy Drew??
There is nothing wrong with spin offs linking characters from other books in a way that makes a new reader not feel left out. That is definitely not how this book goes.
Will I be reading the other 2 series before this? Absolutely not.
Well this isn't book 1 in the normal sense it's linked I think to the other books the author has written. Major problem with this is, this reads like you are starting in the middle of the book where the characters are already established. As such I felt nothing for the characters and just couldn't engage.
I found the heroine very, very annoying, which is bad as it seems she went through trauma. But the lack of getting to know her meant it was all very wishy washy to me. The main thing that put me off was being subjected to smut on page two, not well written either. Then there was a lot of rinse and repeat. Before Luther was taken this heroine couldn't do anything without leeching onto him, then suddenly she's Nancy Drew??
There is nothing wrong with spin offs linking characters from other books in a way that makes a new reader not feel left out. That is definitely not how this book goes.
Will I be reading the other 2 series before this? Absolutely not.
January 31, 2023
This is a compelling story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were twists that I did not expect!
After an incident 3 years ago, Lina has had episodes of anxiety. The only thing that helps is being with her mate, Luther. Luther works for the local pack and has been investigating an odd family. When he is taken, Lina is beside herself.
As Lina tries to get through the days, she feels like she's being watched. Soon after, 2 hybrids, Atlas and Lex, approach her house. She is surprised to feel that they are also her mates. As the weeks pass and Luther has not been found, Lina grows closer to Atlas and Lex. She misses Luther so much, but will they ever find him? And will he accept the other mates?
After an incident 3 years ago, Lina has had episodes of anxiety. The only thing that helps is being with her mate, Luther. Luther works for the local pack and has been investigating an odd family. When he is taken, Lina is beside herself.
As Lina tries to get through the days, she feels like she's being watched. Soon after, 2 hybrids, Atlas and Lex, approach her house. She is surprised to feel that they are also her mates. As the weeks pass and Luther has not been found, Lina grows closer to Atlas and Lex. She misses Luther so much, but will they ever find him? And will he accept the other mates?
January 30, 2023
I was grabbed by this story from the beginning and could not put it down until the end. Even then, my mind kept going over details looking for what was potentially coming in book 2.
I had not read the other series that go with this one, and can say as long as you accept there is more history-backstory included in those other stories, you can successfully enjoy this story. I definitely want to go back and read them.
I loved the characters. These characters have so many they are hiding from. Unfortunately, things do not stay hidden forever.
Eagerly looking forward to reading book 2.
I received and advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I had not read the other series that go with this one, and can say as long as you accept there is more history-backstory included in those other stories, you can successfully enjoy this story. I definitely want to go back and read them.
I loved the characters. These characters have so many they are hiding from. Unfortunately, things do not stay hidden forever.
Eagerly looking forward to reading book 2.
I received and advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 2, 2023
This is yet another eye catching book by this author, I'm slowly reading all her books and when I saw this new series I knew I had to read and it delivered what I was hoping for and more. This story is about Lina and if you've read other books you'll know some of the horrors she went through. So it is an interconnected story line which I love. Imagine being human but through labs and what not is wired to be a shifter. She gets help but then something happens and life throws a curveball. What would you do?
February 14, 2023
I'm new to Quell's world. But holy crap, did I get sucked in.
Lina's story is everything. I can't wait to see her growth, especially after that cliffhanger we're left with.
Luther, he's quite the mystery. I am living for all the little details we are learning about his past.
Oof, and then! Atlas and Lex. More of them, pleeeeeaassssseeee.
I am very much looking forward to the rabbit hole I've found myself in.
Lina's story is everything. I can't wait to see her growth, especially after that cliffhanger we're left with.
Luther, he's quite the mystery. I am living for all the little details we are learning about his past.
Oof, and then! Atlas and Lex. More of them, pleeeeeaassssseeee.
I am very much looking forward to the rabbit hole I've found myself in.
March 24, 2023
Secrets Everywhere
As always Quell's books keep me on the edge of my seat. This one is no different from the others I have read. Highly interesting and definitely intriguing, very enjoyable. The main characters are Lina and Luther, who are mates. Each chapter is in their own POV. Something happens to Luther, and two more mates Atlas and Lex show up on Lina's doorstep. Quite literally on her doorstep.
As always Quell's books keep me on the edge of my seat. This one is no different from the others I have read. Highly interesting and definitely intriguing, very enjoyable. The main characters are Lina and Luther, who are mates. Each chapter is in their own POV. Something happens to Luther, and two more mates Atlas and Lex show up on Lina's doorstep. Quite literally on her doorstep.
January 28, 2023
Lina Lina Lina ! This poor woman who was used and treated like a science experiment. Until she met Luther her hybrid mate. Oh the best therapy is definitely steamy loving mmhmm. Those two have oodles of it. Then luther gets taken and Lina finds herself some new mates . The cliff hanger is what got me the most ! I loved reading this book and I can’t wait for the second book!
June 17, 2023
Love this book
“What do you mean? I just told you I was fine.” I try to keep my tone even, sounding as normal as possible. I chew on my thumbnail while I wait for Leona to answer me. “Lina, are you from another planet? As a female myself, I know when I say I’m fine, I most certainly am not fine.” Well, she’s got me there . . .
How true!!!!!!
“What do you mean? I just told you I was fine.” I try to keep my tone even, sounding as normal as possible. I chew on my thumbnail while I wait for Leona to answer me. “Lina, are you from another planet? As a female myself, I know when I say I’m fine, I most certainly am not fine.” Well, she’s got me there . . .
How true!!!!!!
January 31, 2023
In true Quell fashion we get a story full-on emotion and intrigued. The characters opening up and growing. I felt every emotion of the fmc. The pain of everything she has and is going through. This does end on a cliffhanger and now I'm Biting my nails waiting for the next book!
February 1, 2023
Quell you have me as a reader. I really enjoyed this book. A lot of different twists and the last few words out of the mouths of the mates is priceless. I love this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 5, 2023
I loved everything about this book. The book has a very slow start which turns into a slow burn. In typical Fox style you are pulled in and keep wanting more. Also with her books you are left with a wowzer of a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what happens next.
January 23, 2023
This had a bit of a slow start but I loved it and now I’m left on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait until the next one.
December 14, 2024
A must read
What an interesting take on a paranormal story. I'm really liking the characters and their stories. I'm glad this is a series. Im not ready for the story to end.
What an interesting take on a paranormal story. I'm really liking the characters and their stories. I'm glad this is a series. Im not ready for the story to end.
February 2, 2023
Oh my gosh, this book! It was such a different experience! Lina has been used & treated as a science experiment, she hasn’t had it good. She has a little bit of joy in her life when she meets her Hybrid mate. Luther and her have some fun 😉 therapy time. It’s loving & 🥵. You won’t be missing out. Unfortunately Luther gets taken & Lina finds new mates?! It’s so interesting the story that we’ve read and the cliffhanger is so crazy! Can’t wait for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews