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Secrets
Secrets...we all have them.
Do you have a secret nobody knows? Not even your spouse?
Gwen Michaels is a former assassin, emphasis on former. She walked away two years ago and had no plans to share her secret, least of all with her husband Jack. But when she is attacked in her own home by an unknown assailant, she is thrust back into her old element.
More shocking to Gwen than the man hired to kill her, is that he knows nothing of her past. Now Gwen and Jack are on the run until Gwen can discover who wants her dead, and why!
Secrets is a fun thriller delving into the world of developing super computer chips and industrial espionage!
Do you have a secret nobody knows? Not even your spouse?
Gwen Michaels is a former assassin, emphasis on former. She walked away two years ago and had no plans to share her secret, least of all with her husband Jack. But when she is attacked in her own home by an unknown assailant, she is thrust back into her old element.
More shocking to Gwen than the man hired to kill her, is that he knows nothing of her past. Now Gwen and Jack are on the run until Gwen can discover who wants her dead, and why!
Secrets is a fun thriller delving into the world of developing super computer chips and industrial espionage!
234 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
20 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 13, 2011
Secrets by S.L. Pierce is an attention grabber from page one. Told mostly from a first person perspective, we meet Gwen Michaels. She is not your average housewife. She has a past, a past that she was starting to enjoy just a little too much and so she did the wise thing and got out when she could. Being part of an elite group of specially trained operatives, Gwen certainly knows how to take care of herself.
Opening straight into the action, Gwen finds a man in her house. Not just an ordinary man, but a hired killer, who thought Gwen would be an easy target because she is a woman. Not having time to play around, Gwen quickly finds out the information she can and puts an end to future kills from this man. With her secret identity still intact, Gwen must follow the clues and find out who wants her dead and why.
Jack is your stereotypical good guy and happens to be Gwen’s husband. He is a good person and has an even greater heart. Easily able to overlook certain things, he only sees the good in people. This makes him the perfect balancing stone for Gwen and so he is shocked when Gwen is forced to tell him the truth. Gwen’s dark past may just be enough to break his good heart.
Secrets was a quick, easy and enjoyable read. I read it in one sitting because Ms. Pierce grabbed my attention from the start and provided just the right amount of mystery and action to keep me wanting more. I found myself asking the same questions that Gwen was and that made Secrets believable and realistic. Gwen may be a highly trained killer but she still has faults and this makes her a character that is sure to be loved.
Opening straight into the action, Gwen finds a man in her house. Not just an ordinary man, but a hired killer, who thought Gwen would be an easy target because she is a woman. Not having time to play around, Gwen quickly finds out the information she can and puts an end to future kills from this man. With her secret identity still intact, Gwen must follow the clues and find out who wants her dead and why.
Jack is your stereotypical good guy and happens to be Gwen’s husband. He is a good person and has an even greater heart. Easily able to overlook certain things, he only sees the good in people. This makes him the perfect balancing stone for Gwen and so he is shocked when Gwen is forced to tell him the truth. Gwen’s dark past may just be enough to break his good heart.
Secrets was a quick, easy and enjoyable read. I read it in one sitting because Ms. Pierce grabbed my attention from the start and provided just the right amount of mystery and action to keep me wanting more. I found myself asking the same questions that Gwen was and that made Secrets believable and realistic. Gwen may be a highly trained killer but she still has faults and this makes her a character that is sure to be loved.
June 13, 2011
Upon opening the book and reading the first few sentences, I was hooked. Gwen Michaels is a former assassin, but when she is attacked in her own home by an unknown assailant, she is thrust back into her element. Impossible for me to put down once started, the story kept me on pins and needles as I followed Gwen’s investigation. I loved being privy to her thoughts and ideas. For Gwen, life is simple, decisions are unambiguous. Gwen is a tough cookie and her fiancé, Jack soon learns things about her past that Gwen had hoped never to reveal. Now Jack must step up because Gwen is determined to protect him, whatever the cost.
I was swept away by this tale. Gwen fascinated me, and I genuinely liked and cared about her. She is not your stereotypical protagonist. As the story progressed, the action was relentless; I loved that the descriptive details were kept to a minimum. I was provided enough information to set the ongoing movie firmly in my mind without having to slog through the minutia. This book is a definite keeper, for me. It is tightly structured with above average editing - I noted a couple of word usage errors and a time/place transition that was disconcerting for a moment, only. If you love fast-paced, action-intensive stories, featuring a fearless, savvy, combat-trained female protagonist with ice in her veins, then you, too, should get this book.
Also Read an Interview with this author on my blog-will go live June 14th.
I was swept away by this tale. Gwen fascinated me, and I genuinely liked and cared about her. She is not your stereotypical protagonist. As the story progressed, the action was relentless; I loved that the descriptive details were kept to a minimum. I was provided enough information to set the ongoing movie firmly in my mind without having to slog through the minutia. This book is a definite keeper, for me. It is tightly structured with above average editing - I noted a couple of word usage errors and a time/place transition that was disconcerting for a moment, only. If you love fast-paced, action-intensive stories, featuring a fearless, savvy, combat-trained female protagonist with ice in her veins, then you, too, should get this book.
Also Read an Interview with this author on my blog-will go live June 14th.
July 1, 2012
Wow! Talk about bad ass chicks! From the moment I flipped open this book, I became hooked. Gwen is a no-nonsense expert. She knows exactly what to do in a deadly situation. Find a killer in your house? Take him out and get some answers! How do you avoid a trace? Be prepared with fake ids, and cash. How do you tell your husband? Well, that one might not be so easy....
No filler in this book, and the short chapters make it easy to gobble up one bite at a time. Although the story is mostly told from Gwen's perspective, every once in a while another character reveals his or her backstory. The balance between these is nice because it doesn't stray far from Mrs. Kickass, aka Gwen Michaels, former assassin.
Although computer chips come to play a big role, you don't need to know anything about them to enjoy this book. After reading, you'll never underestimate a woman again!
August 15, 2011
I love, love, love, LOVE the main character, Gwen. She is a truly strong female character, for a change. This was a good return to mysteries for me. I had stopped reading them because they had become so predictable. It's not much fun when you figure it all out before you even get halfway. Secrects had plently of suspects, motives, and twists to keep me in the dark until the end! For that reason I couldn't stop reading.
December 8, 2011
Secrets: a fast-paced, fun thriller
Secrets is a good, action-packed pot-boiler/thriller/mystery. With it, SL Pierce joins the growing ranks of independent authors who have met and exceeding the quality and professionalism of the protégés of the legacy publishing industry. Authors like Pierce, Rogers Eschbacher, James Wallace Birch, Richard Sanders, Paul Dorset, Elise Stokes, Mike Wells, Russell Blake, Alan McDermott and RS Guthrie, among many, many others, are proving that the commercial publishers, big or small, can no longer look down their noses as independent writers and scoff at their lack of quality, attention to detail or ability to craft taut stories that keep audiences reading.
Secrets has a solid plot with no holes. There is one big coincidence, which is the maximum that any novel can sustain. And the fact that the coincidence is what launches the story, it makes perfect sense.
The style is lean, active and compelling. The characters are mostly believable, and with the exception of the main character, I can identify with most of them, at least a little.
A brief synopsis: Gwen Michaels is a former US government assassin who leaves the death business for a quiet life with her husband, a lovable nebbish without a clue (aren’t we all?). The story begins with an attempt on her life that is not related to her former trade. Gwen then uses all her talents and training to solve the mystery: who’s after her, and why?
The book starts with action, and keeps up the pace to the end. It’s a fun read. The only problem is that this the lead character is too strong for my liking. She’s not infallible, but she’s hard to identify with. And she’s quite cold in some respects—I won’t write more about that aspect so as not to spoil the ending.
The ending is satisfying, in a chilling way. There are no loose ends, but there is an open door for a sequel, and from Pierce’s website, it appears there is at least one, with more to come.
If you’re looking for an action-packed read, Pierce delivers.
4*
Secrets is a good, action-packed pot-boiler/thriller/mystery. With it, SL Pierce joins the growing ranks of independent authors who have met and exceeding the quality and professionalism of the protégés of the legacy publishing industry. Authors like Pierce, Rogers Eschbacher, James Wallace Birch, Richard Sanders, Paul Dorset, Elise Stokes, Mike Wells, Russell Blake, Alan McDermott and RS Guthrie, among many, many others, are proving that the commercial publishers, big or small, can no longer look down their noses as independent writers and scoff at their lack of quality, attention to detail or ability to craft taut stories that keep audiences reading.
Secrets has a solid plot with no holes. There is one big coincidence, which is the maximum that any novel can sustain. And the fact that the coincidence is what launches the story, it makes perfect sense.
The style is lean, active and compelling. The characters are mostly believable, and with the exception of the main character, I can identify with most of them, at least a little.
A brief synopsis: Gwen Michaels is a former US government assassin who leaves the death business for a quiet life with her husband, a lovable nebbish without a clue (aren’t we all?). The story begins with an attempt on her life that is not related to her former trade. Gwen then uses all her talents and training to solve the mystery: who’s after her, and why?
The book starts with action, and keeps up the pace to the end. It’s a fun read. The only problem is that this the lead character is too strong for my liking. She’s not infallible, but she’s hard to identify with. And she’s quite cold in some respects—I won’t write more about that aspect so as not to spoil the ending.
The ending is satisfying, in a chilling way. There are no loose ends, but there is an open door for a sequel, and from Pierce’s website, it appears there is at least one, with more to come.
If you’re looking for an action-packed read, Pierce delivers.
4*
January 16, 2012
Book Description:
A former government assassin...
Two men who weren't supposed to be seen together...
A cop who won't let go...
High tech industrial espionage....
Deception...
Betrayal...
Secrets is a fast paced thriller that will keep you guessing to the very end.
Gwen Michaels moved to California two years ago to start fresh, hoping her past could stay secret forever. But when a hired killer shows up, she assumes her cover is blown. When it turns out the man knows nothing of her past, the search is on for who wants her dead, and why.
My Thoughts:
Gwen Michaels is an ex assassin for the U.S. Government living a “normal” life in middle class American with her husband until someone breaks into her home and tries to kill her.
The foiled attempt on her life thrusts her into a world filled with secrets ... secrets capable of rivaling her own.
Everyone in this story has secrets. You almost feel a bit schizophrenic reading this story because it seems disorganized at times because of the way it diverges to reflect the secrets and motives of the secondary characters. The seconary characters are skillfully integrated into the story and you're just not sure who is responsible for the botched hit on her.
Gwen follows the clues as if she were playing a real life version of the board game Clue. Is it Colonel Mustard in the library with the led pipe or Ms. Scarlet in the lounge with the smoking revolver?
Of course...not literally Colenel Mustard and Ms. Scarlet...but you get the picture.
You discover "who done it" at the very end but even then “reveal” was not as simple as finding the murder weapon in Clue because it was intertwined with the secrets and motives of others.
Definitely a very fast paced thriller with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. Brilliant job, Ms. Pierce.
A former government assassin...
Two men who weren't supposed to be seen together...
A cop who won't let go...
High tech industrial espionage....
Deception...
Betrayal...
Secrets is a fast paced thriller that will keep you guessing to the very end.
Gwen Michaels moved to California two years ago to start fresh, hoping her past could stay secret forever. But when a hired killer shows up, she assumes her cover is blown. When it turns out the man knows nothing of her past, the search is on for who wants her dead, and why.
My Thoughts:
Gwen Michaels is an ex assassin for the U.S. Government living a “normal” life in middle class American with her husband until someone breaks into her home and tries to kill her.
The foiled attempt on her life thrusts her into a world filled with secrets ... secrets capable of rivaling her own.
Everyone in this story has secrets. You almost feel a bit schizophrenic reading this story because it seems disorganized at times because of the way it diverges to reflect the secrets and motives of the secondary characters. The seconary characters are skillfully integrated into the story and you're just not sure who is responsible for the botched hit on her.
Gwen follows the clues as if she were playing a real life version of the board game Clue. Is it Colonel Mustard in the library with the led pipe or Ms. Scarlet in the lounge with the smoking revolver?
Of course...not literally Colenel Mustard and Ms. Scarlet...but you get the picture.
You discover "who done it" at the very end but even then “reveal” was not as simple as finding the murder weapon in Clue because it was intertwined with the secrets and motives of others.
Definitely a very fast paced thriller with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. Brilliant job, Ms. Pierce.
June 1, 2011
**Book review and giveaway!**
TBR reviewer: R.B
Where to begin with the review for “Secrets” by S.L. Pierce…..
In all honesty when I first chose this book to review I was intrigued by just the excerpt that I read. Upon delving further into the world of Gwen Michaels, I was severely let down. This author had a wonderful plot, but lacked everything else. The dialogue, characters, the whole shebang and it lacked excitement. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when a woman is take charge and not a damsel in distress. However, this story lacked luster and adventure. It would have been nice to see the characters endure a little more drama so to speak. Once Gwen’s secret past was revealed, her husband who was completely in the dark handled it all too smoothly. I would have liked to have seen him deal with this revelation differently. I know, if I found out my spouse had been a hired assassin, I would not have taken it with a “grain of salt” like Jack did.
This story also lacked sex or even sexual innuendo. I understand that some authors do not feel comfortable delving into the sexual world, but, I at least would have liked a little “teaser” to the characters sex life.
Although I really don’t have anything nice to say about this book, I have to at least admit that I liked Gwen Michaels. She was the main character of this book. Gwen was definitely a take charge, fiercely independent woman.
I have to admit that I am highly disappointed that I will not be recommending this book to other readers.
**Enter the contest here - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
TBR reviewer: R.B
Where to begin with the review for “Secrets” by S.L. Pierce…..
In all honesty when I first chose this book to review I was intrigued by just the excerpt that I read. Upon delving further into the world of Gwen Michaels, I was severely let down. This author had a wonderful plot, but lacked everything else. The dialogue, characters, the whole shebang and it lacked excitement. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when a woman is take charge and not a damsel in distress. However, this story lacked luster and adventure. It would have been nice to see the characters endure a little more drama so to speak. Once Gwen’s secret past was revealed, her husband who was completely in the dark handled it all too smoothly. I would have liked to have seen him deal with this revelation differently. I know, if I found out my spouse had been a hired assassin, I would not have taken it with a “grain of salt” like Jack did.
This story also lacked sex or even sexual innuendo. I understand that some authors do not feel comfortable delving into the sexual world, but, I at least would have liked a little “teaser” to the characters sex life.
Although I really don’t have anything nice to say about this book, I have to at least admit that I liked Gwen Michaels. She was the main character of this book. Gwen was definitely a take charge, fiercely independent woman.
I have to admit that I am highly disappointed that I will not be recommending this book to other readers.
**Enter the contest here - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
June 13, 2011
SECRETS by S.L. Pierce is an exciting thriller/suspense set in present day high tech world of computers. Gwen Michaels,(AKA) we never learn her true identity,she an retired assassin.She left the assassination business because she was starting to enjoy it to much.She is happily married until someone tries to kill her.Bad mistake on their part. Jack Michaels,Gwen's husband,doesn't know of her past secrets,but he is about to find out. Gwen is a kick butt kinda girl,who will her answers, and only believes in black and while,no gray areas. While,Jack gets pulled into this secret life of his wife's.To keep him safe until Gwen can find out who and why someone is trying to kill her.It has nothing to do with her past. This is a high octane,action packed,kick butt story with high tech secrets,betrayal,a few killings,a husband who is simply amazed by his wife,and a heroine who is a kick butt girl.I would have liked to have seen Jack more manly,he only sees the good in people and is an all around good person.Overall,this is a good story with an interesting plot...a female retired assassin..you don't read much on them.The characters are interesting.Although,Gwen,does kill a couple of people and doesn't get caught.She worked with high powered people within the government,so all is good. The bottom line is you try to kill Gwen and you don't get to live..This is a good read that will keep you turning the pages.This book was received for the purpose of review from Nurture Virtual Book Tourz and the author and details can be found at My Book Addiction and More.Available at Barnes & Nobles,Amazon, Smashwords.
July 12, 2011
3.5/5
A bit over dramatic for a synopsis, don't you think? Anyway, it looks like the last few books I've read had hired killers in them... I know, I can't help my secret fascination with Mr.&Mrs.Smith, plus I'm a die hard fan of Angelina Jolie.
This book was a very good thriller, nothing paranormal, no plot bunnies, I even got a few helpful tips out of it (like how to bypass a password on someone's computer).
Gwen Michaels is an interesting character, an assassin who retired from her career of torture and killings for the government. She leads a quiet life in California with a nice house, good job and a lovely husband, Jack. Until a hired gun tries to shoot her in her own kitchen.
After getting rid of his body, Gwen grabs her husband and goes into hiding trying to investigate who contracted the killer for the hit.
I did like how cold and methodical Gwen was, I liked how she didn't make a huge drama out of her past while she was telling her husband about it. She was very good at what she did and she liked it. Too much. This is why she retired.
Jack is a bit one-dimensional but still he deals with Gwen's secrets well and tries to aid his wife in her investigation. He actually reminded me of a teenage boy, excited to do his first prank.
I didn't like the cop nosing around Gwen. He just didn't have enough storyline to develop, so he felt totally irrelevant to the plot.
Otherwise, great pace, solid writing and a very enjoyable read!
A bit over dramatic for a synopsis, don't you think? Anyway, it looks like the last few books I've read had hired killers in them... I know, I can't help my secret fascination with Mr.&Mrs.Smith, plus I'm a die hard fan of Angelina Jolie.
This book was a very good thriller, nothing paranormal, no plot bunnies, I even got a few helpful tips out of it (like how to bypass a password on someone's computer).
Gwen Michaels is an interesting character, an assassin who retired from her career of torture and killings for the government. She leads a quiet life in California with a nice house, good job and a lovely husband, Jack. Until a hired gun tries to shoot her in her own kitchen.
After getting rid of his body, Gwen grabs her husband and goes into hiding trying to investigate who contracted the killer for the hit.
I did like how cold and methodical Gwen was, I liked how she didn't make a huge drama out of her past while she was telling her husband about it. She was very good at what she did and she liked it. Too much. This is why she retired.
Jack is a bit one-dimensional but still he deals with Gwen's secrets well and tries to aid his wife in her investigation. He actually reminded me of a teenage boy, excited to do his first prank.
I didn't like the cop nosing around Gwen. He just didn't have enough storyline to develop, so he felt totally irrelevant to the plot.
Otherwise, great pace, solid writing and a very enjoyable read!
May 14, 2011
My full review can be found on my blog : http://killie-booktalk.blogspot.com/
This book is a fairly standard thriller that follows Gwen Michaels, a woman who moved to California for a fresh start and the hope that her past would stay secret forever, even from her husband. However, after a hired assassin turns up to try and kill her, she assumes that her cover is blown. It turns out though that the assassin had no idea who she was and therefore a search for the truth begins which uncovers deception, betrayal, industrial espionage and an unhealthy collection of secrets.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and despite the issues I had with the large amount of chapters which at times interrupted the flow, it was still a fast paced and enjoyable read. The manner in which S.L. Pierce manages to wrap all the various events together at the end was rather satisfying, with the small exception of some plot lines regarding the police officer which felt rather pointless to the overall story. Basically, if you are after a quick, standard thriller to read then you won't go wrong with this novel.
This book is a fairly standard thriller that follows Gwen Michaels, a woman who moved to California for a fresh start and the hope that her past would stay secret forever, even from her husband. However, after a hired assassin turns up to try and kill her, she assumes that her cover is blown. It turns out though that the assassin had no idea who she was and therefore a search for the truth begins which uncovers deception, betrayal, industrial espionage and an unhealthy collection of secrets.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and despite the issues I had with the large amount of chapters which at times interrupted the flow, it was still a fast paced and enjoyable read. The manner in which S.L. Pierce manages to wrap all the various events together at the end was rather satisfying, with the small exception of some plot lines regarding the police officer which felt rather pointless to the overall story. Basically, if you are after a quick, standard thriller to read then you won't go wrong with this novel.
May 14, 2011
Secrets by S.L. Pierce is a fast paced action thriller with a strong female protagonist. It is a fast read, but the writing flows together well. It has a little bit of everything in it action, romance, and mystery. The best part of the book though is the tough female lead character. Most of the book is written in first person narrative from the perspective of the female lead, Gwen. Gwen is an ex super agent with all of the powers of espionage and heightened self defense. Reading this book was like watching an action movie.
The book is well suited to an afternoon mystery thriller read. It is well written and keeps your interest going until the end. The twists added are not too easily predictable and the story line is a good one. What makes this story an easy sell are the characters, primarily Gwen and Jack, but you also get to know the side characters and what motivates them.
Overall, this is a fast paced action novel, with a really likable main character. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick action/thriller/mystery read.
To read my entire review go here
The book is well suited to an afternoon mystery thriller read. It is well written and keeps your interest going until the end. The twists added are not too easily predictable and the story line is a good one. What makes this story an easy sell are the characters, primarily Gwen and Jack, but you also get to know the side characters and what motivates them.
Overall, this is a fast paced action novel, with a really likable main character. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick action/thriller/mystery read.
To read my entire review go here
May 5, 2011
This is a whodunit, with a side order of “believable” action at its best. Not your regular mystery novel; it keeps you glued to your chair, a real page turner. The author does an excellent job tying the characters together in a neat bow with a twist you never expect. The reader is not bogged down with useless details, but instead their attention never strays, they are captured by every moment. There’s enough background to understand where each character comes from, and a glimpse into where they’re headed. The action parts of the book are not far out, hard to believe, but are heart-pumping never the less.
This is one heroine you like, from page one. Gwen Michaels is a down to earth assassin, who left the assassination game because she was beginning to like it too much. She doesn’t believe in gray areas, it’s all black and white. You try to kill her, you don’t get to live.
The author does a great job at capturing the reader’s undivided attention, which is why I found it to be a quick read.
This is one heroine you like, from page one. Gwen Michaels is a down to earth assassin, who left the assassination game because she was beginning to like it too much. She doesn’t believe in gray areas, it’s all black and white. You try to kill her, you don’t get to live.
The author does a great job at capturing the reader’s undivided attention, which is why I found it to be a quick read.
August 7, 2011
I'm not too sure how this one slipped through my review net!
When I first stumbled across S.L. Pierce, it was her short stories 'The Hate' and 'Manhunt' that had me immediately hooked. The twists in the stories, even though they were shorts, had me gasping in an 'Oh my God!' moment and I had write to her to ask for more.
With 'Secrets' I found myself a little disappointed, even though the story was great, well thought out and excellently written. Perhaps it's because as a writer and a reader I thrive on the dark side and this one mainstreams with the strong beautiful female lead who happens to be an ex special forces agent. It wasn't really for me, but I can see how this book will be well loved by many and S.L.Pierce will be a name to remember. Definitely a recommendation if you love your books with fast paced action and a lot of sass.
When I first stumbled across S.L. Pierce, it was her short stories 'The Hate' and 'Manhunt' that had me immediately hooked. The twists in the stories, even though they were shorts, had me gasping in an 'Oh my God!' moment and I had write to her to ask for more.
With 'Secrets' I found myself a little disappointed, even though the story was great, well thought out and excellently written. Perhaps it's because as a writer and a reader I thrive on the dark side and this one mainstreams with the strong beautiful female lead who happens to be an ex special forces agent. It wasn't really for me, but I can see how this book will be well loved by many and S.L.Pierce will be a name to remember. Definitely a recommendation if you love your books with fast paced action and a lot of sass.
June 20, 2011
Do you have a secret that no one knows, not even your spouse? Well the main character in this book sure does and it is huge. This book grabbed me right off and I read it straight through. I loved the idea of changing one’s life completely around because of the way things were going.
This is a great story that kept me reading. I loved the Colombo type interview at the end, but it didn’t take away from the fast pace adventure the book became. I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery/thriller/adventure book. I loved the character and the fact that she took nothing from nobody, she was tough and yet could see another life out there for the taking.
Secrets is a great name for this book and if you think about it, we all have them. Read this book you will be glad you did.
This is a great story that kept me reading. I loved the Colombo type interview at the end, but it didn’t take away from the fast pace adventure the book became. I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery/thriller/adventure book. I loved the character and the fact that she took nothing from nobody, she was tough and yet could see another life out there for the taking.
Secrets is a great name for this book and if you think about it, we all have them. Read this book you will be glad you did.
July 9, 2011
This fast paced thriller has twists, turns, and surprises aplenty. The puzzle pieces do not come together easily, which kept me interested the entire time. The protagonist is an ex-government secret agent with a past that becomes slightly exposed. While, I didn't buy into the characters, I enjoyed the strong female lead. Jack seemed too easy going and Gwen seemed to be more into teaching/explaining then solving the mystery. There are two story lines going on. The primary mystery and a sideline involving a police officer who has keen intuition and investigates a few discrepancies on his own. I enjoyed the side storyline more than the first but for some reason it really felt unfinished. It was also unnecessary as it didn't actually add anything to the overall story. I recommend this for those who enjoy quick fast-paced thrillers.
July 9, 2011
This fast paced thriller has twists, turns, and surprises aplenty. The puzzle pieces do not come together easily, which kept me interested the entire time. The protagonist is an ex-government secret agent with a past that becomes slightly exposed. While, I didn't buy into the characters, I enjoyed the strong female lead. Jack seemed too easy going and Gwen seemed to be more into teaching/explaining then solving the mystery. There are two story lines going on. The primary mystery and a sideline involving a police officer who has keen intuition and investigates a few discrepancies on his own. I enjoyed the side storyline more than the first but for some reason it really felt unfinished. It was also unnecessary as it didn't actually add anything to the overall story. I recommend this for those who enjoy quick fast-paced thrillers.
April 17, 2013
Overall Feedback - Although the storyline has been seen before, I decided to give this one a try and I am sure glad I did. The action started in the beginning and did not let me go until I was finished. The author gave enough weakness to his character to make her butt-kicking believable and relatable.
Point of View - Gwen tells you her story.
Voice - I would have to read it again in order to figure out the author's voice. Like I need an excuse to read this one again.
Character Development - You will be surprised at how fast you will relate to the characters in this one.
Plot - Straightforward and action packed.
Dialogue - Seemed natural and flowing.
Pacing - Non Stop action packed keeping you thumbing through the pages.
Setting - Spies/Agents/Special Ops can be anywhere.
Continuity - Not one line out of place. A few errors but nothing that will ruin the read.
Point of View - Gwen tells you her story.
Voice - I would have to read it again in order to figure out the author's voice. Like I need an excuse to read this one again.
Character Development - You will be surprised at how fast you will relate to the characters in this one.
Plot - Straightforward and action packed.
Dialogue - Seemed natural and flowing.
Pacing - Non Stop action packed keeping you thumbing through the pages.
Setting - Spies/Agents/Special Ops can be anywhere.
Continuity - Not one line out of place. A few errors but nothing that will ruin the read.
June 15, 2011
Secrets was a well written suspenseful murder mystery with continuing action that kept you wanting to know who did what to whom. SL Pierce writes with a lot of dialog, the type of book in this genre I like to read; it keeps me wondering and guessing until the very end. She tied up all the lose ends by the end of the book; I was surprised, which is what I like in a murder mystery. I like her character Gwen; I can totally relate to her and wish they had something like that for me when I was in the military, lol. I was just curious as to why her husband wasn't a little more rattled and a little more assertive in wanting to help her after he found out what she did in the military. Well written, SL Pierce. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
April 10, 2012
Secrets is a mystery that feels like a spy action-adventure novel with fewer shoot-‘em-up scenes. While relatively short for the genre (whatever you think the genre is), it works great as a fast-paced thrill ride. The character of Gwen, her husband Jake, and some of the subsidiary characters provide interesting contrasts in morals and ethics to consider. While at times it stretches the ability to suspend disbelief (even more typical of a spy novel than a mystery or thriller), if you’ll just take it all on faith, I think you’ll find Secrets a fun time.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 11, 2012
Secrets had a lot of potential but fell a little flat. The short chapters made this a quick read but felt choppy and hurried. I don't do spoilers so I'll just say the reaction of some of the characters as parts of the storyline was exposed wasn't really believable. On the plus side, the Gwen character was a lot of fun and ruthless at the same time. The author creates some twists but I ended up reading it just to finish rather than being captured by the story and characters. Ultimately, a decent plot and story but told in an average way.
September 9, 2011
This book started out okay for me but I quickly became disinterested. For one, the husband seemed to accept the main character's past history without much more than a nod. And then started to participate in the spying and what not which seemed unbelievable to me. This book just didn't do it for me. I expected more mystery and intrigue and action.
September 1, 2014
I loved 'Secrets'. I was pulled in from the first page and didn't stop. This book is so full of mystery, action, suspense and has a great storyline. I loved the kick-ass lead Gwen. She is full of surprises. Jack held on better than I thought he would. The characters were great. I can't wait to read more of Gwen's adventures. A must add to your tbr list. Recommended!
April 5, 2012
Good book, kept me turning pages, the last few chapters were probably the weakest part of the book. It just wraps up. I don't think it would really be as simple as it finished. Otherwise it kept be engrossed, I liked the main characters and liked the characteristics of the lead female.
July 21, 2013
Nice story, and a unusual narrative. Pierce writes fast situations, with little description. It's interesting to imagine the scenes, the dialog in place. Gwen is almost believable. Jack is not so well developed. I like it!
May 10, 2011
Gotta love a hard boiled spy/thriller set in Palo Alto, CA. Very enjoyable, fast paced read. Very idiosyncratic, like-able main character.
December 8, 2011
Definitely a good read so far...
July 2, 2012
Great book full of fun!
EL RHAZI Otmane.
EL RHAZI Otmane.
June 14, 2013
Nice strong female lead
October 27, 2013
Brilliant to the last page this book. Had me
Well written
Well written
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