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Secrets Unbound
Love Binds Us All
15 years after the tragic events of 1896, Dr Miriam Bennett is recovering in her childhood home turned women’s refuge. Looking after the residents with her family and running a local suffragette movement, Miriam has kept herself busy. Yet she is still struggling with the memories and the pain - haunted by the image of her dead husband John and the murders he committed.
When childhood friend Polly Richards moves back to town to help run her family’s local pub, she finds herself drawn into Miriam’s world. Polly is keen to unlock love within Miriam again but is unsure about embarking on a path of pain and bondage. Yet as the two women grow closer, Polly finds herself giving into Miriam’s desires.
However, deadly secrets are about to be uncovered when Miriam’s son Jack finds a diary – a diary of murders…
15 years after the tragic events of 1896, Dr Miriam Bennett is recovering in her childhood home turned women’s refuge. Looking after the residents with her family and running a local suffragette movement, Miriam has kept herself busy. Yet she is still struggling with the memories and the pain - haunted by the image of her dead husband John and the murders he committed.
When childhood friend Polly Richards moves back to town to help run her family’s local pub, she finds herself drawn into Miriam’s world. Polly is keen to unlock love within Miriam again but is unsure about embarking on a path of pain and bondage. Yet as the two women grow closer, Polly finds herself giving into Miriam’s desires.
However, deadly secrets are about to be uncovered when Miriam’s son Jack finds a diary – a diary of murders…
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2024
9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 14, 2025
The first book, the plot line was so interesting but this one it seemed like it dragged on.
When the plot did pick up, it ended so soon…
I did like the spicy scenes and the character growth of Miram and how she isn’t the box cutter perfect house wife.
Polly needed to step into her light and really show who she was before the big plot twist.
Miram’s son was something else. You can tell who his parents were.
When the plot did pick up, it ended so soon…
I did like the spicy scenes and the character growth of Miram and how she isn’t the box cutter perfect house wife.
Polly needed to step into her light and really show who she was before the big plot twist.
Miram’s son was something else. You can tell who his parents were.
Read
August 8, 2024DNF when we got a graphic depiction of a fifteen year old boy masturbating. Completely uninterested in the sex life of a minor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
Having read Diary of Murders and the Several Glorious Months collection, I was excited to read Secrets Unbound. It didn't disappoint and I think it's the best of the lot so far. It's set in my favourite historical period, Edwardian times. Fifteen years later, Miriam and her son Jack live with her father in their manor in the countryside where they host women escaping domestic violence. Despite Miriam bringing up Jack with caution, secrets are unbound. I like how Miriam's character has developed and matured and it's good to see her entering a new relationship and trying to heal. I think Sarah's writing game was more on point than ever and I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and Polly. It's a very cleverly written tale as well as being hot as hell. Highly recommend 👌🏼
October 1, 2024
Secrets Unbound ( Diary of Murders #2)
by Sarah Cook.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
Spicy: 🔥🔥🔥
Recommend? 👍
Read Again: ✔️
I was blessed with an arc copy of this book and I am more than thankful that I was able to curl up today, this groggy British Sunday afternoon and read this wonderous book.
It had all my emotions in twists and turns but by the end of that, I was on the edge of my seat, hunched over, scrolling desperately for answers. Now, this story might not be for everybody, but I do encourage you to read it. It's the aftermath of a devastating ordeal and the fall out of the previous book, all those it effects and quite simply how healing isn't just physical.
Sided with some spicey scenes and perhaps the question "What makes us a monster?", you're in for a mind-bending ride (as long as you read A Diary of Murders first).
How Sarah manages to keep you, the reader, in the palm of her hand is mind-bogging, but she moulds you like putty just like she did with A Diary of Murders. Twisting and turning through the tale like she has known this story her entire life and you're just along for the ride. The thrill I had reading this book.
I loved that further points of view that we got as well. Polly. John. Even sneakily the minor characters thrown into the narrative here and there. And that chapter ...
I'm out of words for just how much I actually enjoyed this book and the story-telling that was happening, the domino effect of evil events and how it falls onwards, not just to the victim, but their friends, their family, falling in line with new hurt to a wound that never closes.
I wish there had been more Polly / Miriam scenes though what there was still brought enough joy to my heart.
I loved it.
I loved this.
I loved the plot twists and the shock turns.
I loved that ending.
Well done, Sarah. You got your murderous claws sunk in a little deeper and left me wanting more.
by Sarah Cook.
“Its funny how the image of someone important can circle your life for so long and only now could you see the full picture of them clearly.”Genre: Dark Romance, LGBTQ+, Historical Romance, Murder Mystery
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
Spicy: 🔥🔥🔥
Recommend? 👍
Read Again: ✔️
I was blessed with an arc copy of this book and I am more than thankful that I was able to curl up today, this groggy British Sunday afternoon and read this wonderous book.
It had all my emotions in twists and turns but by the end of that, I was on the edge of my seat, hunched over, scrolling desperately for answers. Now, this story might not be for everybody, but I do encourage you to read it. It's the aftermath of a devastating ordeal and the fall out of the previous book, all those it effects and quite simply how healing isn't just physical.
Sided with some spicey scenes and perhaps the question "What makes us a monster?", you're in for a mind-bending ride (as long as you read A Diary of Murders first).
How Sarah manages to keep you, the reader, in the palm of her hand is mind-bogging, but she moulds you like putty just like she did with A Diary of Murders. Twisting and turning through the tale like she has known this story her entire life and you're just along for the ride. The thrill I had reading this book.
I loved that further points of view that we got as well. Polly. John. Even sneakily the minor characters thrown into the narrative here and there. And that chapter ...
I'm out of words for just how much I actually enjoyed this book and the story-telling that was happening, the domino effect of evil events and how it falls onwards, not just to the victim, but their friends, their family, falling in line with new hurt to a wound that never closes.
I wish there had been more Polly / Miriam scenes though what there was still brought enough joy to my heart.
I loved it.
I loved this.
I loved the plot twists and the shock turns.
I loved that ending.
Well done, Sarah. You got your murderous claws sunk in a little deeper and left me wanting more.
June 22, 2024
I usually say that my reviews are unbiased, but I’m afraid I cannot say that this time. Since reading Diary of Murders I have been obsessed with this series. I honestly can’t remember the last time I got hooked on a series of books (apart from The Lord of the Rings), and I can’t see the obsession going away. Now, I will start by saying this may not be for everyone. If you don’t love your stories with a bit of darkness, a lot of spice and amazing characters, this might not be for you. If you also don’t like having your heart constantly broken, then fixed, only to be broken again maybe reconsider. But let’s face it we’re readers, and that’s half the fun of reading.
Now, in all seriousness, I adored this second instalment in the series, not including the short story collection – Several Glorious Months. Once again, Sarah manages to whisk us back in time and into the lives of Miriam and her family and friends. We have some new and old faces to meet and can I just say while Miriam will always be my favourite, Polly was a very close second. The writing, pacing, and storyline are perfectly paired together. I adored the mixture of points of view and journal entries, and I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve liked a younger character, Jack, so quickly.
Of course, we also have spice, and let me tell you I adore the way Sarah writes these scenes. The mixture of passion and love and sometimes just raw emotions that come through are insane. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Diary of Murders novel without a bit of a heartbreak. Or a lot to be fair. Secrets Unbound is a rollercoaster of emotion, particularly if you are overly attached to the characters. I never do spoilers, but I can honestly say towards the end I was holding my breath at points. I loved it, and I hated it, but I hated it in the best possible way.
Needless to say I recommend Secrets Unbound and the whole Diary of Murders series to anyone who loves a good dark, historical and spicy read. Just be prepared to have your heart ripped out during reading but it is all worth it in the end. I cannot wait for the next instalment!
Thank you so much to Sarah for the early copy to read and review!
Now, in all seriousness, I adored this second instalment in the series, not including the short story collection – Several Glorious Months. Once again, Sarah manages to whisk us back in time and into the lives of Miriam and her family and friends. We have some new and old faces to meet and can I just say while Miriam will always be my favourite, Polly was a very close second. The writing, pacing, and storyline are perfectly paired together. I adored the mixture of points of view and journal entries, and I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve liked a younger character, Jack, so quickly.
Of course, we also have spice, and let me tell you I adore the way Sarah writes these scenes. The mixture of passion and love and sometimes just raw emotions that come through are insane. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Diary of Murders novel without a bit of a heartbreak. Or a lot to be fair. Secrets Unbound is a rollercoaster of emotion, particularly if you are overly attached to the characters. I never do spoilers, but I can honestly say towards the end I was holding my breath at points. I loved it, and I hated it, but I hated it in the best possible way.
Needless to say I recommend Secrets Unbound and the whole Diary of Murders series to anyone who loves a good dark, historical and spicy read. Just be prepared to have your heart ripped out during reading but it is all worth it in the end. I cannot wait for the next instalment!
Thank you so much to Sarah for the early copy to read and review!
July 12, 2024
Spoiler free book review. Check out my Reading Ranting page for more reviews.
First thoughts…
Another story of love and loss and making peace with one’s life choices.
Good thoughts…
Without giving away spoilers, we jump forward 15 years from book 1, so there are new and old characters.
Each character has their own goals and challenges and successes and disappointments. They truly are 3 dimensional.
Miriam is still a woman with needs but after the tragedies of book 1, she has far more darkness inside her.
I just love how we navigate old wounds, new discoveries and how all the characters come together to make this amazing story.
Not good thoughts…
Nothing.
Random thoughts…
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book since book 1 was a whole story. But the title and opening chapter give you an idea of what’s going to happen.
Final thoughts...
If you like spicy Victorian books with a lot of compñlcated characters and a lot of tragedy, then this book is for you.
First thoughts…
Another story of love and loss and making peace with one’s life choices.
Good thoughts…
Without giving away spoilers, we jump forward 15 years from book 1, so there are new and old characters.
Each character has their own goals and challenges and successes and disappointments. They truly are 3 dimensional.
Miriam is still a woman with needs but after the tragedies of book 1, she has far more darkness inside her.
I just love how we navigate old wounds, new discoveries and how all the characters come together to make this amazing story.
Not good thoughts…
Nothing.
Random thoughts…
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book since book 1 was a whole story. But the title and opening chapter give you an idea of what’s going to happen.
Final thoughts...
If you like spicy Victorian books with a lot of compñlcated characters and a lot of tragedy, then this book is for you.
June 19, 2024
Secrets Unbound by Sarah Cook is the sequel book to Diary of Murders. You definitely need to read Diary of Murders first, so if you haven't done so, go out and read it today. This book takes place several years after Diary of Murders.
Miriam and her son, Jack, are still living at her family's estate with her father. Many years have passed since the death of John, but his memory still lives on for Miriam. She is haunted by her past, but has actually given Jack very little information about his father. When John's diary resurfaces, the secrets it contains are discovered and things go downhill from there.
This wasn't as much of a mystery to unravel as the first book, but it had an intriguing storyline. I really enjoyed the torment that Miriam felt from the actions in her past. This was a good story, but I did feel it was a little predictable. A solid read, and it does leave me wanting to know what is going to happen next!
Miriam and her son, Jack, are still living at her family's estate with her father. Many years have passed since the death of John, but his memory still lives on for Miriam. She is haunted by her past, but has actually given Jack very little information about his father. When John's diary resurfaces, the secrets it contains are discovered and things go downhill from there.
This wasn't as much of a mystery to unravel as the first book, but it had an intriguing storyline. I really enjoyed the torment that Miriam felt from the actions in her past. This was a good story, but I did feel it was a little predictable. A solid read, and it does leave me wanting to know what is going to happen next!
June 27, 2024
Sarah has done it again! There was so much in this book that I could go on for hours but at the same time I want to hold it all close to my heart like a precious secret all for myself. If you've read book 1 and Several Glorious Months then you're already in love with the characters, if not, then be prepared because you will. Ofcourse that love will also come with a lot of heartbreak. The book gives just the perfect balance of spice and thrill, you're going to be looking for answers till the very end. The perfect blend of Victorian era romance mixed with twists and turns and many morally grey characters, you've got Diary of Murders!!
July 2, 2024
Sarah did it again! I don't know how she manages to write such beautiful, dark, and emotional stories so well. This sequel did not disappoint as it brought us back to Miriam's world some years after the events of the first book. We get to see some familiar characters and get introduced to some important figures in her new life. This story had less of a mystery as the reader is brought along on the journey and sees various POVs, but it did not make the story any less impactful. The last part of the book was quite fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
June 10, 2024
Diary of Murders was a beautifully twisted masterpiece.
Secrets Unbound took me on an emotional journey I was ill-prepared for and did not expect.
The unravelling of Mariam's character as she dealt with her consequences and grief was very well written. The darker situations were handled with respect and care.
Not to recap or give spoilers, but there were a few moments in this book that had me gasping. This book took me on a crazy ride and if you loved Diary of Murders, you will absolutely devour this book.
Secrets Unbound took me on an emotional journey I was ill-prepared for and did not expect.
The unravelling of Mariam's character as she dealt with her consequences and grief was very well written. The darker situations were handled with respect and care.
Not to recap or give spoilers, but there were a few moments in this book that had me gasping. This book took me on a crazy ride and if you loved Diary of Murders, you will absolutely devour this book.
June 19, 2024
Arc review
What a follow-up to the first book!! There were twists i didn't see coming. I loved the overall feel of this book. I liked the first one, too, but something about this one that just drew me in, and i had a hard time putting it down. Certian parts made me audblibly say what, oh my god. Highly recommend this and the first book.
What a follow-up to the first book!! There were twists i didn't see coming. I loved the overall feel of this book. I liked the first one, too, but something about this one that just drew me in, and i had a hard time putting it down. Certian parts made me audblibly say what, oh my god. Highly recommend this and the first book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews