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What Lies Within Dark Secrets
Riley was awakened by the sound of her mother crying. She could hear the fear in her voice and the anger in her his voice. Grabbing her bear she ran into the closet and crouched in the corner. Riley put her hands over her ears to block out the sound but she could still hear him as he hit her. Her mother was crying, she was pleading for him to stop but that only made it worse. Drawing her knees up she pressed her hands hard against her ears. There was crying but this time it was her crying.
Riley McCarthy is the owner of a successful bakery and living with her best friend Cassie and Austin. Nightmares from her past continue to haunt her and have affected every relationship she has ever been in except one. She met Christian Chase briefly at the age of 15. Circumstances separated them for five years where once again they meet only to have her past come between them. Now five years later they are reunited at Cassie and Austin’s engagement party.
Both have been tormented by the memories of their encounters. Neither can explain the immediate attraction they felt for each other nor the desire that now consumes them. Entering into a relationship the two explore the world of their sexual attraction while dealing with the issue of Riley’s nightmares. Just when it looks like their life together is falling into place Riley’s past resurfaces. Unlike in her past this time Riley stays to confront her fears with the help of Christian. Neither realize the true danger Riley is in and the threat it poses to their happiness.
Riley McCarthy is the owner of a successful bakery and living with her best friend Cassie and Austin. Nightmares from her past continue to haunt her and have affected every relationship she has ever been in except one. She met Christian Chase briefly at the age of 15. Circumstances separated them for five years where once again they meet only to have her past come between them. Now five years later they are reunited at Cassie and Austin’s engagement party.
Both have been tormented by the memories of their encounters. Neither can explain the immediate attraction they felt for each other nor the desire that now consumes them. Entering into a relationship the two explore the world of their sexual attraction while dealing with the issue of Riley’s nightmares. Just when it looks like their life together is falling into place Riley’s past resurfaces. Unlike in her past this time Riley stays to confront her fears with the help of Christian. Neither realize the true danger Riley is in and the threat it poses to their happiness.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2012
About the author
L.A. Miller
9 books16 followersLeslie Miller was born in 1958 the middle of 6 children. Raised in California she spent her younger years entertaining her school friends with wild tales using them as the main characters. Her writing career ended suddenly when she was gripped with writers block during her high school years. Spending most of her adult life in the printing industry as a buyer her energies were concentrated on making deals and putting out fires.
She met her husband in church and less than 8 months later they were married. She set about balancing her work life with her home life raising her step son and three other children with her husband. Life was spent between corporate deals, soccer games, softball games and swim parties. In 2006 she and her husband moved their 3 younger children from their home in California to Pensacola hoping to give them the life style they had enjoyed as kids growing up in California.
No longer stimulated with work her creative ability fought to break free. When her dreams became so vivid her husband suggested she write them down the words began to flow. Less than a year later she had completed writing the first four books in her series and was well on her way to finishing the fifth. Deciding to self-publish with the aid of her friends she launched the first in the "Dark Series" called "What Lies Within Dark Secrets" currently available at Amazon.com. When not writing she enjoys her other passion; painting. Ms. Miller can be followed on twitter Leslie Miller @LeslieM79016246 or emailed directly at millerleslie321@yahoo.com
She met her husband in church and less than 8 months later they were married. She set about balancing her work life with her home life raising her step son and three other children with her husband. Life was spent between corporate deals, soccer games, softball games and swim parties. In 2006 she and her husband moved their 3 younger children from their home in California to Pensacola hoping to give them the life style they had enjoyed as kids growing up in California.
No longer stimulated with work her creative ability fought to break free. When her dreams became so vivid her husband suggested she write them down the words began to flow. Less than a year later she had completed writing the first four books in her series and was well on her way to finishing the fifth. Deciding to self-publish with the aid of her friends she launched the first in the "Dark Series" called "What Lies Within Dark Secrets" currently available at Amazon.com. When not writing she enjoys her other passion; painting. Ms. Miller can be followed on twitter Leslie Miller @LeslieM79016246 or emailed directly at millerleslie321@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 11, 2013
Riley McCarthy knew Christian Chase was the one at the tender age of fifteen. Yet Riley has to stay one step ahead of her father at all times. Riley's father is in two words~pure evil. Riley and Christian meet up in five year increments. Riley is presently the proud owner of Sweet Retreat Bakery in Christian's hometown. When Christian sees Riley at his brother Austin's engagement party. He realizes that he's been wasting his time with Amanda and needs to end their relationship for good. Riley isn't sure if Christian remembers her but she shouldn't have to worry about thst. When Riley's father contacts her Christian steps into help Riley cope with all of the changes. Will Riley and Christian's relationship work? What does Riley's father want? Your answers await you in What Lies Within Dark Secrets.
I've read alot of books dealing with issues of sexual abuse but none of them floored me speechless. I despise it when people ruin it before you've even had a chance to read it. The author was extremely brave in tackling this story. Obviously my favorite characters are Riley and Christian. She manages to carry on with her life inspite of her father's torture. Both of their emotions run the gambit from helplessness to rage and back again. I know for myself I had very similar emotions myself through out the book. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I've read alot of books dealing with issues of sexual abuse but none of them floored me speechless. I despise it when people ruin it before you've even had a chance to read it. The author was extremely brave in tackling this story. Obviously my favorite characters are Riley and Christian. She manages to carry on with her life inspite of her father's torture. Both of their emotions run the gambit from helplessness to rage and back again. I know for myself I had very similar emotions myself through out the book. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
March 4, 2015
*ARR (Advance Reader Review) - copy provided as a gift in exchange for an honest review...
The cover The cover is mysterious but I wish there was a slight hint of romance or maybe a picture of Christian at the bottom. Either way I do like the cover.
The Characters are well described and strong. The only issue I had was with Christian. I couldn't help but think of Christian Grey but like any rich Christian character, they will always be compared. It was hard for me to separate but when I did I found him to be a great character. He is strong, hot and easily liked. Riley is one tough cookie, I couldn't really get a grasp on why she is so bewitching to every guy who sees her, maybe because I'm female lol. She is smart, strong, determined yet fragile, soft and gentle.
I loved Austin, he is such a funny, passionate character and Cassie is his balance.
All the characters in this book were well represented and strong.
The story Once you get past his name and start seeing him as himself and not a ghost of Christian Grey, this book is amazing. For me that took about 9 chapters.
Something captivated me from the beginning and i was so curious about her past and his family. I liked the way it bounced back and forth at the beginning between past and present and was usually easy to follow but at times it did get a little confusing and repetative.
I loved the way their history plays out in bits and pieces and not in one long sob story confession. When the final confession does come it still makes you feel like there is more that isn't being told. Can I just say I love Christian's mom and the scene under the bed brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful and touching. I enjoyed the "witchy" aspect to the story too. I found that really interesting and a nice touch without going too deep. From chapter 12 on I couldn't put this book down - holy cow!
Thank you for the coaster ride - this book was a great read!
The Writing Style was good and easy to follow for the most part with some confusion and the past and present back and forth, but I did like how that was done.
I would recommend this book to anyone - it is a sweet romantic love story with mystery, fear and sincerity.
The cover The cover is mysterious but I wish there was a slight hint of romance or maybe a picture of Christian at the bottom. Either way I do like the cover.
The Characters are well described and strong. The only issue I had was with Christian. I couldn't help but think of Christian Grey but like any rich Christian character, they will always be compared. It was hard for me to separate but when I did I found him to be a great character. He is strong, hot and easily liked. Riley is one tough cookie, I couldn't really get a grasp on why she is so bewitching to every guy who sees her, maybe because I'm female lol. She is smart, strong, determined yet fragile, soft and gentle.
I loved Austin, he is such a funny, passionate character and Cassie is his balance.
All the characters in this book were well represented and strong.
The story Once you get past his name and start seeing him as himself and not a ghost of Christian Grey, this book is amazing. For me that took about 9 chapters.
Something captivated me from the beginning and i was so curious about her past and his family. I liked the way it bounced back and forth at the beginning between past and present and was usually easy to follow but at times it did get a little confusing and repetative.
I loved the way their history plays out in bits and pieces and not in one long sob story confession. When the final confession does come it still makes you feel like there is more that isn't being told. Can I just say I love Christian's mom and the scene under the bed brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful and touching. I enjoyed the "witchy" aspect to the story too. I found that really interesting and a nice touch without going too deep. From chapter 12 on I couldn't put this book down - holy cow!
Thank you for the coaster ride - this book was a great read!
The Writing Style was good and easy to follow for the most part with some confusion and the past and present back and forth, but I did like how that was done.
I would recommend this book to anyone - it is a sweet romantic love story with mystery, fear and sincerity.
August 22, 2013
i received this story for my honest review this story starts with a bang, you have to friends just working out shooting the breeze. austin is about to marry the love of his life and he wants his brother christian to meet his fiancés Cassie room mate her best friend Riley little did he know that they had already met several years ago. christian was attending a party at his friends house when he notices a girl run to the pool house, couriosity got the best of him and he follows. little does he know that desicion would impact his life forever. Riley had been running away from her home and friends were helping when they could. when Riley was just 5 her mother was murdered and she was there, she suffered from nightmares and then her father was trying to abuse her. so her aunt took her away but her father found them and had the aunt arrested and he then married someone else. needless to say has the years grew on Riley lived on the streets and got herself through college. now years later she run into christian again after a night of passion they both think that it may be the beginning to a great future. her father has other ideas Riley runs into him and she runs away before she can even say anything to christian. now he night of the rehearsal dinner she meets christian again this time she hope that he doesn't remember her, but how could he forget. has he watches her across the room he comes to her rescue when one of the guest trys to man handle her. this is a start to a relationship that you can only imagine. riley has beauty that you could never imagine but she has no idea of it. there is passion, drama, love and most of all family. you will not be disappointed with this story. there is a book two and that is just has good.
October 14, 2013
This was a really good story about a girl Riley having lived threw hell and back and coming out on top. Riley was 5 years old when she witnessed her mother's murder and being so young has suppressed the memory.Riley stays with her aunt for a while but unfortunately has to go back to live with her dad. At the age of 7 Riley's father starts to enter her room at night masturbating himself just plain creepy. Riley's Aunt know's what's going on and takes Riley away they live on the run for years until her aunt is caught and thrown in jail. Riley again has to face her Father coming into her room at night and runs away. While on the run she makes a friend and stays in their guest house and this is where she meets Christian for the first time at age 15 he was 20. After they meet she is reported and sent back to her dad's to only run away again. Through the year's neither of them can get each other off their minds. Fast forward 5 years later Christian was 25 had finished college just made his first few millions from his investment firm. He was in LA on business stop at a bar was scanning the room when he saw her. Riley was a waitress working there to put herself threw college. When Christian saw her being hit on he came to her rescue. They shared a unbelievably beautiful night together. The next day she had to work but left him a note hoping to see him again. Her Father had found her again and she had to run leaving Christian behind wondering what happened to her. Fast forward another 5 years they meet again at Christian brother's engagement party. This time he doesn't let her go. This is a beautiful love story with sexy scenes and the suspense added in from her Father trying to find her and her reoccurring nightmares. Great Read!
June 16, 2014
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Riley is haunted by her past, but only at night and she can’t remember her nightmares. She knows what happened to her a child is wrong and that they weren’t her fault. But what happened to her mom lies deep in her brain. Only she holds the key to her mom’s crime. All her life Riley has kept men at arms distance, her father made sure of that. But then at 15 she meets Christian by chance and no other man can measure up to him. When she is 20 they meet up again and there are fireworks, but that is shattered with the resurfacing of her father. Kismet intervenes and Riley and Christian meet up again. From there they are inseparable. Can Christian help her remember her nightmares and put an end to all the tragedy in her life? Or will Christian slowly realize Riley isn’t worth all the hassle?
While I liked this book, at the 45% of the book I got bored with the repetitiveness. The beginning was Riley POV and the Christian’s POV. All the same stuff just rehashed by someone else. That being said, I liked the plot. Liked how the story came together. Enjoy the characters.
I would read the next book in the series, they can only get better.
3.5 Stars
Riley is haunted by her past, but only at night and she can’t remember her nightmares. She knows what happened to her a child is wrong and that they weren’t her fault. But what happened to her mom lies deep in her brain. Only she holds the key to her mom’s crime. All her life Riley has kept men at arms distance, her father made sure of that. But then at 15 she meets Christian by chance and no other man can measure up to him. When she is 20 they meet up again and there are fireworks, but that is shattered with the resurfacing of her father. Kismet intervenes and Riley and Christian meet up again. From there they are inseparable. Can Christian help her remember her nightmares and put an end to all the tragedy in her life? Or will Christian slowly realize Riley isn’t worth all the hassle?
While I liked this book, at the 45% of the book I got bored with the repetitiveness. The beginning was Riley POV and the Christian’s POV. All the same stuff just rehashed by someone else. That being said, I liked the plot. Liked how the story came together. Enjoy the characters.
I would read the next book in the series, they can only get better.
May 21, 2013
I'm so thankful I was able to receive an ARC for this book. It was seriously one of the best books I've read in a long time, if not one of the best I've read period. The story was able to grab me from the very beginning and keep me completely obsessed until I could finish it.
Sometimes when reading a book I rely on the sex scenes to keep me interested enough in reading the rest of the book. This was definitely not the case with this book.
I loved the past between the two main characters and how we are given scenes where we can learn how Cassie, Austin, and Elaine feel about what's going on. I think it's a great mixture and we are able to learn about their characters through reading how they are watching the relationship unfold. The drama involving Riley's father was so heartbreaking.
This is a book I definitely plan on rereading, and I'm so thankful that part two is available on amazon so I can immediately find out what's going to happen next!
Sometimes when reading a book I rely on the sex scenes to keep me interested enough in reading the rest of the book. This was definitely not the case with this book.
I loved the past between the two main characters and how we are given scenes where we can learn how Cassie, Austin, and Elaine feel about what's going on. I think it's a great mixture and we are able to learn about their characters through reading how they are watching the relationship unfold. The drama involving Riley's father was so heartbreaking.
This is a book I definitely plan on rereading, and I'm so thankful that part two is available on amazon so I can immediately find out what's going to happen next!
January 12, 2014
This is a story about Riley, who owned her own bakery and Christian who was a millionaire before he was 21. Riley is a beautiful girl and doesn't even see it. She had a hard life that no kid should have to live. Christian was a live um and leave um kind of guy. The first time they met Riley was 15 and a runaway. It was not a good meeting either. For some unknown reason Riley cold stop thinking of him. He was her safe place and Christian couldn't get her eyes out of his mind. Will they be able to make it past the hell or will it destroy what's left of Riley.
This was a very emotional story but even through all the sadness and hell I found my self laughing and smiling. It's not everyday u read this kind of story that is so heart wrenching and still hind a smile on it face. They only reason I give it a 4 1/2 stars is because I would of liked to know more about Riley 's aunt. I keep waiting but nothing and that disappointed me. Other wise fantastic story.
This was a very emotional story but even through all the sadness and hell I found my self laughing and smiling. It's not everyday u read this kind of story that is so heart wrenching and still hind a smile on it face. They only reason I give it a 4 1/2 stars is because I would of liked to know more about Riley 's aunt. I keep waiting but nothing and that disappointed me. Other wise fantastic story.
July 8, 2014
Riley will amaze you with her strength and determination. She started her own baking business while still in college and has a great reputation for phenomenal baked goods. She has overcome some incredible odds to achieve all of this for herself. She grew up in an abusive household which will blow your mind when you learn everything she endured. When she was 15 she ran into a boy and had her heart stolen. Five years later she crossed paths with him again but this time she was bold and had a moment with him until her past reappeared causing her to leave. She didn't expect to meet this same man at her best friend's engagement party. Christian has carried the green-eyed girl in his memory for 10 years and here she is being introduced to him at his brother's engagement party. This time he wouldn't let her disappear. This is Riley and Christian's journey to find true love while battling the demons of Riley's past.
July 13, 2013
I felt like this book was ok. It had a good story line, but I felt like it could have been better relayed. The author did a good job with the characters. They were easy to fall into character with and to really enjoy. The beginning drove me nuts with the different points of view of the same events back to back. It felt like I was experiencing déjà vu, and thought it was pointless. Then after that it felt like it was a story teller telling the story and the POVs continuously switched back and forth from the characters who were in the scene at the time. There were some points where I had to back track a little because it switched without warning. Also the book is poorly edited, and I found a lot of errors.
Overall, the story wasn't bad and had a good plot.
Overall, the story wasn't bad and had a good plot.
October 5, 2013
*recieved from author for an honest review.... Riley & Christian have meet before. Twice before. It seems like fate has put them together. For some reason, they seem drawn to each other and since the first meeting when Riley was 15, they each can't forget about each other. Riley has a very troubled past that keeps chasing her and Christian has lived the perfect easy life. As they try to work through the new confusing true love, Riley's past is catching up and bring everyone she loves into it. Can Riley and Christian get the future they want? Can Riley close her past and start a future she deserves? Really love this story. Can't wait for the author to release the second of the series... Look forward to following Christian's & Riley's life.
December 18, 2013
I really liked this story. This deals with a heavy topic but it was dealt with very well. I love that Riley is a strong and independent woman with vulnerbilities. Christian is awesome also!
I'm looking forward to the next book!
I'm looking forward to the next book!
July 2, 2014
Good story, but very long. Strong characters made this interesting. There were some parts that really bothered me, but others were tender, touching, and good. It balanced out to be a solid read.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
June 19, 2014
This was a good book, it was a little long for me. But I liked all the characters, they are well developed and you get hooked.
March 10, 2014
I was given a copy of the work while it was still in process. Ms. Miller is a talented writer and I can understand where her readers have lowered their ratings due to grammatical errors. However since this was her first work, she is self published, a full time mother to four and wife as well as working full time I cut her some slack. If she was represented by a publishing company with a line of editors, designers and publicist it would be a different story. My review is based on the factors of both the characters, settings and plot. With that being said Ms. Miller sucked me into the story from the start and I found it hard to put the book down.
This is the first book in the series where we are introduced to Christian and Riley. First thing that pops in peoples heads when they hear the name Christian is "Fifty Shades...." Yes the man is rich, good looking and single. Isn't that the basis of most of the hot novels today. Be honest, if you were to sleep with someone would you chose hot, rich, sensitive or poor, trailer trash, gut belly? This story introduces you to how Christian and Riley have a brief meeting when she is only 15, meet up for one night when she is 20 and finally come together unexpectedly when she is 25. From there the story takes you through the relationship as it develops, the past that drove them apart to begin with and the haunting nightmares that Riley cannot forget. It is a story of two souls bound together and of the love that they share to overcome what lies ahead.
I am not one who tells the story, I figure if you read the description you will get the gist of the book. I have read the review of other readers. Ones who gave the book a low rating due to grammatical errors or because they felt it was too long. Yes there are errors since she is self published. However from her blog she has found an editor and is in the process of redoing the book. I am pleased she is going to rerelease this book and those who have purchased it through Amazon will be able to get the revised edition when it becomes available. My suggestions is to add this to your want to read list. When she rereleases it she plans on offering it again for free in the hopes of generating more reviews. Follow her blog for updates.
If you disagree with my review that is your right. I find that in todays world there is a growing culture of readers who want instant gratification. They don't seem to have the attention span of reading works that are beyond 160-200 pages. When authors cater to them it leaves the rest of us out in the cold who want to be caught up in the story, who want to experience the emotions the characters go too. We want the author to paint a world where it comes to life and we can visualize what they see.
This is the first book in the series where we are introduced to Christian and Riley. First thing that pops in peoples heads when they hear the name Christian is "Fifty Shades...." Yes the man is rich, good looking and single. Isn't that the basis of most of the hot novels today. Be honest, if you were to sleep with someone would you chose hot, rich, sensitive or poor, trailer trash, gut belly? This story introduces you to how Christian and Riley have a brief meeting when she is only 15, meet up for one night when she is 20 and finally come together unexpectedly when she is 25. From there the story takes you through the relationship as it develops, the past that drove them apart to begin with and the haunting nightmares that Riley cannot forget. It is a story of two souls bound together and of the love that they share to overcome what lies ahead.
I am not one who tells the story, I figure if you read the description you will get the gist of the book. I have read the review of other readers. Ones who gave the book a low rating due to grammatical errors or because they felt it was too long. Yes there are errors since she is self published. However from her blog she has found an editor and is in the process of redoing the book. I am pleased she is going to rerelease this book and those who have purchased it through Amazon will be able to get the revised edition when it becomes available. My suggestions is to add this to your want to read list. When she rereleases it she plans on offering it again for free in the hopes of generating more reviews. Follow her blog for updates.
If you disagree with my review that is your right. I find that in todays world there is a growing culture of readers who want instant gratification. They don't seem to have the attention span of reading works that are beyond 160-200 pages. When authors cater to them it leaves the rest of us out in the cold who want to be caught up in the story, who want to experience the emotions the characters go too. We want the author to paint a world where it comes to life and we can visualize what they see.
November 3, 2013
The first book in a series of five Ms. Miller creates a world of in depth characters rich in emotion. This is the story of Christian and Riley who meet briefly when she is only 15 and a runaway from home. Though they only spend a few minutes together they will be haunted by that memory for the next five years. When Christian once again enters Riley's life she is working as a waitress in a posh hotel in Los Angeles. One night together will permanently bond the two. When Christian learns the next morning that Riley has once again disappeared he attempts to go on with his life. Five years later Christian is a self made billionaire and Riley now owns her own bakery. Both are surprised to run into each other again at an engagement party. Christians younger brother Austin is marrying Riley's best friend Cassie and the two of them have been slated as the best man and bridesmaid. This time Christian does not let Riley escape.
As the two reunite they come to terms with the bond they have that goes beyond the sexual attraction between them. However dark secrets from Riley's past will test their relationship. Haunted by dreams of an abusive father her nightmares come alive when her father returns to finish what he started on her 16th birthday. This is a story of love and abuse. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster and keep you on the edge of your seat till the end.
As the two reunite they come to terms with the bond they have that goes beyond the sexual attraction between them. However dark secrets from Riley's past will test their relationship. Haunted by dreams of an abusive father her nightmares come alive when her father returns to finish what he started on her 16th birthday. This is a story of love and abuse. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster and keep you on the edge of your seat till the end.
October 5, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I am having a hard time reviewing this one. I would say overall I did enjoy the book, but felt at some points it was repetitive. In the beginning, there were a couple of times where the author switched pov's and I felt like all I did was re-read the same scene from before. Then we got the pov of just about anyone Riley came into contact with. A lot of it seemed unnecessary, and drew out the book longer than it needed to be. Sometimes I felt the true emotion behind the characters and other times I felt that I was being told about it. I think this book has great potential but for me fell just shy of its mark. With the story being what it was, I think it should have invoked a more emotional reaction from me. But between all the different pov's and grammatical errors, I kept getting distracted where I should have been captivated. With a good editor, this book could go from good to fantastic in a heartbeat.
I am having a hard time reviewing this one. I would say overall I did enjoy the book, but felt at some points it was repetitive. In the beginning, there were a couple of times where the author switched pov's and I felt like all I did was re-read the same scene from before. Then we got the pov of just about anyone Riley came into contact with. A lot of it seemed unnecessary, and drew out the book longer than it needed to be. Sometimes I felt the true emotion behind the characters and other times I felt that I was being told about it. I think this book has great potential but for me fell just shy of its mark. With the story being what it was, I think it should have invoked a more emotional reaction from me. But between all the different pov's and grammatical errors, I kept getting distracted where I should have been captivated. With a good editor, this book could go from good to fantastic in a heartbeat.
February 13, 2014
9% DNF
November 20, 2013
More like a 3.5. Some parts were more like a repeat and story just dragged out at times. Overall good read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews