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Dark Secrets #3
Mark of Betrayal
Book three in the best selling vampire series, Dark Secrets.
A love so strong fire and torture could not break it. A heart so pure neither death nor hate could taint it. But, left alone in a world of lies and secrets, Ara will find herself down the road of treachery, walking very dangerous ground, while those closest to her fight to keep her safe from dangers unseen.
The boundaries between friends and enemies will blur, and the return of an old friend will see Ara crossing a line she can never return from.
A love so strong fire and torture could not break it. A heart so pure neither death nor hate could taint it. But, left alone in a world of lies and secrets, Ara will find herself down the road of treachery, walking very dangerous ground, while those closest to her fight to keep her safe from dangers unseen.
The boundaries between friends and enemies will blur, and the return of an old friend will see Ara crossing a line she can never return from.
586 pages, ebook
First published October 4, 2012
208 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Angela M. Hudson
32 books799 followersAuthor of books that crush your soul and leave you wanting more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 8, 2012
I am reading this before it is released, to look for abnormalities on my nook devise. So excited as I have loved this series!
Finished!
Okay, wow! ***This was a HEAVY book. I loved it just as much as the three before, but it has heavy subject matter not sutible for under 18!***
Now that that is out of the way, I absolutly LOVE this author! She is a rare gem in the book world. Her characters! Man, these characters, are so complex and wonderfully frustrating. There were so many great new characters in this book. The knights were so awesome and funny. Mrs. Peacock! Ha Ha Ha that made me laugh so hard! The house and counsil members were very amusing. I wanted to strangle Ara in this book. I was so frustrated with her. The thing is, I also understood where she was coming from, and that made me sit back and think about the story more. I loved that about this book. I wished David had been in it a little more, I missed his romance. I kinda knew some things were going to happen ( I don't want to say, because I don't want to give away any spoilers). There were so many twists and turns to the book. I was also VERY surprised at my reaction to some of the characters I didn't like in the previous books and how much I fell in love wth them in this book.
Another thing I loved was that you never know who the antagonist is (besides Ara herself), you are always kept on your toes as to who is the mole. There are so many different agendas happening, it made it very interesting. There were a few things I didn't quite agree with, but understood why the charaters would do what they did. It was hard to read at some parts, but I loved it! Now I am going to go back and read through all of the books at once. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the next book... I may die! Hopefully I will be able to read THAT book a month early too!
Finished!
Okay, wow! ***This was a HEAVY book. I loved it just as much as the three before, but it has heavy subject matter not sutible for under 18!***
Now that that is out of the way, I absolutly LOVE this author! She is a rare gem in the book world. Her characters! Man, these characters, are so complex and wonderfully frustrating. There were so many great new characters in this book. The knights were so awesome and funny. Mrs. Peacock! Ha Ha Ha that made me laugh so hard! The house and counsil members were very amusing. I wanted to strangle Ara in this book. I was so frustrated with her. The thing is, I also understood where she was coming from, and that made me sit back and think about the story more. I loved that about this book. I wished David had been in it a little more, I missed his romance. I kinda knew some things were going to happen ( I don't want to say, because I don't want to give away any spoilers). There were so many twists and turns to the book. I was also VERY surprised at my reaction to some of the characters I didn't like in the previous books and how much I fell in love wth them in this book.
Another thing I loved was that you never know who the antagonist is (besides Ara herself), you are always kept on your toes as to who is the mole. There are so many different agendas happening, it made it very interesting. There were a few things I didn't quite agree with, but understood why the charaters would do what they did. It was hard to read at some parts, but I loved it! Now I am going to go back and read through all of the books at once. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the next book... I may die! Hopefully I will be able to read THAT book a month early too!
September 17, 2012
WOW!!!!!!!!! Angela is flippin amazing!!!! I was on the feed back team for this book and im still stuck on stupid...This writer has a style that u wanna rock..Not to mention that she is very sweet..( first AUSSIE i've ever chatted with)...Yes the Dark Secrets Series has A lot of characters, and many traditions and past events that u have to follow but the way she wrote it she really makes the book have a great flow...I really hope that this book can come to life on film..This is a must read series and this book is simply GREAT!!!!It was sexy, hott, naughty, confusing, and twisted all in the same....Enjoy:)
December 19, 2012
I'm starting to get REALLY annoyed by Ara:(
December 29, 2012
I love this series do not get me wrong..... I did not love this book as much as the rest of them... Ara has beyond pissed me off and so has David.... first of all they don't ever communicate with each other and then end up both stabbing each other in the back in like the WORST ways!!!!! Of course if everything was all rainbows and sunshine for these two we would not have these fabulous books but I mean really!!!!!!! Mike annoys the freaking hell out of me and in this book I want to push him off the lighthouse... I have never liked his character he seems like the 'creepy best friend' oh wait he is! Also Jason is amazing in a dark and twisted way and I wish him to get his own book and Eric... seriously he is probably the hottest guy to walk to vampire planet (not really, but I saw a FB pic of someone who was adorbs that could portray Eric) And again he should get his own story as well. I hope for the next book Ara and David quit their bullshit and pull themselves together, as a couple and 'King and Queen' I mean there has to be a happy ever after with David and Ara...... Right???
July 3, 2013
WORST BOOK I HAVE "EVER READ" ! ! ! ! Seriously it hasn't taken me this long to read a book or books in just about a year. MAJOR SPOILER ALERT: the sex between Ara and Jason is just WRONG and i hope they live a life of eternal hell and self loathing. I dont care how much you hate your bother or want to save him from some "un-confirmed" death from a profiecy....YOU DO NOT SLEEP WITH YOUR HUSBANDS BROTHER ! ! ! WTF....the 1 & 2nd book has a good promise to it i was elated when David and Ara got married, how he was with her at her home, loving her and being a romantic husband, but this third book, ugh just *H * A * T * E * D * * IT ! ! ! ! !
December 5, 2012
Mark of Betrayal is book four in the Dark Secret Series by A.M. Hudson. And true to its predecessors it was better than the book before it.
Book four in the series brings about the re-appearance of my favorite character (why he's my favorite, I'm not 100% sure, I just know that he is), Jason Knight. Now, don't get me wrong, I like David and all. And I know he loves Ara. But the more I learn about him, the more I wish that it was Jason that Ara was in love with. Despite his monstrous start in the series, he redeemed himself (as weird as that sounds considering WHAT he did). And I find him to be incredibly sweet and endearing and just heart breakingly vulnerable and beautiful.
Ara is true to form in this book. One minute you want to shake her and yell at her to grow the heck up. The next minute you're on her side yelling at other people to back off and give her some credit. She's relatively new to this whole world that she's been thrown in to and she wasn't technically a mature adult when she was "normal" let alone now that she's a Lilithian monarch. There should be some kind of learning curve for the poor girl. But on the other hand, she does definitely act overly childish in a lot of situations and has a tendency to throw tantrums.
This novel seems to be one where you never really know who you can trust. You know who you WANT to trust. You know who was the good guy before and who was the bad guy. But in this book there's a big old monkey wrench thrown in to the mix and now everything is all backwards and you don't know who's Ara's friend and who's Ara's enemy anymore.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. Can't wait for more of Jason and the Lilithian History that we're learning about. Can't wait to see what happens to a "smaller" group of vampires. ::cough:: I'm excited to see where the story goes. If you haven't already started reading, I suggest you pick up book one, Tears of the Broken, and check it out!
Book four in the series brings about the re-appearance of my favorite character (why he's my favorite, I'm not 100% sure, I just know that he is), Jason Knight. Now, don't get me wrong, I like David and all. And I know he loves Ara. But the more I learn about him, the more I wish that it was Jason that Ara was in love with. Despite his monstrous start in the series, he redeemed himself (as weird as that sounds considering WHAT he did). And I find him to be incredibly sweet and endearing and just heart breakingly vulnerable and beautiful.
Ara is true to form in this book. One minute you want to shake her and yell at her to grow the heck up. The next minute you're on her side yelling at other people to back off and give her some credit. She's relatively new to this whole world that she's been thrown in to and she wasn't technically a mature adult when she was "normal" let alone now that she's a Lilithian monarch. There should be some kind of learning curve for the poor girl. But on the other hand, she does definitely act overly childish in a lot of situations and has a tendency to throw tantrums.
This novel seems to be one where you never really know who you can trust. You know who you WANT to trust. You know who was the good guy before and who was the bad guy. But in this book there's a big old monkey wrench thrown in to the mix and now everything is all backwards and you don't know who's Ara's friend and who's Ara's enemy anymore.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. Can't wait for more of Jason and the Lilithian History that we're learning about. Can't wait to see what happens to a "smaller" group of vampires. ::cough:: I'm excited to see where the story goes. If you haven't already started reading, I suggest you pick up book one, Tears of the Broken, and check it out!
January 25, 2020
I literally don't want to do anything else with my life until I finish this series. It's entirely too addictive. There's not much I can say without ruining the story at this part of the series, but it's definitely causing some conflicting feelings. I left the last book desperately searching for answers about if Ara and David live happily ever after. But, I wish I didn't know now as I changed my mind entirely. So these are the conclusions I've come to.
-I'm so tired of Mike. He sucks and he just keeps getting worse.
-David is officially the grumpier brother, despite what Jason has done.
-Jason is the best. The better brother and so obviously a better choice, which is how you know it won't be him. All stories have to leave you with a little bit of a happy ending and heartache. Also, literally every time I like a guy better in the book it's not the one they choose. Girls and their incessant need to be with the asshole. Ugh.
-I'm so tired of Mike. He sucks and he just keeps getting worse.
-David is officially the grumpier brother, despite what Jason has done.
-Jason is the best. The better brother and so obviously a better choice, which is how you know it won't be him. All stories have to leave you with a little bit of a happy ending and heartache. Also, literally every time I like a guy better in the book it's not the one they choose. Girls and their incessant need to be with the asshole. Ugh.
July 4, 2013
Holy Moly! Amara trusts all the wrong people! I'm not even sure if she should trust David but I know that she should not be trusting anyone, even (especially) those closest to her! I think what the uncle and everyone else has just told her too many things, too many variations of things that now she is just blindly trusting.. when it comes to her thinking David is gonna die to save her she should go to him and tell him everything BEFORE she makes her own plan! I think its all a HUGE misunderstanding and the uncle is lying to her for his own selfish reasons, not to save David! If he's king he has all the power and could still be in it with Drake! These books are so Damn frustrating cuz you want to shake her (Ara) and tell her to just stop! or to wake up! Something!!! Gah!!! Idk how much more of this I can take!!
November 2, 2014
This book is fantastic!! A. M. Hudson's writing style is amazing, and it draws you in almost immediately. The book is easy to lose yourself in, and to forget that there is any world besides Ara's world. I highly recommend this book (entire series, actually), but it does have some adult-oriented content, and probably shouldn't be read by anyone under 17. Also, you should definitely have read the first three books before reading this one, otherwise you will be lost and have no clue as to what is going on. There are so many surprises in Mark of Betrayal, it is an emotional roller coaster! There are a couple scenes where tissues are required, also. I love Mark of Betrayal, I love the Dark Secrets series, and I love A. M. Hudson!
July 18, 2017
I can't read anymore. I'm done. Maybe because I accidentally read book four before book three this book. But her boundaries are not just blurred between friends and enemies just sickening. It's more like she loves everyone, especially her husbands brother. If she says Jason's name one more time I'm going to vomit 🤢 . So freaking agitated 😡. Amara has to always be in someone arms to be comforted. I absolutely love strong women; I can't do the weak thing.
April 28, 2013
OK WHAT THE HELL. I can honestly say that I dislike EVERYONE n this book for 1 reason or another. I'm going to spoil the hell out of it so if u didn't read it yet, Don't read my review
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OK Ara, I haven't wanted to choke her through out this book, but at the same time side with her. She needs to get her life and stop letting everyone control her!she the dang Queen. She just listens to whatever someone she cares about tells her. This thing between her and Jason has got to stop ,how the hell do you far in love with someone in your dreams n make it reality. She deserves that mark, n if David needs to slap her for it,she deserves that to. And omg trying to do it with Arthur had me gagging like I literally put the book down and went to sleep. Ara and David are so dishonest with each other now and I hate it. She does need to listen to mike sometime and LORD stop acting so stubborn. I agree with her killing herself LOL at least she felt remorse and if it ever comes out everyone will see how she
truly regretted sleeping with her bro-inlaw!
OK David, like what the hell really a lot of this is his fault for not being there and keeping things for her, and what a controlling asshole he is, for a moment I did want her to be with Jason seeing his past like that. But I love David I have to say, I just want him. To loosen the reigns.
OK Mike's like needs to calm the hell down he has some sick ownership over Ara that pisses me off and him being head of security just helped boost his head even more.
Jason although I like him as a person he was wrong for EVERYTHING he did to Ara from the ball to falling in love with hr and tricking her to fall in .love with him. OH and let's not forget sleeping with her and trying to get her prego he did that bcuz he wanted to.s
Authur- OK idk if we should trust him or not like he says one things does another,and what the hell u would with your nephews wife!ugh that was sickening. And all this talk about the turkey baster like hello smartie u just now thought of that, like arent u a doctor?
Idk about Morgaine but we will see. I think that maybe Ara is the child and maybe in some sick twist she's actually related to the Knights lol liked far cousins lol. I also think that this other self she keeps seeing has a bigger role than her just being crazy maybe like there really is another her living inside her. She always did talk to herself maybe herself became real lol. I mean there is so much drama in this book anything is frickin possible
The Author is amazing I love that this is a real young adult series like it is not sugar coated and mushy for teens, its raw its real. The feeling are real and real table the sex the emotions everything, even tho Ara is still naive. I'm still rooting for her and quite frankly feels sorry for her. She needs o find her strength.
.
OK Ara, I haven't wanted to choke her through out this book, but at the same time side with her. She needs to get her life and stop letting everyone control her!she the dang Queen. She just listens to whatever someone she cares about tells her. This thing between her and Jason has got to stop ,how the hell do you far in love with someone in your dreams n make it reality. She deserves that mark, n if David needs to slap her for it,she deserves that to. And omg trying to do it with Arthur had me gagging like I literally put the book down and went to sleep. Ara and David are so dishonest with each other now and I hate it. She does need to listen to mike sometime and LORD stop acting so stubborn. I agree with her killing herself LOL at least she felt remorse and if it ever comes out everyone will see how she
truly regretted sleeping with her bro-inlaw!
OK David, like what the hell really a lot of this is his fault for not being there and keeping things for her, and what a controlling asshole he is, for a moment I did want her to be with Jason seeing his past like that. But I love David I have to say, I just want him. To loosen the reigns.
OK Mike's like needs to calm the hell down he has some sick ownership over Ara that pisses me off and him being head of security just helped boost his head even more.
Jason although I like him as a person he was wrong for EVERYTHING he did to Ara from the ball to falling in love with hr and tricking her to fall in .love with him. OH and let's not forget sleeping with her and trying to get her prego he did that bcuz he wanted to.s
Authur- OK idk if we should trust him or not like he says one things does another,and what the hell u would with your nephews wife!ugh that was sickening. And all this talk about the turkey baster like hello smartie u just now thought of that, like arent u a doctor?
Idk about Morgaine but we will see. I think that maybe Ara is the child and maybe in some sick twist she's actually related to the Knights lol liked far cousins lol. I also think that this other self she keeps seeing has a bigger role than her just being crazy maybe like there really is another her living inside her. She always did talk to herself maybe herself became real lol. I mean there is so much drama in this book anything is frickin possible
The Author is amazing I love that this is a real young adult series like it is not sugar coated and mushy for teens, its raw its real. The feeling are real and real table the sex the emotions everything, even tho Ara is still naive. I'm still rooting for her and quite frankly feels sorry for her. She needs o find her strength.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2012
Well I finally finished and i know why its called Mark of Betrayal. I cant say whatever happens with Ara wont be her own fault. She walking around without all the information not knowing what actually will be her down fall. I can honestly say i dont want to see what happens i dont think i can take! So much is going on in this book with Ara and the Knight men all which is wrong IMO but she always has a justification for everything she does until its to late. I never understood Ara/Jason's relationship and i dont think i ever will i just dont get it! I dont think anything will end well for anybody but i think there is a lot more going on then what we actually get to see in Ara's head especailly with her powers growing. I cant wait to find out more about Lilith and her many kids because i have a feeling it has something to do with what she did that affected her kids life! Drake is a on going mystery also because he is waiting for something i just dont know if its what everybody else thinks it is. I really dont know who is telling the truth or who is lying but Ara takes everything anyone says to her even though it contradicts what the other says! I hope i see some growth with Ara's character in the upcoming books because i havent she is still very impulsive and never sticks to a decision.
October 12, 2012
I LOVE this series! I was lucky enough to be on the feedback team and read this early!! Very emotional...and definitely not suited for under 17.
July 27, 2022
AWESOME!
I did my best to pace myself while reading this but it obviously did not go so well! :) I was lucky enough to be able to get a copy when the author did a random 5 minute link to purchase it off of Smashwords. Sometimes the transferring from Smashwords to my Kindle can be annoying but for this book it was definitely worth it.
It was amazing to see how much Ara grew in this book and how much of her personality is just part of her character as well. There were so many moments that were shocking to me. I always love the history and the detail that Hudson goes into in these books educating the reader on the background of the characters. I was super happy to see the diversity represented this time around especially since I had conversed with Hudson over a few e-mails about that.
The book was packed with surprises and all kinds of secrets were revealed. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next. One event in particular I know is not going to turn out well and I really want to get through the mayhem of that so that hopefully the silver lining or brighter side comes out sooner. It's definitely going to be a doozy when it's all revealed. What I think I like most about this series is that even though we all want to know who will Ara end up with in the end the story line is so engaging and filled with so much mystery that I am equally if not more invested at times for those mysteries to be revealed.
I did my best to pace myself while reading this but it obviously did not go so well! :) I was lucky enough to be able to get a copy when the author did a random 5 minute link to purchase it off of Smashwords. Sometimes the transferring from Smashwords to my Kindle can be annoying but for this book it was definitely worth it.
It was amazing to see how much Ara grew in this book and how much of her personality is just part of her character as well. There were so many moments that were shocking to me. I always love the history and the detail that Hudson goes into in these books educating the reader on the background of the characters. I was super happy to see the diversity represented this time around especially since I had conversed with Hudson over a few e-mails about that.
The book was packed with surprises and all kinds of secrets were revealed. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next. One event in particular I know is not going to turn out well and I really want to get through the mayhem of that so that hopefully the silver lining or brighter side comes out sooner. It's definitely going to be a doozy when it's all revealed. What I think I like most about this series is that even though we all want to know who will Ara end up with in the end the story line is so engaging and filled with so much mystery that I am equally if not more invested at times for those mysteries to be revealed.
November 3, 2012
Wow...what an awesome, well written series. I'm now rendered a spaz waiting on the next book!!! My heart has been twisted, torn, and patched, all to start the cycle over again....a roller coaster of emotions....wheeeee! I absolutely loved it!!! Please hurry with the next one....sincerely, craving....lol
October 30, 2012
Ara and David are a passionate couple but their love is tested by family and friends. They are the perfect love story, and against all odds, still love eachother. I laughed and cried but can't wait for the next book. Puts Bella's story to shame. This could be the next book to movie series. loved it!
November 6, 2012
Oh Ara, David & Jase! I didn't want to rush through this book because i didn't want it to finish, but I wanted to know what was going to happen! I love Ara, David & Jase but Arthur creeps me out!! EWWW!!! I can not wait for the #5!!!
October 29, 2012
This book had me basically screaming Noooo and shouting Yesssss from one moment to the next. I'm so confused lol! But once again this series doesn't disappoint.
November 2, 2012
I love this series and can't wait for the next book. Although I feel we didn't get very far with the saga in this book.
November 9, 2012
Totally left me speechless!! I loved it!!!! And can't wait for book 5!!!! So excited :D
May 30, 2013
I absolutely love this series...now, book 4 needs to be released. I can't seem to choose: David or Jason? I think I'm leaning towards Jason. Come on book 4!!!
June 8, 2013
SO happy that Ara has finally started to grow up. Not saying she's making the best decisions but at least she isn't as whiny as she was. Of course I love Jason. lol Cant wait to see what happens.
June 18, 2013
Oh boy! Jase rocks my world!
October 31, 2012
OMG I loved loved loved it and can't wait for book 5!!!!
November 15, 2012
Need more David!! Anxiously waiting
November 4, 2017
Wow,Heart ripped out again then sewn back together!
Brilliant installment and had my heart racing for dear life again. So much mushrooming going on so many secrets that need to be revealed but is Ara being tricked and which one is deceiving her because I know it's not how it looks and it's so frustrating but exciting.
I know I'm going to die when it all comes together,my poor nails have taken a punishing due to the anxiety of this story!
It's now time to delve into the next chapter and see what kind of heart failure I'm about to endure.
Assassins reading reviewing group ~
Brilliant installment and had my heart racing for dear life again. So much mushrooming going on so many secrets that need to be revealed but is Ara being tricked and which one is deceiving her because I know it's not how it looks and it's so frustrating but exciting.
I know I'm going to die when it all comes together,my poor nails have taken a punishing due to the anxiety of this story!
It's now time to delve into the next chapter and see what kind of heart failure I'm about to endure.
Assassins reading reviewing group ~
September 3, 2024
I liked this installment of the story even though it took me FOREVER to read. It questions what is "wrong" and "right" in a way Ara was never able to before which shows a lot growth in her. The plot definitely thickens with Jason and the lighthouse and all that, so I expect a lot of drama and seeing new sides of people in the next book. I have read some of the next one but not all, so I am excited to get to a part I haven't read although it was extremely necessary to brush up on the events leading up to it!
January 19, 2022
I was hoping for better plot development and character growth but honestly Ara is uninspiring and emotionally immature. I’m just not able to connect with any of the characters and Mikes constant calling of Ara “baby” grates my nerves. The guy is a vampire for two seconds and all of a sudden he’s the top of the hierarchy and all knowing sub leader? Makes zero sense… I won’t be finishing this series. It’s just not for me at all
July 15, 2017
And it continues.
I love that this is the third book and I'm still page turning just like it was the first great one. I can't wait to move on. Had a few spots where I was confused and had to re read a few pages because I missed something. Can't wait to see what happens in this amazing addicting story.
I love that this is the third book and I'm still page turning just like it was the first great one. I can't wait to move on. Had a few spots where I was confused and had to re read a few pages because I missed something. Can't wait to see what happens in this amazing addicting story.
August 5, 2018
Ahhh
I hated the first half of the book simply because I hated Ara’s immaturity but as the story progressed and she grew I liked the story more. I’m still not happy with our MC but I’ll be continuing my journey with her.
I hated the first half of the book simply because I hated Ara’s immaturity but as the story progressed and she grew I liked the story more. I’m still not happy with our MC but I’ll be continuing my journey with her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews