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Secrets & Lies
"Secrets & Lies" “Sometimes a need for keeping secrets… Can be just as intriguing as a reason for telling lies… “Secrets & Lies” is a provocative, uncensored, character-driven, emotional journey into the private lives of four central characters in a small Texas town. At the heart of the story is a beautiful transgender woman who questions her personal worth as she fights to keep the life and love she has always wanted. Even the elements of true confessions get lost in translation as the details of who these people really are brings them together in a surprising, yet necessary finale that will change their lives forever. -------------- Kennedy “Kenny” Jordan (28, tall, dark hair, blue eyes) is an all American jock turned bank executive with a difficult past and a challenging future that keeps him in the balance between having what he wants versus what others expect of him. The truth for him is a secret but for the most part his secrets are built on lies. Camilla Vargas (25, pretty, petite) is a smart, ambitious, yet slightly naïve, young Latin woman with big dreams of success that she plans to obtain by any means possible. But in her effort to have it all, a major slip in judgment has her standing at the crossroads facing a difficult decision that she never considered to ever have to make. Ulanda Jefferson (25) is a hip, sexy, outspoken Black American fashionista with a fiery attitude. Armored with sharp-wit and an uncensored tongue, she is more than just a force to be reckoned with. Bren Searcy (38) is a grown-up lost in transition, (literally from male to female). There is almost nothing she wouldn’t bear to hang onto the love and happiness she has finally found, but an unexpected truth could bring her whole world tumbling down.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2004
4 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Tracy James Jones
14 books36 followersBio:
I grew up around Dallas and Waxahachie, Texas, and started writing while in high school with the help of a wonderful Journalism teacher. At Navarro College I majored in Journalism / minor in Mass Communication. Before college, I worked as an actor with the local Community Theater, and as an extra/stand-in for award winning feature films, “Places In The Heart” & “Born On The Fourth Of July.” As a freelance writer/novelist, I have written several college introductory letters, other contract writing projects, newspaper articles, and two published novels. My literary portfolio also includes a screenplay adaptation of my original fiction novel, “Searching For Eden.” Recent release, "Secrets & Lies"-2011, is a multicultural romantic drama which is also being adapted for film.
About Me:
According to a close relative, I was raised in a perpetual glass box, over protected from the woes of the real world around me. To a degree I accept this description because my early years were spent with my maternal grandmother who indeed sheltered and taught me only the good things about life. Through her, I learned to treat people the way I wanted to be treated, and to respect all others despite any differences. I lost my grandmother at the age of nine, but the things she taught me would last throughout my life. Once she was gone, the blinders were lifted. I was to never be a stranger to the hardships of life again. The hardest of all has been love, death, & prejudice. The joys have been a loving family and life-long friends. Most special are my mom and dad, Willie & Jennell Jones, who have been my champions throughout everything I have envisioned to achieve in my life. I am so blessed in more ways than I could have ever imagined.
http://tracyjamesjones.wordpress.com/
I grew up around Dallas and Waxahachie, Texas, and started writing while in high school with the help of a wonderful Journalism teacher. At Navarro College I majored in Journalism / minor in Mass Communication. Before college, I worked as an actor with the local Community Theater, and as an extra/stand-in for award winning feature films, “Places In The Heart” & “Born On The Fourth Of July.” As a freelance writer/novelist, I have written several college introductory letters, other contract writing projects, newspaper articles, and two published novels. My literary portfolio also includes a screenplay adaptation of my original fiction novel, “Searching For Eden.” Recent release, "Secrets & Lies"-2011, is a multicultural romantic drama which is also being adapted for film.
About Me:
According to a close relative, I was raised in a perpetual glass box, over protected from the woes of the real world around me. To a degree I accept this description because my early years were spent with my maternal grandmother who indeed sheltered and taught me only the good things about life. Through her, I learned to treat people the way I wanted to be treated, and to respect all others despite any differences. I lost my grandmother at the age of nine, but the things she taught me would last throughout my life. Once she was gone, the blinders were lifted. I was to never be a stranger to the hardships of life again. The hardest of all has been love, death, & prejudice. The joys have been a loving family and life-long friends. Most special are my mom and dad, Willie & Jennell Jones, who have been my champions throughout everything I have envisioned to achieve in my life. I am so blessed in more ways than I could have ever imagined.
http://tracyjamesjones.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 14, 2015
So, this is a book I've been meaning to read for two years, ever since I met author Tracy James Jones at a local book event. I'll be honest, at first I thought it was going to be a romance set back in the Victorian era. That is a fine example of me judging a book by its cover, and part of the reason it took me so long to read it. I'm not as big on old-timey romance as I probably should be. I much prefer contemporary. Lo and behold… This story IS contemporary! Silly me!
I read this book in one day. It's a quick, fast-paced read, with a lot of dialogue, which I personally love. As a reader and a writer, I'm a big fan of dialogue. It helps me get to know the characters better. As promised, the characters in Ms. Jones' book all have their secrets… And the promise of revelation and reveal will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Ms. Jones has a distinct talent for writing in such a way that makes readers feel what her characters are feeling. Secrets and Lies is, in a nutshell, an emotional roller coaster. But one that is well worth the ride!
I read this book in one day. It's a quick, fast-paced read, with a lot of dialogue, which I personally love. As a reader and a writer, I'm a big fan of dialogue. It helps me get to know the characters better. As promised, the characters in Ms. Jones' book all have their secrets… And the promise of revelation and reveal will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Ms. Jones has a distinct talent for writing in such a way that makes readers feel what her characters are feeling. Secrets and Lies is, in a nutshell, an emotional roller coaster. But one that is well worth the ride!
January 24, 2012
This story has an a number of secrets and lies that keep you amazed right until the end. So appropriately titled. The author has a unique writing style which has a sort of narration that sets the scene before you dive into the dialogue which I really enjoyed. I think it is important to note that there are a few prejudices dealt with here that I also thought were bold by the writer to include and definitely add to the drama. The characters bare their soul. If you think you've read every kind of love story...think again!
September 3, 2012
Author: Tracy James Jones
Published By: T.J.J.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"Secrets and Lies" by Tracy James Jones was indeed a wonderful
relationship read. This author really as a great writing dialogue that simply keeps you fully interested bringing the characters to life. Ms Jones presents a unique story that shows human emotions. You will find expectations, deception, hiding, ambition, attitude, male to female, to trust .... all will be found in this great read of "Secrets and Lies." Be ready to be surprised as the secrets are exposed that will keep you guessing till the end.
The characters were all simply off the chart: GOOD! All showing a human side with emotions .....from Camilla, Ulanda, Troy, Kenny Jr., Brently (Bren), (granny), Ken Sr., Allyson Goodwin-Jordon, Jalinda, Joe, to Wade and I am sure I have left someone out but that is where you will find out who...by picking up the novel "Secrets and Lies" to find out.
If you are looking for a very powerful book with many surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end...you have come to the right place ..."Secrets and Lies" would definitely be recommended to you as a Adult read.
Published By: T.J.J.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"Secrets and Lies" by Tracy James Jones was indeed a wonderful
relationship read. This author really as a great writing dialogue that simply keeps you fully interested bringing the characters to life. Ms Jones presents a unique story that shows human emotions. You will find expectations, deception, hiding, ambition, attitude, male to female, to trust .... all will be found in this great read of "Secrets and Lies." Be ready to be surprised as the secrets are exposed that will keep you guessing till the end.
The characters were all simply off the chart: GOOD! All showing a human side with emotions .....from Camilla, Ulanda, Troy, Kenny Jr., Brently (Bren), (granny), Ken Sr., Allyson Goodwin-Jordon, Jalinda, Joe, to Wade and I am sure I have left someone out but that is where you will find out who...by picking up the novel "Secrets and Lies" to find out.
If you are looking for a very powerful book with many surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end...you have come to the right place ..."Secrets and Lies" would definitely be recommended to you as a Adult read.
September 12, 2011
"SECRETS & LIES" BY TRACY JAMES JONES
This novel reads like you're watching a movie! I could picture the characters clearly in my head. Every motion they made as smoothly articulated as Tracy James Jones' writing style. What is likely even more amazing that the writers ability to bring characters to life so vividly is the way they are all involved in each others lives.
This intricately woven tale keeps you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have the entire connection figured out something else comes to light that makes you change your mind. I couldn't help but fall in love with all four main characters and going through all their trials and tribulations just kept me rooted to my seat for hours on end.
Richly intricate plots, amazing storytelling and complete surprise is what awaits you in this book. I dare not give away too much detail, this story is far too good to destroy with spoilers, but if you don't enjoy Kenny, Camilla, Bren, and Ulanda as much as I did, I'll be surprised! Tracy, all I can say is , "Write More!"
Read more: http://greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards...
This novel reads like you're watching a movie! I could picture the characters clearly in my head. Every motion they made as smoothly articulated as Tracy James Jones' writing style. What is likely even more amazing that the writers ability to bring characters to life so vividly is the way they are all involved in each others lives.
This intricately woven tale keeps you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have the entire connection figured out something else comes to light that makes you change your mind. I couldn't help but fall in love with all four main characters and going through all their trials and tribulations just kept me rooted to my seat for hours on end.
Richly intricate plots, amazing storytelling and complete surprise is what awaits you in this book. I dare not give away too much detail, this story is far too good to destroy with spoilers, but if you don't enjoy Kenny, Camilla, Bren, and Ulanda as much as I did, I'll be surprised! Tracy, all I can say is , "Write More!"
Read more: http://greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards...
September 18, 2011
“Secrets & Lies” is an emotional journey through the lives of four people tied together by the secrets that they keep.
Camilla, Ulanda, Kennedy, and Bren will carry you along for the ride as the trauma of their past comes barreling to the forefront when the choices that they make leave them all at cross-purposes.
I cannot do a full synopsis without giving away spoilers, which is something that I try to never do.
This was a powerful book. It will have you quickly turning the pages and the final revelation will blow you away.
Camilla, Ulanda, Kennedy, and Bren will carry you along for the ride as the trauma of their past comes barreling to the forefront when the choices that they make leave them all at cross-purposes.
I cannot do a full synopsis without giving away spoilers, which is something that I try to never do.
This was a powerful book. It will have you quickly turning the pages and the final revelation will blow you away.
August 16, 2012
Secrets & Lies is an appropriate name for this book. It is about relationships. Be they family, friends, or lovers. The story takes you into the lives of four people who all have secrets.
This book was hard for me to put down and I'll admit to lots of lost sleep because of it. It is one of those books that have you wondering what is going to happen next. When you are first introduced to the characters, you don’t know what twists and turns their journey will take you on. However, it is well worth the ride.
This book was hard for me to put down and I'll admit to lots of lost sleep because of it. It is one of those books that have you wondering what is going to happen next. When you are first introduced to the characters, you don’t know what twists and turns their journey will take you on. However, it is well worth the ride.
June 16, 2012
Friends or enemies there are so many secrets and lies between these four people it is hard to tell. Can they handle the backstabbing, hiding, running, and lust to get pass the "Secrets & Lies?
December 7, 2011
A very emotional page turner, Secrets & Lies will have you wondering which secret will be uncovered next, all the way until the end of the book. With twists and turns the reader won't see coming until it smacks you in the face and leaves you questioning the integrity of the character. There is four central characters and with plenty of drama and line pushing you won't want to put the book down until there is a conclusion to the drama!
The cast of characters is multi-racial and multi-cultural. The cast consists of Kennedy, or Kenny for short, Camilla, Ulanda and Bren. Kennedy is hiding many painful secrets and lies from both his past and his present. Camilla is the young, unsuspecting woman, who falls in love with Kenny. Ulanda is Camilla's best friend, who's secrets and lies are not revealed until the end. She might just have more to do with this thick plot then being just a friend. Bren is Kenny's true love, since high school, who besides being lost in a gender transition is also lost in a painful past.
Will all the lies and secrets be revealed before more people get hurt? Can someone who hides so many hurt's from the past, and has multiple skeletons in the closet, truly be happy? To find all the answers to these questions, and unravel the web of lies, Secrets & Lies by author Tracy James Jones is a must read. An emotional roller-coaster that will take you up, and down, on the ride of your life.
The cast of characters is multi-racial and multi-cultural. The cast consists of Kennedy, or Kenny for short, Camilla, Ulanda and Bren. Kennedy is hiding many painful secrets and lies from both his past and his present. Camilla is the young, unsuspecting woman, who falls in love with Kenny. Ulanda is Camilla's best friend, who's secrets and lies are not revealed until the end. She might just have more to do with this thick plot then being just a friend. Bren is Kenny's true love, since high school, who besides being lost in a gender transition is also lost in a painful past.
Will all the lies and secrets be revealed before more people get hurt? Can someone who hides so many hurt's from the past, and has multiple skeletons in the closet, truly be happy? To find all the answers to these questions, and unravel the web of lies, Secrets & Lies by author Tracy James Jones is a must read. An emotional roller-coaster that will take you up, and down, on the ride of your life.
March 6, 2012
Secrets & Lies by Tracy James Jones is a contemporary love story that is unique because of the candid revelations revealed as the story unfolds and the skillful way the author provides unvarnished truths about the issues her characters deal with. Jones’ voice as an author is bright and clear, yet her touch with her characters is gentle. She guides readers through the pivotal events, deftly allowing them to reach conclusions and speculate, just before the path turns and new information is brought forth. Her writing is almost cinematic, allowing visitors to experience the world she has built, instead of simply reading about it.
Jones’ characters are a particularly strong point, because they’re so human. They deal with baggage, make decisions and take action, while coping with fears, regrets and joy. They struggle to do what they think is best, much as we all do. One can imagine sitting down to a glass of wine with them and they’re hard to dislike, even when you think they’re making a mistake. The plot, however, is tight and intricately woven. Readers can expect to have many, “OMG!” moments, before reaching the novel’s conclusion, where conjecture is left behind. The only question remaining is whether we will see more of Kenny, Camilla, Ulanda and Bren in the future.
Although my reading choices are usually in the paranormal and romance genres, I highly recommend Secrets & Lies. It’s that good.
Edenmary Black
Jones’ characters are a particularly strong point, because they’re so human. They deal with baggage, make decisions and take action, while coping with fears, regrets and joy. They struggle to do what they think is best, much as we all do. One can imagine sitting down to a glass of wine with them and they’re hard to dislike, even when you think they’re making a mistake. The plot, however, is tight and intricately woven. Readers can expect to have many, “OMG!” moments, before reaching the novel’s conclusion, where conjecture is left behind. The only question remaining is whether we will see more of Kenny, Camilla, Ulanda and Bren in the future.
Although my reading choices are usually in the paranormal and romance genres, I highly recommend Secrets & Lies. It’s that good.
Edenmary Black
February 11, 2012
Now, being a red blooded male and liking my fantasy/military books, this was a real venture into the unknown for me.
I started reading it because I wanted to broaden my horizons and see 'how the other half write.'
I have to say that Tracy has done a wonderful job. The characters are vivid and believable and the dialogue is so down to earth and realistic that you can picture yourself sipping beer with them.
The revelations were pitched at just the right level and time and kept the story moving along nicely.
All in all, to my surprise, I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I suppose it's a little unfair to award a 4 star rating and not a 5, but it was not my genre and I suppose it was never going to 'rock my world.' Four stars means, 'I really liked it' and I did.
Well done Tracy.
I started reading it because I wanted to broaden my horizons and see 'how the other half write.'
I have to say that Tracy has done a wonderful job. The characters are vivid and believable and the dialogue is so down to earth and realistic that you can picture yourself sipping beer with them.
The revelations were pitched at just the right level and time and kept the story moving along nicely.
All in all, to my surprise, I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I suppose it's a little unfair to award a 4 star rating and not a 5, but it was not my genre and I suppose it was never going to 'rock my world.' Four stars means, 'I really liked it' and I did.
Well done Tracy.
March 29, 2012
This book was my baby. It represents my return to writing after a long hiatus in regards to my recovery from heart surgery. It took forever for me to get back into the swing of writing, which I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do. Then to my surprise, out of the blue, this short story idea came to mind and would not let me rest until it was written. After the short story was done, the idea moved further into a novel. Next, a screenplay. The characters and storyline are a very strong part of me and in the end I found this to be a book that I had always wanted to write. I am beyond thrilled and excited to see this work released and the fantastic responses it has received. Kudos and extra thanks to all the fans who read and like this book. I am super thrilled to know people who are loving it as much as I do. :o)
September 30, 2011
Secrets and Lies, what a perfect title for this book. Tracy James Jones did a wonderful job writing this book. This isn't your ordinary boy meets girl romance novel with ordinary characters. And yet it is easy to visualize and like each character, and understand where they are coming from. All four main characters lived through their own trials and tribulations coming out on the other end stronger and happier. I look forward to more novels by this author.
July 13, 2012
Secrets & Lies was definitely not what I expected - in a very good way. Nothing flowery here, but a totally unique way of peeking in on the characters' lives (or should I say lies) as they sort out their situations in the best way they know how. Straight forward and quick paced, it was easy for me to get caught up in the twists and turns and the unveiling of the secrets with an ending that caught me off guard. Bravo to Ms. Jones.
February 12, 2013
Author Tracy James Jones creates a human drama with powerful characters you will not forget in Secrets & Lies. They are not only real but inciteful covering issues such as abortion and gay rights with unmatched dialogue. It is an important book in that, detailing how real people see a changing world, as they evolve with it. I, for one, will be buying the sequel immediately.
November 19, 2013
This is another book I finished sometime ago but neglected to review. I really enjoyed this complex story with its diverse cast of characters. Emotionally riveting with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend Secrets & Lies to anyone looking for a profound and touching read.
Want to read
October 13, 2011intrigued enough to add it to the list. :) We all have our "secrets and lies" don't we?
April 9, 2013
This is a great book if you willing to dive into the deep end of relationships and swim among these characters' inner-most secrets and lies.
July 12, 2014
Secrets and Lies by Tracy James Jones is a novel of a different kind. Tracy weaves an unusual love story between a man confused about what he wants and who he loves and woman seeking true love. But the story isn’t that simple. Not by a long shot. It’s complex in a soap opera kind of way. You see the train wreck coming and can’t look away.
Kennedy Jordan loves a woman...a different kind of woman named Bren. He loved her, yet on a basic level, he wasn’t sure she would be enough to satisfy his needs...forever. Bren knew it and because of her secret, she overlooked his “affairs” as nothing more than his efforts at confirming his affections for her. Yes, it’s complicated all right.
Enter Camilla Vargas...the young woman with an agenda of her own. High on her list was finding an upwardly mobile business man to marry. She baited her trap (no pun-intended) and Jordan fell hard. But, did he fall hard enough to forget his feelings for Bren?
This story is not what I expected. Miss Jones addressed a contemporary love triangle with a completely different angle. It is not about being homo-sexual, hetero-sexual, or straight. It’s about love...just loving who you love despite societal prejudice. It’s about the struggle to be loyal, to be honest about your purpose, and to be honest with yourself. Fantastic read for a summer by the pool, the river or the beach.
Kennedy Jordan loves a woman...a different kind of woman named Bren. He loved her, yet on a basic level, he wasn’t sure she would be enough to satisfy his needs...forever. Bren knew it and because of her secret, she overlooked his “affairs” as nothing more than his efforts at confirming his affections for her. Yes, it’s complicated all right.
Enter Camilla Vargas...the young woman with an agenda of her own. High on her list was finding an upwardly mobile business man to marry. She baited her trap (no pun-intended) and Jordan fell hard. But, did he fall hard enough to forget his feelings for Bren?
This story is not what I expected. Miss Jones addressed a contemporary love triangle with a completely different angle. It is not about being homo-sexual, hetero-sexual, or straight. It’s about love...just loving who you love despite societal prejudice. It’s about the struggle to be loyal, to be honest about your purpose, and to be honest with yourself. Fantastic read for a summer by the pool, the river or the beach.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews