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Secret #1
Secret
Shayla has a secret. She’s a very different woman than the person she used to be three short years ago; that woman she finally feels like she’s left behind and she never wants to be again. And she’s been doing fine so far with her plan to reinvent herself. Trey Denison wasn’t going to put even a dent in those plans. All she needed from him was an extremely short, extremely hot, purely sexual affair and she had no reason to believe he wouldn’t provide it. After all, that was his specialty. But after one crazy weekend, Trey decides that a ‘short affair’ with Shayla is the last thing he wants . . .
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2012
136 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
67 books956 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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June 9, 2013
06/08/2013 --Free TODAY ONLY on Amazon --
I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!
This book is just what you need to round out your Nia Forrester library. She will have a sequel to this one out very soon too!
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-ebook/dp...
++++++++++++++++++++++++
03/08/2012 --
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 3 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars [$2.99 Amazon – not available B&N]
SPOILER ALERT -- This review may have spoilers.
UPDATED: I wrote this long review trying to get to the meat of my issue with this book. I think it boils down to "too mainstream for me". What do I mean? Well, when you read other books by this author; example:
, you appreciate the unique storyline and POV of this author. Secrets was just too mainstream for me.
REVIEW: This book just wasn't what I expected. When I read the blurb, I had no idea the "secret" shouldn't be a secret at all. That the life of this girl would be the whole story. She was abused and then was trying to put herself back together again. Nothing to be ashamed of unless you haven't received the therapy needed to get back on track.
I'll list a few things that stood out for me:
1 -- Key characters in this book were well drawn. An example is Trey. We find out early on Trey is a horn dog. He is so responsible in his "public" life, his private a bit irresponsible. He makes no excuses. It is what it is. He has taken care of his sister since he was almost too young for the responsibility, so we cut him this slack for this. We still like him, but he definitely isn't perfect.
2 -- The root of Shayla's issue we find out in rich detail. I didn't necessarily like how this played out, but her loss of self is well drawn by this author. Almost as a warning about how it can happen to even the most secure of us. It is so easy to follow your desires into a dark place where you may never find your way out. We see some of Shayla's journey back to the light.
Things that didn't work so well for me:
1 -- Shayla bothered me. Shayla starts out almost like a shadow. Then we get to know her, but this happens so quickly. She goes from being this shadow, almost unattractive person, to this vibrant "look at me" person. We understand later that this was really the end of a journey for her, but I didn't feel this and ended a bit confused. Also, I thought she was still very damaged in the beginning. Knowing that she worked as a volunteer and was so damaged herself, bordered on unrealistic. This hasn't happened for me before with this author and was a bit surprised. I think Shayla's journey is incomplete. There is a second in the series, but more could have been done for her in this one.
2 -- I really don't like the blurb for this book. First of all, it didn't pull me to read this book. I wasn't intrigued by the promise of a secret. Then, after reading it, the "secret" shouldn't be the pull for the book. I think it should be resurrection of Shayla. How do you go from here to there. The secret almost pisses me off. The events shouldn't be something to be ashamed of. Not at all and I had this little ball of anger through most of it. Hoping that the author would at some point let the reader traverse the shame to the shining place through Shayla. It just didn't happen.
3 -- This is going to be a series, and I have to commend the author for avoiding the cliffhanger, but I'm also not really excited about reading the next one. The characters to be highlighted in that one just weren't that interesting for me. I'll definitely read it, but if this had been my first book by this author, it may stay on my TBR pile for a long time.
You know, I did like this book. I think I'm just spoiled. I LOVE Nia Forrester. She is a new find for me, but this book isn't my favorite. Enough said...
Happy Reading!
I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!
This book is just what you need to round out your Nia Forrester library. She will have a sequel to this one out very soon too!
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-ebook/dp...
++++++++++++++++++++++++
03/08/2012 --
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 3 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars [$2.99 Amazon – not available B&N]
SPOILER ALERT -- This review may have spoilers.
UPDATED: I wrote this long review trying to get to the meat of my issue with this book. I think it boils down to "too mainstream for me". What do I mean? Well, when you read other books by this author; example:
, you appreciate the unique storyline and POV of this author. Secrets was just too mainstream for me.REVIEW: This book just wasn't what I expected. When I read the blurb, I had no idea the "secret" shouldn't be a secret at all. That the life of this girl would be the whole story. She was abused and then was trying to put herself back together again. Nothing to be ashamed of unless you haven't received the therapy needed to get back on track.
I'll list a few things that stood out for me:
1 -- Key characters in this book were well drawn. An example is Trey. We find out early on Trey is a horn dog. He is so responsible in his "public" life, his private a bit irresponsible. He makes no excuses. It is what it is. He has taken care of his sister since he was almost too young for the responsibility, so we cut him this slack for this. We still like him, but he definitely isn't perfect.
2 -- The root of Shayla's issue we find out in rich detail. I didn't necessarily like how this played out, but her loss of self is well drawn by this author. Almost as a warning about how it can happen to even the most secure of us. It is so easy to follow your desires into a dark place where you may never find your way out. We see some of Shayla's journey back to the light.
Things that didn't work so well for me:
1 -- Shayla bothered me. Shayla starts out almost like a shadow. Then we get to know her, but this happens so quickly. She goes from being this shadow, almost unattractive person, to this vibrant "look at me" person. We understand later that this was really the end of a journey for her, but I didn't feel this and ended a bit confused. Also, I thought she was still very damaged in the beginning. Knowing that she worked as a volunteer and was so damaged herself, bordered on unrealistic. This hasn't happened for me before with this author and was a bit surprised. I think Shayla's journey is incomplete. There is a second in the series, but more could have been done for her in this one.
2 -- I really don't like the blurb for this book. First of all, it didn't pull me to read this book. I wasn't intrigued by the promise of a secret. Then, after reading it, the "secret" shouldn't be the pull for the book. I think it should be resurrection of Shayla. How do you go from here to there. The secret almost pisses me off. The events shouldn't be something to be ashamed of. Not at all and I had this little ball of anger through most of it. Hoping that the author would at some point let the reader traverse the shame to the shining place through Shayla. It just didn't happen.
3 -- This is going to be a series, and I have to commend the author for avoiding the cliffhanger, but I'm also not really excited about reading the next one. The characters to be highlighted in that one just weren't that interesting for me. I'll definitely read it, but if this had been my first book by this author, it may stay on my TBR pile for a long time.
You know, I did like this book. I think I'm just spoiled. I LOVE Nia Forrester. She is a new find for me, but this book isn't my favorite. Enough said...
Happy Reading!
December 25, 2012
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story. It had a certain realness to it where I felt like I was reading about real life people. Shay could have been me, my best friend, sister, whomever. She was just such a relateable character as was Trey, Darren, and Tessa too. They felt like real people with real issues, not the usual buppies that are found in so many books.
I liked the relationship between Trey and Shay. It started out pretty hot and heavy but developed into something substantial which shocked the both of them. Shay's issue was major, and it was great to see Trey stand by her and be completely supportive of her circumstance. I loved how their story was complete. We got the full story from their first meeting, and all details of their relationship. Nothing was left out and I am loving that about Nia Forrester's writing style. It's reads like a movie and not just words on a page.
I hope there is a follow up to this story because I am very curious to know how Trey's situation will pan out, and if Trey and Shay will actually make it as a couple.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a certain realness to it where I felt like I was reading about real life people. Shay could have been me, my best friend, sister, whomever. She was just such a relateable character as was Trey, Darren, and Tessa too. They felt like real people with real issues, not the usual buppies that are found in so many books.
I liked the relationship between Trey and Shay. It started out pretty hot and heavy but developed into something substantial which shocked the both of them. Shay's issue was major, and it was great to see Trey stand by her and be completely supportive of her circumstance. I loved how their story was complete. We got the full story from their first meeting, and all details of their relationship. Nothing was left out and I am loving that about Nia Forrester's writing style. It's reads like a movie and not just words on a page.
I hope there is a follow up to this story because I am very curious to know how Trey's situation will pan out, and if Trey and Shay will actually make it as a couple.
December 25, 2012
I love Nia Forrester, her fluid writing will grab you from the beginning until the end of this book. The Secret was about so many things every one has a secrete but will it stop you from being who you are? or keep from the person you were meant to be with? Shayla had a big secrete she was keeping. Shalya and Trey were a hot secrete their relationship was spicy! I loved the way pretty boy Trey learned how attracted he was to Shayla, I felt like I was right there watching their relationship evolve. They were a perfect pair except for their secretes. will they be able to over come them? Read and find out you will not be disappointed. I would love to read more about Trey and Shayla but I also feel Darren and Paris have a story to tell too I hope I will get to read more about them soon.
April 11, 2013
Real characters, real people. Easy to read. Almost no sex scenes but you know what? this book doesn't need them.
It was really refreshing to read a romance story that felt so real. I just can't stop using the word " Real" but it is a perfect word to describe this book and after all the romance books that had disappointed me lately...I am really glad I found this book. It has a second part to be released this year but don't worry, there is no huge cliffhanger.
It is free on Amazon right now.
It was really refreshing to read a romance story that felt so real. I just can't stop using the word " Real" but it is a perfect word to describe this book and after all the romance books that had disappointed me lately...I am really glad I found this book. It has a second part to be released this year but don't worry, there is no huge cliffhanger.
It is free on Amazon right now.
February 23, 2019
A VERY good book that deals with the very real problem of domestic violence. It broke my heart to see what the protagonist had to go through to become whole again.
Definitely worth the cost.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Definitely worth the cost.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
February 9, 2013
In all good works of fiction what keeps the reader turning the pages is conflict, those things that prevent the story’s protagonist from getting what they want and thereby creating drama and interest for the reader. I think that in the Romance genre, it’s more about the author preventing the reader from getting what THEY want: that anticipated happily ever after ending. The romance novel teases and torments as the reader wonders how the protagonists are ever going to get it together and finally get together.
In “Secret” author Nia Forrester has the teasing and tormenting down to a science. Like water boarding. Like car battery-powered electrodes attached to body parts you don’t want electrodes attached to. And it’s all because the protagonists Shayla and Trey won’t open their mouths and talk to each other. If I were going to subtitle “Secret,” I’d used the famous line from the classic movie “Cool Hand Luke:” “What we have here is a failure to communicate.”
There are reasons that Shayla and Trey, who though they live in the same house (Trey is the landlord and Shayla is his basement apartment tenant) can’t open up to each other. They are each in their own way damaged people. And because of that damage they are both frustrating characters – frustrating to the point that if you’re like me, you often wanted to yell at Shayla, “What are you doing?” and punch Trey in his head. And then keep reading to find out what happens next.
I have to give the Shayla character a pass for her failure to speak up. She’s the one with the secret, a damaging (in more ways than one) event from her past that she’s still struggling to deal with. But my pass is a small one, because sometimes while reading I had a feeling that she enjoyed tormenting Trey by doing things to make him jealous and angry and in doing so push them farther apart. Yes, she’s going through an internal struggle that’s at the root of her actions, but she’s an intelligent woman. You can’t pull the pin on a grenade and toss it into a room, and after the big boom act like you don’t know why the room isn’t still nice and tidy. Shayla tossed a few grenades at Trey’s manhood. But she gets that small pass because she has legitimate issues she’s struggling to overcome.
The reasons for Trey’s relationship-stunting actions were more of a puzzle and more frustrating. Trey is a player; a ladies’ man. He has an assembly line of women in and out of his home and his bedroom. Players have an easy time communicating with women. Their words are their stock in trade, the weapon they use to con the ladies and get them between the sheets. But with Shayla, Trey is about as communicative as a gagged rock. He has feelings for her that he can’t or won’t express, and for much of the tale he allows himself to linger on the sidelines while she flitters from man to man because he won’t tell her how he feels. Initially I wanted to write off Trey’s character as being unrealistic; come on, a ladies’ man who can’t talk to a lady? But by the end I’d come to the conclusion that he suffered from stunted growth as a man. Women had always come to him without effort on his part, but they were women he didn’t care about. And so when he met a woman who got her hands around his heart, he had no experience to use to help him communicate his feelings.
I give “Secret” five stars because it does what good fiction is supposed to do: make you want to turn the page. And if I ever need to torture someone, I’m calling on my friend Nia Forrester to act as my advisor. If you enjoy romantic drama, grab a copy of “Secret!”
In “Secret” author Nia Forrester has the teasing and tormenting down to a science. Like water boarding. Like car battery-powered electrodes attached to body parts you don’t want electrodes attached to. And it’s all because the protagonists Shayla and Trey won’t open their mouths and talk to each other. If I were going to subtitle “Secret,” I’d used the famous line from the classic movie “Cool Hand Luke:” “What we have here is a failure to communicate.”
There are reasons that Shayla and Trey, who though they live in the same house (Trey is the landlord and Shayla is his basement apartment tenant) can’t open up to each other. They are each in their own way damaged people. And because of that damage they are both frustrating characters – frustrating to the point that if you’re like me, you often wanted to yell at Shayla, “What are you doing?” and punch Trey in his head. And then keep reading to find out what happens next.
I have to give the Shayla character a pass for her failure to speak up. She’s the one with the secret, a damaging (in more ways than one) event from her past that she’s still struggling to deal with. But my pass is a small one, because sometimes while reading I had a feeling that she enjoyed tormenting Trey by doing things to make him jealous and angry and in doing so push them farther apart. Yes, she’s going through an internal struggle that’s at the root of her actions, but she’s an intelligent woman. You can’t pull the pin on a grenade and toss it into a room, and after the big boom act like you don’t know why the room isn’t still nice and tidy. Shayla tossed a few grenades at Trey’s manhood. But she gets that small pass because she has legitimate issues she’s struggling to overcome.
The reasons for Trey’s relationship-stunting actions were more of a puzzle and more frustrating. Trey is a player; a ladies’ man. He has an assembly line of women in and out of his home and his bedroom. Players have an easy time communicating with women. Their words are their stock in trade, the weapon they use to con the ladies and get them between the sheets. But with Shayla, Trey is about as communicative as a gagged rock. He has feelings for her that he can’t or won’t express, and for much of the tale he allows himself to linger on the sidelines while she flitters from man to man because he won’t tell her how he feels. Initially I wanted to write off Trey’s character as being unrealistic; come on, a ladies’ man who can’t talk to a lady? But by the end I’d come to the conclusion that he suffered from stunted growth as a man. Women had always come to him without effort on his part, but they were women he didn’t care about. And so when he met a woman who got her hands around his heart, he had no experience to use to help him communicate his feelings.
I give “Secret” five stars because it does what good fiction is supposed to do: make you want to turn the page. And if I ever need to torture someone, I’m calling on my friend Nia Forrester to act as my advisor. If you enjoy romantic drama, grab a copy of “Secret!”
December 31, 2012
This was a really good read. I enjoyed the story of Trey and Shayla. This book is a complete story, it is well-written, the characters are complex, and it has all of the elements that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning. I finished this book in one sitting. The story goes beyond the typical boy meets girl. It effectively delves into what happens when there is a past and how that past influences the present.
I get so excited about Nia's stories because you never know where she is going to take you but you know that the ride is going to be good. When you approach her books, don't expect it to be cookie cutter because it is not. Isn't that great?!
I read one review where the reader stated that Secret left unanswered questions and the reader seemed to be unsatisfied with the ending. I respectfully disagree. I was satisfied with the ending. My interpretation is that Nia writes books about real life and real life isn't tied up with a bow and an epilogue. Even when we leave this earth questions can still be unanswered. Nia's books will make you THINK and that's a good thing. If she leaves questions unanswered there is a purpose for it.I believe that because she approaches her stories like every single aspect of the story matters.
I've read many a book where the book just stops with no ending and readers are giving it a 5 star review yet begging for part 2 in the comments. This is NOT that book! It is a complete story with a good ending and I recommend that you read this book.
I get so excited about Nia's stories because you never know where she is going to take you but you know that the ride is going to be good. When you approach her books, don't expect it to be cookie cutter because it is not. Isn't that great?!
I read one review where the reader stated that Secret left unanswered questions and the reader seemed to be unsatisfied with the ending. I respectfully disagree. I was satisfied with the ending. My interpretation is that Nia writes books about real life and real life isn't tied up with a bow and an epilogue. Even when we leave this earth questions can still be unanswered. Nia's books will make you THINK and that's a good thing. If she leaves questions unanswered there is a purpose for it.I believe that because she approaches her stories like every single aspect of the story matters.
I've read many a book where the book just stops with no ending and readers are giving it a 5 star review yet begging for part 2 in the comments. This is NOT that book! It is a complete story with a good ending and I recommend that you read this book.
December 27, 2012
The first few chapters were a little hard to connect with since the points of view and time frames kept changing but once those chapters were surpassed, the storyline was comfortable to relax into....which is expected from this great author. I viewed Trey as the main character more so than Shayla because he had the most range; Shayla was a little one dimensional. But I found myself rooting for Trey to get it right and Shayla to be receptive to him. If the author has not of continuing this series, then she should. This was the first book of hers that left me blinking in the end feeling lost almost like she felt it was time to stop the story instead of letting the story end naturally. But optimistic that there will be a continuation...I cannot wait for the next in the series.
January 6, 2015
This book made me feel so many different emotions while reading it. I found myself siding with Shayla then siding with Trey then fussing at them both. This book was GOOD. Every single page created another masterpiece for Nia Forrester. I love how she wrote this one. The intensity of it literally took my breath away and had me thinking about it every time I bookmarked it. I could relate to both of the main characters and I felt like I had a front row seat to someone's relationship, all the ups, down...everything. This book was sooooo good! Secret was the perfect title for this story.
October 8, 2016
Long...and to be continued
I enjoyed the story however at times it felt drawn out or to much reference on the other (ex boyfriend) character. Also I like stories that end with period and not the to be continued.
I enjoyed the story however at times it felt drawn out or to much reference on the other (ex boyfriend) character. Also I like stories that end with period and not the to be continued.
March 28, 2013
One of the best stories I've read. I absolutely LOVED Shayla and Trey. Bravo to Ms. Forrester! Please keep 'em coming. :-)
September 16, 2013
Phenomenal work!! I thoroughly enjoyed Nia's play on words and her dimensional storyline! Fantastic! Onto the sequel!
June 1, 2016
I love this author work. Been reading her for a long time and she hasn't disappointed me yet
December 26, 2018
Great read per usual
Nia Forrester cannot write a bad book in my opinion. The character development, story line, dialogue and of course romance and intimacy between the two main characters are always on point. In this book, the main characters Shayla and Trey kept me interested from beginning to end. Their relationship starts off slow as just casual roommates but you can quickly see their lives being intertwined first because of sex and later because they truly are a good match for what ails them both. Lots of secrets as the book title indicates but all is revealed in due time and it is not hurried which makes the read that much more enjoyable.
There is a maturity in Ms. Forrester’s writing that I rarely see in romance novels and its the reason why she is in my Top 5 of African-American romance writers.
Nia Forrester cannot write a bad book in my opinion. The character development, story line, dialogue and of course romance and intimacy between the two main characters are always on point. In this book, the main characters Shayla and Trey kept me interested from beginning to end. Their relationship starts off slow as just casual roommates but you can quickly see their lives being intertwined first because of sex and later because they truly are a good match for what ails them both. Lots of secrets as the book title indicates but all is revealed in due time and it is not hurried which makes the read that much more enjoyable.
There is a maturity in Ms. Forrester’s writing that I rarely see in romance novels and its the reason why she is in my Top 5 of African-American romance writers.
dnf
December 21, 2024DNF at 16%
Bonding over insomnia is such a great romance set up! Unfortunately for me, Trey is a f&ckboi and I am so not in the mood for that particular evolution.
Characters: Trey is a Black attorney. Shayla is a Black woman. This is set in DC and the Maryland suburbs.
Content notes: brief harassment by MMC's ex-hookup, insomnia, nightmares (references), fatphobia, sexism, MMC's best friend is a cop working murder cases, past death of MMC's parents (car accident), MMC became guardian of his 11 year old sister when he was 18, past death of MMC's best friend (killed in Afghanistan), inebriation (secondary character), off-page sex with a woman who isn't the FMC, casual ableism around mental illness, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language
Bonding over insomnia is such a great romance set up! Unfortunately for me, Trey is a f&ckboi and I am so not in the mood for that particular evolution.
Characters: Trey is a Black attorney. Shayla is a Black woman. This is set in DC and the Maryland suburbs.
Content notes: brief harassment by MMC's ex-hookup, insomnia, nightmares (references), fatphobia, sexism, MMC's best friend is a cop working murder cases, past death of MMC's parents (car accident), MMC became guardian of his 11 year old sister when he was 18, past death of MMC's best friend (killed in Afghanistan), inebriation (secondary character), off-page sex with a woman who isn't the FMC, casual ableism around mental illness, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language
April 28, 2019
Absolutely Superb!
I love the flow of the story from beginning to end. One , I'm from the same neighborhood. I use to work in Georgetown managing a shoe store. Two, from Union Station I still catch the train, because I now reside in Jersey. Three, it's so nice to read about old stomping grounds you use to cherish, back then when you thought you had everything figured out. This was a beautiful story of two people come into their own with something they shared in common. I'm glad Shay came to the best decision for her, that helped her to deal with her demons. Glad that Trey became that man she needed. His calculated moves and understanding of her and her tragedy was the exact shift she needed to move forward. This is an excellent read. ReneeG 👍
I love the flow of the story from beginning to end. One , I'm from the same neighborhood. I use to work in Georgetown managing a shoe store. Two, from Union Station I still catch the train, because I now reside in Jersey. Three, it's so nice to read about old stomping grounds you use to cherish, back then when you thought you had everything figured out. This was a beautiful story of two people come into their own with something they shared in common. I'm glad Shay came to the best decision for her, that helped her to deal with her demons. Glad that Trey became that man she needed. His calculated moves and understanding of her and her tragedy was the exact shift she needed to move forward. This is an excellent read. ReneeG 👍
December 8, 2018
Love Secrets♥️
I’ve been waiting for this series to reappear on Amazon for a long time. I’m spending my Saturday by the Christmas tree relishing this series 1 book at a time. Shayla’s experience with domestic violence is still governing her life. The habits formed during that volatile relationships shapes her interactions with other men and her family. Trey and his companionship has broken the ice but how long can he remain a secret? How long can she keep her past secret? When it has all seemed to settle and the coast to a budding love is clear will his secret that can definitely affect their future bring them back to square one? Now on to book 2😊
I’ve been waiting for this series to reappear on Amazon for a long time. I’m spending my Saturday by the Christmas tree relishing this series 1 book at a time. Shayla’s experience with domestic violence is still governing her life. The habits formed during that volatile relationships shapes her interactions with other men and her family. Trey and his companionship has broken the ice but how long can he remain a secret? How long can she keep her past secret? When it has all seemed to settle and the coast to a budding love is clear will his secret that can definitely affect their future bring them back to square one? Now on to book 2😊
December 27, 2018
Yet another gem of a story!
My girl, Nia, has gone and done it again! Telling Shayla's sometimes heart-wrenching truth in vivid yet relatable detail was inspiring. Certain parts of her story reminded me of a trauma that I endured. Thankfully, it didn't re-open the wound. It merely helped me to appreciate the gift & burden of purposefully going through the healing process.
I WAS, however, triggered by Trey's insistence on pressing Shayla to share her backstory 😡🙄🤦 It reminded me of the truth that people share only as much as they feel comfortable with telling, regardless of the outsider's desires or motives
My girl, Nia, has gone and done it again! Telling Shayla's sometimes heart-wrenching truth in vivid yet relatable detail was inspiring. Certain parts of her story reminded me of a trauma that I endured. Thankfully, it didn't re-open the wound. It merely helped me to appreciate the gift & burden of purposefully going through the healing process.
I WAS, however, triggered by Trey's insistence on pressing Shayla to share her backstory 😡🙄🤦 It reminded me of the truth that people share only as much as they feel comfortable with telling, regardless of the outsider's desires or motives
November 1, 2021
Emotionally spent!
Once I started reading this story, I couldn't put it down! Never could I have imagined the secret that Shayla held onto would be so heart-wrenching! The journey for her and Trey from the beginning to the end of this book had me smiling, frustrated, in tears, and finally just rooting for them both to win! And by win I wanted a happily ever after, with everything laid bare between them! I'm still not sure that's what we got, based on the ending...but I can't wait to continue on to the next two books and find out for sure! And then there's still that one issue...
Once I started reading this story, I couldn't put it down! Never could I have imagined the secret that Shayla held onto would be so heart-wrenching! The journey for her and Trey from the beginning to the end of this book had me smiling, frustrated, in tears, and finally just rooting for them both to win! And by win I wanted a happily ever after, with everything laid bare between them! I'm still not sure that's what we got, based on the ending...but I can't wait to continue on to the next two books and find out for sure! And then there's still that one issue...
December 22, 2018
I liked Shay and Trey. The suspense to find out the actual secret was really nerve wrecking for me but when the secret was revealed I understood why Shay kept it for so long. I loved how Shay and Trey worked through their emotions and grew with one another. Darren, Jackson, Tess and Paige made this story even more enjoyable. I wasn't surprised that we wouldn't find out if Trey is the father of the baby but I really liked this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2017
Secrets uncovered
What a great story. So many domestic violence victims carry some of the blame for the abuse they survived and, unfortunately, it does inhibit their ability to live and love freely. What a great way to illustrate a victims ability to rise above and live beyond their past.
What a great story. So many domestic violence victims carry some of the blame for the abuse they survived and, unfortunately, it does inhibit their ability to live and love freely. What a great way to illustrate a victims ability to rise above and live beyond their past.
December 7, 2018
Loved it
I love all of your books their meaningful and always have a romantic or sweet ending. I'm glad she finally opened up to him and him also to her. But. Now to the real answers where the hell is Justin who needs a ass kicking and Alicia baby daddy I hope its not trey that would be heart breaking for shayla.
I love all of your books their meaningful and always have a romantic or sweet ending. I'm glad she finally opened up to him and him also to her. But. Now to the real answers where the hell is Justin who needs a ass kicking and Alicia baby daddy I hope its not trey that would be heart breaking for shayla.
February 14, 2020
Speechless
No surprise, but Nia has done it again. The first book of the Secrets series has left me wanting more. I need to know what happens when Trey picks Shayla up and is Alicia’s baby his or not (I’m hoping not, but that wouldn’t be a good story would it :/). On to the next read.
No surprise, but Nia has done it again. The first book of the Secrets series has left me wanting more. I need to know what happens when Trey picks Shayla up and is Alicia’s baby his or not (I’m hoping not, but that wouldn’t be a good story would it :/). On to the next read.
February 14, 2022
Frustratingly Good
I wanted to know the secret immediately, but Nia Forrester is such a masterful storyteller that I had to stick to this story until everything unfolded. Beautiful, riveting, what else can I say? Nia is a so talented at developing a story slowly, painstakingly but keeping me in a chokehold so that I can’t stop reading.
I wanted to know the secret immediately, but Nia Forrester is such a masterful storyteller that I had to stick to this story until everything unfolded. Beautiful, riveting, what else can I say? Nia is a so talented at developing a story slowly, painstakingly but keeping me in a chokehold so that I can’t stop reading.
April 4, 2023
Who would have thought!
Love was drawn out just enough. The pace was great. No adding to make it draw out but not rushed. The secrets in this were alot and kept me on my toes. Spolier alert............................
I was rooting for Trey and Shaye and theyvmade. Beautiful lovestory.
Love was drawn out just enough. The pace was great. No adding to make it draw out but not rushed. The secrets in this were alot and kept me on my toes. Spolier alert............................
I was rooting for Trey and Shaye and theyvmade. Beautiful lovestory.
January 3, 2017
I am not a romance novel kinda of girl...likenot even a little bit lol but Nia Forrester has a way of weaving a story that is so wonderfully written that even my sometimes anti love mind just absorbs every word!!!
December 9, 2018
Another winner!
I'm at the point where I don't even read the 'about this book'; I just get the Nia Forrester book and start reading!! I've not been disappointed. Another beautiful finding real love story.
I'm at the point where I don't even read the 'about this book'; I just get the Nia Forrester book and start reading!! I've not been disappointed. Another beautiful finding real love story.
January 9, 2019
So Dang Good
The story was highly emotional and had me in my feelings during much of the story. The tale was enjoyable, believable and just p!an delish. The story touched, caressed and moved me.
The story was highly emotional and had me in my feelings during much of the story. The tale was enjoyable, believable and just p!an delish. The story touched, caressed and moved me.
March 4, 2019
Secret
Trey & Shayla's journey was an intense page turner. Beautiful story of healing, trusting and loving. Now Forrester gives you complex characters that stay with you long after the story ends!
Trey & Shayla's journey was an intense page turner. Beautiful story of healing, trusting and loving. Now Forrester gives you complex characters that stay with you long after the story ends!
May 30, 2022
Secrets
This did not disappoint. Shyla learns to stop hiding her ugly truth...now must deal with Trey's ugly truth. Shyla and Trey have quite the chemistry and trying to keep it just physical becomes harder by the day. Good read.
This did not disappoint. Shyla learns to stop hiding her ugly truth...now must deal with Trey's ugly truth. Shyla and Trey have quite the chemistry and trying to keep it just physical becomes harder by the day. Good read.
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