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Secrets #5
Secrets Vol. 5
The pounding in Anna's heart rings in her ears as she sits naked in the tub. The bath water sloshes around her bare hips, even though she tries to stand without making a sound. All this time, Anna thought someone was following her, but every time she turned around no one was there. The chills that climbed up her spine those few times seemed silly, but not now. Now, they seem horrific.
Cole is gone, Emma is at work, and Anna is completely alone. A shadow darkens the space under the door. The metallic clink of a hand touching the knob sends Anna out of her mind. Pulse pounding in her ears, Anna has no other option, but to open the bathroom door and come face to face with her stalker.
Volume 5 is the final book in the bestselling SECRETS series.
Cole is gone, Emma is at work, and Anna is completely alone. A shadow darkens the space under the door. The metallic clink of a hand touching the knob sends Anna out of her mind. Pulse pounding in her ears, Anna has no other option, but to open the bathroom door and come face to face with her stalker.
Volume 5 is the final book in the bestselling SECRETS series.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
38 people are currently reading
1546 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Ward
140 books6,540 followersH.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who surpassed more than 23 million books sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 23, 2013
This post is for all 5 books because seriously 5 books???? Ok, they are short but come on the author could have put the story all in only one.
Sorry, had to get that out of my chest.
The protagonist: Anna, clearly the name makes us remember Ana Steele of Fifty Shades of Grey, but only by name, because this chick is kinky (self-proclaimed, we never know what she considers kinky). In the beginnig I didn't like her very much; I couldn't sympathize with her. So when "her life falls apart", I thought:
But then as the story unravels she grew on me. I felt her changing and showing a more mature side.
This first two books were rather plain. But on the third, things spice up. The forth book had me touching the screen non-stop (to turn the page).
Sorry, had to get that out of my chest.
The protagonist: Anna, clearly the name makes us remember Ana Steele of Fifty Shades of Grey, but only by name, because this chick is kinky (self-proclaimed, we never know what she considers kinky). In the beginnig I didn't like her very much; I couldn't sympathize with her. So when "her life falls apart", I thought:
But then as the story unravels she grew on me. I felt her changing and showing a more mature side.
This first two books were rather plain. But on the third, things spice up. The forth book had me touching the screen non-stop (to turn the page).
August 15, 2017
★★★★ 1/2! Secrets, book 1-5 (complete series). Intern-boss story with complex, secretive and elusive alpha male hero.
All 5 installments/books have been released and my recommendation is to read them as a set. Combined they make a 600 page read. I read 3 of the books last year. Once the remaining 2 were released I did a quick “refresher” of book 1-3 and continued with book 4 and 5.
Anna Lamore (22 years/photography student-intern/dark brown hair) meets Cole Stevens (38 years/photographer-boss/$$$/dark brown hair/blue eyes) when applying for an internship. He is her last choices initially – so much she interviewed in rain boots, ugly clothes, with a determined, rebellious and cocky attitude. Cole surprises her by obliterating her preconceived notions of him. Instead he persuades her accept an internship at his studio and so a very complicated and tumultuous relationship begins.
Cole played the part of the troubled, secretive, elusive, neglected, rich playboy alpha male very well. Though the lust and attraction is there he withholds so much of himself from Anna. He maintains and pretty much respects the boss-intern relationship. But don’t fret there was lots of sexual tension throughout the series. As for Anna she was sweet and naive from a working class background. As the story progressed she stepped up and grew a backbone.
Without revealing much more I will say to expect anything from betrayal and secrets to scorned exes and stalkers... I enjoyed this series, much thanks to Cole. Pssst! Ms. Ward, I’d very much like to read Emma’s story!
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Story line rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: * see below
******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
* The sex scenes are slow in coming, but there is plenty of sexual tension.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
All 5 installments/books have been released and my recommendation is to read them as a set. Combined they make a 600 page read. I read 3 of the books last year. Once the remaining 2 were released I did a quick “refresher” of book 1-3 and continued with book 4 and 5.
Anna Lamore (22 years/photography student-intern/dark brown hair) meets Cole Stevens (38 years/photographer-boss/$$$/dark brown hair/blue eyes) when applying for an internship. He is her last choices initially – so much she interviewed in rain boots, ugly clothes, with a determined, rebellious and cocky attitude. Cole surprises her by obliterating her preconceived notions of him. Instead he persuades her accept an internship at his studio and so a very complicated and tumultuous relationship begins.
Cole played the part of the troubled, secretive, elusive, neglected, rich playboy alpha male very well. Though the lust and attraction is there he withholds so much of himself from Anna. He maintains and pretty much respects the boss-intern relationship. But don’t fret there was lots of sexual tension throughout the series. As for Anna she was sweet and naive from a working class background. As the story progressed she stepped up and grew a backbone.
Without revealing much more I will say to expect anything from betrayal and secrets to scorned exes and stalkers... I enjoyed this series, much thanks to Cole. Pssst! Ms. Ward, I’d very much like to read Emma’s story!
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Story line rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: * see below
******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
* The sex scenes are slow in coming, but there is plenty of sexual tension.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
September 4, 2013
I thought the story of this series was good. I am glad I bought the three volumes that I did. I paid $6.97 plus tax for approx 500 pages. I don't mind paying this. I've paid more for books that I want to read...The Outlander Series and Fifty Shades of Grey come to mind. BUT the reason that I'm satisfied with this purchase is the lesson I learned from it. I will no longer pay $2.99 for chopped up, cliff-hanging chapters of a book. If Ms. Ward feels that her poorly edited book is worth $14.95 plus tax, that is what she should charge for ONE COMPLETE BOOK. I skipped books two and three (actually they were not books, but sections) and bought book 5 to put an end to this misery without feeling I had been totally hoodwinked. This author has talent. Her success speaks for itself from the repeat customers that she has. I loved her writing style and the banter between the characters. Anna was a strong heroine with her own kind of style. I loved her. This is the second excellent author I have given up on for the same reason. Sighing...
December 23, 2012
4 star overall rating for all five volumes!
Finally... the Secrets are out and I am finished reading this volumes style book(since August.) I really like Ms. Ward's work, especially her book
was fantastic.
I did like Secrets but was so frustrated while waiting for the next volume. Now that all of the five volumes are out, go ahead and read. Hopefully the volumes will be condensed into one novel.
Finally... the Secrets are out and I am finished reading this volumes style book(since August.) I really like Ms. Ward's work, especially her book
was fantastic.I did like Secrets but was so frustrated while waiting for the next volume. Now that all of the five volumes are out, go ahead and read. Hopefully the volumes will be condensed into one novel.
Read
June 6, 2017Esto es algo así como mi pasado turbulento de lectura. 😂
September 21, 2014
Vol 5 - 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3
Vol 1-4 - 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
I loved the earlier volumes - specifically because of the sexual tension between Cole and Anna. Sure, there is still sexual tension in this volume but it is overshadowed by the storyline which I found a little incredible and unbelievable. Anna also began to annoy the heck out of me especially regarding the stalking issue. Perhaps if this wasn't written in first person I would have been less incredulous.
And the reason why Cole couldn't fight Sophia just was too ridiculous . Bottom line, I loved the love story aspect of the series but in this case the storyline just got in the way. I know, right?
I read the series all at once so I may have had a different view point if I had to wait for each volume. I think I would have be annoyed since there were some cliffies. Another reason I couldn't give the series as a whole more than 4 stars is that the series - which if were bound together is just a long book - was just too expensive. And there were many, many typos - which I can typically ignore but there were some blatant ones in the last volume. I think Ward should consider releasing it as a serial rather than making everyone pay $2.99 per volume. I wouldn't pay that much again.
Vol 1-4 - 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
I loved the earlier volumes - specifically because of the sexual tension between Cole and Anna. Sure, there is still sexual tension in this volume but it is overshadowed by the storyline which I found a little incredible and unbelievable. Anna also began to annoy the heck out of me especially regarding the stalking issue. Perhaps if this wasn't written in first person I would have been less incredulous.
And the reason why Cole couldn't fight Sophia just was too ridiculous . Bottom line, I loved the love story aspect of the series but in this case the storyline just got in the way. I know, right?
I read the series all at once so I may have had a different view point if I had to wait for each volume. I think I would have be annoyed since there were some cliffies. Another reason I couldn't give the series as a whole more than 4 stars is that the series - which if were bound together is just a long book - was just too expensive. And there were many, many typos - which I can typically ignore but there were some blatant ones in the last volume. I think Ward should consider releasing it as a serial rather than making everyone pay $2.99 per volume. I wouldn't pay that much again.
August 4, 2013
This review is for all the 5 books, that could've been compiled in one full-length novel.
When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was mostly sex with no story or plot. I was hooked from the start because the author has this storytelling ability to make me crave more. The actual sex between Anna and Cole didn't happen until later on and their tangled love story has me writhing in knots.
I liked the progress and pace of their relationship. This didn't remind me of Fifty Shades at all. Add to the mix is a little suspense when Anna had a stalker, whom I already knew after a few instances of clues.
Anna is a strong character and it's not often I read a story where the heroine fights for the relationship, it's usually the hero who grovels, but not her. I couldn't say she fought tooth and nail for him but she didn't give up without a fight. When I expected her to make it difficult for Cole to make up to her, she surprised me by setting aside all those hurt feelings and showing him how she loves him by taking all of him.
Cole is a wounded man and he found solace in Anna. I loved his view on taking a chance at love, setting aside the agony. Not all wounded/broken persons are like that, their bitterness destroys them and it took Anna for him to recover and love again. The fears are there but that's normal.
The sexual situations are steamy but they only made love a couple of times. There's a little bdsm here but really mild. I can't wait to read this author's other novels.
When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was mostly sex with no story or plot. I was hooked from the start because the author has this storytelling ability to make me crave more. The actual sex between Anna and Cole didn't happen until later on and their tangled love story has me writhing in knots.
I liked the progress and pace of their relationship. This didn't remind me of Fifty Shades at all. Add to the mix is a little suspense when Anna had a stalker, whom I already knew after a few instances of clues.
Anna is a strong character and it's not often I read a story where the heroine fights for the relationship, it's usually the hero who grovels, but not her. I couldn't say she fought tooth and nail for him but she didn't give up without a fight. When I expected her to make it difficult for Cole to make up to her, she surprised me by setting aside all those hurt feelings and showing him how she loves him by taking all of him.
Cole is a wounded man and he found solace in Anna. I loved his view on taking a chance at love, setting aside the agony. Not all wounded/broken persons are like that, their bitterness destroys them and it took Anna for him to recover and love again. The fears are there but that's normal.
The sexual situations are steamy but they only made love a couple of times. There's a little bdsm here but really mild. I can't wait to read this author's other novels.
March 28, 2013
The story definitely opens up in book 5. So much happens, what Anna goes through with Edward. I knew there was something up with him. Creepy, Edward really does a number on Anna. Stalking & setting her up with Sottero, to lose her internship & who told the Dean.
The whole scene with Edward attacking Anna, right back when he would just show up here & there all makes sense now. I didn't want him to be psycho, because of being Emma's brother & the fact that he seemed to want to protect Anna even after their breakup. All makes sense now.
So glad that Cole saves Anna & so happy that Emma doesn't hold it against her. That must be hard for Emma, but what Edward did was very bad & so glad no one got seriously injured. Cole & Anna have built for themselves a beautiful, hot, sexy & passionate relationship, it just sizzles off the pages.
Fantastic ending & great that Sophia gets what she deserves, nasty piece of work she is. Brilliant end to a dramatic action packed love story. Cole & Anna get the HEA we are seeking, excellent finally.
The whole scene with Edward attacking Anna, right back when he would just show up here & there all makes sense now. I didn't want him to be psycho, because of being Emma's brother & the fact that he seemed to want to protect Anna even after their breakup. All makes sense now.
So glad that Cole saves Anna & so happy that Emma doesn't hold it against her. That must be hard for Emma, but what Edward did was very bad & so glad no one got seriously injured. Cole & Anna have built for themselves a beautiful, hot, sexy & passionate relationship, it just sizzles off the pages.
Fantastic ending & great that Sophia gets what she deserves, nasty piece of work she is. Brilliant end to a dramatic action packed love story. Cole & Anna get the HEA we are seeking, excellent finally.
December 3, 2014
Una gran final feliz lleno de amor, como a mi me gustan.
Tenia mis sospechas sobre quien era el acosador desde el tercer libro y no me he equivocado. Y Sottero... no puede ser más vengativa.
La evolución de Cole me ha sorprendido para bien, ya no es ese hombre sin corazón y cerrado.
También me ha gustado que Emma encontrara ese alguien para ser feliz.
Tenia mis sospechas sobre quien era el acosador desde el tercer libro y no me he equivocado. Y Sottero... no puede ser más vengativa.
La evolución de Cole me ha sorprendido para bien, ya no es ese hombre sin corazón y cerrado.
También me ha gustado que Emma encontrara ese alguien para ser feliz.
December 23, 2012
See more reviews at my blog! http://sparetimebookblog.blogspot.com/
Secrets 5 is the final book in this series. I am sad to see it end. I have really enjoyed this series. The previous book ended on a huge cliffhanger with a shadow looming outside Anna's bathroom. A situation that I thought could end badly ended quite funny. Damn animals! And poor Anna, having someone come help you while naked is just funny. I laughed when reading that part. However, after the situation calms down there is something serious that happens. It is a chain of events that leads Anna down a dangerous road. Someone is definitely stalking her. I refuse to say who it is but, the whole situation with that person made me so angry!! Ugh such a creeper! I don't want to say to much because its really easy to ruin the story. With all the stalker stuff going on Anna has to deal with the lawsuit as well. Sophia....ugh such a vindictive witch. She truly only thinks of herself and I didn't feel bad for her for a minute when things hit the fan. Through all of this Cole and Anna have to lean on each other to get through this. They truly realize how much they need each other and love each other.
Anna and Cole's relationship gets stronger during the last book. Cole realizes how much he needs Anna. Especially after he thinks he has lost her. That can really change a person. They way they work together to get back at Sophia is awesome!! The way they do it too is pretty sweet. They are a great couple. Is a proposal in the works??????? You will have to read to see!
I really enjoyed this series and it was a bitter sweet ending. I thought the series ended perfectly and I couldn't have done it better. This was a great series and I would highly recommend it!
Secrets 5 is the final book in this series. I am sad to see it end. I have really enjoyed this series. The previous book ended on a huge cliffhanger with a shadow looming outside Anna's bathroom. A situation that I thought could end badly ended quite funny. Damn animals! And poor Anna, having someone come help you while naked is just funny. I laughed when reading that part. However, after the situation calms down there is something serious that happens. It is a chain of events that leads Anna down a dangerous road. Someone is definitely stalking her. I refuse to say who it is but, the whole situation with that person made me so angry!! Ugh such a creeper! I don't want to say to much because its really easy to ruin the story. With all the stalker stuff going on Anna has to deal with the lawsuit as well. Sophia....ugh such a vindictive witch. She truly only thinks of herself and I didn't feel bad for her for a minute when things hit the fan. Through all of this Cole and Anna have to lean on each other to get through this. They truly realize how much they need each other and love each other.
Anna and Cole's relationship gets stronger during the last book. Cole realizes how much he needs Anna. Especially after he thinks he has lost her. That can really change a person. They way they work together to get back at Sophia is awesome!! The way they do it too is pretty sweet. They are a great couple. Is a proposal in the works??????? You will have to read to see!
I really enjoyed this series and it was a bitter sweet ending. I thought the series ended perfectly and I couldn't have done it better. This was a great series and I would highly recommend it!
January 6, 2013
I love it when Cole gets all protective and worried, it's really a big turn on. "I'll protect you. I promise. Nothing will happen to you." I'm getting the feeling that either Jesse or Edward is the stalker. I mean if you think about it Edward is always there. HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's the thought that went into my mind when I found out who the stalker is. and Edward WTF!! "...I won't tolerate your lying." Edward's eyes blaze with fury. His arm swings before I see it coming and he connects with my cheek in a loud WHACK." Like seriously WTF!!!!!! Have I expressed my anger enough!?! Luckily Cole came in and saved the day (knew he had to be good for something.) On to the touching scene Cole and Anna had where she gets straight to the point, "We'll give it away. Cole this is about us now. I'm not Sophia I want you for you all of your kinky, sophisticated, sexy self - I want you. Nothing will ever change my mind. You think I'd share my name with just anyone?" I grin at him." FINALLY and ending with NO CLIFFHANGER!
January 15, 2013
Okay this book is a little confusing when it comes to me writing a review about it because I actually did enjoy the series but it was also very irritating. There are points in the story about the main character that are repeated over and over and over and over again and I mean just like that. I read the entire series back to back so I didn't have to wait on each one to release (Yay for me). But I think that's a good thing because if I had to wait on a release I don't think I would of picked the series back up anytime soon. Do I recommend the book to other readers....if you're bored and don't have anything else than hey its good enough to try and you will enjoy the characters but its defiantly one of those back burners for me.
March 7, 2013
I had to give this 5 stars. It's not just for this instalment it's for the whole story.
It gripped me, it pulled me in and it didn't let go. Anna and Cole's journey was great to follow. It's was full of angst, fun, love and hot romance. What more could a reader ask for from this genre. It had the secret running all the way through which kept the mystery on going, it had the proverbial 'bad guys' which kept the reader engaged to see who it was, (although it wasn't too hard to tell).
H. M. Ward is definitely an author I will read a lot off, she does a really great job on this genre.
It gripped me, it pulled me in and it didn't let go. Anna and Cole's journey was great to follow. It's was full of angst, fun, love and hot romance. What more could a reader ask for from this genre. It had the secret running all the way through which kept the mystery on going, it had the proverbial 'bad guys' which kept the reader engaged to see who it was, (although it wasn't too hard to tell).
H. M. Ward is definitely an author I will read a lot off, she does a really great job on this genre.
December 23, 2012
I didn't write a review for each of these novellas because I really thought it would have been better if it was one complete story. As it were each story felt like a tease to me. A tease that did its job because I just wanted to read more about Anna and Cole after each one. My first set of books by H.M. Ward and I really enjoyed it!
January 26, 2013
Was a good read. Kept me buying the next book, but wish it was all together in one book and not separate.
November 22, 2014
Bastante predecible el final...
December 15, 2014
So for this series 5 stars I loved it! I loved him.. I liked her. The friends could of had more character but not bad. There was a mixture of everything comedy love lust mystery.
I liked it!
I liked it!
November 8, 2017
My rating for this book is 3.2 stars.
¡Por fin! ¡Lo descubrieron! Quien lo viera nunca pensaría que ese chico tendría tendencias de psicópata y acosador. No puedo creer lo brutal y animal que actuó todo ese momento en que tuvo a Ana bajo su poder, si no fuera por nuestro salvavidas de Cole la historia sería otra.
Después de Edward solo quedaba Sottero y acabar con su demanda de una vez por todas, la cabeza de ideas vengativas de Ana sale a relucir para conseguir que la vida de ambos pueda continuar con normalidad. Ahora ellos serán conocidos como Anna y Cole Lamore.
¡Por fin! ¡Lo descubrieron! Quien lo viera nunca pensaría que ese chico tendría tendencias de psicópata y acosador. No puedo creer lo brutal y animal que actuó todo ese momento en que tuvo a Ana bajo su poder, si no fuera por nuestro salvavidas de Cole la historia sería otra.
Después de Edward solo quedaba Sottero y acabar con su demanda de una vez por todas, la cabeza de ideas vengativas de Ana sale a relucir para conseguir que la vida de ambos pueda continuar con normalidad. Ahora ellos serán conocidos como Anna y Cole Lamore.
November 21, 2018
Mira nomás, el Edward estaba un poquito pirado 😱
October 21, 2024
A little disappointed in this volume. Chapter 5 was so confusing and rushed. All that animosity with the characters was not the explosion that it should have been at the end.
December 23, 2012
Holy freaking crap!!! Secrets Vol. 5 is all things amazing. I could not put this amazing novel down for a second. The entire Secrets series is just completely compelling and just amazing. H.M.Ward just has a way with words, characters, and just writing in a way that will leave you guessing until the very end. She writes in a way that has your emotions pulling every which way just like the characters. There is no way to not fall madly in love with Secrets.
Secrets Vol. 5 starts right off from where Secrets Vol. 4 left off. Anna is freaking out after she sees a creepy shadow outside her door. Suddenly she starts hearing scratching on the door and begins to freak. Finally opening the door she reveals the perpetrator, or did she? Reaching her room she finds that this are a miss and begins to panic. Calling Edwards she asks him to stay and watch Em while she goes and stays at Cole's. After a little while however, Anna confesses what's been going on to Cole and he vows to protect her. However, Anna continues to feel impending doom like a gray cloud hovering over her head as the days go on, and soon she is confronted by what she feared most of all.
When we finally find out what those creepy feelings that Anna is always feeling are about. A lot of messed up stuff happens and let me just tell you when all was revealed this was my reaction: "I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! OH MY GOODNESS I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! WAIT WHAT WHAT WHAT!?!?!?! NOOOOOOOOO!!!! OH HOLY TOAST ON BREAD NO FREAKING WAY!!" I know pretty dramatic stuff but for those who have followed Anna and Cole's story when they read Secrets Vol. 5 will know what I'm talking about. I was freaking the bleep out.
Anna and Cole's relationship is a lot different in this novel. Where before they had a bunch of sexual tension, their relationship is filled with a passion of different sorts as they reveal more and more of their pasts and emotions to each other. Even as their worlds seem to fall apart they stand together. I have to say their relationship is admirable since from the beginning things had been overly complicated. Cole in this novel is a lot funnier and open as a character in this novel, while Anna is a lot more emotional. This novel proved so much more why they so perfect for each other.
Overall, Secrets Vol. 5 is a great conclusion to an even greater series. I am so sad that this amazing series has ended and will deeply miss hearing about Anna and Cole. All the characters in the Secrets Series hold a special place in my heart and I know when I miss them most I will be picking up my kindle to read about their story all over again.
Favorite Quote: I so recognized with this quote.
“At one time, I thought love was so devastating when it was over, that it wasn’t worth the risk. I don’t think that anymore. I think love’s worth chancing the agony that things may go wrong. Besides, I don’t want to live like that, always wondering what I could have had, if we would have been happy. I’ve done that. It’s a lonely life, Anna. “There are only a few things I’m certain of. I have here and now. I have today. I had thought that there were no promises in this life, nothing to grab hold of—I used to think that nothing was forever, Anna. But this, me and you, it’s worth the risk. You’re already part of me, and it’s not that I can’t let you go, it’s that I don’t want to. I love you, Anna. You’re worth the risk.”
Secrets Vol. 5 starts right off from where Secrets Vol. 4 left off. Anna is freaking out after she sees a creepy shadow outside her door. Suddenly she starts hearing scratching on the door and begins to freak. Finally opening the door she reveals the perpetrator, or did she? Reaching her room she finds that this are a miss and begins to panic. Calling Edwards she asks him to stay and watch Em while she goes and stays at Cole's. After a little while however, Anna confesses what's been going on to Cole and he vows to protect her. However, Anna continues to feel impending doom like a gray cloud hovering over her head as the days go on, and soon she is confronted by what she feared most of all.
When we finally find out what those creepy feelings that Anna is always feeling are about. A lot of messed up stuff happens and let me just tell you when all was revealed this was my reaction: "I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! OH MY GOODNESS I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! WAIT WHAT WHAT WHAT!?!?!?! NOOOOOOOOO!!!! OH HOLY TOAST ON BREAD NO FREAKING WAY!!" I know pretty dramatic stuff but for those who have followed Anna and Cole's story when they read Secrets Vol. 5 will know what I'm talking about. I was freaking the bleep out.
Anna and Cole's relationship is a lot different in this novel. Where before they had a bunch of sexual tension, their relationship is filled with a passion of different sorts as they reveal more and more of their pasts and emotions to each other. Even as their worlds seem to fall apart they stand together. I have to say their relationship is admirable since from the beginning things had been overly complicated. Cole in this novel is a lot funnier and open as a character in this novel, while Anna is a lot more emotional. This novel proved so much more why they so perfect for each other.
Overall, Secrets Vol. 5 is a great conclusion to an even greater series. I am so sad that this amazing series has ended and will deeply miss hearing about Anna and Cole. All the characters in the Secrets Series hold a special place in my heart and I know when I miss them most I will be picking up my kindle to read about their story all over again.
Favorite Quote: I so recognized with this quote.
“At one time, I thought love was so devastating when it was over, that it wasn’t worth the risk. I don’t think that anymore. I think love’s worth chancing the agony that things may go wrong. Besides, I don’t want to live like that, always wondering what I could have had, if we would have been happy. I’ve done that. It’s a lonely life, Anna. “There are only a few things I’m certain of. I have here and now. I have today. I had thought that there were no promises in this life, nothing to grab hold of—I used to think that nothing was forever, Anna. But this, me and you, it’s worth the risk. You’re already part of me, and it’s not that I can’t let you go, it’s that I don’t want to. I love you, Anna. You’re worth the risk.”
January 5, 2013
Il était attendu ce cinquième et dernier épisode de Secret de H.M Ward. Cette auteure auto-éditée publie la plupart de ses livres de cette façon et s’il est particulièrement agaçant de devoir attendre les suites, le lecteur a tendance à les attendre avec beaucoup d’anticipation. Il ne fait pas décevoir alors. Ce qui est la cas de H.M Ward. Elle maîtrise il faut dire parfaitement cette romance entre deux personnages charismatiques.
Anna et Cole se sont rencontrés et au bout de quelques mois ont déjà connu bien des vicissitudes. Cette dernière partie, de façon attendue bien-sur pas permettre de dénouer toutes les intrigues surtout celles qui sont en dehors du couple lui-même car nous avions compris depuis bien longtemps qu’ils étaient faits l’un pour l’autre et malgré leurs différences qu’il le serait bien difficile de ne pas faire leur vie ensemble.
Ce cinquième opus commence donc de façon un peu surprenante par un incident qui prendra peu à peu son sens. Chronologiquement, même si cela n’est pas évident au départ, il se situe juste à la fin de ce qui s’est passé dans la quatrième partie. Il faut juste quelques lignes pour de nouveau se laisser séduire par les héros et leur histoire. Nous en apprendrons enfin plus sur qui menace Anna depuis un moment, ce mystère prenant soudain une inquiétante perspective. Cole est encore aux prises avec son passé et sa rivale de toujours que nous avons appris à connaître également auparavant. Et, évidemment, nous replongeons avec bonheur dans la relation amoureuse, complexe et si forte entre Anna et Cole. Elle semble plus apaisée, autant que peut l’être une passion aussi incandescente. Nous les découvrons avec autant de plaisir dans la tendresse que nous avions pu les observer dans la colère, le désir, le déni...
Cette dernière partie tient toutes ses promesses et le roman dans son intégralité est un vrai plaisir. Cette auteure très prolixe, qui publie beaucoup est définitivement à suivre. Elle a parfaitement réussi cette romance qui mêle les relations entre deux êtres que tout sépare, en tout premier l’âge. Elle utilise au mieux aussi la dimension artistique de ces personnages, tous deux photographes. Vraiment une totale réussite.
Anna et Cole se sont rencontrés et au bout de quelques mois ont déjà connu bien des vicissitudes. Cette dernière partie, de façon attendue bien-sur pas permettre de dénouer toutes les intrigues surtout celles qui sont en dehors du couple lui-même car nous avions compris depuis bien longtemps qu’ils étaient faits l’un pour l’autre et malgré leurs différences qu’il le serait bien difficile de ne pas faire leur vie ensemble.
Ce cinquième opus commence donc de façon un peu surprenante par un incident qui prendra peu à peu son sens. Chronologiquement, même si cela n’est pas évident au départ, il se situe juste à la fin de ce qui s’est passé dans la quatrième partie. Il faut juste quelques lignes pour de nouveau se laisser séduire par les héros et leur histoire. Nous en apprendrons enfin plus sur qui menace Anna depuis un moment, ce mystère prenant soudain une inquiétante perspective. Cole est encore aux prises avec son passé et sa rivale de toujours que nous avons appris à connaître également auparavant. Et, évidemment, nous replongeons avec bonheur dans la relation amoureuse, complexe et si forte entre Anna et Cole. Elle semble plus apaisée, autant que peut l’être une passion aussi incandescente. Nous les découvrons avec autant de plaisir dans la tendresse que nous avions pu les observer dans la colère, le désir, le déni...
Cette dernière partie tient toutes ses promesses et le roman dans son intégralité est un vrai plaisir. Cette auteure très prolixe, qui publie beaucoup est définitivement à suivre. Elle a parfaitement réussi cette romance qui mêle les relations entre deux êtres que tout sépare, en tout premier l’âge. Elle utilise au mieux aussi la dimension artistique de ces personnages, tous deux photographes. Vraiment une totale réussite.
January 11, 2013
4.5 Solid Stars for the Series
What a fantastic conclusion to the Secrets series. All of the sexual tension between Anna and Cole is gone and they can now explore the passion that burns between them. I pretty much devoured all 5 books is one sitting. Again, I am glad that I read them all back-to-back and didn't have to wait for volumes to be released. Some of the volumes had definite cliffhanger endings.
During this final installment Anna and Cole are able to move past Cole's legal troubles and focus on their future together. I found this series to be suspenseful, sexy, funny, and heart-breaking.
I will say, that for some reason I found similarities between this series and her full-length novel Scandalous, which I also loved. Maybe it was the whole artist thing! :)
Overall, I highly recommend this series and I can definitely say that I am an H M Ward fan!
Favorite Quote:
"At one time, I thought love was so devastating when it was over, that it wasn't worth the risk. I don't think that anymore. I think love's worth chancing the agony that things may go wrong. Besides, I don't want to live like that, always wondering what I could have had, if we would have been happy. I've done that. It's a lonely life, Anna. "There are only a few things I'm certain of. I have here and now. I have today. I had thought that there were no promises in this life, nothing to grab hold of--I used to think that nothing was forever, Anna. But this, me and you, it's worth the risk. You're already part of me, and it's not that I can't let you go, it's that I don't want to. I love you, Anna. You're worth the risk."
What a fantastic conclusion to the Secrets series. All of the sexual tension between Anna and Cole is gone and they can now explore the passion that burns between them. I pretty much devoured all 5 books is one sitting. Again, I am glad that I read them all back-to-back and didn't have to wait for volumes to be released. Some of the volumes had definite cliffhanger endings.
During this final installment Anna and Cole are able to move past Cole's legal troubles and focus on their future together. I found this series to be suspenseful, sexy, funny, and heart-breaking.
I will say, that for some reason I found similarities between this series and her full-length novel Scandalous, which I also loved. Maybe it was the whole artist thing! :)
Overall, I highly recommend this series and I can definitely say that I am an H M Ward fan!
Favorite Quote:
"At one time, I thought love was so devastating when it was over, that it wasn't worth the risk. I don't think that anymore. I think love's worth chancing the agony that things may go wrong. Besides, I don't want to live like that, always wondering what I could have had, if we would have been happy. I've done that. It's a lonely life, Anna. "There are only a few things I'm certain of. I have here and now. I have today. I had thought that there were no promises in this life, nothing to grab hold of--I used to think that nothing was forever, Anna. But this, me and you, it's worth the risk. You're already part of me, and it's not that I can't let you go, it's that I don't want to. I love you, Anna. You're worth the risk."
April 6, 2013
Now that I finished all 5 books in this series can do a full review. I loved it! I really couldn't put it down. Its impossible to just read one book and not read another after another. I wish all 5 books were combined into just one. But still the story flowed perfectly. I had a feeling about Edward the whole time that he was behind all the drama that was happening with Anna & Cole. I wanted to smash his face in! And lying to his sister too?! I knew he was unhinged from the beginning. But by book 5? Wow! I didn't see it coming when he almost raped her.
Carrying on long as he did with the stalking, making her lose her internship, etc..Really Edward? You guys weren't even together that long. You were a prude and incompatible. Move on and get over it. And stop being so clingy! lol
I loved the banter between Cole & Anna. I think they balance each other just right. Their exactly what each other needs. The sexual tension at times was so sexy! Granted these are quick short books but they pack a punch and I think the characters are well developed & its a great intriguing storyline. Great series! I look to read more books from H.M. Ward.
Carrying on long as he did with the stalking, making her lose her internship, etc..Really Edward? You guys weren't even together that long. You were a prude and incompatible. Move on and get over it. And stop being so clingy! lol
I loved the banter between Cole & Anna. I think they balance each other just right. Their exactly what each other needs. The sexual tension at times was so sexy! Granted these are quick short books but they pack a punch and I think the characters are well developed & its a great intriguing storyline. Great series! I look to read more books from H.M. Ward.
January 16, 2013
Please forgive me, but I do not have the patience that Ward has...I cannot write 5 separate reviews for these little volumes! I'm going to write one and then copy/paste. You forgive me, right? If you don't, it's because you haven't read this amazing tale because you then you would realize that the volumes are really just like built in potty breaks or something because once you start, you just don't stop.
First, props to my GR pals that read these a volume at a time and waited in between...you're way better than I am. I would have been in some serious trouble if the next volume wasn't a few clicks away.
Cole and Anna. Push/Pull. They had me from that first interview and kept me plowing through these volumes with things like this:
"There isn't more than this. This is the best of what I can offer you. The rest is too..."
Yeah, I get the whole meaning behind the title now. Umm Umm Umm...Cole has some SECRETS!
"Legal to do things you couldn't imagine, old man"
Anna has some pent up diva in her and she's so focused on her career that the whole push/pull with Cole is just a constant reminder that her "boyfriend' isn't right for her and her life isn't what she wants it to be.
I started volume 1 and didn't put the kindle down until I was done with volume 5. I suggest you do the same. There is angst, there is self discovery, there is hawt H.M. Ward erotic love (as only she can) and there is some awesome intrigue too! The total package, well...split into 5 volumes!
First, props to my GR pals that read these a volume at a time and waited in between...you're way better than I am. I would have been in some serious trouble if the next volume wasn't a few clicks away.
Cole and Anna. Push/Pull. They had me from that first interview and kept me plowing through these volumes with things like this:
"There isn't more than this. This is the best of what I can offer you. The rest is too..."
Yeah, I get the whole meaning behind the title now. Umm Umm Umm...Cole has some SECRETS!
"Legal to do things you couldn't imagine, old man"
Anna has some pent up diva in her and she's so focused on her career that the whole push/pull with Cole is just a constant reminder that her "boyfriend' isn't right for her and her life isn't what she wants it to be.
I started volume 1 and didn't put the kindle down until I was done with volume 5. I suggest you do the same. There is angst, there is self discovery, there is hawt H.M. Ward erotic love (as only she can) and there is some awesome intrigue too! The total package, well...split into 5 volumes!
February 3, 2013
Oh my goodness, I loved this series. This book had such witty and comical banter between Anna and Cole that I found myself chuckling thruout the first and second books. Anna is a pisser and the things that she says are just downright funny. Anna is in her 20's and Cole is twice her age. She wants to be a respectable photography and work for this woman Sottero as a wedding photography. She worhsips this woman and hates everything that Cole stands for because he shoots naked women and women in their underware She ends up having to intern for Cole and learns alot about Cole and herself in the process. This book is about learning that not everything is what it seems and don't judge the book by the picture. The banter between Cole and Anna is really funny and this book holds laughter as well as love and sex. It's also very thought provocating without being too deep. Read all 5 books. They pick up right each other. So you have to read the next to find out what happens.
One thing that really bothers me is that books are so short and way too expensive for ebooks. 5 books is like paying 15 dollars for ebooks. I wanted to by the paperback for a family member but a total of $50.00 is not worth it. 50 shades of gray were llonger books and cheaper and absouletly better. Price is my only negative about this and the fact that I wont be able to give the paperbacks as gifts.
One thing that really bothers me is that books are so short and way too expensive for ebooks. 5 books is like paying 15 dollars for ebooks. I wanted to by the paperback for a family member but a total of $50.00 is not worth it. 50 shades of gray were llonger books and cheaper and absouletly better. Price is my only negative about this and the fact that I wont be able to give the paperbacks as gifts.
August 26, 2013
87 pages. Yep. These 5 parts could definitely have been 1-2 full novels. Still not why it lost a star though. But I am glad it's over.
There were a lot of issues I had with this. At one place I even made a note wondering if he suddenly had three hands because of how something was worded.
Mostly I was screaming (and writing notes) with irritation at the characters. "Who do you think it is?" and "There was no way for you to know. I didn't know. No one knew." I was screaming "I know! I knew!" the whole time. But the wrap up from all the stalker stuff was very very intense, going to places I didn't expect.
I did, however, also expect and call the way things ended. I knew exactly who Emma would end up with. And I knew what was going to happen with Cole in the end and what he was going to change (that's all I'll say about it). I didn't like how Anna left things with graduate school though and thought that what Cole changed was a little contrived, but I still thought the story wrapped well and am now just glad it's all over. I'll miss reading about Cole, but I have other books to go through now.
There were a lot of issues I had with this. At one place I even made a note wondering if he suddenly had three hands because of how something was worded.
Mostly I was screaming (and writing notes) with irritation at the characters. "Who do you think it is?" and "There was no way for you to know. I didn't know. No one knew." I was screaming "I know! I knew!" the whole time. But the wrap up from all the stalker stuff was very very intense, going to places I didn't expect.
I did, however, also expect and call the way things ended. I knew exactly who Emma would end up with. And I knew what was going to happen with Cole in the end and what he was going to change (that's all I'll say about it). I didn't like how Anna left things with graduate school though and thought that what Cole changed was a little contrived, but I still thought the story wrapped well and am now just glad it's all over. I'll miss reading about Cole, but I have other books to go through now.
January 3, 2015
It's over finally. (SPOILERS)
All in all, it's short (at least if you look at them as 5 books), there are interesting parts that keeps you reading, but when you analyse it more, it's pretty stupid and predictable.
All this big secret with Sophia turns out to be something about revenge and greedy people, misunderstandings...
Cole is rejecting Anna first 3 and a half books and then he loves her and he's telling that to her in every chapter.
Anna and Emma are unbelievable stupid when it comes to Anna's stalker. So he follows her, goes into their apartment when it's locked and they can't figure out who that is? Who else has a key?
And just that stalker and attack part is weird, I mean, what are the odds. She is so irresistable that he does all that just because she left him. (I know, real creeps don't need reason and are demented, but I don't like that it was even a part of these books).
And again, grammar and spelling mistakes. Not cool.
One more thing. Anna keeps repeating how she's kinky in sex and similar stuff..but I got this feeling that the author forgot to put anything kinky in these books.
All in all, it's short (at least if you look at them as 5 books), there are interesting parts that keeps you reading, but when you analyse it more, it's pretty stupid and predictable.
All this big secret with Sophia turns out to be something about revenge and greedy people, misunderstandings...
Cole is rejecting Anna first 3 and a half books and then he loves her and he's telling that to her in every chapter.
Anna and Emma are unbelievable stupid when it comes to Anna's stalker. So he follows her, goes into their apartment when it's locked and they can't figure out who that is? Who else has a key?
And just that stalker and attack part is weird, I mean, what are the odds. She is so irresistable that he does all that just because she left him. (I know, real creeps don't need reason and are demented, but I don't like that it was even a part of these books).
And again, grammar and spelling mistakes. Not cool.
One more thing. Anna keeps repeating how she's kinky in sex and similar stuff..but I got this feeling that the author forgot to put anything kinky in these books.
November 24, 2014
At the time of writing, I am almost a week out from having finished the final installment in the Secrets serial, and I am still at a loss as to what to say about it. I know how I felt about it (I loved it), but putting those feelings into words while avoiding spoilers is extremely difficult!
The resolution of the previous installment's cliffhanger was very well-written and full of varying emotions. I switched very quickly between fear, amusement, confusion, relief, and back to fear.
There were some great scenes that were fun and satisfying to read, and other scenes that were tense and extremely difficult to read.
There was some predictability in this serial, but it didn't affect my enjoyment. And the resolution of the conflicts was great. My only complaint is that I would have liked a little more at the end, but that is a common complaint of mine when I enjoy a book or series!
Overall, I would definitely recommend Secrets to New Adult and Romance fans!
The resolution of the previous installment's cliffhanger was very well-written and full of varying emotions. I switched very quickly between fear, amusement, confusion, relief, and back to fear.
There were some great scenes that were fun and satisfying to read, and other scenes that were tense and extremely difficult to read.
There was some predictability in this serial, but it didn't affect my enjoyment. And the resolution of the conflicts was great. My only complaint is that I would have liked a little more at the end, but that is a common complaint of mine when I enjoy a book or series!
Overall, I would definitely recommend Secrets to New Adult and Romance fans!
September 25, 2020
A page turner that kept me reading into early hours of the morning!
Most female characters annoy me so much that I just want to strangle them, but Anna is quite the opposite. She is by far one of my favourite characters.
This story had super frightening situations that Anna handled much better than I ever could have.
I've learned in this story that you should always be cautious of ex-boyfriends, you never know what they might do.
This novel was a perfect ending to a great series.
I definitely will be reading more of H.M. Ward's work!
Most female characters annoy me so much that I just want to strangle them, but Anna is quite the opposite. She is by far one of my favourite characters.
This story had super frightening situations that Anna handled much better than I ever could have.
I've learned in this story that you should always be cautious of ex-boyfriends, you never know what they might do.
This novel was a perfect ending to a great series.
I definitely will be reading more of H.M. Ward's work!
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