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Finding Secrets
They were going to be my salvation.
I gave them everything the day the Donovan’s took me in.
They saved me from my foster house.
A place where cruelty was the only thing I was given.
Samuel, my new big brother, became my sanctuary.
He was the best brother I could have ever asked for, but he wasn’t just that, he was my hero.
I let the town of Everton become my home.
Something I had never had before.
I took on their customs, their mannerisms and I prayed to the Divine as they welcomed me into their community and taught me their ways.
I was going to be the best daughter and sister they could have asked for.
He was going to be my salvation.
So why does this feel like damnation?
I gave them everything the day the Donovan’s took me in.
They saved me from my foster house.
A place where cruelty was the only thing I was given.
Samuel, my new big brother, became my sanctuary.
He was the best brother I could have ever asked for, but he wasn’t just that, he was my hero.
I let the town of Everton become my home.
Something I had never had before.
I took on their customs, their mannerisms and I prayed to the Divine as they welcomed me into their community and taught me their ways.
I was going to be the best daughter and sister they could have asked for.
He was going to be my salvation.
So why does this feel like damnation?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2024
74 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Darling
6 books83 followersIvy Darling is a romance indie author by night.
She lives in California with her husband and child, along with their 2 dogs and 3 cats.
If she isn't writing spicy scenes you can catch her reading them instead, or crocheting another beanie for her cats.
She enjoys spending time with her little family as well as the voices in her head that just won't stop talking ( so many voices! ). She hopes that everyone enjoys her stories and gets something out of them, may it be laughs, tears, or the tingles.
She lives in California with her husband and child, along with their 2 dogs and 3 cats.
If she isn't writing spicy scenes you can catch her reading them instead, or crocheting another beanie for her cats.
She enjoys spending time with her little family as well as the voices in her head that just won't stop talking ( so many voices! ). She hopes that everyone enjoys her stories and gets something out of them, may it be laughs, tears, or the tingles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
November 2, 2024
Well, this just grabbed me by the throat and dragged me in 🤣 I literally couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want it to finish, especially knowing it’s a trilogy, suppose I will just have to buy the paperback…you’re not falling for it are you? I am definitely buying it when it comes out 🤭🤭
Our FMC Elliot/Eden is rescued from her foster home by a nice couple and their son, Samuel, he plays her hero so well, she is thrust into a lap of luxury though she doesn’t realise this small town hides secrets from those on the outside. Secrets she will soon learn have a detrimental effect upon the female residents and herself.
She does manage to get away a few times with her best friend and sees the fun people in the outer towns can have but still brainwashing has been trained into her. She gets to meet one of our MCs who is determined to save her…does he get there in time? Is he part of the cult? Will she survive their ways?
Ivy did such an amazing job of keeping you enthralled, a need to know what happens, part of you wanting to slap (put nicely…I am not unhinged in the slightest 🤫🪓) maybe one, two, three or more of the characters, or at the very least give them a good shake but hey, that’s what makes a story. The emotions run high and kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting, hoping…
Our FMC Elliot/Eden is rescued from her foster home by a nice couple and their son, Samuel, he plays her hero so well, she is thrust into a lap of luxury though she doesn’t realise this small town hides secrets from those on the outside. Secrets she will soon learn have a detrimental effect upon the female residents and herself.
She does manage to get away a few times with her best friend and sees the fun people in the outer towns can have but still brainwashing has been trained into her. She gets to meet one of our MCs who is determined to save her…does he get there in time? Is he part of the cult? Will she survive their ways?
Ivy did such an amazing job of keeping you enthralled, a need to know what happens, part of you wanting to slap (put nicely…I am not unhinged in the slightest 🤫🪓) maybe one, two, three or more of the characters, or at the very least give them a good shake but hey, that’s what makes a story. The emotions run high and kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting, hoping…
![Profile Image for InkyandBookish [Brit].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1709332865i%2F159437178._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🚨INDIE AUTHOR RELASE🚨
I had the privilege to ARC read Ivy’s newest release Finding Secrets. It was everything I needed and more. It had me in a chokehold until the last page that does end in a cliffy so be prepared! I genuinely had the best time reading this. Everyone go run and grab it!
secret societies cult
🥀darkish romance
🥀religious trauma
🥀grooming
🥀set up for why choose
🥀savior
🥀dual POV
@inkyandbookish on all platforms 📚
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🚨INDIE AUTHOR RELASE🚨
I had the privilege to ARC read Ivy’s newest release Finding Secrets. It was everything I needed and more. It had me in a chokehold until the last page that does end in a cliffy so be prepared! I genuinely had the best time reading this. Everyone go run and grab it!
secret societies cult
🥀darkish romance
🥀religious trauma
🥀grooming
🥀set up for why choose
🥀savior
🥀dual POV
@inkyandbookish on all platforms 📚
November 3, 2024
I need to collect my thoughts…..
November 2, 2024
Well i devoured this in one sitting! A very good start to a dark romance book. The author sucks you in and spits your emotions out! One heck of a cliff hanger too 🙈❤️
November 20, 2024
This book sucked me in from the beginning had me definitely invested on finding out everything about the Divine and what was gonna happen next I definitely saw what the family had planned for Elliot I am thirsty to read part two , like I get It’s a trilogy and this is just part one, but soon as it got mouthwatering , good it was over i’m definitely heavily invested in the series and would recommend you read it as well.
November 20, 2024
This was my 79th dark romance read of 2024.
The storyline was nothing new or different and the way it was written didn’t excite or captivate me, so unfortunately it’s receiving a below average rating of 2 stars. I’ve been sitting on this review for about two and a half weeks, hesitant to post it because I hate leaving negativity, but I can’t convince myself to dole out a higher rating on a book that took 4 days to read because I kept putting it down.
Onto the book itself and my thoughts while reading:
I absolutely love that this book has been so well received by other readers and I sincerely hope the author thrives in the realm of dark romance, but this specific book just wasn't for me.
The storyline was nothing new or different and the way it was written didn’t excite or captivate me, so unfortunately it’s receiving a below average rating of 2 stars. I’ve been sitting on this review for about two and a half weeks, hesitant to post it because I hate leaving negativity, but I can’t convince myself to dole out a higher rating on a book that took 4 days to read because I kept putting it down.
Onto the book itself and my thoughts while reading:
I absolutely love that this book has been so well received by other readers and I sincerely hope the author thrives in the realm of dark romance, but this specific book just wasn't for me.
November 22, 2024
Ummmmm I’m going to need the next book IMMEDIATELY, please and thank you. Ivy! This book was so good. I ate it up from start to finish and couldn’t put it down.
Obsessed.
The FMC is essentially adopted into a cult and this is her story and what she goes through. I can’t say much without spoilers but what I can say is that Ivy does an amazing job at writing characters I want to throat punch.
Highly recommend this one!!!
🌶️/5
Obsessed.
The FMC is essentially adopted into a cult and this is her story and what she goes through. I can’t say much without spoilers but what I can say is that Ivy does an amazing job at writing characters I want to throat punch.
Highly recommend this one!!!
🌶️/5
November 23, 2024
Finding Secrets by Ivy Darling is a dark religious cult romance. This is the first book in the Hidden Desires Trilogy.
This is the first book of Ivy's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the chemistry between Elliott and Kameron. I really enjoyed getting Elliott, Eden, Kameron, and Marcus's points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ended on a great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for Ivy to announce the release of the next book in the series Hiding Secrets.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a dark romance, religious cult romance, why choose romance, or a MMMF romance.
This is the first book of Ivy's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the chemistry between Elliott and Kameron. I really enjoyed getting Elliott, Eden, Kameron, and Marcus's points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ended on a great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for Ivy to announce the release of the next book in the series Hiding Secrets.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a dark romance, religious cult romance, why choose romance, or a MMMF romance.
June 21, 2025
I had every inclination as to how this story was going to play out, and my jaw still hit the floor when it did!
This is one of those stories that grabs you from the start and quickly pulls you under. Full of darkness, depravity, religious indoctrination, and cultish behavior, this is definitely a story that will make shake your head as you eagerly turn the page.
I definitely suggest you check the TW before getting started just to have a good idea of what you are getting into, but I just know that we are in store for so much more darkness to come!
Eden/Elliott was just looking for safety, security, and love. She thought she found that when the Donovan’s adopted her from her horrible foster home, but she eventually realizes that her dream life is anything but.
Kameron is the sweetest soul, and I loved the immediate connection between him and Eden/Elliott. Plus, add in Marcus and Hunter, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. The set up is there for quite the why choose, providing she can truly break free from Samuels clutches!
This is one of those stories that grabs you from the start and quickly pulls you under. Full of darkness, depravity, religious indoctrination, and cultish behavior, this is definitely a story that will make shake your head as you eagerly turn the page.
I definitely suggest you check the TW before getting started just to have a good idea of what you are getting into, but I just know that we are in store for so much more darkness to come!
Eden/Elliott was just looking for safety, security, and love. She thought she found that when the Donovan’s adopted her from her horrible foster home, but she eventually realizes that her dream life is anything but.
Kameron is the sweetest soul, and I loved the immediate connection between him and Eden/Elliott. Plus, add in Marcus and Hunter, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. The set up is there for quite the why choose, providing she can truly break free from Samuels clutches!
November 12, 2024
This story is so definitely riveting. It definitely has some possible triggers so be sure to check them out. We meet Elliott/Eden and she is this sweet and caring young lady who we see that life has dealt her a rough hand. But, through it all she stays this sweet beautiful person. Samuel seems like such a fantastic guy for her as a big brother, but, as time goes on we see changes in him. We then meet Kameron who is this tough guy but yet a true gentleman. The story has a lot of twists and turns throughout it. Ivy Darling wrote a story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I was unable to put this down. I absolutely had to find out what happens next. It is darker and gripping but yet no way is it unforgettable. Then there is this major cliffhanger that has me absolutely waiting to see what happens next. I can not wait to see where it is heading to.
November 5, 2024
⚠️Please check your trigger warnings before starting this book⚠️
Elliot is a young girl at the start of this book who has been brought up in the foster care system that has failed her greatly. When adopted by the Donavans, she grows to overlook and not question things done by her new family. Since she has craved love and affection her whole life, she's easily misled into accepting a cult lifestyle and what dark truths come with it.
While I found moments of this story slightly predictable, it was very well done. The cliffhanger ending definitely will keep me reading for book 2. There are some things I need to know...
Elliot is a young girl at the start of this book who has been brought up in the foster care system that has failed her greatly. When adopted by the Donavans, she grows to overlook and not question things done by her new family. Since she has craved love and affection her whole life, she's easily misled into accepting a cult lifestyle and what dark truths come with it.
While I found moments of this story slightly predictable, it was very well done. The cliffhanger ending definitely will keep me reading for book 2. There are some things I need to know...
November 23, 2024
Okay…so I’ll give it a 2.75⭐️ I don’t know. I figured that Elliott was going to be Samuel’s bride…but the storyline could have given more. There were so many more opportunities to share more on Elliott’s experience, the cult as a whole, and get to know the characters a bit more. I’m curious a bit on the trilogy but I also kind of don’t want to. I don’t know what it is about the book but it rubs me the wrong way. I wish there was more to it. More on Samuel, maybe his point of view?
There were also some errors for word usage that kept throwing me off or I had to reread a sentence a few times to make sure I was reading it correctly.
I don’t know.
There were also some errors for word usage that kept throwing me off or I had to reread a sentence a few times to make sure I was reading it correctly.
I don’t know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an enthralling read! I enjoyed this book front to back and I cannot wait until book 2 comes out !! Yes that means you will be left on a cliff as this is the first book in a trilogy. This read is gonna replay in my head for a while.
The whole cult angle just pulls me in, I can get so absorbed into secret society based stories, just wow. I am so excited for what’s to come in this series and the dark I can feel coming sends chills.
Please check for author notes and warnings because mental health matters.
This is an enthralling read! I enjoyed this book front to back and I cannot wait until book 2 comes out !! Yes that means you will be left on a cliff as this is the first book in a trilogy. This read is gonna replay in my head for a while.
The whole cult angle just pulls me in, I can get so absorbed into secret society based stories, just wow. I am so excited for what’s to come in this series and the dark I can feel coming sends chills.
Please check for author notes and warnings because mental health matters.
February 14, 2025
That was seriously a wild ride that I was not expecting! This had me hooked from the very beginning. We have a crazy cult, grooming, a terrifyingly possessive "older brother," and a young girl who has no idea that the "nice family" that adopted her isn't what they seem.
The twists and turns of an unsuspecting knight and shining armor and uncover mission were not what I was expecting at all but had me reading this in one sitting! I'm in desperate need of the next book!
The twists and turns of an unsuspecting knight and shining armor and uncover mission were not what I was expecting at all but had me reading this in one sitting! I'm in desperate need of the next book!
November 5, 2024
This was my first time as an ARC reader, and it did not disappoint. You get a small taste of dark in there, so you know it's going to be darker in the following books. The cliffhanger is gonna haunt me until the next book 😱 this book did not go the way I thought it was going to in the beginning. It went even better, and I nearly forgot to blink as I was reading it. It's well written with not too much descriptive text. A little bit slow in the beginning, but it's totally worth it! I can't wait for the next one!
November 7, 2024
Wow, just wow! This book was wild and definitely dark. If you like books where the main plot circulates around a cülț then you will be just as obsessed with it! And Ivy’s writing is fantastic! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
November 6, 2024
This book had me in a chokehold 🫣 I can’t wait for the next one
November 26, 2024
This book was full of twists and characters i want to punch in the face lol
It's also a tricky one to review without giving too much away!
The MFC Eden, is raised in foster care but then adopted by the Donovans - who are part of the "Church" of the Divine; as she grows older, she discovers their world isn’t as perfect as it seems. The secrets of the cult, Eden's true purpose and her growing bond with the MMC Kam, keep the story intense and surprising.
The cliff-hanger was a doozy, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this trilogy
It's also a tricky one to review without giving too much away!
The MFC Eden, is raised in foster care but then adopted by the Donovans - who are part of the "Church" of the Divine; as she grows older, she discovers their world isn’t as perfect as it seems. The secrets of the cult, Eden's true purpose and her growing bond with the MMC Kam, keep the story intense and surprising.
The cliff-hanger was a doozy, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this trilogy
November 22, 2024
5⭐️
This book had me in a chokehold! This book has one of my favorite tropes in it and I ate it up! It was so well done. Some of the twists I never seen coming. The things Elliot/Eden goes through is awful. But she gets stronger and smarter as time goes on. I cannot wait for the next book! I highly recommend!!!
This book had me in a chokehold! This book has one of my favorite tropes in it and I ate it up! It was so well done. Some of the twists I never seen coming. The things Elliot/Eden goes through is awful. But she gets stronger and smarter as time goes on. I cannot wait for the next book! I highly recommend!!!
November 22, 2024
I can’t explain how my emotions are after reading this story! I read this book in one sitting and I normally don’t do that I like to take my time but this one I couldn’t not stop. Love every moment!!!! It really hard to not spoil any part of this book let’s just say there are lots of twists and turns throughout the book. And a side note what’s with the ending come on!!!! Ivy Darling you did amazing job writing this story. I can’t wait to see what happens with the characters!
November 23, 2024
I honestly can not wait til the next book comes out !!! This was fricken wild hahaha I ate this upppp not even on my kindle for 24 hrs and done !!!
November 26, 2024
I don't even know how to describe what I just read. This book took some unexpected turns right from the beginning. Elliot started her life off in foster care. Some places were ok and some were just down right bad. Her life took a change for the better when The Donovans showed up and took her to Everton. Now this is when things start getting weird. They changed her name to Eden and their son, Samuel, was unusually affectionate towards her. Eden, of course, was just happy to be in a stable home with a brother that loved her.
The town of Everton was different. They were the Children of the Divine with the Donovans at the head. Mr. Donovan was the Chosen One and the Divine's Vessel. Samuel would one day take his place. As Eden got older, she was not accepted by the children that were born in Everton. Her only friends were Samuel and another foster child to a single man, Lianne. Lianne opened Eden's life to things outside of Everton. Outside of Everton, Eden could be Elliot again. For some reason, the Divine had yet to make a choice for Eden's partner though she was well past the age that it normally happened.
I can understand that this young girl accepted all of this weird stuff because to her it was better than what she had previously. This book takes a turn. Most of the book, readers are just getting glimpses of the Divine. Eden is on the outside looking in. Lianne gives readers a little more insight, but when Eden is thrust into the spotlight, things get real. Thankfully, there is someone willing to help her. Will they be too late? What is really going on in this town? All I know is that I need book two of this series yesterday. This book turned into a thriller at the blink of an eye. I loved it. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The town of Everton was different. They were the Children of the Divine with the Donovans at the head. Mr. Donovan was the Chosen One and the Divine's Vessel. Samuel would one day take his place. As Eden got older, she was not accepted by the children that were born in Everton. Her only friends were Samuel and another foster child to a single man, Lianne. Lianne opened Eden's life to things outside of Everton. Outside of Everton, Eden could be Elliot again. For some reason, the Divine had yet to make a choice for Eden's partner though she was well past the age that it normally happened.
I can understand that this young girl accepted all of this weird stuff because to her it was better than what she had previously. This book takes a turn. Most of the book, readers are just getting glimpses of the Divine. Eden is on the outside looking in. Lianne gives readers a little more insight, but when Eden is thrust into the spotlight, things get real. Thankfully, there is someone willing to help her. Will they be too late? What is really going on in this town? All I know is that I need book two of this series yesterday. This book turned into a thriller at the blink of an eye. I loved it. I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 18, 2025
CHECK your triggers.
This book is phenomenal. Ivy caught my attention from the very first page. I was sucked into the world immediately! This is a very quick and captivating read. I loved it! Highly recommend. The second book comes out July 16, 2025. Cannot wait to dive back into this world and story.
This book is phenomenal. Ivy caught my attention from the very first page. I was sucked into the world immediately! This is a very quick and captivating read. I loved it! Highly recommend. The second book comes out July 16, 2025. Cannot wait to dive back into this world and story.
November 18, 2024
New family. New town. New secrets.
Discovering a new life with a new family is a dream that slowly twists into a nightmare.
After meeting her believed saviour, and soon to be big brother, Samuel, Elliot trades a childhood of abuse, despair and neglect, for a new family, a new name, and a new town, Everton. Set in an isolated town whose aesthetic could give Gilmore Girls a run for its money, we witness Elliot, now Eden, grow from child to adolescent, to woman. However, the path taken reveals to be far from quintessential teenage life.
Family is all she has ever wanted, yet the Donovans don’t quite match up to expectations of the nuclear family she perhaps envisioned. As we journey through her teenage years, we see the relationship between her and Samuel slowly change. The shift in dynamic is excellently portrayed, with a steady transition from her innocent and unwavering faith in him, to questioning who he really is, and how this will ultimately impact her life. Alongside this disturbing relationship, we are drawn into the shrouded mystery of Everton and the Divine. The quaint town is far from the suburban paradise it could be easily mistaken for.
As Eden slowly begins to explore life outside the Donovans and the Divine, she is encouraged by her care-free, positively positive friend, Lianne, to embrace on ‘normal’, right of passage, teenage experiences. The outgoing nature of Lianne and the reserved nature of Elliot combine to create a beautifully balanced friendship, whilst preserving their own naiveites to the world they have found themselves in.
One of their adventures leads them to Kameron. Not only is he absolutely gorgeous, but he reveals himself to be the hero Eden unwittingly knows she will need. One thing I really appreciate about the building of the relationship between Eden in Kam is that it strikes a great balance between plot and spice. Yes, I like my spice with a solid supporting storyline, please and thank you.
As secrets begin to unravel, the pathway to The Divine takes a brutally heartbreaking twist. The captivating turn of events is brilliantly executed, and had me on the edge of my seat before leaving me on the top of a very tall cliff. That’s right, this cliffhanger has my soul. Is anyone coming to save me? I guess only book two will tell!
Note: This book comes with a list of trigger warnings which I strongly recommend reading before starting Finding Secrets.
Discovering a new life with a new family is a dream that slowly twists into a nightmare.
After meeting her believed saviour, and soon to be big brother, Samuel, Elliot trades a childhood of abuse, despair and neglect, for a new family, a new name, and a new town, Everton. Set in an isolated town whose aesthetic could give Gilmore Girls a run for its money, we witness Elliot, now Eden, grow from child to adolescent, to woman. However, the path taken reveals to be far from quintessential teenage life.
Family is all she has ever wanted, yet the Donovans don’t quite match up to expectations of the nuclear family she perhaps envisioned. As we journey through her teenage years, we see the relationship between her and Samuel slowly change. The shift in dynamic is excellently portrayed, with a steady transition from her innocent and unwavering faith in him, to questioning who he really is, and how this will ultimately impact her life. Alongside this disturbing relationship, we are drawn into the shrouded mystery of Everton and the Divine. The quaint town is far from the suburban paradise it could be easily mistaken for.
As Eden slowly begins to explore life outside the Donovans and the Divine, she is encouraged by her care-free, positively positive friend, Lianne, to embrace on ‘normal’, right of passage, teenage experiences. The outgoing nature of Lianne and the reserved nature of Elliot combine to create a beautifully balanced friendship, whilst preserving their own naiveites to the world they have found themselves in.
One of their adventures leads them to Kameron. Not only is he absolutely gorgeous, but he reveals himself to be the hero Eden unwittingly knows she will need. One thing I really appreciate about the building of the relationship between Eden in Kam is that it strikes a great balance between plot and spice. Yes, I like my spice with a solid supporting storyline, please and thank you.
As secrets begin to unravel, the pathway to The Divine takes a brutally heartbreaking twist. The captivating turn of events is brilliantly executed, and had me on the edge of my seat before leaving me on the top of a very tall cliff. That’s right, this cliffhanger has my soul. Is anyone coming to save me? I guess only book two will tell!
Note: This book comes with a list of trigger warnings which I strongly recommend reading before starting Finding Secrets.
November 7, 2024
The one thing I really hate about books is when they’re all over the place and you don’t really know what’s going on and you can feel that the author didn’t really know what was going to happen and they where unsure about the book, but you could fill in this book that you knew where Ivy was going with the story and I appreciate that.
There are a few twist in this book that you don’t know if they are going to go this way or that way. I felt myself saying they are going to get caught or this can’t be good. When I first started out in this book, I was like this is giving me cult vibes.. all I can say.. Is if you liked The Handmaids Tale you will enjoy this book. It’s not the same but the vibe is the same. HOWEVER!! Don’t let that deter you away from reading this book, because it was sooo good. I devoured this book and could not put it down.
I liked how the book ended. It ended how the book started. The book started on a cliffhanger and then it ended with the answers to the beginning. When you first read it you are left with so many questions but when it gets you get those answers because it takes you back to that place in the beginning. I also liked how you get closure in the first book from what happens. You get answers and it does not leave you confused. Don’t get me wrong I love me a cliffhanger as along as I get some closure as well.
This book was the perfect length. I felt like it gave you information that was needed but also it didn’t drag on and I appreciate that in a book. This book was fast paced, straight to the point, and makes you want more. I can’t wait for others to read this book! I know you will love it! All I know is I wanted more was sad when it was done. I cannot wait for the rest of the series, this is going to be a hard series to beat!
There are a few twist in this book that you don’t know if they are going to go this way or that way. I felt myself saying they are going to get caught or this can’t be good. When I first started out in this book, I was like this is giving me cult vibes.. all I can say.. Is if you liked The Handmaids Tale you will enjoy this book. It’s not the same but the vibe is the same. HOWEVER!! Don’t let that deter you away from reading this book, because it was sooo good. I devoured this book and could not put it down.
I liked how the book ended. It ended how the book started. The book started on a cliffhanger and then it ended with the answers to the beginning. When you first read it you are left with so many questions but when it gets you get those answers because it takes you back to that place in the beginning. I also liked how you get closure in the first book from what happens. You get answers and it does not leave you confused. Don’t get me wrong I love me a cliffhanger as along as I get some closure as well.
This book was the perfect length. I felt like it gave you information that was needed but also it didn’t drag on and I appreciate that in a book. This book was fast paced, straight to the point, and makes you want more. I can’t wait for others to read this book! I know you will love it! All I know is I wanted more was sad when it was done. I cannot wait for the rest of the series, this is going to be a hard series to beat!
November 5, 2024
*PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS*
Elliot had always been bounced around many foster homes. When she was ten years old, her life changed when the Donovan's chose her and take her from her life in foster care. She was excited to finally have a family, especially an older brother, who treated her nice. AS the years go by with the new family, she feels really close to her brother Samuel, but has no relationship with her adoptive parents, who she still refers to as Mr. and Mrs. Donovan. After getting adopted, her brother changed her name to Eden. One day, after never being out of her community, she is allowed to go out with her best friend Lianne, who ends up taking her to a bar outside of town. There she meets Kameron and is instantly attracted to him and starts to question her life and what she wants.
Within the first couple of chapters, I could already tell things were not as they seemed. I read this book in one day, I could not put it down, I wanted to know what craziness was going to happen next. There were times where I questioned a lot of the actions of certain characters. The world building of a cult community was done so well, especially when we know that things like this actually happen. The ending had me holding my breath, and now I have to wait until book two to find out what happens.
Elliot had always been bounced around many foster homes. When she was ten years old, her life changed when the Donovan's chose her and take her from her life in foster care. She was excited to finally have a family, especially an older brother, who treated her nice. AS the years go by with the new family, she feels really close to her brother Samuel, but has no relationship with her adoptive parents, who she still refers to as Mr. and Mrs. Donovan. After getting adopted, her brother changed her name to Eden. One day, after never being out of her community, she is allowed to go out with her best friend Lianne, who ends up taking her to a bar outside of town. There she meets Kameron and is instantly attracted to him and starts to question her life and what she wants.
Within the first couple of chapters, I could already tell things were not as they seemed. I read this book in one day, I could not put it down, I wanted to know what craziness was going to happen next. There were times where I questioned a lot of the actions of certain characters. The world building of a cult community was done so well, especially when we know that things like this actually happen. The ending had me holding my breath, and now I have to wait until book two to find out what happens.
November 13, 2024
4.5⭐
Everyone loves a good cliff hanger... Until the second book is still being written!!!!
Finding secrets had me hooked from the first pages. It was a fast paced, intriguing dark romance that kept me on the edge of my seat - I read this book in a day!
As a child, Elliott thinks she's saved from the foster system when the Donovan family adopts her and brings her to their mansion in Everton. She's given a new name, Eden. She becomes very close with her new big brother Samuel, who also takes on the role of protector. She adopts and obeys the Divine's strict way of life - one that doesn't allow her contact with the outside world.
Now, as a young woman, she's convinced by her best and only friend, to sneak out and let loose at a bar a few towns away.
Enter Kameron. A gorgeous stranger who defend her honour against a sleazy disrespectful guy trying to hit on her. There's an immediate attraction.
The two end up crossing paths again, very much on purpose, and their attraction quickly turns into more. Like a steamy bar bathroom scene🔥
We find out that Kameron is part of a trio (we meet Marcus and Hunter), that are also tied to the Divine cult. This is the start of the build up to a MMMF why choose that I think is going to be so good. The guys seem to have very different personalities which I think will be so interesting to see how they each connect with the FMC in the books to come.
There are some twists at the end and we're left without answers and wanting more IMMEDIATELY!
Finding Secrets is book 1 of the Hidden Desires trilogy. I'm definitely going to be continuing this series!
Everyone loves a good cliff hanger... Until the second book is still being written!!!!
Finding secrets had me hooked from the first pages. It was a fast paced, intriguing dark romance that kept me on the edge of my seat - I read this book in a day!
As a child, Elliott thinks she's saved from the foster system when the Donovan family adopts her and brings her to their mansion in Everton. She's given a new name, Eden. She becomes very close with her new big brother Samuel, who also takes on the role of protector. She adopts and obeys the Divine's strict way of life - one that doesn't allow her contact with the outside world.
Now, as a young woman, she's convinced by her best and only friend, to sneak out and let loose at a bar a few towns away.
Enter Kameron. A gorgeous stranger who defend her honour against a sleazy disrespectful guy trying to hit on her. There's an immediate attraction.
The two end up crossing paths again, very much on purpose, and their attraction quickly turns into more. Like a steamy bar bathroom scene🔥
We find out that Kameron is part of a trio (we meet Marcus and Hunter), that are also tied to the Divine cult. This is the start of the build up to a MMMF why choose that I think is going to be so good. The guys seem to have very different personalities which I think will be so interesting to see how they each connect with the FMC in the books to come.
There are some twists at the end and we're left without answers and wanting more IMMEDIATELY!
Finding Secrets is book 1 of the Hidden Desires trilogy. I'm definitely going to be continuing this series!
November 24, 2024
This book is not for all readers, please read the trigger warnings and make sure this is a book you are wanting to read.
Clear your day, this book will have you from the start to the finish and begging for the next book!
Twists and turns and secrets unravel through this story for the FMC Elliot/Eden and MMC Kameron/Stephen.
Elliot was adopted/taken from her foster home at the age of 10, picked by who she considered to be her savior Samuel. 12 years later things start coming to light for her about the family she was adopted into and the town she now lives in.
Kam works and runs a security company with his two friends Marcus and Hunter. While they do your basic security for people, they also work jobs that most people wouldn’t want to do. That lead them to learning about a town run by the Donavon family, where girls and women seem to be going when they disappear after being “adopted”.
I loved getting to see the FMC start becoming who she is and no longer conforming to the life the cult told her she had to live. The author did an amazing job as well showing the emotions the FMC felt about things as they happened throughout her life. I cannot wait for book two and what happens next!
I am grateful to have been given the chance to read this book as an arc reader and this is my honest review.
Clear your day, this book will have you from the start to the finish and begging for the next book!
Twists and turns and secrets unravel through this story for the FMC Elliot/Eden and MMC Kameron/Stephen.
Elliot was adopted/taken from her foster home at the age of 10, picked by who she considered to be her savior Samuel. 12 years later things start coming to light for her about the family she was adopted into and the town she now lives in.
Kam works and runs a security company with his two friends Marcus and Hunter. While they do your basic security for people, they also work jobs that most people wouldn’t want to do. That lead them to learning about a town run by the Donavon family, where girls and women seem to be going when they disappear after being “adopted”.
I loved getting to see the FMC start becoming who she is and no longer conforming to the life the cult told her she had to live. The author did an amazing job as well showing the emotions the FMC felt about things as they happened throughout her life. I cannot wait for book two and what happens next!
I am grateful to have been given the chance to read this book as an arc reader and this is my honest review.
November 9, 2024
✅I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was great and the characters were perfectly written. I have read a few cult-like books before but I think this one has been my favorite. I definitely liked getting the build-up from Elliot/Eden’s life, starting right before the adoption. I hate when a book jumps right into the “action” with just snippets from the past, because a lot of the time it makes it hard to identify and sympathize with the characters. The amount of background Ivy gave on her characters was the perfect amount. I also appreciated the POV from all the MCs.
When I signed up to arc read I didn’t even think about it being a trilogy and now I have to wait for the next books. Ugh. 👎🏼
❌The only reason I took a star away is because there were a million errors throughout the book. Spacing. Spelling. Commas. Random plural words where they shouldn’t be plural. Switching between past and present tenses in the middle of sentences. I started highlighting them at 83% and I had almost 50 highlights of mistakes. Now, if it’s because it is an arc and this isn’t the final edited copy, then I’ll gladly turn it into 5 stars. But if not, it may need another person to read through it.
Still a great story!
When I signed up to arc read I didn’t even think about it being a trilogy and now I have to wait for the next books. Ugh. 👎🏼
❌The only reason I took a star away is because there were a million errors throughout the book. Spacing. Spelling. Commas. Random plural words where they shouldn’t be plural. Switching between past and present tenses in the middle of sentences. I started highlighting them at 83% and I had almost 50 highlights of mistakes. Now, if it’s because it is an arc and this isn’t the final edited copy, then I’ll gladly turn it into 5 stars. But if not, it may need another person to read through it.
Still a great story!
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