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The Secret Trilogy #1
Unraveling Secrets
Victorian Romance. When her father's murderer returns from the dead to threaten her family, Abigail Bradford attempts to warn him off, but soon learns chasing a ghost is no easy task.
Stephen Nolton, Viscount Ashbury, stumbles upon Abigail in the dirty streets of London's East End. Able to read auras of good and evil after an electromagnetic experiment went terribly wrong, Stephen hovers on society's edge, keeping secret his unique skill and personal mission. Despite his fascination with the lady and her unique golden aura, he intends to keep his distance.
Desperate to protect her family, Abigail turns to the one man she believes can aid her. In Stephen's arms, she finds so much more than she hoped. Stephen tries to resist his desire for the independent beauty, afraid she'll unravel his secrets. But when he discovers the murderer is linked to his own past, he must decide how much he's willing to risk for love.
Stephen Nolton, Viscount Ashbury, stumbles upon Abigail in the dirty streets of London's East End. Able to read auras of good and evil after an electromagnetic experiment went terribly wrong, Stephen hovers on society's edge, keeping secret his unique skill and personal mission. Despite his fascination with the lady and her unique golden aura, he intends to keep his distance.
Desperate to protect her family, Abigail turns to the one man she believes can aid her. In Stephen's arms, she finds so much more than she hoped. Stephen tries to resist his desire for the independent beauty, afraid she'll unravel his secrets. But when he discovers the murderer is linked to his own past, he must decide how much he's willing to risk for love.
366 pages, ebook
First published December 15, 2013
424 people are currently reading
1570 people want to read
About the author
Lana Williams
93 books371 followersLana Williams is the USA Today Bestselling Author of 50 historical fiction novels filled with mystery, romance, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 18, 2022
Overall, not bad.
January 18, 2014
Unraveling Secrets is Ms. Williams' first novel set in Victorian England and it doesn't disappoint. Abigail thought the man who murdered her father had hung for his crime. Ten years later, Simmons is back, threatening Abigail and her family if she doesn't hand over the rock he originally wanted from her father. Determined to keep her family safe, Abigail meets up with Simmons with an intent to scare him off, only she ends up shooting Lord Aschroft in the process. Stephen isn't too pleased the Lady shot him, even if he is partially to blame for the incident. More importantly, Abigail's bright aura beckons to the darkness living within him. And Simmons might just be the key to unraveling how and why a science experiment Stephen participated in went wrong.
Abigail and Stephen are opposites right from the start. She's of the mind he's dangerous and he's certain she's too independent and reckless. But the mystery of Simmons forces them to work together, to discover there is more to each other than meets the eye. With her flawless voice, Ms. Williams transports the reader back to Victorian England and sets the tone for a beautifully written romance. Abigail and Stephen will tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless. With a secondary cast and clues interspersed throughout the story, you'll hate to put this book down.
Abigail and Stephen are opposites right from the start. She's of the mind he's dangerous and he's certain she's too independent and reckless. But the mystery of Simmons forces them to work together, to discover there is more to each other than meets the eye. With her flawless voice, Ms. Williams transports the reader back to Victorian England and sets the tone for a beautifully written romance. Abigail and Stephen will tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless. With a secondary cast and clues interspersed throughout the story, you'll hate to put this book down.
July 25, 2016
I was given an advance copy of this book to review.
Unraveling Secrets was a fantastic book, full of romance, suspense, intriguing characters and just a bit of paranormal. Abigail Bradford, the heroine, is determined, feisty and fearless as she works to save her family from the threat of the man of who years ago killed her father. I could really relate to her and the weight of the responsibilities she carried. When she enlisted the help of Stephen, Viscount Ashbury, I knew he was the perfect, tortured hero to aid Abigail and capture her heart along the way. Stephen is tormented by his own demons, particularly an experiment gone awry that enables him to see auras of good and bad around people. It's a heavy burden, one that has forced him to the fringes of polite society. But he can't resist Abigail's plea for help or the attraction he feels for her. As these two work together to uncover the villain's plan, they grow closer and their passion and deep feelings for the other are great fun to read about.
The author did a wonderful job of creating two characters who I could cheer for and a story that was complex and made me want to stay up all night to finish. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Unraveling Secrets was a fantastic book, full of romance, suspense, intriguing characters and just a bit of paranormal. Abigail Bradford, the heroine, is determined, feisty and fearless as she works to save her family from the threat of the man of who years ago killed her father. I could really relate to her and the weight of the responsibilities she carried. When she enlisted the help of Stephen, Viscount Ashbury, I knew he was the perfect, tortured hero to aid Abigail and capture her heart along the way. Stephen is tormented by his own demons, particularly an experiment gone awry that enables him to see auras of good and bad around people. It's a heavy burden, one that has forced him to the fringes of polite society. But he can't resist Abigail's plea for help or the attraction he feels for her. As these two work together to uncover the villain's plan, they grow closer and their passion and deep feelings for the other are great fun to read about.
The author did a wonderful job of creating two characters who I could cheer for and a story that was complex and made me want to stay up all night to finish. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
January 24, 2020
Unraveling Secrets is book one in The Secret Trilogy Book series by Lana Williams. This story is set in Victorian England. What an amazing plot! I was drawn in immediately and had a difficult time putting the book down. Danger, intrigue, and romance all rolled into one story. I loved the heroine Abigail Bradford. She is strong without coming across as hard. I grow weary of so-called “strong” heroines whose speech is often caustic and actions unwise. Abigail is stubborn and at times impulsive, but those characteristics make her appealing. Her attraction to the hero Stephen Nolton, Viscount Ashbury is understandable. Williams has created a wonderful “everyman” in Nolton. He is handsome, strong and yet carries a “weakness” that makes him vulnerable and lifelike. “He drew her into his arms and slowly lowered his mouth to hers, giving her the chance to refuse him. Part of him hoped she would, for he had no right to kiss her. Instead, she lifted up to meet him halfway. That small gesture of acceptance released the floodgates of his desire. He kissed the edges of her lips then delved his tongue into the sweet depths of her mouth.” Hubba! Hubba! Somebody hand me a fan! I normally don’t like to be left with loose ends, but I can’t wait to read the next book in this series “Passionate Secrets”.
January 20, 2014
As a huge fan of Lana William’s Vengeance Trilogy I was sorry to see that series end, but delighted to read the first installment in her new Secret Trilogy! Set in Victorian England, Unraveling Secrets is a fast paced, suspenseful romance about Abigail Bradford, who is determined to protect her family from the man who murdered her father. The only problem is he’s supposed to already be dead-put to death for the crime.
But Abigail knows better, she’s seen him and now she’s worried they he may come back to find what he couldn’t find the first time. Abigail is a feisty gal, but considering the times, she needs help. That's why she turns to Stephan Nolton, the Viscount Ashbury, an extremely attractive aristocrat with some very shady connections. He’s kept away from society to protect himself from a gift that seems more of a curse. Stephan can see the good, bad and ugly auras that others give off. Still, he can’t resist Abigail and soon, the feeling is mutual!
Following these two as they seek to solve the mystery and save Abigail's family from further harm is delightful on two levels. First, the mystery itself, and the close calls that almost cost them both their lives. Second, the growing romance and magnetic attraction between Abigail and Stephan make it hard to put this book down, particularly in the later pages!
As always, Ms. Williams delivers with both plot and wonderful characters. I’d definitely recommend this book for a very fun read for fans of suspenseful romance, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy!
But Abigail knows better, she’s seen him and now she’s worried they he may come back to find what he couldn’t find the first time. Abigail is a feisty gal, but considering the times, she needs help. That's why she turns to Stephan Nolton, the Viscount Ashbury, an extremely attractive aristocrat with some very shady connections. He’s kept away from society to protect himself from a gift that seems more of a curse. Stephan can see the good, bad and ugly auras that others give off. Still, he can’t resist Abigail and soon, the feeling is mutual!
Following these two as they seek to solve the mystery and save Abigail's family from further harm is delightful on two levels. First, the mystery itself, and the close calls that almost cost them both their lives. Second, the growing romance and magnetic attraction between Abigail and Stephan make it hard to put this book down, particularly in the later pages!
As always, Ms. Williams delivers with both plot and wonderful characters. I’d definitely recommend this book for a very fun read for fans of suspenseful romance, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy!
January 3, 2014
I really enjoyed Ms. Williams medieval series and thought that she really couldn't surpass that series - I was very wrong!
I LOVED this book. I loved Abigail - she was nye on perfect - independent without being a shrew, loving without becoming a doormat and just impatient enough to seem like a real person. And Stephen was a refreshing change from your usual brooding, man-ho rake - he is brooding and secretive, but the author shows us why. I would have liked to know what happened to his parents - but it didn't have any bearing on the story - I am just nosy :).
Ms. Williams sets up the series beautifully - I have found many times the first book in a series is not really a story but more of an introduction to a series - not so in this book. It is a complete story with glimpses of other characters - Abigail and Stephen are truly the stars of this book.
I eagerly await the next book Passionate Secrets!
***Ms. Williams contacted me on Goodreads and gifted me a copy of this book as a Thank you for reading and reviewing her other books. This book was given to me with no request for a review***
I LOVED this book. I loved Abigail - she was nye on perfect - independent without being a shrew, loving without becoming a doormat and just impatient enough to seem like a real person. And Stephen was a refreshing change from your usual brooding, man-ho rake - he is brooding and secretive, but the author shows us why. I would have liked to know what happened to his parents - but it didn't have any bearing on the story - I am just nosy :).
Ms. Williams sets up the series beautifully - I have found many times the first book in a series is not really a story but more of an introduction to a series - not so in this book. It is a complete story with glimpses of other characters - Abigail and Stephen are truly the stars of this book.
I eagerly await the next book Passionate Secrets!
***Ms. Williams contacted me on Goodreads and gifted me a copy of this book as a Thank you for reading and reviewing her other books. This book was given to me with no request for a review***
December 31, 2013
Review of Lana Williams, Unraveling Secrets –
This novel has a well developed plot. The author's great writing is so fun to read. With great descriptions of the streets of London in 1882, it is easy to picture in your mind’s eye the flavor and smells and be submersed in the historical time period. And as with many relationships, Abigail and Stephen, the two main characters, are at odds as they each pursue their own agendas. Abigail and Stephen are often at odds with each other because there is a tension between wanting to be in sync with each other, but nearly always getting it messed up. It is a page turner!
I am looking forward to the next book and what will happen to Abigail and Stephen’s love story. I highly recommend this book to all who love historical romantic novels and hats off to the author!
This novel has a well developed plot. The author's great writing is so fun to read. With great descriptions of the streets of London in 1882, it is easy to picture in your mind’s eye the flavor and smells and be submersed in the historical time period. And as with many relationships, Abigail and Stephen, the two main characters, are at odds as they each pursue their own agendas. Abigail and Stephen are often at odds with each other because there is a tension between wanting to be in sync with each other, but nearly always getting it messed up. It is a page turner!
I am looking forward to the next book and what will happen to Abigail and Stephen’s love story. I highly recommend this book to all who love historical romantic novels and hats off to the author!
December 20, 2013
Abigail wants only to protect her family from the man who murdered her father who has suddenly reappeared in their lives. She tries to do so on her own, but soon realizes she needs help. Enter Stephen who has a lot of secrets he'd rather no one discover, including the ability to read auras. Though he wants to keep his distance, Abigail insists he help her despite their disastrous first meeting. I just loved this Victorian romance! It had a great mix of romance, mystery, and intrigue and kept me turning pages because I just had to see what would happen next! I am definitely a fan of Lana Williams and she has delivered another great story!
January 21, 2014
This is the first in a new Victorian Romance trilogy by this author. It weaves strong characters, an interesting mystery, a little paranormal, and lots of romance to create a page turning read. Abigail needs Stephen's assistance, but he's less than willing to get involved with the headstrong lady. He soon realizes their paths are linked in more than one way, and sparks fly! I really enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 9, 2016
Unraveling Secrets by Lana Williams is a well written book. Ms Williams has delivered a fantastic story with amazing characters. Stephen and Abigail's story is loaded with suspense, action, sizzle and humor and kept me glued to this book from cover to cover. I enjoyed Unraveling Secrets and look forward to reading more from Lana Williams in the future. Unraveling Secrets is book 1 of The Secret Trilogy but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
May 8, 2015
Set in the late Victorian era, this tale is the first in a series surrounding Stephen and two friends from college, all of whom were injured in an experiment that killed their professor.
Read full review in the 2015 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 10, 2015
Unraveling secrets by Lana Williams
I absolutely loved this book!! The mystery was so interesting I couldn't put the book down! I loved the way Abigail and Stephan came together and Abigails spirit and bravery was awesome. I can't wait to read the next in this series!!!!
I absolutely loved this book!! The mystery was so interesting I couldn't put the book down! I loved the way Abigail and Stephan came together and Abigails spirit and bravery was awesome. I can't wait to read the next in this series!!!!
June 30, 2016
Mystery, suspense, murder and passion all sum up this engaging historical romance. I loved the characters, the murder mystery and the steamy sex. Totally entertaining and so riveting I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next in the trilogy!
October 20, 2016
It is a great book to read
June 9, 2017
It had its moments but it was a bit fantastical. What with electromagnetism experimentation gone awry that enabled at least 2 involved in that clandestine work to see people's auras, then there was the hypnotism as cure for maladies, both of which I do not really believe in... plus the slow boring flow of the main storyline that I was wanting it to be done already. At least I got to finish this one, unlike some that after reading just a few chapters, I already know I could not possibly get to The End.
Apropos about fantasy or paranormal, I have nothing against them, in fact I enjoyed reading quite a few. This one, though, not much. Maybe it is just a matter of preference or how the story was written but, for me, it did not quite gel.
Apropos about fantasy or paranormal, I have nothing against them, in fact I enjoyed reading quite a few. This one, though, not much. Maybe it is just a matter of preference or how the story was written but, for me, it did not quite gel.
February 23, 2019
I liked Stephen and the general plot line. The story seems interesting enough that I might even continue the series. So why only 2.5 stars? Our heroine, Abigail. She's annoying, whiny, and most of all, has a nasty case of the TSTLs. No matter how many times she swears to be more sensible, she goes out into danger anyway. She even tells herself that she shouldn't be doing what she's doing, but does that stop her? Of course not.
This book includes a sample of the next book in the series. I think I'll get it if it's cheap/free. Hopefully the next heroine uses her brain.
This book includes a sample of the next book in the series. I think I'll get it if it's cheap/free. Hopefully the next heroine uses her brain.
June 1, 2022
Abigail is frightened when she sees the man who killed her father, even though he had been hanged for it ten years ago. He wanted a rock from her. Her father had an extensive Rick collection and he wouldn’t tell her what the rock looked like. So she followed him. She wanted to know how he still lived and what he wanted from her. Stephen found her and a footman holding this man at gun point in an alley. When the man pulled a knife she started and the gun went off. However she shot Stephen instead. Thus begins a most interesting book.
July 6, 2018
Couldn't get into this. Didn't finish it.
Abigail hit me as whiny and needy, but then she would be pushy and irritating. If I'd been the hero, I'd have had the butler turf her out on her ass.
The hero was a little more sympathetic, but even he really just didn't grab me at all.
I felt no connection or interest in either of these people or their troubles. I was bored, so I'm moving on to another book on my very long TBR in hopes of a better fit next time.
Abigail hit me as whiny and needy, but then she would be pushy and irritating. If I'd been the hero, I'd have had the butler turf her out on her ass.
The hero was a little more sympathetic, but even he really just didn't grab me at all.
I felt no connection or interest in either of these people or their troubles. I was bored, so I'm moving on to another book on my very long TBR in hopes of a better fit next time.
January 25, 2019
This was a charming and engaging story. It could have used a bit more polishing and editing - there were some inconsistencies and unnecessary characters, and though the aura reading was a fun element, I think the author sometimes forgot about it. It either needed to be a bigger part of the story, or not in it at all. Over all though an enjoyable read, and I'll pick up the next one to see where the story goes :)
March 12, 2019
DNF
The characters were really well done, I liked the heroine a lot. I just got really tired of the hero wanting to jump her every time she needed comfort. It was a bit disturbing that he was like, oh, you're crying and in emotional distress? Instead of being a decent person and comforting you, all I can think about is you as a sex object.
The characters were really well done, I liked the heroine a lot. I just got really tired of the hero wanting to jump her every time she needed comfort. It was a bit disturbing that he was like, oh, you're crying and in emotional distress? Instead of being a decent person and comforting you, all I can think about is you as a sex object.
May 10, 2019
Ten years ago an experiment went wrong. Three young men survived, but will never be the same.
Abigail is seeing a ghost. The man who murdered her father ten years ago is still alive.
These two events will bring two lovers together to solve the mystery of missing boys and the reappearence of a man thought dead. A little paranormal thrown in with regency romance and an evil mastermind still in hiding.
Thoroughly enjoyed!
Abigail is seeing a ghost. The man who murdered her father ten years ago is still alive.
These two events will bring two lovers together to solve the mystery of missing boys and the reappearence of a man thought dead. A little paranormal thrown in with regency romance and an evil mastermind still in hiding.
Thoroughly enjoyed!
January 23, 2020
Loved this story
I felt like I had read this story before. However, I still loved it. From learning more about how the coupe finally came to understand their love for each other. Because of the mystery that brings them together. I can't wait to read the next book on The series.
I felt like I had read this story before. However, I still loved it. From learning more about how the coupe finally came to understand their love for each other. Because of the mystery that brings them together. I can't wait to read the next book on The series.
June 5, 2017
Good
Maybe a 3.5
Well written story. Nice romance, great characters. The mystery moved a little slow for me. As a matter of fact it continues into book two. I enjoyed it but I'm not intrigued enough to read book two.
Maybe a 3.5
Well written story. Nice romance, great characters. The mystery moved a little slow for me. As a matter of fact it continues into book two. I enjoyed it but I'm not intrigued enough to read book two.
August 26, 2017
This was surprisingly good, despite the heroine being quite a bit more annoying than she needed to be (lack of trust on both sides, but she was stupidly obtuse about putting herself--and others--in danger). A mystery always makes a dumb romance more tolerable and this wasn't done too badly.
January 17, 2019
Unsolved mystery, solved relationship
The mystery felt unsolved to me. It was very intriguing, but was incomplete. The romantic relationship was complicated, yet came to a satisfying resolution.
The mystery felt unsolved to me. It was very intriguing, but was incomplete. The romantic relationship was complicated, yet came to a satisfying resolution.
January 21, 2019
Great mystery, Lovely romance
Excellent mystery, well written. Great characters. I really enjoyed this story, it was definitely a page turner and I will be reading more by this author. :)
Excellent mystery, well written. Great characters. I really enjoyed this story, it was definitely a page turner and I will be reading more by this author. :)
February 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! The ending was a surprise to me as I had forgotten it was a trilogy while reading... Loved the independent spirit of Abigail and the frustration of Lord Ashbury. Very true to life!
February 12, 2019
Enjoyed
Truly liked this book. Action adventure on every page. Interesting looked into science as this time as well as the cast off children of the poor. Headstrong, smart heroine.. Hero with dark secrets. Couldn't put down.
Truly liked this book. Action adventure on every page. Interesting looked into science as this time as well as the cast off children of the poor. Headstrong, smart heroine.. Hero with dark secrets. Couldn't put down.
January 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews