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Secrets & Shadows #2
Sweeter Than Sin
CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN
It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.
WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE
Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…in Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker.
It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.
WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE
Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…in Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
10 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Shiloh Walker
202 books2,437 followersHello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 25, 2014
3.5 stars
****Full Review****
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The first and most important thing that must be said, this story is dark, murky, and deep. If you're a fan of stories dealing with the underbelly of society and dark human nature or found yourself anxiously anticipating every episode of True Detective, even when you wanted to cringe away, then this book and series is for you.
The centerpiece of this story isn't so much the characters but the Cronus Club, everything radiates from this point. In a nice normal small town America, dark and horrid details are starting to be revealed with each mysterious death of its patriarchal leaders. Notes are being left with each body that alludes to hidden and foul deeds allegedly committed by the deceased. Lana Rossi, from many miles away, reads about these murders and realizes that all she thought was ended and ran away to protect may be still be creeping under the surface and not safe. Twenty years ago Lana discovered the Cronus Club when her friend David admitted to her that his father would take him to these club meetings and share him with the rest of the members. The Cronus Club, you see, is for fathers to initiate their sons and then pass them along to each member for sexual enjoyment. This book is not for everyone and it is not easy to read but the author never sensationalizes anything and never focuses on the abuse itself but rather the emotional impact it has on the abused, family and friends of the abused, and family of the abusers. Lana decides to return to her hometown and hopefully regain some memory of a fateful night and help end the Cronus Club once and for all.
Adam is a recovering alcoholic that started his downward spiral after receiving two phone calls from Lana Rossi on the night she disappeared twenty years ago. When he sees her unexpectedly in the woods one night, he is furious and hit with the craving desire he had for her years ago. Adam and Lana are the leading couple of this particular book in the series and are the glimpse of romance in an otherwise heavily suspense, thriller, and mystery novel. They circle each other as hurts, truths, and lusts surface but the overall story arc ends up overshadowing them. The story is moved along by multiple POVs that reveal the how, why, and who is trying to eliminate, hide, or discover the elements of the Cronus Club. As Adam basically fell in love with Lana years ago when they were younger and Lana's developing love for Adam isn't flushed out enough to escape simple lust, I had a hard time becoming invested in their relationship.
The power and beauty of this story emanates from its ugliness, the Cronus Club. From the portrayal of strength, twisted desires, fragility, and vigilante justice the reader is taken on a journey they won't soon forget. Sweeter Than Sin is second in the series but I found it could be read as a standalone as there was only one or two times I felt lost at something. However, as this book reveals some answers it also leaves a lot in the shrouds. Reading the next book in the series is going to be a must if you want to know how far down the rabbit hole the citizens of this town really go.
****Full Review****
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The first and most important thing that must be said, this story is dark, murky, and deep. If you're a fan of stories dealing with the underbelly of society and dark human nature or found yourself anxiously anticipating every episode of True Detective, even when you wanted to cringe away, then this book and series is for you.
The centerpiece of this story isn't so much the characters but the Cronus Club, everything radiates from this point. In a nice normal small town America, dark and horrid details are starting to be revealed with each mysterious death of its patriarchal leaders. Notes are being left with each body that alludes to hidden and foul deeds allegedly committed by the deceased. Lana Rossi, from many miles away, reads about these murders and realizes that all she thought was ended and ran away to protect may be still be creeping under the surface and not safe. Twenty years ago Lana discovered the Cronus Club when her friend David admitted to her that his father would take him to these club meetings and share him with the rest of the members. The Cronus Club, you see, is for fathers to initiate their sons and then pass them along to each member for sexual enjoyment. This book is not for everyone and it is not easy to read but the author never sensationalizes anything and never focuses on the abuse itself but rather the emotional impact it has on the abused, family and friends of the abused, and family of the abusers. Lana decides to return to her hometown and hopefully regain some memory of a fateful night and help end the Cronus Club once and for all.
Adam is a recovering alcoholic that started his downward spiral after receiving two phone calls from Lana Rossi on the night she disappeared twenty years ago. When he sees her unexpectedly in the woods one night, he is furious and hit with the craving desire he had for her years ago. Adam and Lana are the leading couple of this particular book in the series and are the glimpse of romance in an otherwise heavily suspense, thriller, and mystery novel. They circle each other as hurts, truths, and lusts surface but the overall story arc ends up overshadowing them. The story is moved along by multiple POVs that reveal the how, why, and who is trying to eliminate, hide, or discover the elements of the Cronus Club. As Adam basically fell in love with Lana years ago when they were younger and Lana's developing love for Adam isn't flushed out enough to escape simple lust, I had a hard time becoming invested in their relationship.
The power and beauty of this story emanates from its ugliness, the Cronus Club. From the portrayal of strength, twisted desires, fragility, and vigilante justice the reader is taken on a journey they won't soon forget. Sweeter Than Sin is second in the series but I found it could be read as a standalone as there was only one or two times I felt lost at something. However, as this book reveals some answers it also leaves a lot in the shrouds. Reading the next book in the series is going to be a must if you want to know how far down the rabbit hole the citizens of this town really go.
July 30, 2014
Right off I feel the need to tell you that this is a bit darker subject matter than I expected. It deals with adults who were, in different ways, victims of a child abuse ring in a small town. The story unfolds bit by bit and can be very heavy reading at times. Also, this is book two in a series, and if you haven’t read book one it’s okay; however I found myself lost at times and I am sure that reading book one would have cleared up a lot for me. So yes, I recommend reading book one first.
The write up and blurb is mostly about Adam. For me, though, it felt more about Lana. What she has been through in the last twenty years to keep a friends secret safe and believing she is responsible for the death of another. Coming home isn’t what she wants to do, but it’s the right thing to do when the past resurfaces.
Adam has pined for the girl he loved in secret for years, so when she comes home and he realizes who the beautiful stranger is, all bets are off. Both have suffered with addiction trying to forget. But now, not only do they give each other peace, they also work together to solve the mysteries of the past horrors that have eaten them up inside.
I am excited to read the next installment and finally give these people closure in some way. It’s heavy, exciting, mysterious, and heart breaking. An emotional read that will stick.
4 Stars
T~
www.ktbookreviews.com
The write up and blurb is mostly about Adam. For me, though, it felt more about Lana. What she has been through in the last twenty years to keep a friends secret safe and believing she is responsible for the death of another. Coming home isn’t what she wants to do, but it’s the right thing to do when the past resurfaces.
Adam has pined for the girl he loved in secret for years, so when she comes home and he realizes who the beautiful stranger is, all bets are off. Both have suffered with addiction trying to forget. But now, not only do they give each other peace, they also work together to solve the mysteries of the past horrors that have eaten them up inside.
I am excited to read the next installment and finally give these people closure in some way. It’s heavy, exciting, mysterious, and heart breaking. An emotional read that will stick.
4 Stars
T~
www.ktbookreviews.com
October 1, 2014
The first thing I should say about Sweeter Than Sin is that I read it without having read the previous books (3 Novellas - Burn For Me, Break For Me, Long For Me then Deeper Than Need) and I feel this is not a standalone read but far better read after Deeper at least, to do justice to the incredible story Shiloh Walker is weaving.
It's extremely disconcerting while reading Sweeter to think that these type of horrific events and ugly patterns of human behaviour are reality to some, that while I may be reading fiction, real life events put this story in the authors head. Sweeter Than Sin is darker and grittier than anything I have read of Ms Walker's before but is extremely well written. The story weaves and curves, taunts you, sickens as much as it fascinates. The love story of Adam and Luna almost took a back seat for me to the events and circumstances that surround them past present and future. The twists and turns in this book just kept on coming and the last 80% on my kindle I was speechless.
CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN
It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.
WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE
Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart
Shiloh Walker writes some damn fine contemporary romances however, this proves she can do romantic suspense just as well. Adam is a fabulous alpha male, haunted bad boy and Luna is the emotionally and physically scarred girl he never forgot. He's had his issues with alcohol and women (total man whore) over the years but when Luna returns to town to finish what she started all those years ago he is transported back to all the feelings he had back then, that no matter how many women he has had in between, none have had the emotional attachment he has for Luna and they are most definitely unfinished business.
Now she just…sat there.
He wanted to yank her out of that chair, push her up against the wall and kiss her stupid. Then he wanted to yell at her. He wanted to go to his knees and beg her to tell him what was wrong. He wanted to get lost in her…and then maybe beg her to…
Hell. He didn’t know.
He wanted a resolution.
He wanted answers.
He wanted her.
He had always wanted her, but she’d always been untouchable.
Now she was like a shadow and life was a fucking monstrous mess.
And he was…ruined.
She slid him a glance and he fought the urge to look away. Every woman he’d touched over the years, he’d either pretended he was touching her or he’d done it to forget her.
Every drink he’d taken had been to dull the pain or to punish himself for not saving her.
I hate reviews with lots of spoilers or over explaining the plot and characters so I am not going to do that, to say any more about the people, place and events would ruin the unexpected ugly twists, turns and emotions that make this book. It will have you speechless in sheer horror, rooting for the heroes or are they the villains? Silently screaming at your kindle “enough already, give them a chance, a HEA please “and “oh hell no, please, they didn`t “.
I will be picking up Deeper Than Need to correct my reading order and understanding before Darker Than Desire comes out in March 2015 because I really want to see where this story ends and I know Shiloh is going to turn me inside out in the process.
It's extremely disconcerting while reading Sweeter to think that these type of horrific events and ugly patterns of human behaviour are reality to some, that while I may be reading fiction, real life events put this story in the authors head. Sweeter Than Sin is darker and grittier than anything I have read of Ms Walker's before but is extremely well written. The story weaves and curves, taunts you, sickens as much as it fascinates. The love story of Adam and Luna almost took a back seat for me to the events and circumstances that surround them past present and future. The twists and turns in this book just kept on coming and the last 80% on my kindle I was speechless.
CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN
It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.
WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE
Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart
Shiloh Walker writes some damn fine contemporary romances however, this proves she can do romantic suspense just as well. Adam is a fabulous alpha male, haunted bad boy and Luna is the emotionally and physically scarred girl he never forgot. He's had his issues with alcohol and women (total man whore) over the years but when Luna returns to town to finish what she started all those years ago he is transported back to all the feelings he had back then, that no matter how many women he has had in between, none have had the emotional attachment he has for Luna and they are most definitely unfinished business.
Now she just…sat there.
He wanted to yank her out of that chair, push her up against the wall and kiss her stupid. Then he wanted to yell at her. He wanted to go to his knees and beg her to tell him what was wrong. He wanted to get lost in her…and then maybe beg her to…
Hell. He didn’t know.
He wanted a resolution.
He wanted answers.
He wanted her.
He had always wanted her, but she’d always been untouchable.
Now she was like a shadow and life was a fucking monstrous mess.
And he was…ruined.
She slid him a glance and he fought the urge to look away. Every woman he’d touched over the years, he’d either pretended he was touching her or he’d done it to forget her.
Every drink he’d taken had been to dull the pain or to punish himself for not saving her.
I hate reviews with lots of spoilers or over explaining the plot and characters so I am not going to do that, to say any more about the people, place and events would ruin the unexpected ugly twists, turns and emotions that make this book. It will have you speechless in sheer horror, rooting for the heroes or are they the villains? Silently screaming at your kindle “enough already, give them a chance, a HEA please “and “oh hell no, please, they didn`t “.
I will be picking up Deeper Than Need to correct my reading order and understanding before Darker Than Desire comes out in March 2015 because I really want to see where this story ends and I know Shiloh is going to turn me inside out in the process.
December 29, 2014
I was very interested in reading Adam’s story! I also expected it to be a little darker than the previous book. Since the blurb doesn’t state who the heroine is, this mystery woman that comes to town, I won’t give anything away. Suffice it say that I knew this had to happen, I thought it would happen later in the series, but I’m glad it happened for Adam. Second chances at getting the girl you always wanted, who was never yours. Yeah! I’m sold!
But while yes, we get romance, I was so much more interested in uncovering the secrets of Madison (the town) than anything else. I loved every bit of it, like a crack addict in need of her next fix. And I can’t wait for more! This town has so many skeletons in their closets it’s so entertaining to watch. And told by the hand of Shiloh Walker is pure decadence.
The Queen of Romantic Suspense does it again! SWEETER THAN SIN is thrilling and unexpected. It uncovers mysteries and secrets. It definitely shocked me at times. But in the end I wasn’t shocked because if there is one thing I know for certain when picking up a Shiloh Walker romantic suspense is that my mind is guaranteed to be blown.
So while not everything was perfect, the romance was less prominent in this book than in the previous, and the heroine drove me a bit batty at time, this is still a strong installment in the Secrets & Shadows series. As always with Ms. Walker’s romantic suspense series, you should read them in order! And you must read the whole series through. ;)
Favorite Quotes:
“Every step we take is for a reason. All my steps led me to her.”
“Supergirl wanted to save the world. Instead, they’d just ruined their own.”
*ARC provided by publisher
March 22, 2025
Oh this is getting good. Layla is a wretched character and I can't wait to see if she gets put in her place. Adam has loved Lana since they were kids and she's loved him but he never gave her the time if day so she went with Noah. Until the night with David and they both disappeared. Now she's back and bodies are dropping like flies over what happened twenty years ago and is still happening. So twisty and turny, it's great!
September 25, 2014
A single event in the small town of Madison forced the disappearance of a girl and boy. Years later, a body is found that blows open a secret so dark and wicked, the town isn’t sure it will ever recover. A young women knows the time has come for her to come home and let the town know exactly what happen that fateful night. Sweeter Than Sin is a dark and gritty romance suspense that brings together two addicts whose childhood ties are buried beneath a twisted sea of lies, betrayal, and deception. Shiloh Walker further divulges into the arc, expanding the scope and breath of the secrets this town has hidden for years. Your heart will break for the pain and agony some have experienced though Walker offers hope to readers that the evil has been identified and being dealt with accordingly. Emotional turmoil and angst are the basis on which a tragic romance is built. Two people unable to let go of the past have risen from their self inflicted penance to find one another when their need is greatest. Twists and turns will shock readers as Walker begins to put unravel the ties that bound this town to silence and the truth begins to pour out. I recommend reading the first in this series as the arc n on going and events in book two are contingent on the events in book one-Deeper Than Need.
October 31, 2014
3.5 stars. ARC Review
Adam Brascum
Lana Rossi
It's Halloween and it is probably fitting that I post my review of this book today. The story embodies a haunting moodiness.
Sweeter Than Sin is Book Two in the Secrets & Shadows series. I love these kinds of Shiloh Walker stories. They are dark, creepy and chilling. This is the story of a small town, a small town with lots of terrifying secrets. The atmosphere reminds of any good Stephen King book or Alfred Hitchcock movie. This is the kind of place where people you meet have a little bit of guilt written on their face.
The first part of the story is a bit slow. If you haven’t read book one, you will appreciate the history of the evil that haunts this town. Because this series takes place in a concentrated area, we get to revisit familiar characters. The secondary characters are as important to the story as the relationship between Adam and Lana.
The last half of the book is COMPELLING. The narrative is tragic and sad. I felt a lingering sense of horror and grief. Even Adam and Lana’s happy ending did not lift my spirits. What happened to those boys by the Cronus Club left me depressed. I suppose that this is the hallmark of a good story.
IN A NUTSHELL:
In Shiloh Walker fashion, this series has sucked me in. Not going to be able to let go until I'm finished.
Adam Brascum
Lana Rossi
It's Halloween and it is probably fitting that I post my review of this book today. The story embodies a haunting moodiness.
Sweeter Than Sin is Book Two in the Secrets & Shadows series. I love these kinds of Shiloh Walker stories. They are dark, creepy and chilling. This is the story of a small town, a small town with lots of terrifying secrets. The atmosphere reminds of any good Stephen King book or Alfred Hitchcock movie. This is the kind of place where people you meet have a little bit of guilt written on their face.
The first part of the story is a bit slow. If you haven’t read book one, you will appreciate the history of the evil that haunts this town. Because this series takes place in a concentrated area, we get to revisit familiar characters. The secondary characters are as important to the story as the relationship between Adam and Lana.
The last half of the book is COMPELLING. The narrative is tragic and sad. I felt a lingering sense of horror and grief. Even Adam and Lana’s happy ending did not lift my spirits. What happened to those boys by the Cronus Club left me depressed. I suppose that this is the hallmark of a good story.
IN A NUTSHELL:
In Shiloh Walker fashion, this series has sucked me in. Not going to be able to let go until I'm finished.
February 3, 2015
This well told story is dark and chilling. Book #2 in the Secrets and Shadows series, this book continues the mystery revolving around disappearances of some of the citizens and shows you that evil lives in small towns. Adam recognizes Lana who has returned to town after being gone for years. She doesn't remember a lot of what happened years before when she ran away, but she needs to find out. Adam was not her boyfriend, she had been with his best-friend Noah, but he was just as devastated when she disappeared. They now have a great chemistry as they try to discover more about the secrets from so long ago. This story is fast paced and you will find yourself not wanting to put it down. The story is well executed on the horrifically dark subject matter. I can't wait for the next book.
April 28, 2015
Wow, another depressing, wonderful read.
If you like angst, tormented hero and heroine, deep mistery, sick killer, a complicated plot this is a series for you!
This is a direct sequel of the first book and the hero is Adam, the bar keeper, and the heroine is the elusive and supposedly dead Lana, Noah's lost love.
As you can imagine ALL the complications come up! And what a ride it is!
As in all Ms. Walker's book the heat is high and darkly delicious!
The plot is intricate and the twisted members of the Cronus Club are revealed one by one. I hated the twisted bastards and I wanted to kill all of them very, very slowly!
A truly great series!
If you like angst, tormented hero and heroine, deep mistery, sick killer, a complicated plot this is a series for you!
This is a direct sequel of the first book and the hero is Adam, the bar keeper, and the heroine is the elusive and supposedly dead Lana, Noah's lost love.
As you can imagine ALL the complications come up! And what a ride it is!
As in all Ms. Walker's book the heat is high and darkly delicious!
The plot is intricate and the twisted members of the Cronus Club are revealed one by one. I hated the twisted bastards and I wanted to kill all of them very, very slowly!
A truly great series!
August 19, 2014
Mystery/Romantic suspense is not on the top of my reading list. Yes, I've read a few, but not many. That being said, reading Sweeter Than Sin took me a bit of time to get into. Once I did, it was non stop mystery, twists, turns, sex and action.
While not my cup of tea, I did find myself getting into the story and I believe many fans of the genre will find themselves being pulled into its pages.
A 3.5 rounded to a solid 4 rating.
While not my cup of tea, I did find myself getting into the story and I believe many fans of the genre will find themselves being pulled into its pages.
A 3.5 rounded to a solid 4 rating.
October 4, 2014
After the last book, I most eagerly dove into this one. The mystery and suspense and all that is going on in the small town of Madison grabbed me up. As I pushed through this one, I encountered one reveal after another. There are layers upon layers of secrets here so that even if I got a few sorted, the answers just led to more questions. And that was...so good. I love it when I have my confidence shaken when I think I've got the answers and turned upside down by a twisty story. Shiloh Walker is to romantic suspense what Betty Crocker is to cookbooks. I can't believe I waited so long to pick up her books.
Anywhozit, I'm going to suggest anyone who doesn't want spoilers for the first book to stop here. I try to keep stuff spoiler free, but I don't want to responsible for screwing up someone else's reading experience. This is not a standalone or one to be read out of order. It definitely needs to be read after book one and even better if you can get the prequel series of books too for even better connection to the story.
'kay, now that you're warned, here's my summary. This book picks up right where the other left off though a few more lead characters have dropped into the mix. In Madison, all hell has broken loose and in a sense I don't mean that figuratively. The cover-up for the rape and torture club hidden in the community is no more. The town is awakened to it thanks to several people setting things in motion so that over two decades of secrets are pouring out. But not all of them. Men have been arrested, other men have been taken down by a mysterious vigilante, and still others hide in the shadows. Jensen Bell and her boss the chief of police are hunting answers in their way while Noah and Adam also work with the abused boys trying to gently coax what they know and help them heal. Meanwhile men are dying with confessional notes left near their bodies of their part in the club of abusers which destroys families and reputations.
The news of all this reaches the attention of a woman who has been hiding for twenty years. She thought it all ended twenty years before. She had been promised that their actions that bloody night ended it all, but now she sees that it just kept going even without the Sutters and the ones she knew about that were killed. The guilt and anger rushes in as she realizes that while she first tried to destroy her life with drugs and then later just hid away from life and who she really was that boys were still being used and hurt. It all never stopped. Now she's got to pull it together, go back, and do what she can to make sure it ends for good this time.
Noah wasn't the only one who lost the girl he loved the night Lana disappeared. Adam, the boy across the street, had loved her even longer than Noah, but he didn't act on it just waited for her to grow up. But then she chose Noah never even knowing about him and then she disappeared. He was quieter about his self-destruction, but he was right there with Noah except he switched from the booze to women as his choice of addiction when his parents died. Now after all these years, every day is a struggle and his control is on shaky ground. It doesn't help that the town that was simmering has now had the lid blown off. He's not sure how much more he can take, but that's when the mysterious woman comes to town and he realizes that maybe now most of the secrets will come out.
I didn't summarize as much as I tend to do because I don't want to mess up the shock value of getting all the secrets as they come for those who plan to read this book. In fact, I'm going to keep a tight lid on my thoughts about this one when it comes to my afterthoughts for the same reason. The author built things up in the last book and let loose a string of reveals near the end. In this one, the reveals came as soon as I started reading because in a sense its not really a new book so much as just a new segment of an ongoing one.
Adam was an important side character in the last story and in this one, he takes point and gains a love interest in the mysterious lady. Adam was nearly broken by his demons that are all a result of unrequited love and a form of survivor's guilt. I was so glad to see him get put back together and get the support of a woman who not only understands his addictions, but can tight slap those jerks in the face because of her own troubles. Although, even though I'm not saying much about her, this gal was driving me nuts the way she dilly-dallied around about giving up what she knew. I get the problem; I do- really I do. But as a reader, it was tough to see her holding some really high cards and not playing them so that everyone had to wait while she got up her courage. She dinked around until it was almost too late.
The romance, hot as it was, once again, had the feel of being slightly separate from the suspense and mystery going on. The romance was back burner because of the secrets sitting between the two of them and all that is going on around the town. These two characters play a strong role, but there are others just as deeply if not more so involved. There are several narrators some unknown because they are what I call the shadow characters working in the background. Most of the time, I'm not keen on the villains or even key ambiguous players getting a voice because it spoils the suspense for me, but gotta say...it really didn't matter. I had one figured out and figured out a bit of what was going on and why, but it still doesn't help when it comes to other things that are still a mystery. This is where I am totally in awe of this gal's writing. She's got this plot set up like those Russian nesting dolls. There are mysteries inside mysteries. It's a tad confusing right now, but I'm still keenly vested here. One of the bigger reveals toward the end that shows who gets the next story has me just salivating for that third book.
All in all, if you haven't guessed yet, this was one intense ride that I can't wait to jump on again for round three. Romantic suspense lovers who like the romance spicy and the suspense darker and gritty need to go for this series.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Anywhozit, I'm going to suggest anyone who doesn't want spoilers for the first book to stop here. I try to keep stuff spoiler free, but I don't want to responsible for screwing up someone else's reading experience. This is not a standalone or one to be read out of order. It definitely needs to be read after book one and even better if you can get the prequel series of books too for even better connection to the story.
'kay, now that you're warned, here's my summary. This book picks up right where the other left off though a few more lead characters have dropped into the mix. In Madison, all hell has broken loose and in a sense I don't mean that figuratively. The cover-up for the rape and torture club hidden in the community is no more. The town is awakened to it thanks to several people setting things in motion so that over two decades of secrets are pouring out. But not all of them. Men have been arrested, other men have been taken down by a mysterious vigilante, and still others hide in the shadows. Jensen Bell and her boss the chief of police are hunting answers in their way while Noah and Adam also work with the abused boys trying to gently coax what they know and help them heal. Meanwhile men are dying with confessional notes left near their bodies of their part in the club of abusers which destroys families and reputations.
The news of all this reaches the attention of a woman who has been hiding for twenty years. She thought it all ended twenty years before. She had been promised that their actions that bloody night ended it all, but now she sees that it just kept going even without the Sutters and the ones she knew about that were killed. The guilt and anger rushes in as she realizes that while she first tried to destroy her life with drugs and then later just hid away from life and who she really was that boys were still being used and hurt. It all never stopped. Now she's got to pull it together, go back, and do what she can to make sure it ends for good this time.
Noah wasn't the only one who lost the girl he loved the night Lana disappeared. Adam, the boy across the street, had loved her even longer than Noah, but he didn't act on it just waited for her to grow up. But then she chose Noah never even knowing about him and then she disappeared. He was quieter about his self-destruction, but he was right there with Noah except he switched from the booze to women as his choice of addiction when his parents died. Now after all these years, every day is a struggle and his control is on shaky ground. It doesn't help that the town that was simmering has now had the lid blown off. He's not sure how much more he can take, but that's when the mysterious woman comes to town and he realizes that maybe now most of the secrets will come out.
I didn't summarize as much as I tend to do because I don't want to mess up the shock value of getting all the secrets as they come for those who plan to read this book. In fact, I'm going to keep a tight lid on my thoughts about this one when it comes to my afterthoughts for the same reason. The author built things up in the last book and let loose a string of reveals near the end. In this one, the reveals came as soon as I started reading because in a sense its not really a new book so much as just a new segment of an ongoing one.
Adam was an important side character in the last story and in this one, he takes point and gains a love interest in the mysterious lady. Adam was nearly broken by his demons that are all a result of unrequited love and a form of survivor's guilt. I was so glad to see him get put back together and get the support of a woman who not only understands his addictions, but can tight slap those jerks in the face because of her own troubles. Although, even though I'm not saying much about her, this gal was driving me nuts the way she dilly-dallied around about giving up what she knew. I get the problem; I do- really I do. But as a reader, it was tough to see her holding some really high cards and not playing them so that everyone had to wait while she got up her courage. She dinked around until it was almost too late.
The romance, hot as it was, once again, had the feel of being slightly separate from the suspense and mystery going on. The romance was back burner because of the secrets sitting between the two of them and all that is going on around the town. These two characters play a strong role, but there are others just as deeply if not more so involved. There are several narrators some unknown because they are what I call the shadow characters working in the background. Most of the time, I'm not keen on the villains or even key ambiguous players getting a voice because it spoils the suspense for me, but gotta say...it really didn't matter. I had one figured out and figured out a bit of what was going on and why, but it still doesn't help when it comes to other things that are still a mystery. This is where I am totally in awe of this gal's writing. She's got this plot set up like those Russian nesting dolls. There are mysteries inside mysteries. It's a tad confusing right now, but I'm still keenly vested here. One of the bigger reveals toward the end that shows who gets the next story has me just salivating for that third book.
All in all, if you haven't guessed yet, this was one intense ride that I can't wait to jump on again for round three. Romantic suspense lovers who like the romance spicy and the suspense darker and gritty need to go for this series.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 29, 2017
Well I gave Sweeter than sin a try after struggling with the first book in the series. However I loved the novellas and I figured give it ago. Adam is now running a local bar and struggling not only what happened to him years ago but the loss of Lana. Madison is full of seriously messed up men who no one really knows exactly who is really involved and as the story continues more and more dark, twisted, and creepy turns pop up.
Lana is back to put a stop to what she thought was over and done with. She has memory loss from that night, but she will do what she has to, to stop the men who have one nasty ring created for abuse and torture.
It was a dark and heavy read and sometimes you need those to break up the monotony of the HEA fru fru love stories. She redeemed herself with this one for me.
Lana is back to put a stop to what she thought was over and done with. She has memory loss from that night, but she will do what she has to, to stop the men who have one nasty ring created for abuse and torture.
It was a dark and heavy read and sometimes you need those to break up the monotony of the HEA fru fru love stories. She redeemed herself with this one for me.
September 26, 2019
what does it mean by "first time in print" ...what does that mean? was it online first? Mystery/Romantic suspense, i got to go into a thrift shop in KS ... found 6 books ... for like gosh was it .25 cents a piece? i think that was, what it was??! this was one of the six i did pick ... cool cover ... the book cover got me, i mean look at that, ... what a read. new to Shiloh Walker's writing. well done. will read more soon enough. i am truly shocked there are not more reviews, none here, does that mean folks read the kindle read or what??! i would have thought it would have been eaten up by so many fans??! so weird. i love the cover ( ;
library
July 30, 20210
August 9, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
February 22, 2015
A romance is found amidst the darkness of their lives…
This is the second full length novel in the Secrets & Shadows series. Revelations pertaining to the depth of the depravity in the town of Madison, Indiana continue to surface and someone is out for vengeance.
Lana Rossi left town twenty years ago at the age of seventeen amidst dire circumstances. She thought she was doing the right thing by leaving but unbeknownst to her she was betrayed. She’s been hiding ever since and life has not been easy for her with the knowledge of what went on in Madison and gaps in her memory of the fateful night and days after that sent her running. Spiraling out of control she succumbed to drug abuse and escapism sex until someone reached out a helping hand. Clean and with the assistance of the internet she’s monitored events in the place that she once called home. When the shocking evils that transpired in Madison finally surface in the media she realizes that it didn’t stop like she thought it had so she knows that it’s time to go home and help shut things down. She tried to help a friend and it cost her so much. Everyone back home wondered if she was alive or dead.
Adam Brascum has lived with the disappearance of his friend Lana for years assuming her dead. She was the one that he secretly loved but didn’t feel that he was good enough for. He has never forgotten the night that she called him for help and then called back and asked him to keep quiet about hearing from her. He’s always regretted not being able to help her and took to drinking to forget until he made a promise upon the death of his parents to sober up. Staying sober to honor his parents has not been easy to do running the bar that they left him, a meeting place where people talk about the horrors in his town. Horrors that would drive any sane person to drink.
There are very few people in Madison that would recognized the woman Lana is today, she’s dyed her red tresses to brunette and wears glasses that she doesn’t need. She dresses to not attract attention but the eyes are the windows to the soul and those that truly knew her, those that have mourned her disappearance have never forgotten her eyes. Adam would know her anywhere and he is the first person that knows her that she sees in town, Adam, the one that she had a crush on when she was young. Their meeting is electric, shock, anger, and wanting flowed through Adam’s veins. He couldn’t help her then but he’ll help her now. He wants answers that she isn’t able to give and he still wants her.
This story is filled with so much darkness and suspense. You have a town where fathers raped their sons and called it a club, a practice passed on to the next generation, involving people with the power to keep things secret. It’s absolute horror. Yet there are those who tried to stop the depravity but even they didn’t know how deep the sickness within their town was until now. There were so many impacted by the town’s sickness before it was even public knowledge besides the boys who were the victims. This story focuses on two such individuals and within the darkness of the lives that they were dealt they manage to find each other, a place where they both fit.
Adam and Lana are two characters that were given much emotional depth. Their torments were tangible. They both exhibited strength in rising from their addictions. I liked how their relationship progressed, how Adam was there for Lana this time and how she didn’t run when her first instinct was to do so. Their chemistry was evident. Their HEA is a happy for now which suits this pair for the road they need to travel is not yet done but for them there is now light shining through the darkness and they are no longer traveling their lives alone. I definitely enjoyed their story.
We are given multiple points of view, not just of the main protagonists but others in the town. There are so many people to keep track of that add to the storyline and there were twists that I did not see coming and an interesting surprise. I also want to buy the one seeking vengeance against the club members a drink. This dark suspense series has captured my attention and I am invested in the outcome of so many of these characters. I look forward to seeing how it all ends.
4.5 stars
This is the second full length novel in the Secrets & Shadows series. Revelations pertaining to the depth of the depravity in the town of Madison, Indiana continue to surface and someone is out for vengeance.
Lana Rossi left town twenty years ago at the age of seventeen amidst dire circumstances. She thought she was doing the right thing by leaving but unbeknownst to her she was betrayed. She’s been hiding ever since and life has not been easy for her with the knowledge of what went on in Madison and gaps in her memory of the fateful night and days after that sent her running. Spiraling out of control she succumbed to drug abuse and escapism sex until someone reached out a helping hand. Clean and with the assistance of the internet she’s monitored events in the place that she once called home. When the shocking evils that transpired in Madison finally surface in the media she realizes that it didn’t stop like she thought it had so she knows that it’s time to go home and help shut things down. She tried to help a friend and it cost her so much. Everyone back home wondered if she was alive or dead.
Adam Brascum has lived with the disappearance of his friend Lana for years assuming her dead. She was the one that he secretly loved but didn’t feel that he was good enough for. He has never forgotten the night that she called him for help and then called back and asked him to keep quiet about hearing from her. He’s always regretted not being able to help her and took to drinking to forget until he made a promise upon the death of his parents to sober up. Staying sober to honor his parents has not been easy to do running the bar that they left him, a meeting place where people talk about the horrors in his town. Horrors that would drive any sane person to drink.
There are very few people in Madison that would recognized the woman Lana is today, she’s dyed her red tresses to brunette and wears glasses that she doesn’t need. She dresses to not attract attention but the eyes are the windows to the soul and those that truly knew her, those that have mourned her disappearance have never forgotten her eyes. Adam would know her anywhere and he is the first person that knows her that she sees in town, Adam, the one that she had a crush on when she was young. Their meeting is electric, shock, anger, and wanting flowed through Adam’s veins. He couldn’t help her then but he’ll help her now. He wants answers that she isn’t able to give and he still wants her.
This story is filled with so much darkness and suspense. You have a town where fathers raped their sons and called it a club, a practice passed on to the next generation, involving people with the power to keep things secret. It’s absolute horror. Yet there are those who tried to stop the depravity but even they didn’t know how deep the sickness within their town was until now. There were so many impacted by the town’s sickness before it was even public knowledge besides the boys who were the victims. This story focuses on two such individuals and within the darkness of the lives that they were dealt they manage to find each other, a place where they both fit.
Adam and Lana are two characters that were given much emotional depth. Their torments were tangible. They both exhibited strength in rising from their addictions. I liked how their relationship progressed, how Adam was there for Lana this time and how she didn’t run when her first instinct was to do so. Their chemistry was evident. Their HEA is a happy for now which suits this pair for the road they need to travel is not yet done but for them there is now light shining through the darkness and they are no longer traveling their lives alone. I definitely enjoyed their story.
We are given multiple points of view, not just of the main protagonists but others in the town. There are so many people to keep track of that add to the storyline and there were twists that I did not see coming and an interesting surprise. I also want to buy the one seeking vengeance against the club members a drink. This dark suspense series has captured my attention and I am invested in the outcome of so many of these characters. I look forward to seeing how it all ends.
4.5 stars
February 26, 2016
Setting: Madison - Sports Bar, his house, Ohio River, dark secrets at Frampton place; Chicago apartment over store;
Characters:
Adam Brascum: 3 years older than Lana, he loved her – from afar (through high school)… and then she fell for his best friend - but he was her friend; and one night she called, asking for help… and called back to say never mind… and then disappeared – and he never forgot her – even tried drinking away the memories… and still has sex a lot, trying to forget…; he stopped drinking at parent’s death, and took over running their bar;
Lana Rossi : 15 years ago, she was a bubbly, optimistic, warm, do gooding friend to many, Senior in HS, planning to marry her hs sweetheart, and befriended David… and she saw his pain, got him to talk, got him to talk to the police (which got him a beating)… and was trying to help him run away – but his mom showed up… she hit her head… his mom is dead – she is out of it, taken to safety, to someone trusted – who tells her to run away, so she wouldn’t be arrested for murder – that the evil will end, that David will be safe… and she went – and it took weeks for her head to feel normal – and she got into drugs, and sex, and pickpocketing… until someone she tried to pickpocket stopped her, invited her in for a meal, offered a job if she stopped using… and now she takes pleasure in small ways – until she reads about a body being found in Frampton place – and she returns home…
Noah Benningfield / Trinity Ewing : from the last book; engaged; he’s a preacher and Adam’s friend; made it through some hard times – has found peace and happiness;
David Sutter / Caine Yoder: son of the beloved town preacher, abused (sexually tied up, blindfolded, and ritually raped by his father and others in the Cronus Club – to make him (and other sons) a man while mom turned a blind eye, not wanting to risk her position in town)… Lana first to see his pain, got to him to share, got him to report it to the police (not knowing the police was in the Cronus Club), got him beaten, and kept him believing he could – helping him run away to a big town reporter – until his mom interfered…
Cronus Club: preacher, policeman, many men in town… with the next generation (those boys grew up, and some continued practice with their own sons)… it didn’t end…
Summary:
The judge (ex military) who helped the young David and Lana – leaving Lana with someone he trusted (but at end of the book, we don’t know who still)… thought he ended the Club (he killed – making it look like accidents) the names of the men David gave him… and now he is killing the current batch of bad guys… until at end, one kills his wife, and almost kills him…
So Lana returns to town… Adam is the first to recognize her – and takes her home… and it takes a week, but sharing starts – sharing of both thoughts, emotions, and bodies… as they try to uncover the truth of the past (why was she sent away, why did she carry the guilt of a death she didn’t in fact cause, where is David) and the now - why is the club continuing, is she still a suspect…
And David – who hid with the neighboring Amish, took on a new identity, is coldish, is known around town as Caine – but is recognized by Lana in a second… his melting is coming…
Memorable scenes:
“He wanted to go to her, demand she tell him something. Anything. Everything. Once, she’d been willing to tell him her secrets… He wasn’t sure what they were now…”
Characters:
Adam Brascum: 3 years older than Lana, he loved her – from afar (through high school)… and then she fell for his best friend - but he was her friend; and one night she called, asking for help… and called back to say never mind… and then disappeared – and he never forgot her – even tried drinking away the memories… and still has sex a lot, trying to forget…; he stopped drinking at parent’s death, and took over running their bar;
Lana Rossi : 15 years ago, she was a bubbly, optimistic, warm, do gooding friend to many, Senior in HS, planning to marry her hs sweetheart, and befriended David… and she saw his pain, got him to talk, got him to talk to the police (which got him a beating)… and was trying to help him run away – but his mom showed up… she hit her head… his mom is dead – she is out of it, taken to safety, to someone trusted – who tells her to run away, so she wouldn’t be arrested for murder – that the evil will end, that David will be safe… and she went – and it took weeks for her head to feel normal – and she got into drugs, and sex, and pickpocketing… until someone she tried to pickpocket stopped her, invited her in for a meal, offered a job if she stopped using… and now she takes pleasure in small ways – until she reads about a body being found in Frampton place – and she returns home…
Noah Benningfield / Trinity Ewing : from the last book; engaged; he’s a preacher and Adam’s friend; made it through some hard times – has found peace and happiness;
David Sutter / Caine Yoder: son of the beloved town preacher, abused (sexually tied up, blindfolded, and ritually raped by his father and others in the Cronus Club – to make him (and other sons) a man while mom turned a blind eye, not wanting to risk her position in town)… Lana first to see his pain, got to him to share, got him to report it to the police (not knowing the police was in the Cronus Club), got him beaten, and kept him believing he could – helping him run away to a big town reporter – until his mom interfered…
Cronus Club: preacher, policeman, many men in town… with the next generation (those boys grew up, and some continued practice with their own sons)… it didn’t end…
Summary:
The judge (ex military) who helped the young David and Lana – leaving Lana with someone he trusted (but at end of the book, we don’t know who still)… thought he ended the Club (he killed – making it look like accidents) the names of the men David gave him… and now he is killing the current batch of bad guys… until at end, one kills his wife, and almost kills him…
So Lana returns to town… Adam is the first to recognize her – and takes her home… and it takes a week, but sharing starts – sharing of both thoughts, emotions, and bodies… as they try to uncover the truth of the past (why was she sent away, why did she carry the guilt of a death she didn’t in fact cause, where is David) and the now - why is the club continuing, is she still a suspect…
And David – who hid with the neighboring Amish, took on a new identity, is coldish, is known around town as Caine – but is recognized by Lana in a second… his melting is coming…
Memorable scenes:
“He wanted to go to her, demand she tell him something. Anything. Everything. Once, she’d been willing to tell him her secrets… He wasn’t sure what they were now…”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2014
An early review posting for upcoming Shiloh Walker's newest Secrets & Shadows books. (Release date 9/30/14) Sweeter Than Sin continues the traumatic story surrounding the quiet little town of Madison, Indiana. The revelation of the Cronus Club and it's pedophile raping of their own sons has rocked not only the whole town but the nation, with widespread news of it's depravity. Their is a quote out there that says some thing like their is light in the dark if you remember to leave a light on, I thought of that when I read this book. The darkness Adam has lived in has lead him from one addiction to another, from alcohol to sex every night with which ever woman would have him and being drop dead sexy it's not that hard. But for Adam the light he left on was Lana, whose disappearance is what lead him to start drinking. A call in the middle of the night saying she was in trouble and another call minutes later telling him never to tell anyone she called. But she called him, him, not her boyfriend but Adam. Adam has kept his feeling for her close to his chest ever since he met her, first she was too young being seven years older it was never the right time, then she started dating Noah soon followed by her disappearance. Noah has carried the guilt of lying to everyone about talking to her the night she disappeared.
I debated with myself on revealing who the mysterious woman who comes back to town and throws everyone for a loop. Several of the reviews already out on Goodreads have already spoiled that and if you read those then you know who it is, If not you can probably guess because, I did when reading it. If you haven't read the first one, shame on you go read it, if you have then I think it is fairly obvious that it is Lana. Lana thought she left it resolved when she left, the only problem is that she really doesn't remember what exactly happened; she thinks she killed someone and that's why she left. She came back to fix it, but on the down low at first only revealing herself to Adam and the man who helped her escape. Lana has also been living in the dark homeless, addicted to drugs and a thief until the intervention a kind soul that cleaned her up and gave her a job. When Lana found out that the evilness that drove her away wasn't taken care of like she thought she goes back to right the wrong.
Members of the Cronus club have been getting killed off and most the people in town are glad for it. Spurned slut Layla walks in right after the murder of the former sheriff and just misses the murder escaping but vindictive bitch that she is points the finger at Noah the day before his wedding to Trinity. When the shit hits the fan it hits it at a high velocity. Adam an Lana deal with past demons and feelings.
As dark and mysterious as the story topic is the light at the end of the tunnel gives a hopeful and heart warming feel. Shiloh Walker has a way with words, her humor helps lightens the dark mood of the book. This series is one to read, if this is the kind of thing you like because of the harsh subject matter it might be to much for some. For me I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I debated with myself on revealing who the mysterious woman who comes back to town and throws everyone for a loop. Several of the reviews already out on Goodreads have already spoiled that and if you read those then you know who it is, If not you can probably guess because, I did when reading it. If you haven't read the first one, shame on you go read it, if you have then I think it is fairly obvious that it is Lana. Lana thought she left it resolved when she left, the only problem is that she really doesn't remember what exactly happened; she thinks she killed someone and that's why she left. She came back to fix it, but on the down low at first only revealing herself to Adam and the man who helped her escape. Lana has also been living in the dark homeless, addicted to drugs and a thief until the intervention a kind soul that cleaned her up and gave her a job. When Lana found out that the evilness that drove her away wasn't taken care of like she thought she goes back to right the wrong.
Members of the Cronus club have been getting killed off and most the people in town are glad for it. Spurned slut Layla walks in right after the murder of the former sheriff and just misses the murder escaping but vindictive bitch that she is points the finger at Noah the day before his wedding to Trinity. When the shit hits the fan it hits it at a high velocity. Adam an Lana deal with past demons and feelings.
As dark and mysterious as the story topic is the light at the end of the tunnel gives a hopeful and heart warming feel. Shiloh Walker has a way with words, her humor helps lightens the dark mood of the book. This series is one to read, if this is the kind of thing you like because of the harsh subject matter it might be to much for some. For me I can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 6, 2014
Adam has had a rough past. A recovering alcoholic that takes refuge in women to try to keep his demons at bay, Adam can't seem to find the peace he so needs. Especially now that his bar serves as the go-to place to gossip about the latest findings into the investigation that has turned the sleepy little town of Madison upside down.
It doesn't help that the one woman he has never forgotten returns to Madison bringing with her dangerous secrets that can harm him and her as well.
Secrets. Danger. Passion. Surrender.
Shiloh Walker does it again and this time around the danger is closer than ever, the secrets are darker and the atmosphere more sinister than in the previous book. I have to hand it to the author, she went well beyond my expectations in this installment of the series.
Adam was a great character to get to know. His past was rough and his demons were relentless in their haunting. It was heartbreaking to see him struggle with everything that was happening but it was a treat to see him find some peace among the chaos.
Lana was a great character too. I admired her tenacity in making things right and how far she had come in life in regards to her past. She still had her demons, but she had managed to get a handle on them.
I enjoyed Adam and Lena together, mainly because I admired them as individuals. Their connection was palpable and their chemistry superb. I loved the moments when they were open with each other and how they supported one another along the way.
Once again, the mystery and danger was at the forefront of the story. I appreciated the fact that Shiloh Walker brought some of the darkest subjects to the page and that she did it without it overwhelming. Every details was clear but subtle, never over-sensationalized. This is turn helped me to understand the characters better without turning me off the story as a whole.
The Cronus Club is behind the mess of it all. Leads are pursuit, secrets and revealed and through it all the emotions continue to run rampant in every one involved. This was not an easy read and I don't think it's for every one. What worked for me was that the author focused on the emotions and the people. She made sure that I understood how emotionally affected were the characters by the events that took place which in turn made me interested in their emotional well-being.
This is the second book in the series and although it's been said that it can be read as a stand alone, I wouldn't recommend it. There were a few times when I was glad i had read the previous book before tackling this one.
As I've come to expect from Shiloh Walker, not every little thing was settled or wrapped up in a pretty bow. Although a lot of questions were answered, some still remained. I'm certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.
All in all, a riveting mystery with dark secrets, a hot little romance and emotions abound.
*I received this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
It doesn't help that the one woman he has never forgotten returns to Madison bringing with her dangerous secrets that can harm him and her as well.
Secrets. Danger. Passion. Surrender.
Shiloh Walker does it again and this time around the danger is closer than ever, the secrets are darker and the atmosphere more sinister than in the previous book. I have to hand it to the author, she went well beyond my expectations in this installment of the series.
Adam was a great character to get to know. His past was rough and his demons were relentless in their haunting. It was heartbreaking to see him struggle with everything that was happening but it was a treat to see him find some peace among the chaos.
Lana was a great character too. I admired her tenacity in making things right and how far she had come in life in regards to her past. She still had her demons, but she had managed to get a handle on them.
I enjoyed Adam and Lena together, mainly because I admired them as individuals. Their connection was palpable and their chemistry superb. I loved the moments when they were open with each other and how they supported one another along the way.
Once again, the mystery and danger was at the forefront of the story. I appreciated the fact that Shiloh Walker brought some of the darkest subjects to the page and that she did it without it overwhelming. Every details was clear but subtle, never over-sensationalized. This is turn helped me to understand the characters better without turning me off the story as a whole.
The Cronus Club is behind the mess of it all. Leads are pursuit, secrets and revealed and through it all the emotions continue to run rampant in every one involved. This was not an easy read and I don't think it's for every one. What worked for me was that the author focused on the emotions and the people. She made sure that I understood how emotionally affected were the characters by the events that took place which in turn made me interested in their emotional well-being.
This is the second book in the series and although it's been said that it can be read as a stand alone, I wouldn't recommend it. There were a few times when I was glad i had read the previous book before tackling this one.
As I've come to expect from Shiloh Walker, not every little thing was settled or wrapped up in a pretty bow. Although a lot of questions were answered, some still remained. I'm certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.
All in all, a riveting mystery with dark secrets, a hot little romance and emotions abound.
*I received this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
October 6, 2014
Sweeter than Sin is absolutely amazing!!
I loved it is a deep understatement. It’s an incredible story, exceptionally well written, brilliantly created.
Shiloh Walker is an outstanding writer. I admit this is the first book I have read from her, but her talent is beyond obvious. Her writing is effortless and beautiful. It’s captivating and highly intelligent. She manages to not only keep the readers her captives, but also seduce them and blow their minds.
Sweeter than Sin is one of the most captivating books I have ever read.
It’s smart. That can be quickly concluded by the witty inner monologue of the characters and by the exceptional story she has written.
It’s sexy. Well, because of the foreplay and the intense almost explosive emotions we experience.
It’s fun, because let’s admit it. Lana is amazing! Especially when the real Lana resurfaces..
It’s special, because this exceptional and brilliant story is written by a truly amazing and incredibly talented author like Shiloh Walker.
It has powerful suspense and mystery elements. It has its sweet and romantic moments. It surely has its sexy, steamy and explosive scenes. And it also has this self- discovering attitude that I admire and respect.
Our character, Lana, was stolen from her life and we see her picking up the pieces. We see her trying to find herself. She doesn’t know who she is, what is her purpose, what she is supposed to do, but she knows that she is lost.
However, sometimes, we must get lost in order to be found.
That’s what I got from this book. Being lost is not something we wish to be, without a doubt. But, I have come to believe it is sometimes necessary. When you truly feel lost, that is the moment of truth; the moment you get to see just how strong you are. Lana deals with it. Lana stays and fights, even when odds are against her. Even when she can lose the only things she’s got left.
Adam was lost, too. His grief, his misery, his immense unhappiness; all that emptied him. He lost the one person he adored. And he lost himself and didn’t have much of a motive to get back to his feet. Not until Lana and her sexy glasses came back to him. For her, he fought. For her, he would do anything. Because she was and will always be his everything. Adam is lost, too. But he picks himself up and stands for his woman. He supports her in every way. He may be lost, but he is not weak.
This book is amazing and awe inspiring. I’m not going to even touch of the elephant in the room and David etc..
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
5 Huge Glamorous Sparkling Stars go this fantastic and exceptional book, Sweeter than Sin!
NOTE:
-You don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s happening.
-However, if you love the book as much as I do once you read it, then you should read the third book, because the truth about the murders is not revealed!!
PS
I can���t wait to learn the truth!!
I loved it is a deep understatement. It’s an incredible story, exceptionally well written, brilliantly created.
Shiloh Walker is an outstanding writer. I admit this is the first book I have read from her, but her talent is beyond obvious. Her writing is effortless and beautiful. It’s captivating and highly intelligent. She manages to not only keep the readers her captives, but also seduce them and blow their minds.
Sweeter than Sin is one of the most captivating books I have ever read.
It’s smart. That can be quickly concluded by the witty inner monologue of the characters and by the exceptional story she has written.
It’s sexy. Well, because of the foreplay and the intense almost explosive emotions we experience.
It’s fun, because let’s admit it. Lana is amazing! Especially when the real Lana resurfaces..
It’s special, because this exceptional and brilliant story is written by a truly amazing and incredibly talented author like Shiloh Walker.
It has powerful suspense and mystery elements. It has its sweet and romantic moments. It surely has its sexy, steamy and explosive scenes. And it also has this self- discovering attitude that I admire and respect.
Our character, Lana, was stolen from her life and we see her picking up the pieces. We see her trying to find herself. She doesn’t know who she is, what is her purpose, what she is supposed to do, but she knows that she is lost.
However, sometimes, we must get lost in order to be found.
That’s what I got from this book. Being lost is not something we wish to be, without a doubt. But, I have come to believe it is sometimes necessary. When you truly feel lost, that is the moment of truth; the moment you get to see just how strong you are. Lana deals with it. Lana stays and fights, even when odds are against her. Even when she can lose the only things she’s got left.
Adam was lost, too. His grief, his misery, his immense unhappiness; all that emptied him. He lost the one person he adored. And he lost himself and didn’t have much of a motive to get back to his feet. Not until Lana and her sexy glasses came back to him. For her, he fought. For her, he would do anything. Because she was and will always be his everything. Adam is lost, too. But he picks himself up and stands for his woman. He supports her in every way. He may be lost, but he is not weak.
This book is amazing and awe inspiring. I’m not going to even touch of the elephant in the room and David etc..
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
5 Huge Glamorous Sparkling Stars go this fantastic and exceptional book, Sweeter than Sin!
NOTE:
-You don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s happening.
-However, if you love the book as much as I do once you read it, then you should read the third book, because the truth about the murders is not revealed!!
PS
I can���t wait to learn the truth!!
September 14, 2014
* I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'll try to give a brief synopsis without giving too much away
The small town of Madison is shocked by a series of murders and the discovery of a child abuse/rape ring. Adam grew up in Madison, and took over the town bar after his parent's death, despite having had a previous problem with alcohol abuse. He hears all of the town gossip, and sees how it's all affecting the people in the town as everyone tries to discover who all's involved. When an newcomer shows up at the bar, Adam feels an instant attraction and notices that something about the mystery woman seems very familiar to him.
Lana had left the town of Madison twenty years before, with no explanation, leaving her family, boyfriend, and her best friend Adam. Now she's back with secrets about what happened then that are all tied into the chaos going on in the town right now. Although Adam hadn't seen or heard from Lana in twenty years, he still held deep feelings for her, feelings that she didn't even know about. When Adam realizes that what Lana knows could put her at risk, he convinces her that they have to work together to keep each other safe, and to find out who was really behind what happened 20 years ago, and if that person are still behind what's happening now. As the danger grows, and more the mystery unravels, Lana and Adam must both come to terms with their feelings for each other.
This was my first time reading Shiloh Walker, but I'd heard good things about her. This is certainly not your average romance novel. Shiloh Walker tackles some very dark, deep, and dangerous topics such as abuse, physical and sexual, as well as issues of addiction and mental illness and she does it very well. Adam and Lana were both very deep characters. I like that both Lana and Adam had their own demons, and that where both able to support each other, and truly understand what the other has gone through and how it still affects them. Privacy is important to both of them, so in the beginning there were a lot of secrets from each other, but as they really began to communicate, the relationship really began to grow.
This book is the second in a series, and having not read the first book there were some things that I was a bit confused about, so I suggest that you do read the first book. There are a lot of secondary characters in the book, who all seem to tie into each other somehow, so it was kind of hard to keep everyone straight in my head as I was reading. Also the series continues and although the story of the romance between Adam and Lana is complete, you will have to continue reading the series to find out whole the entire mystery is solved. Typically I hate cliffhangers, but I was so caught up in this story that I really look forward to finding out how it all works out.
I'll try to give a brief synopsis without giving too much away
The small town of Madison is shocked by a series of murders and the discovery of a child abuse/rape ring. Adam grew up in Madison, and took over the town bar after his parent's death, despite having had a previous problem with alcohol abuse. He hears all of the town gossip, and sees how it's all affecting the people in the town as everyone tries to discover who all's involved. When an newcomer shows up at the bar, Adam feels an instant attraction and notices that something about the mystery woman seems very familiar to him.
Lana had left the town of Madison twenty years before, with no explanation, leaving her family, boyfriend, and her best friend Adam. Now she's back with secrets about what happened then that are all tied into the chaos going on in the town right now. Although Adam hadn't seen or heard from Lana in twenty years, he still held deep feelings for her, feelings that she didn't even know about. When Adam realizes that what Lana knows could put her at risk, he convinces her that they have to work together to keep each other safe, and to find out who was really behind what happened 20 years ago, and if that person are still behind what's happening now. As the danger grows, and more the mystery unravels, Lana and Adam must both come to terms with their feelings for each other.
This was my first time reading Shiloh Walker, but I'd heard good things about her. This is certainly not your average romance novel. Shiloh Walker tackles some very dark, deep, and dangerous topics such as abuse, physical and sexual, as well as issues of addiction and mental illness and she does it very well. Adam and Lana were both very deep characters. I like that both Lana and Adam had their own demons, and that where both able to support each other, and truly understand what the other has gone through and how it still affects them. Privacy is important to both of them, so in the beginning there were a lot of secrets from each other, but as they really began to communicate, the relationship really began to grow.
This book is the second in a series, and having not read the first book there were some things that I was a bit confused about, so I suggest that you do read the first book. There are a lot of secondary characters in the book, who all seem to tie into each other somehow, so it was kind of hard to keep everyone straight in my head as I was reading. Also the series continues and although the story of the romance between Adam and Lana is complete, you will have to continue reading the series to find out whole the entire mystery is solved. Typically I hate cliffhangers, but I was so caught up in this story that I really look forward to finding out how it all works out.
September 30, 2014
My Review:
Wow...this series gets more and more twisted and suspenseful with every installment. The suspense line is through the roof, it's so good and I can't tell you how many times I set down this book to marvel at the twists and turns. The suspense line for the series flows through all the books and gets deeper and more twisted with each story. But each book follows a separate couple. In this book were Lana and Adam.
Lana and Adam had a pseudo relationship 20 years ago. While they were never romantically involved that didn't mean that Adam didn't want her. He did in the worst possible way and he blames himself when she disappeared without a trace 20 years ago. He's spent those 20 years trying to bury the gaping wound she left, but he's never gotten over her.
The reasons Lana left fall into the suspense story line and are deeply confusing...especially for her because she doesn't remember the details of that night well. She just knows that somehow it's all tied to what's happening now and she has to fix it. She gave up 20 years of her life thinking that she had fixed it all then. To have that not be the case is crushing her.
What happened then. What's happening now. It all boils down to a group of men in this small town who have done atrocious things and created a vicious circle of abuse and torture. No one knows who all is involved and with every new revelation, the horror for this small town becomes deeper and deeper.
This is NOT a light-hearted read. The events are horrific and the unknown...David...breaks my heart with pain for him. Lana was trying to save him. She had the innate ability to see his pain when no one else could see that something was happening to him. She saw it and worked to fix it at a VERY high cost to herself. Caught up in Lana's disappearance were both Noah, her boyfriend at the time, and Alex, the guy she called for help that night. Neither one ever forgot her or gave up hope that someday they'd find out what happened to her. The book is so good as Lana's appearance in town slowly becomes known.
Then there's the romance between Lana and Adam. Both have deep mental and physical scars from trying to recover from what happened 20 years ago, but I love how instantly and deeply they connect immediately. They were hurt because part of their soul was gone and it's truly a testament to soulmates at seeing how much more at peace they are together.
The overall suspense story line isn't quite over yet. This book was stunning...over and over again with the revelations. I can't wait to see how it all plays out in Book #3.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Wow...this series gets more and more twisted and suspenseful with every installment. The suspense line is through the roof, it's so good and I can't tell you how many times I set down this book to marvel at the twists and turns. The suspense line for the series flows through all the books and gets deeper and more twisted with each story. But each book follows a separate couple. In this book were Lana and Adam.
Lana and Adam had a pseudo relationship 20 years ago. While they were never romantically involved that didn't mean that Adam didn't want her. He did in the worst possible way and he blames himself when she disappeared without a trace 20 years ago. He's spent those 20 years trying to bury the gaping wound she left, but he's never gotten over her.
The reasons Lana left fall into the suspense story line and are deeply confusing...especially for her because she doesn't remember the details of that night well. She just knows that somehow it's all tied to what's happening now and she has to fix it. She gave up 20 years of her life thinking that she had fixed it all then. To have that not be the case is crushing her.
What happened then. What's happening now. It all boils down to a group of men in this small town who have done atrocious things and created a vicious circle of abuse and torture. No one knows who all is involved and with every new revelation, the horror for this small town becomes deeper and deeper.
This is NOT a light-hearted read. The events are horrific and the unknown...David...breaks my heart with pain for him. Lana was trying to save him. She had the innate ability to see his pain when no one else could see that something was happening to him. She saw it and worked to fix it at a VERY high cost to herself. Caught up in Lana's disappearance were both Noah, her boyfriend at the time, and Alex, the guy she called for help that night. Neither one ever forgot her or gave up hope that someday they'd find out what happened to her. The book is so good as Lana's appearance in town slowly becomes known.
Then there's the romance between Lana and Adam. Both have deep mental and physical scars from trying to recover from what happened 20 years ago, but I love how instantly and deeply they connect immediately. They were hurt because part of their soul was gone and it's truly a testament to soulmates at seeing how much more at peace they are together.
The overall suspense story line isn't quite over yet. This book was stunning...over and over again with the revelations. I can't wait to see how it all plays out in Book #3.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2014
While I enjoy reading romantic suspense, I don’t read a lot of it because it tends to be difficult to find authors who can achieve the right combination of romance, action, suspense and sex in the way that appeals to me. I am not the kind of reader who tries to figure out “who done it” before the reveal. I enjoy following the evidence, seeing where it leads, and being surprised as the facts come to light; I don’t enjoy it when an author leaves so many clues or the story is so predictable that I’d have to have had a lobotomy not to figure it out. Thankfully Ms. Walker’s Secrets & Shadows series gives me everything I enjoy about romantic suspense and does so without the need for a frontal lobotomy. That said, I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! I had my suspicions about Caine and I was right. But that is the only question I had from Deeper Than Need that I got an answer to, and while Sweeter Than Sin does answer a few of the questions raised in book one it raises so many more.
I started this book knowing it was going to be Adam’s story. I was fascinated by Adam in book one and was looking forward to it. However, once I started reading and realized the identity of the mystery woman (as she’s referred to in the blurb), I was blown away. Sweeter Than Sin quickly shifted from a book I was looking forward to, to one that I knew was going to interfere with my sleep for the night. Sure enough it did. Apparently I read until I passed out and when I woke up a 4am with my Kindle on the bed beside me, I picked it back up and proceeded to devour the rest of it.
As there is an underlying storyline to the series, I won’t discuss more than is in the blurb (no spoilers here folks). Madison is rocked yet again with another murder. But murder is not the town’s only sin about to be revealed. While I had my suspicions after reading Deeper Than Need, it turned out to be so much worse than I expected and shocked does not even begin to cover my reaction. Ms. Walker does an excellent job of infusing the book with Adam’s budding romance and it turns out that he is just as hot as Preach was in the first book. My goodness that man knows his way around a woman. Sweeter Than Sin is a brilliant addition to the series – answering some questions brought up in book one, while posing a whole new set of questions. Already I am chomping at the bit for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
I started this book knowing it was going to be Adam’s story. I was fascinated by Adam in book one and was looking forward to it. However, once I started reading and realized the identity of the mystery woman (as she’s referred to in the blurb), I was blown away. Sweeter Than Sin quickly shifted from a book I was looking forward to, to one that I knew was going to interfere with my sleep for the night. Sure enough it did. Apparently I read until I passed out and when I woke up a 4am with my Kindle on the bed beside me, I picked it back up and proceeded to devour the rest of it.
As there is an underlying storyline to the series, I won’t discuss more than is in the blurb (no spoilers here folks). Madison is rocked yet again with another murder. But murder is not the town’s only sin about to be revealed. While I had my suspicions after reading Deeper Than Need, it turned out to be so much worse than I expected and shocked does not even begin to cover my reaction. Ms. Walker does an excellent job of infusing the book with Adam’s budding romance and it turns out that he is just as hot as Preach was in the first book. My goodness that man knows his way around a woman. Sweeter Than Sin is a brilliant addition to the series – answering some questions brought up in book one, while posing a whole new set of questions. Already I am chomping at the bit for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
September 13, 2014
I could not wait to read Sweeter Than Sin after reading Deeper Than Need. This is a great series that deals with some very dark issues. Shiloh Walker is a very talented author that has created a great mystery that left me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and who was going to do it.
Sweeter Than Sin deals with Adam's part in the story. Adam has some issues of his own and has dealt with them in various ways. He's drank his sorrows away and then found comfort in the arms of many many women. However he just can not let go of the secret promise he made 20 years ago. It haunts him that he may have been able to help a friend that was in need.
I really liked Adam even though he started of the serious playboy that would sleep with any woman. I could see that Adam really is a nice guy that really does want to help everyone. He goes through some really rough times in this book.
I hate to give too much away, it really doesn't say much about the mystery lady that is in town. I hate to tell you who she is because that may spoil part of the story for you. However I will tell you that she is in town to reveal things from the past and maybe just maybe find out some of the things she doesn't remember from her own past. She has dealt with a lot in her life as well. She has fault additions just like Adam. When these two connect they add some really hot steam to the storyline.
There are so many things happening in this town. I commented a few times that Shiloh was keeping me in suspense making me wonder who a few of the mystery people where. There are many twists and turns and unbelievable mysteries revealed. HOWEVER there are still some things that remain unknown! I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting it's release.
Even though this story does deal with some very dark demons it also deals with some really great people that are there to help those that have been affected by the monsters.
Shiloh Walker is one really talented author that can keep me on the edge of my seat with a mystery and keep my kindle running a little on the warm side from the steamy scenes.
Like I said I have had the pleasure of reading Deeper Than Need so I have read the first book in this series. However I think Ms. Walker has done a fine job of explaining the past in this book that you could read it as a stand alone. Although Deeper Than Need is a pretty great read so you may want to pick it up as well.
Sweeter Than Sin deals with Adam's part in the story. Adam has some issues of his own and has dealt with them in various ways. He's drank his sorrows away and then found comfort in the arms of many many women. However he just can not let go of the secret promise he made 20 years ago. It haunts him that he may have been able to help a friend that was in need.
I really liked Adam even though he started of the serious playboy that would sleep with any woman. I could see that Adam really is a nice guy that really does want to help everyone. He goes through some really rough times in this book.
I hate to give too much away, it really doesn't say much about the mystery lady that is in town. I hate to tell you who she is because that may spoil part of the story for you. However I will tell you that she is in town to reveal things from the past and maybe just maybe find out some of the things she doesn't remember from her own past. She has dealt with a lot in her life as well. She has fault additions just like Adam. When these two connect they add some really hot steam to the storyline.
There are so many things happening in this town. I commented a few times that Shiloh was keeping me in suspense making me wonder who a few of the mystery people where. There are many twists and turns and unbelievable mysteries revealed. HOWEVER there are still some things that remain unknown! I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting it's release.
Even though this story does deal with some very dark demons it also deals with some really great people that are there to help those that have been affected by the monsters.
Shiloh Walker is one really talented author that can keep me on the edge of my seat with a mystery and keep my kindle running a little on the warm side from the steamy scenes.
Like I said I have had the pleasure of reading Deeper Than Need so I have read the first book in this series. However I think Ms. Walker has done a fine job of explaining the past in this book that you could read it as a stand alone. Although Deeper Than Need is a pretty great read so you may want to pick it up as well.
October 6, 2014
I'm loving this series so much and this entry has an amazing balance of suspense and romance. I loved the fact that we have two people who really have always felt something for one another even though one of them wasn't really aware of what the other one meant to them even back then.
Adam has buried himself in alcohol and women to dull the pain of not being there for the woman who meant everything to him when she needed him. As his town starts to unbury the past he is forced to recall the horrifying details of what happened that long ago night and is confronted with someone that he never expected. I loved how damaged he is and how aware of his own weaknesses but still making the effort to not slip back to addiction. He's so strong but shows such a weakness when it comes to his heroine. I loved watching him work so hard to stay within boundaries with her and truly respect her even as he wants to get the answers he so desperately needs. His need for her leaps from the pages and you'll probably want him for your very own.... I have to admit to sighing a few times as his need shines thru.
The one thing I am not going to do is give the heroine completely away. Her journey is part of the story I wouldn't trade because as you see her work thru her issues you get to see how much she needs Adam. She's got so much guilt and so many secrets that you want to help her but know that she needs to do this by her own terms otherwise she won't be able to move forward. She's very strong and my hope is Shiloh will give us more time with her as she gets on with the life that has been in limbo for so long. She's got a strong soul and it shines as it lets go of the secrets and embraces a future with a man that is everything to her.
The story told about this town is not a pretty one or an easy one to read. As someone who has lived with an abuser as a child it hit me a bit harder than some but I loved that Shiloh went there. I think while it is something that is disquieting and honestly disgusting in nature it is something that happens every day all over the world. Only by bringing stories to the public, even fictional in nature, it hopefully will make some people do more research to see what they can do to help victims of these horrible crimes and also bring those perpetrators to justice.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and St. Martin's Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Adam has buried himself in alcohol and women to dull the pain of not being there for the woman who meant everything to him when she needed him. As his town starts to unbury the past he is forced to recall the horrifying details of what happened that long ago night and is confronted with someone that he never expected. I loved how damaged he is and how aware of his own weaknesses but still making the effort to not slip back to addiction. He's so strong but shows such a weakness when it comes to his heroine. I loved watching him work so hard to stay within boundaries with her and truly respect her even as he wants to get the answers he so desperately needs. His need for her leaps from the pages and you'll probably want him for your very own.... I have to admit to sighing a few times as his need shines thru.
The one thing I am not going to do is give the heroine completely away. Her journey is part of the story I wouldn't trade because as you see her work thru her issues you get to see how much she needs Adam. She's got so much guilt and so many secrets that you want to help her but know that she needs to do this by her own terms otherwise she won't be able to move forward. She's very strong and my hope is Shiloh will give us more time with her as she gets on with the life that has been in limbo for so long. She's got a strong soul and it shines as it lets go of the secrets and embraces a future with a man that is everything to her.
The story told about this town is not a pretty one or an easy one to read. As someone who has lived with an abuser as a child it hit me a bit harder than some but I loved that Shiloh went there. I think while it is something that is disquieting and honestly disgusting in nature it is something that happens every day all over the world. Only by bringing stories to the public, even fictional in nature, it hopefully will make some people do more research to see what they can do to help victims of these horrible crimes and also bring those perpetrators to justice.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and St. Martin's Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 30, 2014
I’ve always loved Shiloh Walker books especially her psychic novels. In fact her FBI psychic novels were the first of the kind that I’ve read and have been hooked since then.
Her Secret & Shadow Series is another sinfully dark and dangerous series taking you into the tiny town of Madison, cloaked in dark secrets, overflowing with abuse and torment and trusting a person very well may take you to the doors of death.
The second book in the series, “Sweeter Than Sin”, (first is Deeper Than Need – Noah/Trinity), moves the story further along to Adam and Lana. Mind you, Sweeter Than Sin can be read as a standalone, but it would be so much more meaningful if read in sequence.
Adam runs the only bar in the town of Madison, a torture he endures as he is a recovering alcoholic and hasn’t touched booze for the past fifteen years. He is one tormented guy with a past filled with pain and lot of questions. The anger, the wait, the endurance is what makes Adam a normal human being trying to forget a past that refuses to let go. He runs a secret forum along with Noah to help teenagers with issues and a forum that brings to light some secrets that have been plaguing Madison. If booze is one end of the temptation scale, Lana has been the other end of the scale that he couldn’t ever forget twenty years and wondering if she is alive or dead!
Lana is back in her hometown after twenty years of hiding, to make things right and bring justice to the crimes that have been covered under the dark skies of Madison. As she tries to put together the pieces of her past, the relation she shares with Adam is one that cannot be ignored or denied. Lana’s always been the one to protect her family and friends and would do anything to save a life. If Noah has a special place in her heart twenty years ago, it’s Adam who makes her heart hum and lose herself mind, body and soul.
As Adam and Lana try to make sense of crimes happened twenty years ago, there is a vigilante on the streets killing the plague that has been roaming the streets of Madison. Secrets are being exposed and the masks of some powerful people in Madison are been ripped off…..yet there are still some left to bring to justice.
A power packed story with passion and suspense riding each page.
Received and ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
http://alimalivzletlivz.wordpress.com/
Her Secret & Shadow Series is another sinfully dark and dangerous series taking you into the tiny town of Madison, cloaked in dark secrets, overflowing with abuse and torment and trusting a person very well may take you to the doors of death.
The second book in the series, “Sweeter Than Sin”, (first is Deeper Than Need – Noah/Trinity), moves the story further along to Adam and Lana. Mind you, Sweeter Than Sin can be read as a standalone, but it would be so much more meaningful if read in sequence.
Adam runs the only bar in the town of Madison, a torture he endures as he is a recovering alcoholic and hasn’t touched booze for the past fifteen years. He is one tormented guy with a past filled with pain and lot of questions. The anger, the wait, the endurance is what makes Adam a normal human being trying to forget a past that refuses to let go. He runs a secret forum along with Noah to help teenagers with issues and a forum that brings to light some secrets that have been plaguing Madison. If booze is one end of the temptation scale, Lana has been the other end of the scale that he couldn’t ever forget twenty years and wondering if she is alive or dead!
Lana is back in her hometown after twenty years of hiding, to make things right and bring justice to the crimes that have been covered under the dark skies of Madison. As she tries to put together the pieces of her past, the relation she shares with Adam is one that cannot be ignored or denied. Lana’s always been the one to protect her family and friends and would do anything to save a life. If Noah has a special place in her heart twenty years ago, it’s Adam who makes her heart hum and lose herself mind, body and soul.
As Adam and Lana try to make sense of crimes happened twenty years ago, there is a vigilante on the streets killing the plague that has been roaming the streets of Madison. Secrets are being exposed and the masks of some powerful people in Madison are been ripped off…..yet there are still some left to bring to justice.
A power packed story with passion and suspense riding each page.
Received and ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
http://alimalivzletlivz.wordpress.com/
October 2, 2014
4.5 stars
Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker is the 2nd book in her Secrets and Shadows series. The main focus of this series was tragic events that took place 20 years ago, with many of the men involved in this small town, and a major scandal that is beginning to rip the town apart. The sins of the fathers come to play, as revelations are discovered about the Cronus Club, and the abuse of the young boys over the years.
Noah and Adam were two of our main characters, along with Trinity in the first book. This book is darker, as truths are discovered and vengeful deaths are still happening today. Adam is our hero in this book, and our heroine turns out to be the missing Lana, from 20 years before. When she learns that a body was discovered in the old house (this was part of the first book), Lana decides she must return to help end the horror and put things to right.
Adam has always loved Lana, though when she left, she was involved with Noah, who has now moved on with Trinity. It took Adam almost 15 years to overcome his drinking addiction, but he uses sex with any women to survive his loss of Lana. Lana herself overcame a drug addiction, as she ran away and hid from the truth. When she arrives in town, it is Adam who will recognize her, and after recovering from the shock, he takes her to his home, as she has no money and he wants answers.
What follows is a mystery that has so many twists and turns, you cannot read too quickly as you will miss an important clue or revelation. The whole town is in uproar, as so many upstanding citizens are discovered to be part of this club. As everyone is trying to pull themselves up from this tragedy, someone is killing off the members of the club, who are still alive.
Within this intense mystery, the romance that is rekindled between Adam and Lana is very well done, as they help each other try to resolve so many of the missing pieces, as well as rise above their own demons of the past.
Shiloh Walker has written an intense story of terrible subject, and the effect it has on the lives of others. Sweeter than Sin is also is a very sensual romance between two people who need each other. The exciting climax resolves some surprising twists, but there is still more answers to come, which will be in the third book of this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker is the 2nd book in her Secrets and Shadows series. The main focus of this series was tragic events that took place 20 years ago, with many of the men involved in this small town, and a major scandal that is beginning to rip the town apart. The sins of the fathers come to play, as revelations are discovered about the Cronus Club, and the abuse of the young boys over the years.
Noah and Adam were two of our main characters, along with Trinity in the first book. This book is darker, as truths are discovered and vengeful deaths are still happening today. Adam is our hero in this book, and our heroine turns out to be the missing Lana, from 20 years before. When she learns that a body was discovered in the old house (this was part of the first book), Lana decides she must return to help end the horror and put things to right.
Adam has always loved Lana, though when she left, she was involved with Noah, who has now moved on with Trinity. It took Adam almost 15 years to overcome his drinking addiction, but he uses sex with any women to survive his loss of Lana. Lana herself overcame a drug addiction, as she ran away and hid from the truth. When she arrives in town, it is Adam who will recognize her, and after recovering from the shock, he takes her to his home, as she has no money and he wants answers.
What follows is a mystery that has so many twists and turns, you cannot read too quickly as you will miss an important clue or revelation. The whole town is in uproar, as so many upstanding citizens are discovered to be part of this club. As everyone is trying to pull themselves up from this tragedy, someone is killing off the members of the club, who are still alive.
Within this intense mystery, the romance that is rekindled between Adam and Lana is very well done, as they help each other try to resolve so many of the missing pieces, as well as rise above their own demons of the past.
Shiloh Walker has written an intense story of terrible subject, and the effect it has on the lives of others. Sweeter than Sin is also is a very sensual romance between two people who need each other. The exciting climax resolves some surprising twists, but there is still more answers to come, which will be in the third book of this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
September 21, 2014
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
*****
The second full novel in the Secrets & Shadows series provides a few more answers to the dark and mysterious events that took place twenty years ago. Events that were supposed to herald the end to decades of depraved old traditions that sicken the community of Madison to the core. But they didn't stop.
Some of the answers come in the form of a woman who has returned to Madison in hopes of finishing something that should have been taken care of long ago. Aware that her return will cause disruption and pain to loved ones left behind, she is determined to see things through this time regardless. She did not expect feelings dormant for all these years to return quite so strongly.
Adam's daily battle avoiding the slide back into the bottle is becoming more difficult. With the underbelly of Madison more exposed every day, the disturbing events are taking a toll on everyone in town. The arrival of what appears to be a new face, is only a brief distraction until new deaths send more shockwaves through the community. And when the new arrival turns out to be someone more familiar to him than his own shadow, his heart slowly comes alive.
This episode of Secrets & Shadows has a much darker and ominous feel to it than even the previous books. There is a purity in the feelings Adam has for the woman who unexpectedly returns to his life, that is untouched by all that happened in the interim. However, a sense of gloom stayed with me even after finishing this book. Feeling that, although steps were made to unravel the mysteries of Madison, the cesspool is merely being stirred with more twisted and sick truths coming to the surface.
Fantastically written by Shiloh Walker, who has mysterious and dark down to a perfect science, the book still leaves me with a foul taste. Not because of the quality, but because of the content. I will read the entire series, because I need resolution and 'cleansing' if you will. This is how deeply the story is getting to me.
✨Dark, disturbing, twisted and brilliantly written.✨
***Copy provided in return for an honest review***
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
*****
The second full novel in the Secrets & Shadows series provides a few more answers to the dark and mysterious events that took place twenty years ago. Events that were supposed to herald the end to decades of depraved old traditions that sicken the community of Madison to the core. But they didn't stop.
Some of the answers come in the form of a woman who has returned to Madison in hopes of finishing something that should have been taken care of long ago. Aware that her return will cause disruption and pain to loved ones left behind, she is determined to see things through this time regardless. She did not expect feelings dormant for all these years to return quite so strongly.
Adam's daily battle avoiding the slide back into the bottle is becoming more difficult. With the underbelly of Madison more exposed every day, the disturbing events are taking a toll on everyone in town. The arrival of what appears to be a new face, is only a brief distraction until new deaths send more shockwaves through the community. And when the new arrival turns out to be someone more familiar to him than his own shadow, his heart slowly comes alive.
This episode of Secrets & Shadows has a much darker and ominous feel to it than even the previous books. There is a purity in the feelings Adam has for the woman who unexpectedly returns to his life, that is untouched by all that happened in the interim. However, a sense of gloom stayed with me even after finishing this book. Feeling that, although steps were made to unravel the mysteries of Madison, the cesspool is merely being stirred with more twisted and sick truths coming to the surface.
Fantastically written by Shiloh Walker, who has mysterious and dark down to a perfect science, the book still leaves me with a foul taste. Not because of the quality, but because of the content. I will read the entire series, because I need resolution and 'cleansing' if you will. This is how deeply the story is getting to me.
✨Dark, disturbing, twisted and brilliantly written.✨
***Copy provided in return for an honest review***
December 20, 2014
I was very interested in reading Adam's story! I also expected it to be a little darker than the previous book. Since the blurb doesn't state who the heroine is, this mystery woman that comes to town, I won't give anything away. Suffice it say that I knew this had to happen, I thought it would happen later in the series, but I'm glad it happened for Adam. Second chances at getting the girl you always wanted, who was never yours. Yeah! I'm sold!
But while yes, we get romance, I was so much more interested in uncovering the secrets of Madison (the town) than anything else. I loved every bit of it, like a crack addict in need of her next fix. And I can't wait for more! This town has so many skeletons in their closets it's so entertaining to watch. And told by the hand of Shiloh Walker is pure decadence.
The Queen of Romantic Suspense does it again! SWEETER THAN SIN is thrilling and unexpected. It uncovers mysteries and secrets. It definitely shocked me at times. But in the end I wasn't shocked because if there is one thing I know for certain when picking up a Shiloh Walker romantic suspense is that my mind is guaranteed to be blown.
So while not everything was perfect, the romance was less prominent in this book than in the previous, and the heroine drove me a bit batty at time, this is still a strong installment in the Secrets & Shadows series. As always with Ms. Walker's romantic suspense series, you should read them in order! And you must read the whole series through. ;)
Favorite Quotes:
"Every step we take is for a reason. All my steps led me to her."
"Supergirl wanted to save the world. Instead, they'd just ruined their own."
*ARC provided by publisher
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October 1, 2014
Sweeter Than Sin, Shiloh Walker
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
So, I made a big mistake here..I’d read some of Shiloh’s paranormal works and knew I liked her writing style, so didn’t do my usual research on this book. I therefore missed that there were three novellas and a full length book prior to this one, and that its an on-going series. I loved the story, dark and gritty, and the way it was told but....I was lost so often, having to back track to see who was connected to whom, and where people fitted in the story. It really left me in the dark and missing vital points. There are some terrific characters and storylines here, but to appreciate them properly I needed to read the earlier books, and of course if I'd done that I would have realised it wasn’t a stand alone, and not been surprised and disappointed at the somewhat abrupt ending where I felt I still has so many questions. It wasn’t til I’d finished and felt it seemed like there was more to come that I discovered what I’d missed. Don’t make my mistake, read the earlier books – you’ll get so much more from this well written and dark, gritty suspense novel.
What’s scary though is that I could see this really happening, the way people convince themselves that what they want to do it fine because they create “reasons” and “benefits” to the people being abused...and the way people in small towns are often so inter-related or lifelong friends that they draw together to avoid scandal...Its wrong, but everyone knows it happens and standing up to it is hard when you don’t know who you can trust, but leaving it lets the crimes become more entrenched and hidden deeper. Gah! Got that off my chest. Its a novel that even though I missed much of the connections and history made me think deeply and feel so much for the characters involved.
Stars: Four, had I read the previous novels I’d be giving this a five I think, but as it is because I was so lost I didn’t fully get engaged with it so that's why it’s dropped a star.
ARC supplied via Netgalley and publishers
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
So, I made a big mistake here..I’d read some of Shiloh’s paranormal works and knew I liked her writing style, so didn’t do my usual research on this book. I therefore missed that there were three novellas and a full length book prior to this one, and that its an on-going series. I loved the story, dark and gritty, and the way it was told but....I was lost so often, having to back track to see who was connected to whom, and where people fitted in the story. It really left me in the dark and missing vital points. There are some terrific characters and storylines here, but to appreciate them properly I needed to read the earlier books, and of course if I'd done that I would have realised it wasn’t a stand alone, and not been surprised and disappointed at the somewhat abrupt ending where I felt I still has so many questions. It wasn’t til I’d finished and felt it seemed like there was more to come that I discovered what I’d missed. Don’t make my mistake, read the earlier books – you’ll get so much more from this well written and dark, gritty suspense novel.
What’s scary though is that I could see this really happening, the way people convince themselves that what they want to do it fine because they create “reasons” and “benefits” to the people being abused...and the way people in small towns are often so inter-related or lifelong friends that they draw together to avoid scandal...Its wrong, but everyone knows it happens and standing up to it is hard when you don’t know who you can trust, but leaving it lets the crimes become more entrenched and hidden deeper. Gah! Got that off my chest. Its a novel that even though I missed much of the connections and history made me think deeply and feel so much for the characters involved.
Stars: Four, had I read the previous novels I’d be giving this a five I think, but as it is because I was so lost I didn’t fully get engaged with it so that's why it’s dropped a star.
ARC supplied via Netgalley and publishers
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