What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Lies #2
Golden Secrets
The thrilling second installment of the Silver Lies Series.
Ash overcame all odds, only to suffer the worst kind of betrayal. She now must journey to Hope to face her worst nightmare, the king, her grandfather. As Ash continues to fight for her survival, King Maximus has a plan for her to help squash an ever-growing rebellion in Novum, only there is more games at play than anyone realizes.
When Ash discovers where all the blondes are held captive and why they are so dangerous, it only cements her decision to begin a war of her own. She battles the monsters that lurk her head by night and the veritable fiends by day, waiting until the time is right to attack.
One of the king’s contingencies is Ash must train with her worst enemy to ensure she is not as dangerous as the other blondes. Ash keeps her secrets closely guarded but the man with grey eyes begins stirring things inside her chest and memories of her past.
With an ever-growing battle raging in Diesel’s mind, he will have to choose what he deems more important, Ash or his country. Ash’s feelings are ripped apart again and again until she finds her inner fire and burns brighter than the sun, finding her family and friends amongst the moon and stars.
Ash overcame all odds, only to suffer the worst kind of betrayal. She now must journey to Hope to face her worst nightmare, the king, her grandfather. As Ash continues to fight for her survival, King Maximus has a plan for her to help squash an ever-growing rebellion in Novum, only there is more games at play than anyone realizes.
When Ash discovers where all the blondes are held captive and why they are so dangerous, it only cements her decision to begin a war of her own. She battles the monsters that lurk her head by night and the veritable fiends by day, waiting until the time is right to attack.
One of the king’s contingencies is Ash must train with her worst enemy to ensure she is not as dangerous as the other blondes. Ash keeps her secrets closely guarded but the man with grey eyes begins stirring things inside her chest and memories of her past.
With an ever-growing battle raging in Diesel’s mind, he will have to choose what he deems more important, Ash or his country. Ash’s feelings are ripped apart again and again until she finds her inner fire and burns brighter than the sun, finding her family and friends amongst the moon and stars.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
34 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Willa Layne
3 books97 followersWilla is a debut author native to the great state of Idaho. Ranch wife by day, she turns to writing to channel her creative energy when she is not chasing her herd of children and cows. If Willa isn't on a horse, she is probably dreaming up her next book. Silver Lies was the product of boredom after having her third son. When she couldn't go out on the ranch and ride her horse, she escaped into writing to cope with the house fever. Willa loves the change that comes with new adventures and challenges, it keeps life interesting! She enjoys writing stories with strong capable women and the realities of living life without modern conveniences.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 4, 2024
Completely unbiased opinion
July 27, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ok I enjoyed the first book of this series, Silver Lies, but I LOVED book 2, Golden Secrets. So good I got over my issue with the whole use of the term "blondes" 😂 #IYKYK Also reaffirming my theory that the best fantasy series have a "weaker" first book because of all the backstory, setup, world building they need to have for next books to be EPIC.
I read this in like 30 hrs (stopping to work, eat, spend time with my kids and catch a few Z's) I stayed up late, I read it in the middle of the night when the kids had bad dreams. I absolutely devoured it, couldn't put it down.
This book has it all:
-burn the world down for her
-he fell first
-found family
-training with antagonist
-hidden truth/forgotten memories
-morally grey men (yes more than 1)
-tension/angst
And a big freaking cliffhanger so I NEED book 3 ASAP.
I was worried at the beginning because Ashe was being taken away from Cedar Hill and so many beloved characters from book 1, but we got a whole slew of amazing new characters in Golden Secrets that I absolutely adore.
The found family is *😘👌* and so real the way it unraveled for Ashe who has never really had a friend besides Diesel before.
I knew from the moment we met Kane in Silver Lies that he would have a big role to play in the next books and boy was I right. I loved the unravelling of his character and backstory and the glimpses of the different sides of him that we get throughout.
There were some aspects that I figured out fairly early on, but there were MANY times I was second guessing myself thanks to all the twists & turns! It definitely kept me on my toes.
I had a big theory about the wolf that I was carefully crafting throughout reading this book and by the end I was 99% sure it was incorrect and it's going to drive me crazy trying to figure out what is actually going on with that wolf!
Willa! I hope you're working away at book 3, between the heart wrenching cliffhanger and my broken theory about the wolf I'm going to go crazy waiting for book 3!
Ok I enjoyed the first book of this series, Silver Lies, but I LOVED book 2, Golden Secrets. So good I got over my issue with the whole use of the term "blondes" 😂 #IYKYK Also reaffirming my theory that the best fantasy series have a "weaker" first book because of all the backstory, setup, world building they need to have for next books to be EPIC.
I read this in like 30 hrs (stopping to work, eat, spend time with my kids and catch a few Z's) I stayed up late, I read it in the middle of the night when the kids had bad dreams. I absolutely devoured it, couldn't put it down.
This book has it all:
-burn the world down for her
-he fell first
-found family
-training with antagonist
-hidden truth/forgotten memories
-morally grey men (yes more than 1)
-tension/angst
And a big freaking cliffhanger so I NEED book 3 ASAP.
I was worried at the beginning because Ashe was being taken away from Cedar Hill and so many beloved characters from book 1, but we got a whole slew of amazing new characters in Golden Secrets that I absolutely adore.
The found family is *😘👌* and so real the way it unraveled for Ashe who has never really had a friend besides Diesel before.
I knew from the moment we met Kane in Silver Lies that he would have a big role to play in the next books and boy was I right. I loved the unravelling of his character and backstory and the glimpses of the different sides of him that we get throughout.
There were some aspects that I figured out fairly early on, but there were MANY times I was second guessing myself thanks to all the twists & turns! It definitely kept me on my toes.
I had a big theory about the wolf that I was carefully crafting throughout reading this book and by the end I was 99% sure it was incorrect and it's going to drive me crazy trying to figure out what is actually going on with that wolf!
Willa! I hope you're working away at book 3, between the heart wrenching cliffhanger and my broken theory about the wolf I'm going to go crazy waiting for book 3!
August 12, 2024
Golden Secrets is the second book in the Silver Lies series, and must be read in order. After being left on the most exciting cliffhanger EVER, the story picks up right where Silver Lies left off. Golden Secrets follows Ash and Diesel’s journey to see the King in Hope. If you thought the stakes and tension were high before, Willa took it up another notch in the sequel. I absolutely loved the setting of Cedar Hill in Silver Lies and I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t enjoy the change of scenery. However, Willa has such an incredible talent with the way she is able to describe the setting that I was immediately transported to Hope with Ash and Diesel. Fantasy novels can seem a little info-dumpy, but I never once got that feeling with either book in this series and it really takes it up a level when the world building is clear without getting boring. This storyline was so exciting and the new characters added so much depth and suspense. Like Silver Lies this is written in the first person point of view between multiple characters. Unlike Silver Lies, we have a new character’s point of view and that’s all I’ll say on that 🤪
I can go on and on about this series, but it really is just that good. Our answers from Silver Lies are answered, but there are so many twists and turns leaving us with new questions and worries. Golden Secrets ends on a cliffhanger and I’m so excited to see where Willa takes this storyline.
Thank you soooo much to Willa Layne for allowing me to be on your ARC team yet again. You are absolutely killing it and I’m honored to be a part of this community!
I can go on and on about this series, but it really is just that good. Our answers from Silver Lies are answered, but there are so many twists and turns leaving us with new questions and worries. Golden Secrets ends on a cliffhanger and I’m so excited to see where Willa takes this storyline.
Thank you soooo much to Willa Layne for allowing me to be on your ARC team yet again. You are absolutely killing it and I’m honored to be a part of this community!
December 13, 2025
wow that ending was kind of a wild ride!!! a bit slow to start like the 1st book was but definitely picked up at the end. the premise is interesting and for an indie book it had minimal editing errors and the story flowed well. there is one more book in the series that I will be reading at some point, but i don't feel the tug to have to read it right away.
July 28, 2024
All I have to say is wow. Willa did it again, dare I say this book was even better than the last? Not that book one was in anyway disappointing but my god did she really give it to us with this one! The emotional roller coaster was truly all over the place. I absolutely loved everything about this book and the character development for our girl Ash. And I won’t tell you which character it is but, I never thought I would find a character to rival my hate for tamlin and Dain but here we are…. I truly cannot thank Willa enough for this ARC and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes her!
August 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@authorwillalayne has done it again!!! She delivered an amazing continuation of this dystopian Romantasy!! Ash finds herself in the city of Hope with the one person who betrayed her trust the most! Diesels tries to fight for the person he loves and tries to justify his actions! Will either of them get what they want in the end?!?? Will the fight for power destroy any chance of happiness they have left?!??
I loved how no time was missed in this story line! The new characters quickly won my heart literally Jerek and Kane had me swooning. This book was filled with loss, friendship, love, growth, and even more games waiting to be won! Ash had always been a fighter and man was she pushed to her limits this time around. When the king finally got ahold of her, he had not idea the beast he awoken inside of her. War is coming and nothing will stop her from taking him down! Everyone must pick a side and those who join forces will surprise you!! The love story in this book was the definition of a slow burn that’s been growing for ages and when it finally unveiled itself my heart jumped for joy!! You need to get your hands on this book, but I will warn you, the cliffhanger at the end had me screaming!!! I need to know what happened, I need to know!!!!!!! 💔💔💔💔💔💔
@authorwillalayne has done it again!!! She delivered an amazing continuation of this dystopian Romantasy!! Ash finds herself in the city of Hope with the one person who betrayed her trust the most! Diesels tries to fight for the person he loves and tries to justify his actions! Will either of them get what they want in the end?!?? Will the fight for power destroy any chance of happiness they have left?!??
I loved how no time was missed in this story line! The new characters quickly won my heart literally Jerek and Kane had me swooning. This book was filled with loss, friendship, love, growth, and even more games waiting to be won! Ash had always been a fighter and man was she pushed to her limits this time around. When the king finally got ahold of her, he had not idea the beast he awoken inside of her. War is coming and nothing will stop her from taking him down! Everyone must pick a side and those who join forces will surprise you!! The love story in this book was the definition of a slow burn that’s been growing for ages and when it finally unveiled itself my heart jumped for joy!! You need to get your hands on this book, but I will warn you, the cliffhanger at the end had me screaming!!! I need to know what happened, I need to know!!!!!!! 💔💔💔💔💔💔
August 21, 2024
I just finished this absolute banger of a sequel. This picks up right as Silver Lies ends up giving us exactly what we needed after that destroyer of cliffhanger. We get answers to questions that lead us to more questions. We see Ash become a very different person to survive. We see the very definition of a found family. The politics get more fishy, lies get more tangled, and emotions change quickly. The last hundred pages leave us understanding the true purpose of the King of Novum's plan with the blondes.
Ash gets significant character development and changes in this book that is necessary for the story to flow. We see her realizing that survival is critical over everything else, even love, until she sits face to face and makes a tough decision about Gabe. Gabe is a piece of work, blinded by loyalty to the king who raised him and to the blonde he loves; he must make some choices that lead us to want to throw shoes at his head. Kane and Jerek have my heart and soul, and I wish them all the best. I cannot WAIT to see what the last book has in store for us.
Ash gets significant character development and changes in this book that is necessary for the story to flow. We see her realizing that survival is critical over everything else, even love, until she sits face to face and makes a tough decision about Gabe. Gabe is a piece of work, blinded by loyalty to the king who raised him and to the blonde he loves; he must make some choices that lead us to want to throw shoes at his head. Kane and Jerek have my heart and soul, and I wish them all the best. I cannot WAIT to see what the last book has in store for us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2024
Burn the world down for her!
Is there any more I need to say…
Okay fine I will. This book literally had it all. Hidden truths and forgotten memories to found family. I didn’t want this book to end and devoured it!
We met Kane in Silver Lies and let me just say his character did not disappoint! the unraveling of his character was top notch and getting his back story made me fall in love with him each chapter.
I was not read to have such a heart wrenching cliffhanger.
Also if you have read this I have some theories of the wolf but now I’m not sure I need to know thoughts.
Is there any more I need to say…
Okay fine I will. This book literally had it all. Hidden truths and forgotten memories to found family. I didn’t want this book to end and devoured it!
We met Kane in Silver Lies and let me just say his character did not disappoint! the unraveling of his character was top notch and getting his back story made me fall in love with him each chapter.
I was not read to have such a heart wrenching cliffhanger.
Also if you have read this I have some theories of the wolf but now I’m not sure I need to know thoughts.
August 19, 2024
I 👏🏻 loved 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 book! 👏🏻
First, Willa Layne’s writing in Golden Secrets has progressed significantly. I liked the writing in Silver Lies, but this was a step up. Second, the storyline and character base grew exponentially and I am here for it. So many new characters to fall in love with and feel a connection to. Third, the plot picks up in this book. My favorite part is the tension, scheming, and warring. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
First, Willa Layne’s writing in Golden Secrets has progressed significantly. I liked the writing in Silver Lies, but this was a step up. Second, the storyline and character base grew exponentially and I am here for it. So many new characters to fall in love with and feel a connection to. Third, the plot picks up in this book. My favorite part is the tension, scheming, and warring. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
July 31, 2024
Absolutely LOVED this book! Such great character development, twists and plot! So many different emotions throughout the book you can feel and figuring out certain information blew my mind!
August 27, 2024
Omg this BOOK the Ending!!!!!
Willa Layne WTH that ending, Ash is my Xena Warrior princess in Dystopian type of Feel!!!! That’s just how feel about it….
This series is just Amazing.
Y’all need to check this series out like yesterday.
Willa Layne WTH that ending, Ash is my Xena Warrior princess in Dystopian type of Feel!!!! That’s just how feel about it….
This series is just Amazing.
Y’all need to check this series out like yesterday.
August 27, 2024
Review
Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: No spice
What a sequel 🤯 I loved it even more than the first one! Don’t get me wrong the first one was very good but this one just surpassed it! 🥰
I loved the new characters and the new relationship! 🥹 Kane is clearly my favorite ☺️ I loved how every piece of the puzzle came together in this one and we learned so many new and surprising stuff. 🤯
I hated Diesel in this one and it was sad because I really liked him in the first one! But in this one, he wasn’t it and he was jealous and overprotective…I hated it.
I don’t know what you are waiting for…you really should pick this series up! It’s such a good dystopian! This series is clearly making dystopian hot again🥰
Happy reading 📖
Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: No spice
What a sequel 🤯 I loved it even more than the first one! Don’t get me wrong the first one was very good but this one just surpassed it! 🥰
I loved the new characters and the new relationship! 🥹 Kane is clearly my favorite ☺️ I loved how every piece of the puzzle came together in this one and we learned so many new and surprising stuff. 🤯
I hated Diesel in this one and it was sad because I really liked him in the first one! But in this one, he wasn’t it and he was jealous and overprotective…I hated it.
I don’t know what you are waiting for…you really should pick this series up! It’s such a good dystopian! This series is clearly making dystopian hot again🥰
Happy reading 📖
August 10, 2024
the first one was my absolute favorite and this one did not disappoint.. fantasy is not typically my go to genre but this series has since changed me😍🩷
July 25, 2024
Holy heck! This book had me on my toes! This book was everything for me! If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, touch her and die, badass fmc with lots of twist then this book is perfect for you! Love how it came all together at the end. Willia again left us with a cliffhanger and that ending was such a surprise!
September 18, 2024
I loved Silver Lies, it was a wonderful first book in the dystopia series and the ending had me waiting on the edge for Golden Secrets. While Golden Secrets was good, it was missing some of the page turning elements that Silver Lies had. But the ending was 100/100
September 11, 2024
Golden Secrets... boy oh boy do I have some thoughts.... The first of them being WHY HAVENT YOU READ THIS YET?! This book has so many aspects of a dystopian world, hunger games, magic, romance, some fantasy, and it is all so well woven in to a cohesive story, I couldn't get enough! In this book (book 2 of the series) we are introduced to a handful of new characters, and there is ONE person that I can't get enough of. Enough that I hope Willa writes a novella in their perspective.... PLEASE!
Stars: 4/5
Spice: 0/5
Stars: 4/5
Spice: 0/5
March 25, 2025
I'm stupidly in love with this series. Willa Layne writes pure escapism. Lies, secrets, trust and deception. Ash uncovers the truth hidden behind the aristocracy of Novum. Who is she and what can she do? And most importantly, who can She trust?
August 5, 2024
🏹 Golden Secrets 🏹
This is the second book in the Silver Lies series by Willa Layne. Because the first book ended with some throw the book at the wall worthy cliff hangers, reviewing it without spoilers will be a challenge, but I’ll do my best.
This book picks up immediately after the first. Ash, still reeling from betrayal finds herself thrown into circumstances where she must question everyone around her, including herself. Furthermore she may finally be in a position where she can learn more about why the blondes were hunted in the first place, and find a way to stop it so that they can be free.
First of all, I have to applaud the author. You really see her growth as writer in this book. She vocabulary is much broader and her gift as a story teller really shines through. One thing I really loved about this book is how it feels like she’s giving certain things away, or making them way too obvious, so when a huge plot twist does come up, it makes it all the more shocking. It a great blend of “I knew it!” and “WTF just happened!” moments.
Another thing I loved about this book was how much more world building was involved. I get a lot more background and a more well rounded history of Novum and enjoyed watching all the pieces fall together. Also, I thought she did a great job emphasizing the human capacity for assuming that different is bad, and how easily we can let our paranoia overtake logic when it comes to things that are new.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait to see what happens next. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic reads with bad ass FMC’s who are trying to correct the r injustices of the world, give this series a try. Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: August 11, 2024
Huge thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader. I loved it and thanks for another throw worthy cliff hanger 😂
This is the second book in the Silver Lies series by Willa Layne. Because the first book ended with some throw the book at the wall worthy cliff hangers, reviewing it without spoilers will be a challenge, but I’ll do my best.
This book picks up immediately after the first. Ash, still reeling from betrayal finds herself thrown into circumstances where she must question everyone around her, including herself. Furthermore she may finally be in a position where she can learn more about why the blondes were hunted in the first place, and find a way to stop it so that they can be free.
First of all, I have to applaud the author. You really see her growth as writer in this book. She vocabulary is much broader and her gift as a story teller really shines through. One thing I really loved about this book is how it feels like she’s giving certain things away, or making them way too obvious, so when a huge plot twist does come up, it makes it all the more shocking. It a great blend of “I knew it!” and “WTF just happened!” moments.
Another thing I loved about this book was how much more world building was involved. I get a lot more background and a more well rounded history of Novum and enjoyed watching all the pieces fall together. Also, I thought she did a great job emphasizing the human capacity for assuming that different is bad, and how easily we can let our paranoia overtake logic when it comes to things that are new.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait to see what happens next. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic reads with bad ass FMC’s who are trying to correct the r injustices of the world, give this series a try. Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: August 11, 2024
Huge thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader. I loved it and thanks for another throw worthy cliff hanger 😂
August 5, 2024
ARC REVIEW!
Book two of the Silver Lies series starts us off with Ash unwillingly accompanying Diesel/Gabe and his crew to the City of Hope, where she slowly starts to realize the tangled web of lies and mistrust that she knows is only just the start. She meets a whole slew of new people and must follow her instincts, gut, and intuition to figure out who she can trust.
Thrust into this world she doesn’t want to be in, she has to play the part to gather the intel and truth she needs to work with her new-found family to devise a plan to overthrow the power of her grandfather, keep Diesel from taking the reigns, and get vengeance for people like her.
I was so excited for this book from the moment I finished the last page of Silver Lies, and the anticipation was so worth it. Willa puts so much into the details and the characters that it’s like watching a movie play out in your mind. The story-line and the twists and turns really make you feel engulfed throughout the whole book. From about page 340 till the end, I was physically breathing heavy. I got so nervous Willa would leave us on another jaw-dropping cliffhanger like Silver Lies, and I still haven’t stopped going over the series of events that happened.
I absolutely love this series. I recommend it to anyone I talk to that mentions they enjoyed the Hunger Games, Divergent, or any type of Political Dystopian thrill-rides. Now I just have to find something to keep me busy until Book Three!
Book two of the Silver Lies series starts us off with Ash unwillingly accompanying Diesel/Gabe and his crew to the City of Hope, where she slowly starts to realize the tangled web of lies and mistrust that she knows is only just the start. She meets a whole slew of new people and must follow her instincts, gut, and intuition to figure out who she can trust.
Thrust into this world she doesn’t want to be in, she has to play the part to gather the intel and truth she needs to work with her new-found family to devise a plan to overthrow the power of her grandfather, keep Diesel from taking the reigns, and get vengeance for people like her.
I was so excited for this book from the moment I finished the last page of Silver Lies, and the anticipation was so worth it. Willa puts so much into the details and the characters that it’s like watching a movie play out in your mind. The story-line and the twists and turns really make you feel engulfed throughout the whole book. From about page 340 till the end, I was physically breathing heavy. I got so nervous Willa would leave us on another jaw-dropping cliffhanger like Silver Lies, and I still haven’t stopped going over the series of events that happened.
I absolutely love this series. I recommend it to anyone I talk to that mentions they enjoyed the Hunger Games, Divergent, or any type of Political Dystopian thrill-rides. Now I just have to find something to keep me busy until Book Three!
September 16, 2024
This sequel really changed the game. We finally got some answers to where certain characters play into the story and the truth behind the blondes. Ash continues to be a strong FMC with a hard time trusting, especially finding out more details of deceit by some she thought she could trust. Now that she is in Hope, under the thumb of her grandfather, Kind Maximus, the lies are starting to unravel as more details of the truth emerge.
I really enjoyed the new characters in this book and the back and forth of not knowing what side they are on, while learning how their past has factored into their allegiances. Kane, who we met a few times in book one, Silver Lies, is prominent in this book and I'm here for it. When you realize what he truly means to Ash and her past, you gain a new understanding for the toll that bringing down a malevolent King can entail.
Ash still had those FMC moments that make you want to bang your head on the wall, but as this is typical to this genre, it didn't take away from the book for me. While she is very headstrong and wants to stick to her own agenda and plans, this does cause a disruption to the plan and creates a disjointed means of progression.
Overall, I enjoyed this more than book one, as the political dynamics of court give a little bit more to play with, also when you throw more players with their personal agendas and vendettas on the table, anything can happen.
I really enjoyed the new characters in this book and the back and forth of not knowing what side they are on, while learning how their past has factored into their allegiances. Kane, who we met a few times in book one, Silver Lies, is prominent in this book and I'm here for it. When you realize what he truly means to Ash and her past, you gain a new understanding for the toll that bringing down a malevolent King can entail.
Ash still had those FMC moments that make you want to bang your head on the wall, but as this is typical to this genre, it didn't take away from the book for me. While she is very headstrong and wants to stick to her own agenda and plans, this does cause a disruption to the plan and creates a disjointed means of progression.
Overall, I enjoyed this more than book one, as the political dynamics of court give a little bit more to play with, also when you throw more players with their personal agendas and vendettas on the table, anything can happen.
May 22, 2025
4.5 Stars.
🏹 The vibes:
- book 2 in trilogy
- Morally gray characters
- Multi POV
- Political intrigue
- NA dystopian
- Found family
- Closed door
🏹 My thoughts:
I really loved this one. I can’t really say much because I don’t want to spoil anything in the series, but I think this was a great middle book that added so much to the story. We got new characters, new settings, and more world building. Sometimes the middle book in a trilogy can have a filler feeling, but I didnt get that boring vibe with this book.
🏹 While I loved the direction of the romance plot, I had some moments where I struggled to fulllllly connect with the depth of devotion between the MMC and the FMC. (Ie. A bit of instalove is the overall connection there.) With that said, I still loved the characters together and enjoyed their chemistry and banter.
🏹 Overall, this series has a chokehold on me, and I immediately downloaded book 3.
(There were some editing issues again in this one. It wasn’t a huge deal, but a bit of a bummer because it did take me out of the story a handful of times, and it would make the entire trilogy much more polished without the misses in editing.)
Note- light language; closed door
🏹 The vibes:
- book 2 in trilogy
- Morally gray characters
- Multi POV
- Political intrigue
- NA dystopian
- Found family
- Closed door
🏹 My thoughts:
I really loved this one. I can’t really say much because I don’t want to spoil anything in the series, but I think this was a great middle book that added so much to the story. We got new characters, new settings, and more world building. Sometimes the middle book in a trilogy can have a filler feeling, but I didnt get that boring vibe with this book.
🏹 While I loved the direction of the romance plot, I had some moments where I struggled to fulllllly connect with the depth of devotion between the MMC and the FMC. (Ie. A bit of instalove is the overall connection there.) With that said, I still loved the characters together and enjoyed their chemistry and banter.
🏹 Overall, this series has a chokehold on me, and I immediately downloaded book 3.
(There were some editing issues again in this one. It wasn’t a huge deal, but a bit of a bummer because it did take me out of the story a handful of times, and it would make the entire trilogy much more polished without the misses in editing.)
Note- light language; closed door
August 3, 2024
Wow! This was sooo good! I was immediately hooked by book one and thought it was amazing…but somehow this second book was even better! I’m still blown away, it was fast paced and kept me guessing the whole way through.
I had so many questions from all of book 1, so I loved that we got to dive right in from the very beginning of Golden Secrets and start understanding more of the backstory that led to the events unfolding. I got so many of the answers I needed…but I was left with so many more!!
I adored Ash’s continuing character development and the friendships she forms. I’m so glad we got to see more of Kane after the intro in Silver Lies. I suspected he would have a larger role and I’m excited to be proven right! There were so many other great characters introduced, it was amazing to see their development and get the varying POVs throughout the book.
If you want a book with jealous and protective MMCs, forgotten memories, hidden identities, found family, tension, angst, and so many secrets and lies…then you absolutely MUST read this series! Willa, thanks and can’t wait for book 3!!
I had so many questions from all of book 1, so I loved that we got to dive right in from the very beginning of Golden Secrets and start understanding more of the backstory that led to the events unfolding. I got so many of the answers I needed…but I was left with so many more!!
I adored Ash’s continuing character development and the friendships she forms. I’m so glad we got to see more of Kane after the intro in Silver Lies. I suspected he would have a larger role and I’m excited to be proven right! There were so many other great characters introduced, it was amazing to see their development and get the varying POVs throughout the book.
If you want a book with jealous and protective MMCs, forgotten memories, hidden identities, found family, tension, angst, and so many secrets and lies…then you absolutely MUST read this series! Willa, thanks and can’t wait for book 3!!
August 30, 2024
Title: Golden Secrets (Book 2)
Author: Willa Layne
Stars: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
**Arc Reader**
OH MY GOD!!!
This book was written with so many pages a d chapters, and yet I feel I'm missing pages, the cliff Hangers aren't doing my need for the continuous of this series any better!
Willa is a true artist that let's her words flow with such grit and raw emotion it makes you feel for the characters (and hate them 👀 I won't say names)
But I can't say enough about this series, when you first get to meeting the main characters in book one, you fall for them, the grit of Ash, the rugged and new refreshing look of male characters, but as the series progress so does Willa's characters, and she truly captures the feeling of what would happen in real life.
I am a 110% fan of #Kane he is the new #Bookstagramdaddy of the year, and I'm not even mad!
The dystopian fantasy where blondes are outlawed and under imprisonment or murdered, Ash is hidden away as a blonde, but when your identity must always be under wraps it'll come to a head and then life and death, Secrets and betrayal and wondering where you belong while wondering if you can truly trust those around you falls on the table.
Author: Willa Layne
Stars: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
**Arc Reader**
OH MY GOD!!!
This book was written with so many pages a d chapters, and yet I feel I'm missing pages, the cliff Hangers aren't doing my need for the continuous of this series any better!
Willa is a true artist that let's her words flow with such grit and raw emotion it makes you feel for the characters (and hate them 👀 I won't say names)
But I can't say enough about this series, when you first get to meeting the main characters in book one, you fall for them, the grit of Ash, the rugged and new refreshing look of male characters, but as the series progress so does Willa's characters, and she truly captures the feeling of what would happen in real life.
I am a 110% fan of #Kane he is the new #Bookstagramdaddy of the year, and I'm not even mad!
The dystopian fantasy where blondes are outlawed and under imprisonment or murdered, Ash is hidden away as a blonde, but when your identity must always be under wraps it'll come to a head and then life and death, Secrets and betrayal and wondering where you belong while wondering if you can truly trust those around you falls on the table.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
I never cry while reading books! This one made me cry! Congrats Willa!
Silver Lies left me with so many questions, and yet still with some hope for Ash and Diesel.
Golden Secrets had my stomach in knots from page one. There was not a moment I was not completely in my feelings, good and bad, happy and sad.
Ash is so confused, so hurt, and trying to untangle all the lies surrounding her. Backed into an impossible corner, the city of Hope is more like a prison. Her freedom is gone.
But she was never supposed to be there.
The life she had lived, the friend she thought she had...how could it ever be the same?
When a face from the past comes to strike fear into her, she must face a lot more than just betrayal. Life in Hope is a lot different than living in a secluded cabin with Nan and Pop.
What do you do when you feel like you don't know who to trust? And so much of your past is a secret?
Can what's lost, really be found?
This book had so many heart wrenching moments. I am still speechless.
Silver Lies left me with so many questions, and yet still with some hope for Ash and Diesel.
Golden Secrets had my stomach in knots from page one. There was not a moment I was not completely in my feelings, good and bad, happy and sad.
Ash is so confused, so hurt, and trying to untangle all the lies surrounding her. Backed into an impossible corner, the city of Hope is more like a prison. Her freedom is gone.
But she was never supposed to be there.
The life she had lived, the friend she thought she had...how could it ever be the same?
When a face from the past comes to strike fear into her, she must face a lot more than just betrayal. Life in Hope is a lot different than living in a secluded cabin with Nan and Pop.
What do you do when you feel like you don't know who to trust? And so much of your past is a secret?
Can what's lost, really be found?
This book had so many heart wrenching moments. I am still speechless.
August 1, 2024
Wow! Compelling, un-put-down-able, emotional, and with gripping prose that takes you right into Ash’s world. The story is so good, so intense, and so beautifully done that I devour each and every line.
Book 1 was AMAZING but somehow, book 2 was even better. I enjoyed diving back into Ash’s story. I cannot tell you how many times my heart was ripped out, put back together and then ripped out again….and I loved every minute of it. I loved how the author started with Diesel’s backstory since book 1 ended in a huge cliffhanger that involved him. I also loved to read more about Kane and his POV. Jerek and Ryan are very lovable characters that I adored. This series has a FMC full of grit and determination, protective MMCs, secrets and lies, hidden identities, and found family. I loved all of it.
This series is a MUST read for romantasy lovers. Layne’s use of descriptive language, beautiful writing style and fast pace will quickly transport you into Ash’s world. I am at a loss for words. If you haven’t started this series, start now.
Book 1 was AMAZING but somehow, book 2 was even better. I enjoyed diving back into Ash’s story. I cannot tell you how many times my heart was ripped out, put back together and then ripped out again….and I loved every minute of it. I loved how the author started with Diesel’s backstory since book 1 ended in a huge cliffhanger that involved him. I also loved to read more about Kane and his POV. Jerek and Ryan are very lovable characters that I adored. This series has a FMC full of grit and determination, protective MMCs, secrets and lies, hidden identities, and found family. I loved all of it.
This series is a MUST read for romantasy lovers. Layne’s use of descriptive language, beautiful writing style and fast pace will quickly transport you into Ash’s world. I am at a loss for words. If you haven’t started this series, start now.
July 24, 2024
I am pissed fourth wing has a movie/show coming before this series does! Like how???!!!!! I need to see this on a screen!
The first book, Silver Lies, was fantastic but this one...is freaken phenomenal!!! I couldn't put it down.
The world building continues to build, we get even more characters in this book, and the drama and heart wrenching still gets even better! Seriously the new characters will have you screaming and throwing this book. Im lookin at you Mrs. Layne! 👀 I mean it I will haunt you to your grave if book 3 doesnt bring the results we all need and are craving! IYKYK!
I will still hate the main Male main Character from book 1. And while he irked me in the first one I now realize with book 2 that we were meant to feel the way we do about him. The story just unfolds so beautifully. I really have no complaints about this one. Give the whole series a go!
I want to thank the author for this wonderful gift to read early. Its been wonderful to read.
The first book, Silver Lies, was fantastic but this one...is freaken phenomenal!!! I couldn't put it down.
The world building continues to build, we get even more characters in this book, and the drama and heart wrenching still gets even better! Seriously the new characters will have you screaming and throwing this book. Im lookin at you Mrs. Layne! 👀 I mean it I will haunt you to your grave if book 3 doesnt bring the results we all need and are craving! IYKYK!
I will still hate the main Male main Character from book 1. And while he irked me in the first one I now realize with book 2 that we were meant to feel the way we do about him. The story just unfolds so beautifully. I really have no complaints about this one. Give the whole series a go!
I want to thank the author for this wonderful gift to read early. Its been wonderful to read.
July 30, 2024
Golden Secrets is the second book of this YA fantasy romance, that offers a compelling plot, witty dialogues, action packed scenes, and closed door romance. BEWARE, THIS ONE ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER THAT WILL WANT YOU TO READ BOOK 3 IMMEDIATELY!🫶
I can’t wait to read the next book and see what Willa will have in store for us!
THINGS I LIKED:
🌼The narrative and dialogues are interesting and there’s good banter
🌼great world building
🌼touch her and die vibes from both MMCs 😉
🌼multiple POV
🌼badass FMC
🌼Lots of action
🌼enemies to lovers
🌼conspiracies
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
🚩some of the FMCs plotting felt a little rushed. I think some of this could have been more detailed, especially regarding her decision making. (e.g. how did she come up with the idea of the power outage and all that surrounded it in like 2 seconds…?)
🚩build up to to action packed 2nd half of the book was a bit slow.
I can’t wait to read the next book and see what Willa will have in store for us!
THINGS I LIKED:
🌼The narrative and dialogues are interesting and there’s good banter
🌼great world building
🌼touch her and die vibes from both MMCs 😉
🌼multiple POV
🌼badass FMC
🌼Lots of action
🌼enemies to lovers
🌼conspiracies
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
🚩some of the FMCs plotting felt a little rushed. I think some of this could have been more detailed, especially regarding her decision making. (e.g. how did she come up with the idea of the power outage and all that surrounded it in like 2 seconds…?)
🚩build up to to action packed 2nd half of the book was a bit slow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2024
ARC review: 4 ⭐️ 0 🌶️
I’ll be honest, at first when the great Willa Layne said this one was going to be multi POV, I was confused. But OH MY BLONDES, was I happy about it.
Stick with me here: so combining Silver Lies and Golden Secrets…. The overall plot is similar to a SJM style where the first half of the book is world and plot building, some scenes were drawn out a bit too lengthy, but then there were others where we needed a little more detail ( Spoilers: Substation.. how did she even know about it?! And how it would affect Hope) Then the second half the book, you have the slow burn, deceit, betrayal coming down like a waterfall!
Relatable feels: Fight Training scenes similar to the fight training in Divergent and Vampire Academy. A little Hunger Games (Spoiler: when she’s against the cougar) while King Watched.
I am loving this story and again it ended very opened ended cliffhanger. I can’t wait for book three!!
I’ll be honest, at first when the great Willa Layne said this one was going to be multi POV, I was confused. But OH MY BLONDES, was I happy about it.
Stick with me here: so combining Silver Lies and Golden Secrets…. The overall plot is similar to a SJM style where the first half of the book is world and plot building, some scenes were drawn out a bit too lengthy, but then there were others where we needed a little more detail ( Spoilers: Substation.. how did she even know about it?! And how it would affect Hope) Then the second half the book, you have the slow burn, deceit, betrayal coming down like a waterfall!
Relatable feels: Fight Training scenes similar to the fight training in Divergent and Vampire Academy. A little Hunger Games (Spoiler: when she’s against the cougar) while King Watched.
I am loving this story and again it ended very opened ended cliffhanger. I can’t wait for book three!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
Golden Secrets Book 2 in the Silver Lies series Releases 8.27.24
SILVER LIES SERIES - BOOK TWO > Multi-POV XBroody men with hearts of gold
🏹 SECRETS
🏹Dystopian Romantasy
🏹Revealed Identities
🏹Larger cast of characters
🏹Found Family
🏹Post- Apocalyptic World
🏹Closed Door Romance
🏹Political Intrigue
🏹Flawed Heroine
Willa has done it again with a story that keeps you wanting more. I was left with my jaw on the floor at the end of the first book, and this book left me the same way. There were actually multiple twists or "secrets" that took place in this book.
This book also introduced a love triangle, and I was ALL FOR IT 🥰🫣🥵 Kane is a brute of a man and clearly has "secrets"
Just the action and emotion and "Secrets" of this book were so amazing! I can't recommend this series enough if you want a good ya dystopian fantasy.
SILVER LIES SERIES - BOOK TWO > Multi-POV XBroody men with hearts of gold
🏹 SECRETS
🏹Dystopian Romantasy
🏹Revealed Identities
🏹Larger cast of characters
🏹Found Family
🏹Post- Apocalyptic World
🏹Closed Door Romance
🏹Political Intrigue
🏹Flawed Heroine
Willa has done it again with a story that keeps you wanting more. I was left with my jaw on the floor at the end of the first book, and this book left me the same way. There were actually multiple twists or "secrets" that took place in this book.
This book also introduced a love triangle, and I was ALL FOR IT 🥰🫣🥵 Kane is a brute of a man and clearly has "secrets"
Just the action and emotion and "Secrets" of this book were so amazing! I can't recommend this series enough if you want a good ya dystopian fantasy.
July 23, 2024
Willa knocked this one out of the park! As a rule, I pretty much always go into the second book of a trilogy feeling hesitant. I feel like it's either going to be slow and tedious for the build up to book 3 or you'll hit the ground running and not stop till the end. This was NOT slow or tedious! I flew through this book, honestly even faster than the first. A lot happened that I didn't see coming but it and so good! I can't wait to see how it all turns out for Ash in the end of the series. Oh also, there's a love triangle-ish situation going on and I've definitely chosen which team I'm on 😍 #swoon. My one complaint is the language. I wish there had been a bit less but I didn't feel like it took away from the story.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and I can't wait for book 3!!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and I can't wait for book 3!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews