Book 2 in the Dark series... if you are new to this series, start with Dark Cravings <3
The worst moment of Micah's life was when Ella nearly died in his arms. Her miraculous recovery should have been the start of their future. Unfortunately, a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency's corruption and Julian, the vampire who turned Ella, are testing their relationship. Despite hotter-than-ever sex and a variety of new places and positions to explore, Micah begins to wonder if a relationship based on lust can survive for more than a few scorching-hot months.
Ella has forgiven, but not forgotten, the fact that Micah once plunged a dagger through her heart. Everything with Micah is passion, excitement and an uncontrollable desire to explore his body in a variety of very satisfying ways. But as buried secrets, ongoing lies and murderous deceptions pile up, Ella is reminded that her and Micah's relationship was based on a curse. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Micah will have to face down their personal demons--and prove that love and trust are more than just words.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora's Cave
Dark Series Reading Order <3 Dark Cravings (#1 Ella/Micah)
<3 Dark Innocence (#1.5 Hannah)
<3 Dark Secrets (#2 Ella/Micah)
<3 Dark Vengeance (#2.5 Castro - release date pending)<3 Dark Promises (#3 Ella/Micah - release date pending)
Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.
This is the second installment of Ella and Micah’s story. I liked it even more than the first one! The story just gets better with each new book and novella.
Dark Secrets is an amazing book. I really enjoyed reading it and I am officially a HUGE Madeline Pryce fan! What I absolutely love about this series is that the story is very intriguing (once you get into it…you can’t put it down), the characters are awesome (alpha male + badass heroine), the writing style is great (even though I would have preferred if there was a bit more dialogue) and the steamy parts are just unbelievably HOT!!!
The story:
Ella and Micah’s relationship is put on the ultimate test. They both are going through a rough patch.
Ella’s life had changed drastically- she is a now the Vampire Queen (she doesn’t want this ‘position’ but she doesn’t have any choice), she feels moody and guilty; she has lost the connection with the mate (Micah) and doesn’t know how to go back to her old self.
“She’d been so out of it lately, moody and emotional—nothing like my girl. Then again, I hadn’t been acting like her man either.”
Micah has found out that his mother is still alive and is held against her will in a hospital where people are using her as a guinea pig. He plans to save her and to kill the person responsible for all his troubles- Richard. He is too afraid to tell Ella what is going on in his head so he keeps his distance from her. He is also more than pissed that his mate has to attend an event with her ex-lover and sire- Julian. But Ella learns his secrets and is more than ready to help him. But it won’t be that easy. Their enemies have a plan how to destroy them. But in order for Ella and Micah to go against them, they both will have to face their personal demons first.
I loved, loved, loved it!!! I seriously enjoyed every word. Ella and Micah are becoming one of my favorite book couples! No matter what happens to them their love never fails. I just can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!
Immediately after reading the first book in this duo-logy (? + novella) I purchased the second & truly I don't regret it. This book invoked some serious reactions from me. It ranged from annoyance (especially with all the me crap the protagonist went through), suspicion, confusion, surprise (Julian really surprised me when he decided to make a bargain with Richard) to anger & on & on. It was equally fast paced as the first & just as complex a plot. I rate this book 4 stars only bc I am not a fan of babies & marriage. I guess i'm just a bit nonconformist when it comes to my fiction... I've yet to read the novella involving Hannah & honestly she's not interesting to me. So I don't foresee me picking that up. However should my suspicions infact not be accurate & my suspected duo-logy be a series I'd likely pick up book 3. If it ends here even with the few loose threads I'm ok with it. It wrapped up rather nicely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was way better than the last book. Now I really want more. I love how much the romance was truly developed and realistic in this one. It was not all based on soulmate bonds, but actual experiences and emotions. Besides that, some moments were seriously fucked up... in a good way? ish? I mean it was fucked up in an interesting, plot-twisty, captivating way. There was messed up shit in that book, but you can't help but turn the pages anyway.
Spoiler alert: Dark Secrets, Book II in the Dark Series, Ella’s story continues.
Dark Secrets is a fast paced, action packed paranormal romance novel.
Ella had worked for The Shadow Agency as a vampire hunter. She had killed without thought.
Vampires and demons – bad. Humans – good.
Since her death by Lizbeth and her full change from human to vampire, her black and white world has gone gray. Her ability to tell the difference between them was growing dimmer. Now I was the enemy and on trial for my life.
I am the Vampire Queen, since I had killed Lizbeth, the Vampire Queen before me. I inherited all she owned. I now rule vampires and werewolves. The prophecy foretold that the vampire queen and demon son would wreak havoc and destruction and so far Micah and I had fulfilled it. We knew what they were really talking about is the child we were supposed to produce.
Ella and Micah had husband and wife difficulties, just like us mortals. She questioned – does he still want me, does he still love me? Vampires and demons are insecure too.
Madeline’s articulate descriptions of the characters allow me to see them in my mind, as if they are standing before me. Her ability to describe the surroundings and action run through my mind as if they are a scene in a movie.
I was pissed when Madeline made Ella a wuss. How can you take a badass hunter/killer and turn her into an insecure, doubting crybaby?
“…your emotions are all over the place, like you swallowed crazy pills or some shit. You aren’t my Ella. My Ella fights, kicks, punches and screams. She doesn’t cry….”
Pretty much covers my question. I guess if I went from a human, with my job hunting and killing vampires, to becoming a vampire queen with superpowers, I might be afraid and confused. Afraid of what I might do. Afraid I couldn’t control myself and my powers. Now she is forced to make a decision. She must act like a queen or step aside.
When Julian made his move – OMG I was blown away. It can’t be. So not what I anticipated. I am in a hurry to find out Micah’s reaction.
Madeline’s writing has me engrossed from page one. The action begins and never ends. My emotions run from happy and laughing to devastated and stunned. Just when I think I know what is coming, she throws a curve ball that makes me shake my head and say, “Well done, Madeline. You got me there.” I love when an author can add that extra something that leaves a lasting impression on me.
I received a Dark Secrets by Madeline Pryce ebook in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Holy fucking shit. Karma – the bitch – had cashed in my meal ticket and tried to send me to hell.
“If this is about leaving the toilet seat up, I’ll stop bitching about it.” “The toilet seat? What? Jesus fucking Christ . I just threw a fireball at you and you’re talking about the crapper?”
Madeline manages to weave some humor in with the dark and violent.
I had a little anxiety before I started this book. I really, really, enjoyed Dark Cravings and I wondered which direction the author would take this story. Book two in a series is a little tricky, especially if it is a sequel to a romance. After all, the hero and heroine are already together. The conflict introduced to separate our pair has to be such that either or both sides are redeemable. We already love them together, what will happen to them to separate their love? I am happy to say that Madeline Pryce delivers and then some.
Ella is struggling with her new role as a vampire queen. Her primal nature is to conquer and control with no regard to blood and death. But her humanity keeps her darker sided balanced. But for how long? What kind of leader will Ella be and will there be room for Micah? Micah is seeking the truth behind a newly revealed family secret. It haunts him and impacts his self-esteem. This journey casts uncertainty to Micah and Ella’s relationship.
The writing is crisp. The tone is both serious and humorous; the pace is quick and intense; the love scenes are erotic. I thought the hospital scene in the original book was hot, but this has one of the most intense shower scenes I can remember reading. It is fiercely passionate and emotional.
I enjoyed the direction the author took this story. She drew me in, took me to a fantastic and satisfying place and then, BAM! She knocked me for a loop. It is a highly entertaining read and I found myself smiling (when I wasn’t gasping in surprise) throughout the entire book.
An ultimately satisfying sequel, Dark Secrets is a perfect companion in this potent PNR series. I would not recommend it as a stand alone, but it is essential as a sequel.
Favorite Quotes Dark-red lines dripped in a horizontal gash on Micah’s cheek, caused most likely by the flying debris, but he didn’t seem to notice. Dirt smudged his bare chest, and pieces of wood tangled in his shaggy golden hair. The shadow inside me—my feral inner vampire—just as much a part of me as my fangs and beating heart, preened at the sight of sweaty, dirty, alpha male. Lethal. Deadly. Demon. Mine. Micah wore nothing except athletic shorts slung low on his hips, his normal attire when we trained together—something we hadn’t been doing much of lately. The stark, crimson lines of our mating tattoos traced his hip, curved down over defined muscles and disappeared beneath the band of his shorts. Water dripped from his hair, plastering the dark strands in clumps to his forehead and nape. Each breath flexed an impressive show of muscle in his chest and abs. Good to know his assassination attempt hadn’t damaged my hormones. I moved my gaze from the trail of hair down his stomach to the hand he held fisted at his side. The flesh smoldered. I looked from his smoking fist to the hole where the wall used to be. I turned back to Micah, used a thumb to gesture behind me. “If this is about leaving the toilet seat up, I’ll stop bitching about it.” “The toilet seat? What?” He shook his head. “Jesus fucking Christ. I just threw a fireball at you and you’re talking about the crapper? Are you okay?” “Redecorating again, I see,” Castro said, his British accent sexafying his words. I glanced at Micah and glared. “He threw a fireball at my head.” Micah scowled at me, the skin around his eyes wrinkling. “On. Accident.”
I loved Ella, I did, but the bond between us was suffocating at times. I couldn’t breathe without her knowing about it. My mother was alive and a part of a breeding program if Castro’s information from two weeks ago was accurate. I was a demon. How could I tell Ella I was a product of rape? She’d never look at me the same. My mother had probably suffered god only knew what so that I could be born. My very existence spoke of pain and violence. I couldn’t wrap my mind around it and I sure as fuck didn’t want to talk about it. So I’d avoided it—avoided her. Mistake. She’d looked at me as if I’d kicked her in the stomach. Newsflash, this crap wasn’t a piece of cake for me either. The last two weeks had been hell. Not touching her, not taking her, not feeling her writhing beneath me while she made those sweet-as-fuck sounds was agony. The longer I went without losing myself inside her, the hotter I burned. Today I’d reached my limit. Fuck. I’d thrown a goddamn fireball at her, watched with horror as she stood there staring death in the face. There’d been a moment, a split-second choice I’d seen in her eyes when she’d decided to succumb to the dark. She’d been so out of it lately, moody and emotional—nothing like my girl. Then again, I hadn’t been acting like her man either.
This book was given in exchange for an honest review. Micah and Ella are at a junction and are torn between love and their duty. They are not sure if it is love or lust, they need to know if it is a true mate bond or something else. They both feel each is keeping secrets. They both need to come to terms with their lives. There are several problems that they need to solve. Shadow Agency trying to bring Ella down, Julian wants Ella for himself, Ella wants to protect Hannah and Hannah does not need Ella to protect her, Will Ella and Micah figure out their relationship in time? Or will Julian and the Shadow Agency destroy them? How will Ella being the Vampire Queen come into play? Reading the story is the only way to find out.
I love Ms. Pryce’s stories, she never disappoints you. This story like her others will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. There is hot, wild, and steam sex. If you can’t handle reading about it then this is not the story for you. The plot is easy to follow; the characters are developing more and more with each story. I am so ready for the next book in the series.
Dark Secrets Book #3 (Dark Series) by Madeline Pryce
Wow wasn’t sure what to expect but let me tell you, from the moment you start this read you are so captivated you totally lose track of time. So make sure when you sit down you have nothing else planned. You Will Not Be Able To Put It Down. Trust me.
The Bond between Ella and Micah was strong or was it, since they didn’t have a choice. Was their bond strictly lust or was there something deeper, to the soul and to the heart. Both these two struggle to keep their dark sides down, but with so much thrown at them is it really possible. When a secret Micah has been holding back from Ella comes to the fore front will this destroy them?
When Castro lets the cat out of the bag regarding Micah’s mother and her whereabouts the crap hits the fan. The look in Ella’s eyes tells Micah how hurt and betrayed she feels. With so many emotions running rampant the situation becomes volatile. With Ella questioning Micah’s faithfulness, the upcoming trial, the coronation dinner Ella has to attend with her Sire and Ex-Lover Julian without Micah, her Uncle Roy having a heart attack and Micah nowhere around to comfort her. And of course Julian’s reminder that he’s there for her and Micah is not. Just seems like everything is coming to a head and explodes out.
When Ella is introduced as the “Queen of the Vampires” on the Arm of Julian (an arrangement agreed upon by Micah to save Ella’s life) the turn of events are unbelievable. Julian made a deal with Richard McGregor (the devil himself LOL) and is given the Laminas Animarum “Blade of Souls” to use on Ella to force her by his side and away from Micah, but it backfires and boy does it ever. While reading the scenes that follow, your emotions are all over the place. When Micah feels the death strike and the bond break between he and Ella you will feel every bit of pain he does.
Does Ella get her soul back? With the bond broken is there still a connection between Micah and Ella? Not telling. Will the prophecy come to fruition? Oh yes and one twist I so didn’t see coming, Julian appears at the trial and what he does (as much as I hated him) was amazing and puts a different light on everything. Madeline did not disappoint where the sex scenes were concerned. OMG the bathroom/shower scene, the various bedroom scenes are passionate and hot. And we can’t forget the devil himself Richard McGregor oh does he so get his. 5* and what’s the title for the next book?
Is it fair of me to compare Dark Secrets with its prequel, Dark Cravings? The first book is only one of three that I have rated with 6 hearts on my blog, All in One Place, and I hoped that I would feel as excited by this installment, but unfortunately, this wasn't the case. Madeline Pryce's writing still flows perfectly and the secrets her paranormal world is hiding are compelling, but the story itself is full of angst, which makes reading drag at times. I was disappointed that there is little character development, apart from in Hannah, who reveals a strong set of new talents. I wanted to see more of the badass Ella I loved in Dark Cravings, but instead she has retreated into a shell and I found the changes which happen to her later in the book disturbing. Although I understand why she acts like such, and I know that it ultimately makes her stronger, I felt some of the scenes Madeline Pryce imagines are unnecessarily shocking. And Micah? My sexy hero is now beyond brooding and even ignoring his mating bond. The information he discovers about his familial background adds another dimension to the plot and the anger Micah experiences because of this, increases the power of his demon side. Because of the nature of Ella and Micah's paranormal genes Madeline Pryce again writes several intense and rule-breaking sex scenes. The couple sees this as a demonstration of their love for one another and my favourite quote from Micah is still "MINE", I was unconvinced, hoping to see their relationship move on. Although I am fully aware that this an EROTIC paranormal romance and sex is a normal part of every relationship, I felt that at least one of the sex scenes was just 'there', serving no actual purpose. I am still really interested in Eli and I think the revelations about him could easily be explored in his own story, showing him controlling his new identity, away from the alcoholic man whore he is now! Dark Secrets is full with paranormal action and new discoveries. Madeline Pryce has a brilliant control over the plot; the reader is always one step ahead of the characters, preempting events because of the dual narration by Ella and Micah. I think in Dark Promises we will witness an explosion of incidents, which leaves me eager to read the series' climax!
UPDATE: Firstly I want to thank Madeline for kindly providing me with a copy of "Dark Secrets" to read and review for this blog tour.
Things will no longer be the same for Micah & Ella as she is now the Vampire Queen and the Shadow Agency are after her for a crime she didn't commit, they think she bit a human....little do they know that Micah isn't a human....he's far from it...he's a fricking HOT ASS demon!!!!!!
This guy is sexy as hell, the sex scenes between him & Ella just keep getting raunchier and raunchier as his demon side is coming to the surface...
Julian is up to his wicked ways also....after Micah made a deal with him when he saved Ella's life she has to be by his side for functions and balls.....will he win her heart back?
Will she cave into his love again?
We thought things were going to well for everyone, until Micah learns the truth of his parents....all isn't as it would seem, lies have been told, secrets have been kept and things between Ella & Micah are strained because of the secrets.....
When a tragedy occurs and Micah is no where to be found, Ella turns to the one who is there for her, the one who professes his undying love for her....Julian...
There are lots of twists and turns in this story, there's love and laughter, but pain and torture too.
I LOVED the psycho Ella, yes, she needs to be more like this in the next book....maybe Pryce will make her....after all she is the Vampire Queen...
What will happen now between Micah and Ella?
Will she be the Vampire Queen she's meant to be?
Will Micah's demon side continue to push to the forefront?
I wish I could give this book more than two stars. The first book was interesting enough to bring me back to book two but honestly there were just too many mistakes for a book published and edited at a supposed publishing house. Ella Gray from the first book was Ella Grey in the second. Her transition into the vampire queen just wasn't entertaining and the second half of the book took a huge downward spiral. Micah went from saying 'I won't shag her bum' to shagging her bum in the span of a chapter, Hannah was a bore, Dante was annoying and Castro..find me someone who didn't pick the familial connection from the first time we were introduced to him and I'll eat my hat. What could have been a gripping and enjoyable series fell horribly flat :( oh and if you're going to make your vampire a full fledged blood sucker you might want to stop referring to her as a half vampire and the bond the author took great lengths to build was broken and no attempt to retrieve it. Oh there was the token I'm pregnant with your demon spawn (again hearing the prophecy lol who didn't call that one too?) a nice change would have been NOT impregnating the supposed heroine.
Edit to add :- I've since read all the other reviews posted and I'm astonished by the amount of five star reviews. Didn't anyone else pick up on the grammatical errors or spelling mistakes ? Then I realised almost all of the reviews were 'I received this book for an honest review' which we all know translates to 'I know the author and I'm not going to be honest and hurt her feelings' Grow a spine people!!
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
This is the second book in the series, if you haven’t read Dark Cravings and Dark Innocence you should read those before reading Dark Secrets. Micah and Ella have been together several months and things are getting tense. They each wonder if the bond between them is the only thing keeping them together or if they really would be together without the bond. Julian is once again causing issues and so is Richard. Micah is keeping secrets from Ella and she is devastated, she fears he has cheated on her when that is further from the truth. These two must learn to trust each other and their feelings for each other in order to not only survive but stay together. This was an awesome story yet again! It is my new favorite paranormal series and I can’t wait to read Castro’s story next!
Characters: so well written you can feel, smell and taste everything the characters are going through
Ella and Micah are settling into their new relationship and with new love comes all those horrible insecurities that make people act like they have emotionally transmitted diseases. Both lovers are feeling raw, itchy, sore, suspect and there is some burning when they get pissy. In the case of Ella and Micah there are fireballs bouncing around rooms and walls going up in flames. Things aren't all rainbows and unicorn crap in the demon, vampire romance theater--it's more pain-bows and bullshit.
Madeline Pryce has just released the cover of her upcoming Dark Series novel Dark Secrets. Dark Secrets is the second book in this series and continues the story of Ella and Micah and their hummidy-hummah hot and spicy love that is full of biting, snarking and lovely slapping and tickling. Dark Secrets will be released on July 11, 2014 from Ellora's Cave.
First off, this book was given to me as part of a Read& Review for an honest review.
Just when you thought the series could not get better... IT DOES! I have been biting my nails to get a copy of the second book in the Dark Series and I was N-O-T disappointed! The development of Hannah was great, and watching Ella and Micah deal with their own demons (pun intended), I will not say who/what/how, since I feel any hint will give away the best parts, but it was great to see wrenches thrown into the cog! It is hard to do a review without being able to say things because I feel an idea or even one word about something will give it away, but... DAMN!!!
Nevermind the sex.. HOT HOT HOT! Fifty Shades has NOTHING on this series!!! It is good... It is mind blowing... and once again, my husband is very happy I have read this series!!!! If you are even remotely prudeish.. DONT READ THIS! If you love hot, steamy, dream sex... READ NOW!
Well, what can I say? Madeline’s Dark series, are definitely worth reading again and again! This one is more intense, in every aspect. The secrets are darker, the emotions stronger, the consequences harsher. I certainly enjoyed the ride, which left me an emotional mess afterwards (but who cares!) and gladly re-read the book! I liked the way the plot was laid out, with the ups and downs, changing whatever we could possibly think as the outcome, in less than a heartbeat! I loved the way Madeline skipped from one point of view to another, thus offering us a variety of emotions and thoughts, in situations that would, otherwise, have us guessing. I went from troubled to released to hurt to confused and absolutely adored every second of it!
book 2 in the series. if you love vampire stories this is one you must read. It is the next chapter of the lives of Ella and Micah. Not happy with were there relationship is at, the tribulations continue. Micah feels like Ella is not telling everything, while Ella is rising as the Vampire Queen. Is their love only because of the curse or is there more? Never forget Julian who turned Ella to begin with. filled with HOT moments and Sex, and strife. If this is your Genre, you will enjoy reading this book.
Weeeww... it was hot! the story is also very nice. well written. the style is so good i want longer book. Hope there is book 3 to follow up. I need more Ella X Micah moments .
DARK SECRETS By: Madeline Pryce My rating: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed by: Kathleen ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review
This is the second installment of Ella and Micah's story. I just can't seem to get enough of Micah.(winks) As soon as you read the first page, you won't be able to put it down. It sucks you right in and just want to get to the bottom of the story.
Ella and Micah is on the verge of going crazy since they are going through a rough stage of their relationship. We're left off in the Dark Cravings where everything started changing between Micah and Ella. Micah is turning in to an even more aggressive demon. And Ella is walking half the time not paying attention to where she is going, just zoning. They both have a lot to deal with and it seem like they are falling apart.
Micah has so much passion in him that he just turned into this passionate human being and loves dare devils missions. He found out that his mother is still alive and is plotting on how he should rescue his mom. He has so much on his mine that he just wants to keep this plan to himself without telling Ella. And by doing that, he keeps his distance from her. Now that this is happening, Ella thinks Micah is cheating on her. Funny how we women, when our partner is being distant, the first thing that come to mind is the word CHEATING. But for Micah it isn't like that.
Madeline Pryce you have once again, done it!! You pulled me in with Dark Cravings and you have done the same with Dark Secrets. I love a book that has a love story about soul-mates. And how no matter what the consequences, they somehow manage to pull through and learned to find the strength through the obstacles that arise. Their love for each other is so strong that they will fight to the end to stay together. I am looking forward to reading more. I will be back Ms. Pryce.
*A copy given by author, in return for an honest review.*
This book comes back with full force, the book didn’t drag all. Action started right away. In this sequel Micah and Ella goes through up and downs of their relationship. They start questioning their relationship. Is there relationship build in lust? Or do they do really love each other?
This book started out with a lot of sexual tension between Ella and Micah, there were secrets that were keeping them apart. It was pure hell when those two are fighting, they for sure hated it themselves. All Micah wants is to protect Ella from anything that can get her harmed, but Ella was feeling unwanted and didn’t know what to do. As for me, all I wanted was for them to wake up and make up. I was also hoping for some great make-up sex, release all their sexual tension and those two did not disappoint. Yes their sex wasn’t animalistic like they were in Dark Cravings, but it was still hot. Ella and Micah together are electrifying, they were always strong and very passionate with each other. After they made up, they were solid and trusted each other.
While Ella’s sire Julian always getting in the way and will stop at nothing to steal Ella away from Micah’s side, to be his queen. At the same time Micah’s dad will go at no end to split them up and take Ella away to make her suffer. Ella and Micah go through a lot in this book, dealing with Micah’s dad, Micah finds out a secret about his past that does so much with his present life.
This book is a roller coaster ride, I especially love when Ella gained some powers. The power she had, reminded me of the new Scarlett Johnson movie LUCY. All that power was amazing, I can picture it all as a movie. What I love most is what happens at the end of the book. Ooohh, I cannot wait until everyone that loves this series reads the book. So they can Oohh Ahh, just like me.
I love this book, but I do miss the passion that Micah and Ella had like the first book. Yes they still have heat and passion in this story, but it’s nothing like the first book. I hope to see more electrifying passion in the next book. I Can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I’m freaking speechless. I don’t even know where to start. Dark Secrets is the continuation of Ella and Micah’s story and it may be even better than Dark Cravings. There is so much that goes on in this book that I don’t even know where to begin. I had to check the blurb to make sure I don’t reveal any spoilers and now realize I can’t talk about most of the stuff I want to talk about because it could really spoil the book for those who haven’t read it yet. UGH! That is seriously frustrating.
Getting the easy stuff out of the way, the sex between Micah and Ella is even HOTTER this time around. They’ve spent enough time together and have learned what the other likes, so ALL the right buttons are pushed. Seriously hot! But the sex wasn’t the only thing that nearly made my Kindle go up in flames and yes, you’ll have to read it to understand that. Both Micah and Ella learn some painful truths in this installment of the Dark series and their love is tested more than once in this book. I won’t lie, I was concerned as the end of the book neared and I didn’t see how Ms. Pryce was going to be able to resolve the situation in time. It seems that each time they get one loose end tied up, another one (or two) begins to unravel. While there is some resolution, there are still unanswered questions – this is a good thing because that means more Micah and Ella!
Again, the author took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. There were moments that I was smiling so big that my face hurt and moments when the emotional devastation a character felt was so strong, I couldn’t help but hurt for them. Oddly, the never-ending stream of upheavals that Micah and Ella have to address in this book never felt contrived or forced to me. I’ve read books in which it felt like the author had a checklist of plot points they seemed compelled to include, thus making a storyline feel forced. That was so not the case here. Ms. Pryce creates a story that is action-packed, sexy as sin, and entertaining from beginning to end. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
We have triumphed! It seemed like everyone and thing in the world was against me reading this book. But even with the constant interruptions we persevered, me in not giving up and the author in writing a story so compelling, that even with my atrocious memory I had no problem getting right back into the thick of things. And the thick of things is normally where I found myself. Ella and Micah went from one adventure to another. Talk about intense, you best sit on your hands if you don’t want to bite your nails, and the sexual tension is a five alarm fire with no rescue in sight. Fans and ice cold drinks are a definite must.
I went back and reread Dark Cravings and Dark Innocence which I highly recommend reading before reading Dark Secrets. I absolutely enjoyed the experience and was reminded why I fell in love with Madeline Pryce’s writing. I did wonder how she was going to top Dark Innocence, since that was my all time favorite book ever written. Yes, that was past tense, because she did it! I didn’t think it was possible. I didn’t think she could come close to the emotions she evoked in me with Dark Innocence, but not only did she succeed, she surpassed. Now here is my dilemma, I wanted to give her six stars of five for Dark Innocence. How do I rate Dark Secrets? Seven stars? We are going to have to change the rating system.
Micah and Ella are once again thrown into turmoil, fighting to keep their family together and safe. To protect each other and understand the love and mate bond they have for each other. Is it the bond or is it real? Would the other be there without the bond? This is just one of the questions Micah and Ella must answer. They must deal with growing powers and responsibilities, and of course the ever growing amount of people and things that want either want them dead or want to control them.
I laughed, I cried, I think I cussed a time or two. I know I definitely cheered, I might have swooned, I certainly drooled. But most of all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I bow to Madeline for an awesome read and for dethroning Dark Innocence. I didn’t think it was possible.
I was given this book free of charge by the publisher for an honest review.
With every new book by Madeline Pryce I think 'It can't be as good as the last one she wrote.', and every time I am proven wrong! Dark Secrets captured me on an emotional level, nearly having me in tears several times. If I wasn't so against shedding tears even if my life depended on it I would have had a few tissues around by the end! I was pulled into this story so thoroughly, I have been reading this series from the beginning and it had already had me completely enthralled, nothing else existed . We can't forget the scorching hot sex scenes. Madeline did NOT disappoint! Be prepared to have your panties melted by Micah, he is so Alpha..so perfect... it just needed to be said. You are warned!
This is more on Micah and Ella's story. It goes into what happened during and after Dark Innocence. We see the aftermath of how it affected Ella and find out new secrets that Micah has been holding back on. Their relationship takes a few hits because of these secrets, add in Julian and the trial that is coming up and it is almost a sure thing something is going to go wrong. It seems these two can't catch a break! This book shows a vulnerable side you never would have expected to see in Ella and Micah wondering where his hard ass woman went to. What happened with Hannah really messed her up, but watching her almost die and Julian having to be the one to save her burns a hole in his gut.
Things heat up when enemies keep coming at them, and even MORE secrets are revealed that will change everything. This book will hold you to its pages and not let you go. The molten hot bedroom, shower, wall sex scenes were hotter than hot. I say again Micah is just perfect. We all need one. Have some tissues ready because you will need them! This book is worth the read. It is has a captivating story line and the characters fit like puzzle pieces. Even the characters you want to take a knife to yourself WORK in this book. Madeline's writing has kept me following her stories and she has never disappointed me yet ( and I don't expect her to!)I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could!
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review
Let me just start with I LOVED THIS BOOK! Yes I say that a lot but Dark Secrets was fantastic read. Having read both previous books in the Dark series, I can say this is the best one yes. A reader's dream come true when a series gets better.
So what does this one have going for it that the first title didn't? Well dear reader, it's all in the title. Dark Secrets. Oh yes, this one is full of secrets. Seems everybody has one. I was definitely on the edge of my seat guessing what would happen next. Ella and Micah's world has just gotten more complicated an as each puzzle piece was exposed I found it harder and harder to put the book down. BTW...the sex between them is still how and oh so delish. As the mysteries surround them unraveled I kept check my page count because frankly, I just didn't want the book to end. I loved how this book was told in alternating first person POV. Each chapter switches back and forth between Ella and Micah, which I loved because as each tragedy is revealed you got to experience it from both sides. I know not many people like when authors write books in 1st and even less alternating POV, but I certainly do. I feel the added extras of knowing what the MC are thinking give a interesting perspective to the story. In Dark Cravings I found myself on the fence about Julian. I knew he was bad I just couldn't decide if I hated him enough to want him to die or stick around to twist up the storyline. I've come down on the side that I don't like him and what happens to him...let's just say I'm smirking. Dante and Hannah are back for more, as well as Eli. I do feel sorry for the guy.
Madeline Pryce has quite the awesome story here. I do wish I had started reading her early because she has a delightful what of writing a story I easily lose myself in. However, I glad the series of her I started with is Dark. Anyone who love a great paranormal series is going to love it. I'll be telling my friends this is a must read.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
I liked the development of the story in terms of what Richard was up to, Micah’s background, the twist with Julian & what happened with Ella. I didn’t so much like some of the dynamics between Micah & Ella & the continuous theme of emotions mean weakness. Overall a fun & easy read but I totally enjoyed the novella of Dante & Hannah more than the main books.
So I read the first one and went directly to this one (I do recommend reading Hannah's story because yes I want to back track now and read it); however, the author does not make you feel that you have been in limbo and missed any of this awesome story line. It seems that I was totally amazed with the first, this one totally blew me away. Ella and Micah's story have taken a new step in the story line and the scenes become just keep getting scorching hot. After the big kicker that we found out in the first this novel shows more of how Ella and Micah try to deal with the adjustments of their newfound lives and it is not always greener. What I have loved about this series is that when you think you know something is going to happen your whole thought features are turned upside. The author does love to throw a good twist in this happily ever after because if you have read the first one you will know how Ella feels about her sire. Question is what will happen when Micah isn't around and Julian comes to help out? That my lovely readers trust me you will want to find out. Talk about a love triangle, or is it?? Secrets are found out that may cause a friction between two of these lovely characters but I can't tell you who or I will definitely be giving to much away. Trust me you will not want to miss out because when the cards start to get laid out on the table, tempers start to flare. One minute your so involved with the deliciously hot scenes and the next your engulfed into an action pack scene. Yes, when I say you, I do mean that. The author has a way with words that will make you feel like your part of the novel and will not be able to put it down in my opinion. The scenes she has created and even the characters are very complementary to each other and flawlessly written. I couldn't choose a favorite in this one if you asked me to because they all made the story unique and amazing. I look forward to reading the next one in the series when it comes out and the author should know that my hopes are high.
Micah and Ella’s relationship is being tested by a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency’s corruption and Julian, Ella’s sire in this thrilling addition to the Dark series. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Michael with have to face down their personal demons and prove that love and trust are more than just words.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot ensures that readers never get bored with lots of suspense, drama, action and passion. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details that capture the imagination and the well orchestrated drama and suspense draws the reader deeper into the story of theses strong and bewitching characters.
Ella and Micah’s relationship is tested throughout the story as the pressure builds and the danger escalates. Everything that has happened builds walls between them and causes lots of friction and of course Julian plays a major part in the turbulence. The reader can’t help but get caught up in all the drama and excitement that happens throughout the book adding lots of depth and spice to the story.
The added excitement of the Shadow Agency’s corruption ensures that the reader never gets bored as dangerous events keep happening all around them and betrayals lead to unexpected twists and surprises.
With all the buried secrets involving multiple characters, ongoing lies, and murderous deceptions surrounding Micah and Ella it is a wonder that they ever get a chance to work on their relationship, but they do have some super hot sex that has the senses sizzling.
I have to say that the author certainly hit me with a few surprises including an unexpected side to Ella proving she can be a very kick ass heroine and since I am not going to give away any spoilers I’ll leave it at that. I can’t wait to read the next exciting book in this series. - Eva
What an amazing follow up from Dark Cravings. You truly get to embrace the love, passion and fierceness between Micah and Ella. Dark Secrets was action packed, and full of lies and deceit. As we left off we knew things were forever changed for Ella and Micah. They were truly bonded, and Ella was savoring her mate. "Micah was dark, brooding and fierce. He was rough and callous, the kind of abrasiveness I needed in my life". Ella was still awaiting trial, and her family was busying themselves trying to find a way to clear her name. If that weren't enough, now she had to deal with the fact she was now a Vampire Queen. Riots, and anarchy were running rapid, and Ella needed to prove she was capable of being queen before she ended up just like her predecessor. "Violence crept closer to the surface-the world I saw tinged by the red I was slowly getting used to. A world drenched in blood. This was something awakening in me, something primal". Micah was still dealing with the fact that he was half-demon, and trying to find out how all that came to be. He was also holding onto a secret, one that he wouldn't share with his mate. Ella felt him pull away, he would barely touch her, and without the connection Ella started fearing the worst. What was her mate hiding? Madeline Pryce has created another wonderful part to her Dark Series. I truly enjoyed getting to see the progression the characters have made. I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you haven't read any of this series it's a freaking must. Actually, you might as well one click all of Madeline's books cause she rocks and her books are simply AMAZING!
After our sneak peek at Dante's story we are now back to Ella and Micah in Dark Secrets. So much had happened in the ending chapters of Book one that I wasn't sure their bond was strong enough to survive such tragic events. I went into this book knowing my emotions were going to go from one extreme to the next.
I will tell you to have tissues handy and to be sure you have set aside enough time to read this book cover to cover because you are not going to want to be interrupted by anyone or anything. You will be grumpy and pissy, just ask my husband *wink*. There is so much that is going on and the action/suspense will have you on edge.
The details of this book makes everything so vivid and real it is unbelievable! Like you are there as an extra on a movie set watching it all go down. There is a bit more of a serious approach to this book that makes it more heart wrenching. Then the unique twists that Madeline puts into this book will make your jaw drop.
There are definitely some DARK secrets that will be revealed in this book and I highly suggest you read it!
I fell in love with Pryce's world and characters in DARK CRAVINGS when it was originally published a few years ago under a different name. I was so happy when I saw that Madeline brought it back and continued the series and I was even happier when I found out that the series would continue with Micah and Ella's story.
The blurb does a really good job of giving the reader an idea of what goes on in DARK SECRETS. Ella and Micah's relationship has hit a bit of a bump in the road and they aren't sure where things stand at some points in the book. On top of that they have to deal with Ella being the Vampire Queen and also staying ahead of Micah's Dad's antics in trying to get Ella in more trouble before her upcoming trial.
Quite a bit happens but I got really mad at one point when something significant happened to Ella. I was about to throw the book at the wall but figured Madeline couldn't possibly let this happen for long and kept on reading. Thankfully things worked themselves out quickly and by the end of DARK SECRETS I felt like things were as it should be with not only Ella and Micah's relationship but with the track they were on going into book 3.
Everything that I have read so far from Madeline Pryce has been really enjoyable and I look forward to not only continuing the Dark Series but also seeing what she comes up with next.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Madeline Pryce really knows how to make you hate a character that you have come to love. Then when you think all is lost she gives you a bigger gift, more like a shock to the system.
Torn between duty and love Micah and Ella are at a crossroads. Their lust/love/future for each other are hanging on a precipice. The time has come for Ella to take her place as Vampire Queen next to her sire Julian, while battling her emotions towards Micah her half demon half human lover. Micah has been keeping a secret from Ella with the help of the Demon Castro. Torn between his own feelings for Ella and his need to find out the truth of who he truly is he may have made the biggest mistake of his life and losing Ella in the process.
With the Shadow Agency trying to bring Ella down, Julian trying to keep Ella for himself, Eli trying to cope with his new life as a werewolf, and Hannah not needing Ella to protect her, can Ella and Micah come together to take down Julian and the Shadow Agency or will her new found power as Vampire Queen destroy them all.
I absolutely adore this series. Ella and Micah's strained relationship and the secondary characters work very well together. Even when things seem to go downhill they manage to be able to come together for a greater purpose. I can't wait for the next book in this series, Dark Vengeance Castro's book!!
After falling head over heels for Micah and Ella's story in Dark Cravings, I couldn't crack open my Kindle fast enough to start reading Dark Secrets. Madeline Pryce did not disappoint!
While danger stalks their every step and secrets long buried in the past come to light, Micah and Ella must work together to keep one step ahead of their enemies and their only hope seems to be solving the mystery of a prophecy that no one seems to fully understand.
The passion and chemistry that initially drove them into each other's arms continues to build in intensity, but they are both stubbornly independent. Learning to live with each other just might be what kills them in the end!
Dark Secrets fulfilled every expectation I had... and then some! Expounding on the complex storyline and exceptional character building that has become the hallmark of Madeline Pryce's writing, this is a sensual and action packed adventure. Offering readers the perfect blend of darkness and light, I'd give this paranormal romance six stars if I could!