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The Chosen Secret
When Lakelyn Sloane starts attending Lexon University, she instantly attracts Graham Anderson's attention. For all the wrong reasons. Graham is part of an elite fraternity called the Omegas. They're born and bred to serve their Lord, chosen to stay pure until they find their mate. The only problem is, Lakelyn does not want any part of the Omegas. She does not want to marry for status and power. She wants to be free. Will Graham allow it? Or will the Omegas be too ingrained in his veins to break any of their solemn vows?
TRIGGER Abuse of minors in prologue, Arranged/forced marriages, Abuse throughout, Attempted murder of pregnant woman, Assault, Non-consensual touching, Multiple on-page SA not by MMC, Threat of forced pregnancy, Threat of SA, Threats to kill/take child, Branding, Gore, Violence and murder, Weapon use, Car chase, Sacrifice, Pregnancy, Cult-like tendencies, Blood use/taste, Kidnapping, On-page forced sex by MMC, Non-consensual anal play, Toy play, Graphic sex, Parental murder, Domestic violence, Off-page mutilation of eyes, On-page viewing of said eyes, Cutting FMC open and digging fingers in the wound, etc. Novel is NOT intended for readers under the age of 18.
TRIGGER Abuse of minors in prologue, Arranged/forced marriages, Abuse throughout, Attempted murder of pregnant woman, Assault, Non-consensual touching, Multiple on-page SA not by MMC, Threat of forced pregnancy, Threat of SA, Threats to kill/take child, Branding, Gore, Violence and murder, Weapon use, Car chase, Sacrifice, Pregnancy, Cult-like tendencies, Blood use/taste, Kidnapping, On-page forced sex by MMC, Non-consensual anal play, Toy play, Graphic sex, Parental murder, Domestic violence, Off-page mutilation of eyes, On-page viewing of said eyes, Cutting FMC open and digging fingers in the wound, etc. Novel is NOT intended for readers under the age of 18.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
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March 31, 2025
First off: This review is not a positive one, it's not even constructive criticism, it's just criticism and me being a little mean about the story, so if you are the author, please, please, please, I beg of you, don't read this. This review is not meant for you in any way shape or form. Your work has value and many people enjoy it. You deserve the praise and to continue to write with joy.
I got this as an ARC, so thank you to Alysa Milani and Luna Literary for it.
As you read this review you’ll see it goes over probably all of the book, that’s because I was so baffled I had to write while I was reading. Take this as a live reaction, a stream of consciousness if you will, and enjoy the wild fucking ride because if I had to read the book, the least you could do is suffer through this review to honor my sacrifice (lol).
I was a little confused by the whole omega thing because in some review I read it was omegaverse, but nope. Just a fucked up fraternity. I liked the darker tones, the academia vibe, even the university setting was intriguing.
“This woman will be the death of me, she'll have me crawling on my hands and knees to her.”
Graham was down bad from the moment he saw her. Not even talked to her, just saw her in the library. But he was giving me whiplash. One chapter he is all soft and understanding, then he is all like “no more soft I’m going to be firm like the Anderson men are”, and not three pages later he’s all like “never will I hurt her” pick a struggle my guy. I also wanted Graham to be more “equality for Lakelyn”, like put the tracker in your own phone too, let her have the same privileges over you as you do over her… And then she keeps quiet about two guys that practically assaulted just because? Like there was no reason but not wanting to speak to Graham. Brother, if you are stuck in this life and they hand you a curving guy that’s so into you he won’t even cheat why the fuck would you act like a bitch and make things 10 times harder for you and him? For fucks sake. Her reasons where, and I quote “I’m paranoid about being anywhere alone because of Sam, yet too proud to speak to Graham about it” HUH?!? And then she lumps the two guys that assaulted her with Graham, even when he TOO was forced into the life and the arrangement? Not to mention she goes to a BDSM party with no panties that the last guy that assaulted her told her to go to if she wanted to have a repeat of what happened. FUCKING STUPID BITCH.
And her supposed friend? Mai? What a wonderful person (full fucking sarcasm) I would rather die than sleep in the same room as people having sex, even less have people in the room while I’m having sex. But does Mai care? No, she fucks assholes while Lakelyn is in the bed next to her. Also, Lakelyn never says “pls stop doing that” to Mai, which is fucking stupid because if your roommate is annoying you you say it but apparently not Lakelyn.
And Lakelyn was also confusing as fuck. Hot and cold, wanting Graham but not, running away to a place she ran away from, fighting something she knows its inevitable instead of communicating with Graham, who was so far open to sharing and understanding. She was annoying the fuck out of me. And then she goes on a “date” with this random guy out of nowhere? What the fuck? This book was a little all over the place. Her mood swings were fucking unnecessary. I started to dislike her by chapter 13 and it kept going downhill.
I was also disappointed that the twin hit Ash, but that has nothing to do with Graham.
The pacing was a bit off, and some language was icky. It was like some sentences were added later and didn’t match the same tone as the rest. The inconsistencies with the characters were the worst part, how Graham was sweet and then mean and then sweet and nervous again was disconcerting and it made the story convoluted and messy, and it wasn’t just Graham, it happened with Lakelyn as well, she’d go from open to being with Graham to ignoring him and back to having feelings for Graham and accepting the life.
But, and I don’t even know how, I was engaged and I wanted to know what was going to happen later. Maybe I just wanted to get to the spice, what with both being virgins and all that, but the plot also started to pick up around the 37% and I found myself wanting to know more. It was like watching trashy reality TV, entertaining but not educating.
Now, what you’ve read until here was me talking about the first 40% of the book. Now the rest.
Mf Graham was like a double personality type, once he couldn’t stand the Omega but suddenly he’s all in. It gave me whiplash AGAIN and made me dislike him, even more dislike when he kept going on with the “keep the legacy alive” bullshit about getting her pregnant. He was pissing me off with his “I did this for her so she better act right” brother, you took her virginity and then turned into one of the men she’s been scared of her whole life, one of the men she’s been trying to run from HER WHOLE LIFE. I don’t care how annoying she was before, she had all the right to be mad and act cold towards you because you turned into a dominating asshole.
And the supernatural aspect? Is this an omegaverse thing or not? Again confusion.
Oh and the anger episodes he has? He IS like his father, I don’t care how much he tries not to be. What guy who just promised not to hurt her and for her to be the priority would punish her because a guy is stalking her BECAUSE OF HIM. Lakelyn is innocent in all that game and still got his anger. She deserves better than what Graham was doing. He should be ashamed of himself and fucking grovel because he made her bleed and took her by force. I don’t give a single fuck about the tracker on his neck. He discharged his anger about Sam on Lakelyn and then thinks putting the tracker on himself too is enough? FUCK NO!
I went from feeling annoyed by Lakelyn to pity for her and her situation. The fact that at one point I was rooting for her to get with Graham makes me ashamed of myself. This motherfucker has the same behaviors as an abuser, hurting her then apologizing then hurting her again. He says he wants to be better and not five pages later he’s TELLING her she’ll have his babies to please the lord. What a fucking asshole. In my eyes, very little can come back from that.
It felt like shots of a life, like scenes kept getting added to show you how bad the omegas were, to justify that Graham was like that for a reason. To make what Lakelyn was going through somehow better because Graham was intervening in her benefit, saying things like “they dumbed it down for you because I asked” well if it wasn’t because of you she wouldn’t have Sam stalking and assaulting her so idgaf homey. And ONLY NOW Graham starts telling her what Sam has to do with him. NOW after he already assaulted her twice, one of those times with him in the room, where he had a gun and could have shot Sam but instead though “I have something better that will please the lord” I DONG GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THE LORD. If my devoted and obsessed husband, as he says he is, had my almost rapist in front of him with a gun I would hope he’d shoot him!
This book is like a fever dream that keeps on going. I’m not having fun anymore, now I’m just reading because I’ve put time into this and I’ll see it through but fuck me, what a mess.
He kept saying “trust me” to Lakelyn and in the works of the great Bhad Bhabie “I wouldn't tell you what color socks I got on” I wouldn’t trust you with my drink. I wouldn’t trust you in a room full of people.
Probably not relevant but I wouldn’t want to fuck or use the handcuffs installed in the vacation house, because it’s a family vacation house. A hose used by the family…you see what I’m getting at right? I don’t have to spell out the fact that they have been used by his father, his brothers…etc, right??
He then has the audacity to say (while they are having sex) that he’ll punish her, she gets scared because, hello? antecedents?, and he says “I won’t hurt you, baby, you know that.” HUHHHH?? I wish y’all could see my face because WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN SIR?
And he never told her anything until after the fact. He fucking keeps her in the dark then expects her trust. Bullshit comments like “don’t worry your pretty little head about this” mf I’m being stalked and you don’t want me to worry? Are you stupid or just fell as a baby and hit your head? Make it make sense!
The fact that she thinks “when I do this my husband will return” meaning the fucking guy has split personality and his mean and hurtful to her is terrifying to me. Like she has adapted to dealing with her abuser. And yeah, I’m calling him abuser because he did physically hurt her and fuck her when she said no.
AND THEN THE MF THAT ASSAULTED HER is accepted back into the fold, his only punishment for doing that to her is a beating by Graham. But get this, he has to hold Lakelyn down without her bra on to remove a thing from her body, she passes out and he touches her nipple and when he does, Graham threatens him with a blade to the throat and the guy just says “It’s done. I’m done” in a “hands up cause I’m innocent” type of way… How much more casually fucked up can this book get.
By the time page 348 rolled around I was done. I didn’t care about the, honest to god, crazy ass plot that made no sense. Didn’t care about the spice. Didn’t care about the romance. I wanted to DNF but at 80% of the book I invested hours of my life in you best believe it’s getting finished AND I’LL TALK INFORMED SHIT AHOUT IT.
The pregnancy was bound to happen, still sad it did honestly. Lakelyn wanted to be a lawyer, finish college and not have kids just yet. But of course, Graham wanted “his legacy” and all that fucking they did was unprotected. This helps the plot sure, but it makes me incredibly sad for her even if she’s happy about it.
The fact that Lincoln turned out to be a traitor and that Harrison too didn’t even shock me. I was again, read for it to be done.
Gay rights are apparently part of Grahams morals so .005 points for him…
I did appreciate the fact that Lord AND Lady were named. Still don’t understand the “paranormal” aspect that was implied in the deflowering ceremony but oh well. I won’t waste more neurons on it. I’m not reading whatever book comes after this one, not even the epilogue that set it up tempered me. Fuck no.
I’m not mentioning anything about the grammatical errors and typos cause this is an ARC and I accept that it’s hopefully not the final copy.
I got this as an ARC, so thank you to Alysa Milani and Luna Literary for it.
As you read this review you’ll see it goes over probably all of the book, that’s because I was so baffled I had to write while I was reading. Take this as a live reaction, a stream of consciousness if you will, and enjoy the wild fucking ride because if I had to read the book, the least you could do is suffer through this review to honor my sacrifice (lol).
I was a little confused by the whole omega thing because in some review I read it was omegaverse, but nope. Just a fucked up fraternity. I liked the darker tones, the academia vibe, even the university setting was intriguing.
“This woman will be the death of me, she'll have me crawling on my hands and knees to her.”
Graham was down bad from the moment he saw her. Not even talked to her, just saw her in the library. But he was giving me whiplash. One chapter he is all soft and understanding, then he is all like “no more soft I’m going to be firm like the Anderson men are”, and not three pages later he’s all like “never will I hurt her” pick a struggle my guy. I also wanted Graham to be more “equality for Lakelyn”, like put the tracker in your own phone too, let her have the same privileges over you as you do over her… And then she keeps quiet about two guys that practically assaulted just because? Like there was no reason but not wanting to speak to Graham. Brother, if you are stuck in this life and they hand you a curving guy that’s so into you he won’t even cheat why the fuck would you act like a bitch and make things 10 times harder for you and him? For fucks sake. Her reasons where, and I quote “I’m paranoid about being anywhere alone because of Sam, yet too proud to speak to Graham about it” HUH?!? And then she lumps the two guys that assaulted her with Graham, even when he TOO was forced into the life and the arrangement? Not to mention she goes to a BDSM party with no panties that the last guy that assaulted her told her to go to if she wanted to have a repeat of what happened. FUCKING STUPID BITCH.
And her supposed friend? Mai? What a wonderful person (full fucking sarcasm) I would rather die than sleep in the same room as people having sex, even less have people in the room while I’m having sex. But does Mai care? No, she fucks assholes while Lakelyn is in the bed next to her. Also, Lakelyn never says “pls stop doing that” to Mai, which is fucking stupid because if your roommate is annoying you you say it but apparently not Lakelyn.
And Lakelyn was also confusing as fuck. Hot and cold, wanting Graham but not, running away to a place she ran away from, fighting something she knows its inevitable instead of communicating with Graham, who was so far open to sharing and understanding. She was annoying the fuck out of me. And then she goes on a “date” with this random guy out of nowhere? What the fuck? This book was a little all over the place. Her mood swings were fucking unnecessary. I started to dislike her by chapter 13 and it kept going downhill.
I was also disappointed that the twin hit Ash, but that has nothing to do with Graham.
The pacing was a bit off, and some language was icky. It was like some sentences were added later and didn’t match the same tone as the rest. The inconsistencies with the characters were the worst part, how Graham was sweet and then mean and then sweet and nervous again was disconcerting and it made the story convoluted and messy, and it wasn’t just Graham, it happened with Lakelyn as well, she’d go from open to being with Graham to ignoring him and back to having feelings for Graham and accepting the life.
But, and I don’t even know how, I was engaged and I wanted to know what was going to happen later. Maybe I just wanted to get to the spice, what with both being virgins and all that, but the plot also started to pick up around the 37% and I found myself wanting to know more. It was like watching trashy reality TV, entertaining but not educating.
Now, what you’ve read until here was me talking about the first 40% of the book. Now the rest.
Mf Graham was like a double personality type, once he couldn’t stand the Omega but suddenly he’s all in. It gave me whiplash AGAIN and made me dislike him, even more dislike when he kept going on with the “keep the legacy alive” bullshit about getting her pregnant. He was pissing me off with his “I did this for her so she better act right” brother, you took her virginity and then turned into one of the men she’s been scared of her whole life, one of the men she’s been trying to run from HER WHOLE LIFE. I don’t care how annoying she was before, she had all the right to be mad and act cold towards you because you turned into a dominating asshole.
And the supernatural aspect? Is this an omegaverse thing or not? Again confusion.
Oh and the anger episodes he has? He IS like his father, I don’t care how much he tries not to be. What guy who just promised not to hurt her and for her to be the priority would punish her because a guy is stalking her BECAUSE OF HIM. Lakelyn is innocent in all that game and still got his anger. She deserves better than what Graham was doing. He should be ashamed of himself and fucking grovel because he made her bleed and took her by force. I don’t give a single fuck about the tracker on his neck. He discharged his anger about Sam on Lakelyn and then thinks putting the tracker on himself too is enough? FUCK NO!
I went from feeling annoyed by Lakelyn to pity for her and her situation. The fact that at one point I was rooting for her to get with Graham makes me ashamed of myself. This motherfucker has the same behaviors as an abuser, hurting her then apologizing then hurting her again. He says he wants to be better and not five pages later he’s TELLING her she’ll have his babies to please the lord. What a fucking asshole. In my eyes, very little can come back from that.
It felt like shots of a life, like scenes kept getting added to show you how bad the omegas were, to justify that Graham was like that for a reason. To make what Lakelyn was going through somehow better because Graham was intervening in her benefit, saying things like “they dumbed it down for you because I asked” well if it wasn’t because of you she wouldn’t have Sam stalking and assaulting her so idgaf homey. And ONLY NOW Graham starts telling her what Sam has to do with him. NOW after he already assaulted her twice, one of those times with him in the room, where he had a gun and could have shot Sam but instead though “I have something better that will please the lord” I DONG GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THE LORD. If my devoted and obsessed husband, as he says he is, had my almost rapist in front of him with a gun I would hope he’d shoot him!
This book is like a fever dream that keeps on going. I’m not having fun anymore, now I’m just reading because I’ve put time into this and I’ll see it through but fuck me, what a mess.
He kept saying “trust me” to Lakelyn and in the works of the great Bhad Bhabie “I wouldn't tell you what color socks I got on” I wouldn’t trust you with my drink. I wouldn’t trust you in a room full of people.
Probably not relevant but I wouldn’t want to fuck or use the handcuffs installed in the vacation house, because it’s a family vacation house. A hose used by the family…you see what I’m getting at right? I don’t have to spell out the fact that they have been used by his father, his brothers…etc, right??
He then has the audacity to say (while they are having sex) that he’ll punish her, she gets scared because, hello? antecedents?, and he says “I won’t hurt you, baby, you know that.” HUHHHH?? I wish y’all could see my face because WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN SIR?
And he never told her anything until after the fact. He fucking keeps her in the dark then expects her trust. Bullshit comments like “don’t worry your pretty little head about this” mf I’m being stalked and you don’t want me to worry? Are you stupid or just fell as a baby and hit your head? Make it make sense!
The fact that she thinks “when I do this my husband will return” meaning the fucking guy has split personality and his mean and hurtful to her is terrifying to me. Like she has adapted to dealing with her abuser. And yeah, I’m calling him abuser because he did physically hurt her and fuck her when she said no.
AND THEN THE MF THAT ASSAULTED HER is accepted back into the fold, his only punishment for doing that to her is a beating by Graham. But get this, he has to hold Lakelyn down without her bra on to remove a thing from her body, she passes out and he touches her nipple and when he does, Graham threatens him with a blade to the throat and the guy just says “It’s done. I’m done” in a “hands up cause I’m innocent” type of way… How much more casually fucked up can this book get.
By the time page 348 rolled around I was done. I didn’t care about the, honest to god, crazy ass plot that made no sense. Didn’t care about the spice. Didn’t care about the romance. I wanted to DNF but at 80% of the book I invested hours of my life in you best believe it’s getting finished AND I’LL TALK INFORMED SHIT AHOUT IT.
The pregnancy was bound to happen, still sad it did honestly. Lakelyn wanted to be a lawyer, finish college and not have kids just yet. But of course, Graham wanted “his legacy” and all that fucking they did was unprotected. This helps the plot sure, but it makes me incredibly sad for her even if she’s happy about it.
The fact that Lincoln turned out to be a traitor and that Harrison too didn’t even shock me. I was again, read for it to be done.
Gay rights are apparently part of Grahams morals so .005 points for him…
I did appreciate the fact that Lord AND Lady were named. Still don’t understand the “paranormal” aspect that was implied in the deflowering ceremony but oh well. I won’t waste more neurons on it. I’m not reading whatever book comes after this one, not even the epilogue that set it up tempered me. Fuck no.
I’m not mentioning anything about the grammatical errors and typos cause this is an ARC and I accept that it’s hopefully not the final copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
*ARC READ*
Overall, I don’t think it’s a bad book. If secret societies and power hungry men are your thing then you might enjoy this. This was my first experience with this genre and I just don’t think it is for me.
I’m not gonna lie, I actually loved the first part of this book. I enjoyed the secret society, the fated mates, the MCs and the spice.
The 30% of this book lost me. There was so much happening that I couldn’t keep track and honestly I’m not even sure what they were trying to get out of it. It left me with so many questions as to what will happen next in the series. I can’t tell if the ending was too rushed or if I just don’t have the mental capacity to understand it lol.
Overall, I don’t think it’s a bad book. If secret societies and power hungry men are your thing then you might enjoy this. This was my first experience with this genre and I just don’t think it is for me.
I’m not gonna lie, I actually loved the first part of this book. I enjoyed the secret society, the fated mates, the MCs and the spice.
The 30% of this book lost me. There was so much happening that I couldn’t keep track and honestly I’m not even sure what they were trying to get out of it. It left me with so many questions as to what will happen next in the series. I can’t tell if the ending was too rushed or if I just don’t have the mental capacity to understand it lol.
March 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (almost hit a 4)
Tropes:
Omegaverse
Dark Romance
Fated Mates
Arranged Marriage
Elite University
Exclusive Fraternity
Secrets
Curvy and Badass FMC
Insta-love
Push and Pull
Abstinence. Loyalty. Devotion.
My first tiptoe in the omegaverse, honestly enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Omegaverse is one of the few genres I haven't read any of since I started my book review and bookstagrammer journey lol.
I loved the emotional struggle between both characters. Neither want to be part of this Omega cult and what's expected of them, but they have both been so brainwashed to accept and act in the Omega way so together they are working to heal each other and try to change and accept it. I didn't expect this book to hit so deep, pun intended.
The entire last half of the book is just so jam-packed and action filled that I was literally reading faster than my eyes could keep up!! So many twists and surprises and oh my goodness the spice!! Graham and Lakelyn are virgins at the beginning of the story and by the end they were even making me blush!! 🤣🤣
Highly suggest if you are looking for a fast paced, spice filled hidden action story with surprise twists, hidden identities, Insta-Love Fated Mates and all the attitude and banter you could ask for.
Quotes:
"This woman will be the death of me, she’ll have me crawling on my hands and knees to her."
"Everything inside me is telling me to run.
But my heart, well, she’s a crazy bitch who’s telling me to see where this goes."
"Tell me You Love Me." "I Love you." "Scream it!"
"I didn’t believe it at first, but now, I finally see what he saw when he was around me.
A future far greater than this society. Far larger than our titles, and far beyond anything eternal."
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (almost hit a 4)
Tropes:
Omegaverse
Dark Romance
Fated Mates
Arranged Marriage
Elite University
Exclusive Fraternity
Secrets
Curvy and Badass FMC
Insta-love
Push and Pull
Abstinence. Loyalty. Devotion.
My first tiptoe in the omegaverse, honestly enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Omegaverse is one of the few genres I haven't read any of since I started my book review and bookstagrammer journey lol.
I loved the emotional struggle between both characters. Neither want to be part of this Omega cult and what's expected of them, but they have both been so brainwashed to accept and act in the Omega way so together they are working to heal each other and try to change and accept it. I didn't expect this book to hit so deep, pun intended.
The entire last half of the book is just so jam-packed and action filled that I was literally reading faster than my eyes could keep up!! So many twists and surprises and oh my goodness the spice!! Graham and Lakelyn are virgins at the beginning of the story and by the end they were even making me blush!! 🤣🤣
Highly suggest if you are looking for a fast paced, spice filled hidden action story with surprise twists, hidden identities, Insta-Love Fated Mates and all the attitude and banter you could ask for.
Quotes:
"This woman will be the death of me, she’ll have me crawling on my hands and knees to her."
"Everything inside me is telling me to run.
But my heart, well, she’s a crazy bitch who’s telling me to see where this goes."
"Tell me You Love Me." "I Love you." "Scream it!"
"I didn’t believe it at first, but now, I finally see what he saw when he was around me.
A future far greater than this society. Far larger than our titles, and far beyond anything eternal."
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This book was a wild ride! There were times when I hated Graham, times I felt bad for Graham, and times I loved Graham. I am sure that that was the author‘s intention, and it came across successfully. I think ultimately when it comes to Graham’s story, he doesn���t know how to be a partner in a relationship because of the screwed up life he had. Which is why well, maybe I hated him at times, the hatred didn’t last for very long.
Laken is this beautiful, curvy, independent woman. However, she’s been the throne into a situation that will only end in her death or injury if she does not comply. Even given this information she still fights back and attempts to stand up for what is right. I give her a lot of credit for this.
I think it is safe to say that a majority of the other characters in the book caused my emotions to go on this huge roller coaster ride. One minute you have an enemy, that enemy does something to gain your trust, and the next chapter that enemy is being considered a possible threat again. There were numerous times that I was considering my own gut feelings. Like how could I trust any of the characters in this book even the main characters? I truly enjoy when that happens in a book. I think it gives it a whole extra level to everything else that is happening in the storyline.
This book was enjoyable, but I’d be remiss. If I did not remind anyone considering reading the book to double check the triggers before starting. I do not tend to have an issue with any possible trigger, but there were times for this one was getting close to being uncomfortable. Remember your mental health is more important.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This book was a wild ride! There were times when I hated Graham, times I felt bad for Graham, and times I loved Graham. I am sure that that was the author‘s intention, and it came across successfully. I think ultimately when it comes to Graham’s story, he doesn���t know how to be a partner in a relationship because of the screwed up life he had. Which is why well, maybe I hated him at times, the hatred didn’t last for very long.
Laken is this beautiful, curvy, independent woman. However, she’s been the throne into a situation that will only end in her death or injury if she does not comply. Even given this information she still fights back and attempts to stand up for what is right. I give her a lot of credit for this.
I think it is safe to say that a majority of the other characters in the book caused my emotions to go on this huge roller coaster ride. One minute you have an enemy, that enemy does something to gain your trust, and the next chapter that enemy is being considered a possible threat again. There were numerous times that I was considering my own gut feelings. Like how could I trust any of the characters in this book even the main characters? I truly enjoy when that happens in a book. I think it gives it a whole extra level to everything else that is happening in the storyline.
This book was enjoyable, but I’d be remiss. If I did not remind anyone considering reading the book to double check the triggers before starting. I do not tend to have an issue with any possible trigger, but there were times for this one was getting close to being uncomfortable. Remember your mental health is more important.
April 1, 2025
For me, there were a lot of issues with this story, I think the bones of it were good, it just wasn’t put together right, but I’m going to put my main issues here:
I’m started off a bit confused, was it set in the future? Hover crafts and mobile contact lenses?
The initial few chapters reminded me of The Ritual - not quite as dark/smutty from the offset, but similar vibes with the dark academia, secret society, choosing of mates blah blah.
Issue with some language ‘big fucking melons’, ‘woe is me a curvy girl’, at time she speaks as if she’s accepted the life and accepts what is going to happen then states she’s the ‘only one’ who will stand up against it. Some of the language feels misogynistic also, but that’s just Grahams split personality talking I guess.
Why does he want her to fear him? Also two mentions of drugging her for the ceremony?!
Massive miscommunication issues - both are deemed to have the same morals/ideas about the society but never communicate this, or he changes his mind every 5 minutes.
No one is allowed to cheat or they’ll die, yet EVERYONE is cheating? The lord would punish them if he found out they had sex yet his sister is pregnant by someone else’s child and the lord doesn’t know?
Overall, i don’t think the characters were refined enough, their inner battles were just causing whiplash personality issues, everyone sucks, the plot twist was alright.
Another check through editing - grammar and formatting mistakes. Thank you to Luna and the author for allowing me to be an ARC reviewer, I’m glad others enjoyed this, it just wasn’t for me!
I’m started off a bit confused, was it set in the future? Hover crafts and mobile contact lenses?
The initial few chapters reminded me of The Ritual - not quite as dark/smutty from the offset, but similar vibes with the dark academia, secret society, choosing of mates blah blah.
Issue with some language ‘big fucking melons’, ‘woe is me a curvy girl’, at time she speaks as if she’s accepted the life and accepts what is going to happen then states she’s the ‘only one’ who will stand up against it. Some of the language feels misogynistic also, but that’s just Grahams split personality talking I guess.
Why does he want her to fear him? Also two mentions of drugging her for the ceremony?!
Massive miscommunication issues - both are deemed to have the same morals/ideas about the society but never communicate this, or he changes his mind every 5 minutes.
No one is allowed to cheat or they’ll die, yet EVERYONE is cheating? The lord would punish them if he found out they had sex yet his sister is pregnant by someone else’s child and the lord doesn’t know?
Overall, i don’t think the characters were refined enough, their inner battles were just causing whiplash personality issues, everyone sucks, the plot twist was alright.
Another check through editing - grammar and formatting mistakes. Thank you to Luna and the author for allowing me to be an ARC reviewer, I’m glad others enjoyed this, it just wasn’t for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
ARC REVIEW
The Chosen Secret gave me a lot of mixed emotions as a reader. I liked the darker themes in the book, but there were just a lot of unanswered questions about certain parts of the story that either were rushed or not explained well enough. The beginning of the story sets up the reader headstrong into a secret society that's very much a cult and their views. Graham is born into this cult as an Omega which is a high ranking in their society and he wants nothing to do with it. We are also introduced to Lakelyn who's family is also involved in this society and she too, wants nothing to do with it. Both of the MC's are unexpectedly introduced to each other (or so they think) at Lexon University, but it is quickly discovered that they are to be married (arranged by their own fathers). This definitely where both Lakelyn and Graham split off in their mindsets about the cult. Lakelyn wants to find love the old fashioned way even though there is definite chemistry between her and Graham. She is put into a position to either accept this marriage or face the punishment from the "Lord" which puts her through a lot of mental, emotional, and sometimes physical abuse. On the other hand, it's like a switch is turned on in Graham and he wants to become a leader in this society, but be nothing like his father. He is very bipolar in his behavior towards Lakelyn, struggling to unlearn everything he was taught by his father.
Throughout the story, both Graham and Lakelyn go through a rollercoaster of emotions, mental abuse and sometimes physical abuse from the secret society. There is also a betrayal in the secret society which is another point in this whirlwind plot which adds to the story, but also leaves you with questions. I cannot tell if this book is suppose to end with a cliffhanger or not. The ending felt a little rushed and left the reader asking question of how we got to the end.
Overall, I really liked how the MCs, Lakelyn and Graham, had so much internal and external turmoil to deal with. Plus the setting of a dark academy just added to the suspense and overall mood of the book.
The Chosen Secret gave me a lot of mixed emotions as a reader. I liked the darker themes in the book, but there were just a lot of unanswered questions about certain parts of the story that either were rushed or not explained well enough. The beginning of the story sets up the reader headstrong into a secret society that's very much a cult and their views. Graham is born into this cult as an Omega which is a high ranking in their society and he wants nothing to do with it. We are also introduced to Lakelyn who's family is also involved in this society and she too, wants nothing to do with it. Both of the MC's are unexpectedly introduced to each other (or so they think) at Lexon University, but it is quickly discovered that they are to be married (arranged by their own fathers). This definitely where both Lakelyn and Graham split off in their mindsets about the cult. Lakelyn wants to find love the old fashioned way even though there is definite chemistry between her and Graham. She is put into a position to either accept this marriage or face the punishment from the "Lord" which puts her through a lot of mental, emotional, and sometimes physical abuse. On the other hand, it's like a switch is turned on in Graham and he wants to become a leader in this society, but be nothing like his father. He is very bipolar in his behavior towards Lakelyn, struggling to unlearn everything he was taught by his father.
Throughout the story, both Graham and Lakelyn go through a rollercoaster of emotions, mental abuse and sometimes physical abuse from the secret society. There is also a betrayal in the secret society which is another point in this whirlwind plot which adds to the story, but also leaves you with questions. I cannot tell if this book is suppose to end with a cliffhanger or not. The ending felt a little rushed and left the reader asking question of how we got to the end.
Overall, I really liked how the MCs, Lakelyn and Graham, had so much internal and external turmoil to deal with. Plus the setting of a dark academy just added to the suspense and overall mood of the book.
March 31, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
“𝓘 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝔀 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓮. 𝓐 𝓯𝓾𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓽𝔂. 𝓕𝓪𝓻 𝓵𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼…𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵…”
Wow…this book combined SO MANY of my favorite elements. Secret society…✅ Omegaverse…✅ Arranged Marriage…✅ Fated Mates…✅ and SO MUCH MORE!!!
Graham and Lakelyn are born into secret society, which is really a cult, as Omegas. But, neither one of them has any interest in being a part of it or its traditions. They fight back against the rules and expectations which garner them abuse and punishment from the leaders.
All members of the society get sent to an elite university where they are bound to find their “mate”. Both Graham and Lakelyn have always wanted to find love the traditional way, even though that’s not how it’s done for them. When Graham first sees Lakelyn he’s instantly drawn to her , and the same for Lakelyn. Before they know what’s happening , they are put into an arranged marriage by both of their fathers. Graham, still not wanting to fully immerse himself in the society does start to comply and with his feelings for Lakelyn, falls into line. Wanting to become a leader but one that is very different from his father. Lakelyn however fights back. Causing her lots of abuse from the “Lord”.
Lakelyn and Graham go through some really emotionally taxing and hard times. They struggle with their true feelings for each other while also trying to fight back against their indoctrination from the society. Their emotions and attitudes are all over the place. And to make things more complicated there is a lot of betrayal and secrets uncovered along the way.
The spice in this was HOT! Bot MCs are virgins at the beginning but trust me…they light the pages on FIRE!!
This book was really really good. I hope there’s more to this book and we get to learn more about this society, Lakelyn and Graham❤️
🐺Dark College Romance
🐺Secret Society
🐺Omegaverse
🐺Fated Mates
🐺Arranged Marriage
🐺Elite University
🐺Virgin MC’s
🐺Insta Love
🐺Curvy/Bad A FMC
🐺Secrets
🐺Exclusive Fraternity
🐺Toy Play
🐺”She’s MINE”
🐺Push and Pull
🐺ALL the Triggers
🐺”I’m Your GOD”
“𝓘 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝔀 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓮. 𝓐 𝓯𝓾𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓽𝔂. 𝓕𝓪𝓻 𝓵𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼…𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓪𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵…”
Wow…this book combined SO MANY of my favorite elements. Secret society…✅ Omegaverse…✅ Arranged Marriage…✅ Fated Mates…✅ and SO MUCH MORE!!!
Graham and Lakelyn are born into secret society, which is really a cult, as Omegas. But, neither one of them has any interest in being a part of it or its traditions. They fight back against the rules and expectations which garner them abuse and punishment from the leaders.
All members of the society get sent to an elite university where they are bound to find their “mate”. Both Graham and Lakelyn have always wanted to find love the traditional way, even though that’s not how it’s done for them. When Graham first sees Lakelyn he’s instantly drawn to her , and the same for Lakelyn. Before they know what’s happening , they are put into an arranged marriage by both of their fathers. Graham, still not wanting to fully immerse himself in the society does start to comply and with his feelings for Lakelyn, falls into line. Wanting to become a leader but one that is very different from his father. Lakelyn however fights back. Causing her lots of abuse from the “Lord”.
Lakelyn and Graham go through some really emotionally taxing and hard times. They struggle with their true feelings for each other while also trying to fight back against their indoctrination from the society. Their emotions and attitudes are all over the place. And to make things more complicated there is a lot of betrayal and secrets uncovered along the way.
The spice in this was HOT! Bot MCs are virgins at the beginning but trust me…they light the pages on FIRE!!
This book was really really good. I hope there’s more to this book and we get to learn more about this society, Lakelyn and Graham❤️
🐺Dark College Romance
🐺Secret Society
🐺Omegaverse
🐺Fated Mates
🐺Arranged Marriage
🐺Elite University
🐺Virgin MC’s
🐺Insta Love
🐺Curvy/Bad A FMC
🐺Secrets
🐺Exclusive Fraternity
🐺Toy Play
🐺”She’s MINE”
🐺Push and Pull
🐺ALL the Triggers
🐺”I’m Your GOD”
March 14, 2025
So the beginning of this book was a solid 3.5⭐️ The MMC was nothing but sweet and understanding towards the FMC, while she was rude and combative towards him because of a situation that was out of both of their control. They both didn’t want to be a part of the society nor were either of them thrilled at an arranged marriage, but the FMC was borderline reckless knowing the consequences of her actions and was really just trying to trade one situation for the same thing but she was in “control” of her choice. And then wanted to act surprised when the MMC started changing his attitude towards her, she was really wishy-washy towards the MMC most of the book even when she did decide to “accept things”. The last 55-60% of the book is what brought it to a 4⭐️for me, when I got hooked into the storyline because we started getting more answers, there were more secrets coming to light, the pacing was faster and there was more action being taken. I feel like this would be a good starter book for those wanting to tiptoe into dark academia romance with secret societies, while there are dark elements in this one I don’t feel it was as heavy as a read as some others. I do think it might need another edit run through because there were some minor things that wouldn’t make sense but doesn’t take away from the overall story.
March 21, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
There are some books that are not made for us. To me, this book is one of them. I can’t say I hated it, but I can’t say I loved it either.
My feelings about this book were very mixed. At first I felt it wasn’t for me. Then, about a third of the way through, I thought maybe my first impression wasn’t the right one—that’s happened to me with other books I’ve ended up loving. So I was a bit hopeful that I’d finally be able to get into the story, but my hopes were quickly dashed as I read on.
Obviously, I was aware of the TWs before I read the book, some of which I would probably dislike, but not to the point where I wouldn’t start reading. If there were indeed a few moments where I cringed, I couldn’t pretend I didn’t know about them, so I didn’t judge the book on that. No, what really made it difficult for me to get into this book was the fact that I found the story totally disjointed. It felt like a bunch of ideas were thrown together in a shaker to make a somewhat indigestible mixture.
Of course, this is just my opinion and it will differ from someone else’s, but I really wasn’t swept away by The Chosen Secret.
Thanks to Alyssa Milani and Luna Literary Management for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC of The Chosen Secret. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.
There are some books that are not made for us. To me, this book is one of them. I can’t say I hated it, but I can’t say I loved it either.
My feelings about this book were very mixed. At first I felt it wasn’t for me. Then, about a third of the way through, I thought maybe my first impression wasn’t the right one—that’s happened to me with other books I’ve ended up loving. So I was a bit hopeful that I’d finally be able to get into the story, but my hopes were quickly dashed as I read on.
Obviously, I was aware of the TWs before I read the book, some of which I would probably dislike, but not to the point where I wouldn’t start reading. If there were indeed a few moments where I cringed, I couldn’t pretend I didn’t know about them, so I didn’t judge the book on that. No, what really made it difficult for me to get into this book was the fact that I found the story totally disjointed. It felt like a bunch of ideas were thrown together in a shaker to make a somewhat indigestible mixture.
Of course, this is just my opinion and it will differ from someone else’s, but I really wasn’t swept away by The Chosen Secret.
Thanks to Alyssa Milani and Luna Literary Management for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC of The Chosen Secret. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.
March 24, 2025
Status. Power and loyalty
Loved the characters Alyssa created and how their emotional state struggled, but worked through it. Very action packed with a lot of twists, the story. Flowed very well was spicy slow burn ro mance and if your a fan of dark romance you got to read this!
You will meet Lakelyn Sloane who is a very strong independent who was not gonna allow any man tell her how to live her life. But her father has other ideas and has made her part of Omega secret society.
Then there is Graham Anderson who is born and raised to save the world, and is part of the Elite secret society called Omega, not because he wants to be, but it's in his bloodline.
A very dark college romance, that is very fast paced with a lot of twists and turns . Lakelyn's father wanting to arrange her marriage through Omega, and if she don't do what he says she could die, however she still fights for herself and has Graham helping her.
I highly recommend you read the trigger warnings before you read, this book will push those very much.
#Dark Romance
#Arranged Marriage
#Secrets
#exclusive fraternity
Loved the characters Alyssa created and how their emotional state struggled, but worked through it. Very action packed with a lot of twists, the story. Flowed very well was spicy slow burn ro mance and if your a fan of dark romance you got to read this!
You will meet Lakelyn Sloane who is a very strong independent who was not gonna allow any man tell her how to live her life. But her father has other ideas and has made her part of Omega secret society.
Then there is Graham Anderson who is born and raised to save the world, and is part of the Elite secret society called Omega, not because he wants to be, but it's in his bloodline.
A very dark college romance, that is very fast paced with a lot of twists and turns . Lakelyn's father wanting to arrange her marriage through Omega, and if she don't do what he says she could die, however she still fights for herself and has Graham helping her.
I highly recommend you read the trigger warnings before you read, this book will push those very much.
#Dark Romance
#Arranged Marriage
#Secrets
#exclusive fraternity
April 15, 2025
This was an absolute phenomenonal ARC read I've done thus far .
This book is definitely not for everyone but if your into dark romance, secret societies and power hungry men then this book should definitely be on your TBR.
The story kept me engaged and wanted more.The plot twists really made this book something else entirely. I loved how the book was told from both MMC and FMC's point of view.
Your going to go through so many emotions reading this book but it's definitely worth it . At some point things are going to get confusing and slightly annoying because the FMC and MMC do get frustrating ( which is not necessarily a bad thing since it's told from each person's pov you get insight into both characters and therefore get frustrated based on each side of the character). The terminology in this book will resonate with alot of werewolf readers however make no mistakes this book is not based on werewolves at all .
I absolutely recommend this book and as an added bonus the Spice level is quite high given the fact that one of the troops in this book is BDSM.
This book is definitely not for everyone but if your into dark romance, secret societies and power hungry men then this book should definitely be on your TBR.
The story kept me engaged and wanted more.The plot twists really made this book something else entirely. I loved how the book was told from both MMC and FMC's point of view.
Your going to go through so many emotions reading this book but it's definitely worth it . At some point things are going to get confusing and slightly annoying because the FMC and MMC do get frustrating ( which is not necessarily a bad thing since it's told from each person's pov you get insight into both characters and therefore get frustrated based on each side of the character). The terminology in this book will resonate with alot of werewolf readers however make no mistakes this book is not based on werewolves at all .
I absolutely recommend this book and as an added bonus the Spice level is quite high given the fact that one of the troops in this book is BDSM.
April 8, 2025
A world filled with secret societies, sacrifices, and cruel rulers does not seem like an ideal place for romance. But in “The chosen secret” Alyssa Milani shows that love can form even in the harshest conditions.The way Milani crafted this world makes you feel like you are watching a suspense film. I love the lore she wove into the history of the Omegas and it tied in perfectly with Lakelyn and Graham's love story. Despite the world being perfectly crafted I felt like the crafting of the individual characters could have been handled with more care. I felt like Lakelyn in particular did not have a consistent characterization. From being characterized as plus size for the first half of the book , only for her to be midsized; to being described as free spirited instead of outspoken. While the end provided a wonderful twist, I felt like because of the length of the book, the payoff was not as great. I hope Milani continues to explore this world further.
March 12, 2025
I loved this book , but highly recommend you read the trigger warnings before reading. This book is dark and has graphic scenes not for anyone under 18.
The chosen secret it wrote in the view point of a mmc (graham) and a fmc ( lakelyn). They both are apart of a group called Omegas where their mates will be chosen for them. Before they knew who there mates were graham caught sight of her and immediately fell in love with her. They have a love/hate relationship because they both want to change the system they live in. They both also have past traumas that make it hard for either of them to trust . Through out the story lakelyn is being hunted by the dred who wants to hurt her and take her from graham.
This book will definitely hook you, with the amazing way both main characters give and take to not only learn to trust each other but change the world they live in.
The chosen secret it wrote in the view point of a mmc (graham) and a fmc ( lakelyn). They both are apart of a group called Omegas where their mates will be chosen for them. Before they knew who there mates were graham caught sight of her and immediately fell in love with her. They have a love/hate relationship because they both want to change the system they live in. They both also have past traumas that make it hard for either of them to trust . Through out the story lakelyn is being hunted by the dred who wants to hurt her and take her from graham.
This book will definitely hook you, with the amazing way both main characters give and take to not only learn to trust each other but change the world they live in.
March 21, 2025
I have sat with this book for a few days to try and figure out my thoughts with this book. However I’m not entirely sure that the extra days have done a lot for me.
This follows a secret society (almost cult) who are set up for arranged marriages prior to ascending to their full position within the society. Graham has been a part of this society since he was 16. Initially he was uninterested in having a “fated” (arranged wife), then he saw Lakelyn in the lobby of the library and everything changed. Eventually they both figure out that they have been arranged. Naturally Graham is thrilled. Lakelyn not so much.
There is so much that happens throughout the entire story. Twists and turns and suspense galore. So much so that I can’t tell you more about the story without spoiling them all. I am not sure whether or not this was a cliffhanger book or not. I could see the story being left a little open at the end of this one but I can also see it as the start to a series. There is still a lot to uncover will this secret society.
If there is more to uncover in this universe by the author, I will definitely be looking forward to reading all about it.
This follows a secret society (almost cult) who are set up for arranged marriages prior to ascending to their full position within the society. Graham has been a part of this society since he was 16. Initially he was uninterested in having a “fated” (arranged wife), then he saw Lakelyn in the lobby of the library and everything changed. Eventually they both figure out that they have been arranged. Naturally Graham is thrilled. Lakelyn not so much.
There is so much that happens throughout the entire story. Twists and turns and suspense galore. So much so that I can’t tell you more about the story without spoiling them all. I am not sure whether or not this was a cliffhanger book or not. I could see the story being left a little open at the end of this one but I can also see it as the start to a series. There is still a lot to uncover will this secret society.
If there is more to uncover in this universe by the author, I will definitely be looking forward to reading all about it.
March 21, 2025
Lakelyn and Graham may have both been born into the Omegas, but neither want this life.
They don't want to marry for money or power they want to marry for love. The Omegas, however, have other plans for them. They have deemed them as fated mates. As the lies and betrayal start to come to light will this couple have enough love and trust in one another to overcome it all, or will the Omega's win this battle? A battle to the death it will become
.
Alyssa wrote a twisted take on this Dark Secret Society Romance genre. It has so many lies, secrets and deceits it pulls you into the pages guessing what happens next. You will start speed reading simply cause you need to have the answers, like yesterday!!!!
I highly recommend if you love Secret Society Romance as much I do that you read this as soon as it comes out
As always check the triggers. But sooooooo worth reading
They don't want to marry for money or power they want to marry for love. The Omegas, however, have other plans for them. They have deemed them as fated mates. As the lies and betrayal start to come to light will this couple have enough love and trust in one another to overcome it all, or will the Omega's win this battle? A battle to the death it will become
.
Alyssa wrote a twisted take on this Dark Secret Society Romance genre. It has so many lies, secrets and deceits it pulls you into the pages guessing what happens next. You will start speed reading simply cause you need to have the answers, like yesterday!!!!
I highly recommend if you love Secret Society Romance as much I do that you read this as soon as it comes out
As always check the triggers. But sooooooo worth reading
March 16, 2025
Thank you to Luna Literary and Alyssa Milani for this ARC!!!
Please be mindful of the triggers as this is for readers over 18 and contains graphic scenes and hits on trauma in all forms.
I am quite speechless right now after getting to the end of this book and it didn’t go AT ALL like I was expecting and I mean that in a good way. I was hooked from the very beginning and my heart was hurting for both of our main characters as they had been through so much hurt and trauma and were doing their best to get out of it. As dark as this book was, the love story was adorable, and the spice and overall plot were blended perfectly.
This one is definitely for the dark romance girls. I can’t wait to read more books from this author!
Please be mindful of the triggers as this is for readers over 18 and contains graphic scenes and hits on trauma in all forms.
I am quite speechless right now after getting to the end of this book and it didn’t go AT ALL like I was expecting and I mean that in a good way. I was hooked from the very beginning and my heart was hurting for both of our main characters as they had been through so much hurt and trauma and were doing their best to get out of it. As dark as this book was, the love story was adorable, and the spice and overall plot were blended perfectly.
This one is definitely for the dark romance girls. I can’t wait to read more books from this author!
March 16, 2025
Did someone say Secret society?!
Graham and Lakelyn our MCs were raised for this life, but it doesn’t mean they’ve ever wanted it for themselves!
There are so many twists and turns to this story! The author wrote these characters and side characters in a way that made you feel like you knew them! I felt all of the emotions while reading this story.
Graham knew he had to have her when she walked in and Lakelyn felt Graham’s stare before she even saw him!
Spice:🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes:
🥀 Dark Romance
🖤 Fated Mates
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Elite University
🥀 Exclusive Fraternity
🖤 She’s Mine
🥀 Secrets
🖤 Toy Play
🥀 All of the triggers 😜👀
🖤 Curvy and Badass FMC
🥀 Insta-love
🖤 Push and Pull
🥀 “I am your God.”
Graham and Lakelyn our MCs were raised for this life, but it doesn’t mean they’ve ever wanted it for themselves!
There are so many twists and turns to this story! The author wrote these characters and side characters in a way that made you feel like you knew them! I felt all of the emotions while reading this story.
Graham knew he had to have her when she walked in and Lakelyn felt Graham’s stare before she even saw him!
Spice:🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes:
🥀 Dark Romance
🖤 Fated Mates
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Elite University
🥀 Exclusive Fraternity
🖤 She’s Mine
🥀 Secrets
🖤 Toy Play
🥀 All of the triggers 😜👀
🖤 Curvy and Badass FMC
🥀 Insta-love
🖤 Push and Pull
🥀 “I am your God.”
April 1, 2025
“The Chosen Secret,” by Alyssa Milani
What I liked:
-I liked how the top men in the world/organization are also Omega. Omega men are arranged to marriage omega women of wealth and important families. The Omega men act like Alpha men from other omegaverse book. Very unique.
-It was interesting to read a smutty mafia type romance where sex isn’t allowed until marriage.
-Tropes I like; Omegaverse, possessive man, cult/mafia type story, academy/college, etc.
What I didn’t like:
-The alpha type talk got old after a while… it had a lot of I’ll fill her up with my babies, she’ll be a good submissive wife, etc. It just got old after a while because it’s not my thing.
3 out of 5 stars.
-Omegaverse
-Omega X Omega
-Cult/Mafia Academy/ College
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
What I liked:
-I liked how the top men in the world/organization are also Omega. Omega men are arranged to marriage omega women of wealth and important families. The Omega men act like Alpha men from other omegaverse book. Very unique.
-It was interesting to read a smutty mafia type romance where sex isn’t allowed until marriage.
-Tropes I like; Omegaverse, possessive man, cult/mafia type story, academy/college, etc.
What I didn’t like:
-The alpha type talk got old after a while… it had a lot of I’ll fill her up with my babies, she’ll be a good submissive wife, etc. It just got old after a while because it’s not my thing.
3 out of 5 stars.
-Omegaverse
-Omega X Omega
-Cult/Mafia Academy/ College
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
April 4, 2025
This story takes place at Lexon University, so all characters are over 18+. Graham instantly falls for Lakelyn and is determined to win her over. Lakelyn, however, refuses to fall in line as expected of her. And let’s not forget—this story features an arranged marriage trope! Plenty of drama surrounds a secret society, and both main characters face an uphill battle. The book's first half felt a little slow for me, but that might be because I prefer a faster-paced story. The last part, however, was packed with twists and revelations. This is a great starting point for readers new to these tropes. There’s an HEA, and the story is told from both of their perspectives.
🛑Please check out the triggers🛑
🛑Please check out the triggers🛑
March 20, 2025
I’m not sure what I expected when I decided to ARC this book. I have not read this author before and so I didn't know if her writing style would match with me. The story is well written and pulls you in from the very first page. There are twists and turns galore, and you will be kept on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The theme is dark and filled with violence and many times I needed to set it aside but wanted to finish the story. An engaging cult based read where neither Graham nor Lakelyn wanted to be a part of the legacy that they were born into but had no choice other than to submit.
March 25, 2025
4.5 stars 3.5 peppers
- dark college romance
- arranged marriage
- exclusive fraternity/society
- instant attraction
This was such a good, twisty, dark romance.
Graham is born and raised into this Omega society/frat situation. Its dark and twisted and he really wants nothing to do with it but has no choice. All these Omegas go to an Elite University where they will meet their "mate". He has not intention of doing that until he sees Lakelyn one day. Instant attraction. Similar to Graham, Lakelyn wants absolutely nothing to do with this society but they now find themselves being forced into a relationship.
The relationship between the two of them is done so well, there is so much push and pull and even though they are so attracted to each other, they fight it because of the society. The society is full of secrets and backstabbing.
This book is a whole bunch of WTF is happening moments, you can't put it down because you need to know what happens. It definitely is dark though, so read the trigger warnings first. But I absolutely LOVED it
- dark college romance
- arranged marriage
- exclusive fraternity/society
- instant attraction
This was such a good, twisty, dark romance.
Graham is born and raised into this Omega society/frat situation. Its dark and twisted and he really wants nothing to do with it but has no choice. All these Omegas go to an Elite University where they will meet their "mate". He has not intention of doing that until he sees Lakelyn one day. Instant attraction. Similar to Graham, Lakelyn wants absolutely nothing to do with this society but they now find themselves being forced into a relationship.
The relationship between the two of them is done so well, there is so much push and pull and even though they are so attracted to each other, they fight it because of the society. The society is full of secrets and backstabbing.
This book is a whole bunch of WTF is happening moments, you can't put it down because you need to know what happens. It definitely is dark though, so read the trigger warnings first. But I absolutely LOVED it
March 22, 2025
Thank you to Alyssa Milani and Luna Literary for the opportunity for the ARC. These are my own opinions.
This book was my introduction into the omegaverse. Graham and Lakelyn are part of a society that picks out their mates, such as an arranged marriage. They have strict rules to follow. Eventually they are told who their mates are. Both of them are against their families picking out their mates. But Graham was already attracted to her when he saw her. What will happen to their relationship? Will they still fall in love?
This story is very fast paced and suspenseful. Very well written and keeps you on the edge.
This book was my introduction into the omegaverse. Graham and Lakelyn are part of a society that picks out their mates, such as an arranged marriage. They have strict rules to follow. Eventually they are told who their mates are. Both of them are against their families picking out their mates. But Graham was already attracted to her when he saw her. What will happen to their relationship? Will they still fall in love?
This story is very fast paced and suspenseful. Very well written and keeps you on the edge.
April 12, 2025
OH WOW this was an interesting story. It was a page turner and the suspense was insane and intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. With the chaos and danger of lies and pain against all the darkness in this world. The chaos was about to get real and insane and madness. These characters were a challenge as the chemistry between them was captivating and spicy of course of emotions and drama and pain.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t regret reading or be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t regret reading or be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
March 13, 2025
This is my first book by Alyssa Milano, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Chosen Secret is told from dual points of view and is perfect for fans of dark romance. The story revolves around Graham and Lakelyn, two characters involved in a secret society. The society itself has many layers, and I don’t want to spoil too much, but it’s intriguing. The author did a great job blending an engaging storyline with some steamy moments. I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. Overall, I’d definitely read more from this author in the future.
March 15, 2025
ARC Review - 4.5/5
Lakelyn and Graham’s story is truly one-of-a-kind, blending romance, action, and mystery in a way that kept me thoroughly engaged. I adored the slow-burn romance between them—it was a delicious build-up that made their eventual chemistry even more satisfying. Once they finally give in to their attraction, the spice between them was off the charts. The second half of the book was a true page-turner, with twists and turns that kept me guessing where the story would go next. If you're a fan of dark romance, I highly recommend this book, but be sure to check the trigger warnings.
Lakelyn and Graham’s story is truly one-of-a-kind, blending romance, action, and mystery in a way that kept me thoroughly engaged. I adored the slow-burn romance between them—it was a delicious build-up that made their eventual chemistry even more satisfying. Once they finally give in to their attraction, the spice between them was off the charts. The second half of the book was a true page-turner, with twists and turns that kept me guessing where the story would go next. If you're a fan of dark romance, I highly recommend this book, but be sure to check the trigger warnings.
March 18, 2025
WHAT A JUICY SECRET! I did not anticipate that ending! WOW! So many unexpected twists and turns in this book! So good! Does have a bit of violence, and is a bit spicy! So read the trigger warnings!
It hasDark Romance
🖤 Fated Mates
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Elite University
🥀 Exclusive Fraternity
🖤 She’s Mine
🥀 Secrets
🖤 Toy Play
🥀 All of the triggers 😜👀
🖤 Curvy and Badass FMC
🥀 Insta-love
🖤 Push and Pull
🥀 “I am your God.”
It hasDark Romance
🖤 Fated Mates
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Elite University
🥀 Exclusive Fraternity
🖤 She’s Mine
🥀 Secrets
🖤 Toy Play
🥀 All of the triggers 😜👀
🖤 Curvy and Badass FMC
🥀 Insta-love
🖤 Push and Pull
🥀 “I am your God.”
March 21, 2025
I genuinely don’t know what to say right now. But I did absolutely finish this book within 24 hours because it’s so addicting and you don't want to put down the book. As soon as you basically open the book, you get to read how messed up this society is but also it was so detailed that you could imagine everything. It was truly like you could feel their pain, happiness, and betrayal in the book. You will encounter an extremely dark dark romance and an extremely possessive MMC.
March 25, 2025
Arranging Secrets and Marriage
There is so much to unpack with this story secret society, arranged marriage, cult behavior and resistance of emotions. This was an interesting read full of dark triggering moments. While it had kept my attention, the plot was fast paced as well as abrupt in its ending. However, the characters were complex which really added another layer to this read.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
There is so much to unpack with this story secret society, arranged marriage, cult behavior and resistance of emotions. This was an interesting read full of dark triggering moments. While it had kept my attention, the plot was fast paced as well as abrupt in its ending. However, the characters were complex which really added another layer to this read.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
March 25, 2025
“Her beauty and that attitude remind me of why I’d kill for her. No matter the cause.”
My heart hurts from the trauma the characters experienced but I loved reading it. I had the opportunity to receive an arc!
The plot was addicting and I could not put the book down. This is a dark book so read the trigger warnings! Society is effed. The amount of emotions I felt was overwhelming! Highly recommend!
My heart hurts from the trauma the characters experienced but I loved reading it. I had the opportunity to receive an arc!
The plot was addicting and I could not put the book down. This is a dark book so read the trigger warnings! Society is effed. The amount of emotions I felt was overwhelming! Highly recommend!
March 31, 2025
I was new to this author, and the blurb really intrigued me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's a fast-paced story with strong characters and lots of suspense, spice, and twists to keep you engaged.
I did feel like there are some unanswered questions with the story, but if there are more books to come in this universe, I will definitely read.
Please check your triggers before starting, as this will definitely not be for everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's a fast-paced story with strong characters and lots of suspense, spice, and twists to keep you engaged.
I did feel like there are some unanswered questions with the story, but if there are more books to come in this universe, I will definitely read.
Please check your triggers before starting, as this will definitely not be for everyone.
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