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The Secret Trilogy #2
Passionate Secrets
Victorian Romance
Michael Drury, Viscount Weston, treats life like a business, shunning personal connections at all costs to avoid the passion that ultimately destroyed his parents. Discovering drab governess Emma Grisby in his library is a shock, especially since her uncle appears to have risen from the grave with deadly intent. He suspects her of working with her uncle and devises a scheme to watch her.
Desperate to aid her family, Emma reluctantly agrees to Michael’s offer to give her a season with the hopes of finding a wealthy husband. She trusts no man and does her best to ignore her growing feelings for the handsome viscount.
Watching Emma transform into a beautiful, confident woman is more than Michael bargained for. He fears losing control of his carefully ordered life when his love for her intensifies. As passions collide and secrets are revealed, Michael and Emma must decide if they are strong enough to risk their hearts, and possibly their lives, for love.
Michael Drury, Viscount Weston, treats life like a business, shunning personal connections at all costs to avoid the passion that ultimately destroyed his parents. Discovering drab governess Emma Grisby in his library is a shock, especially since her uncle appears to have risen from the grave with deadly intent. He suspects her of working with her uncle and devises a scheme to watch her.
Desperate to aid her family, Emma reluctantly agrees to Michael’s offer to give her a season with the hopes of finding a wealthy husband. She trusts no man and does her best to ignore her growing feelings for the handsome viscount.
Watching Emma transform into a beautiful, confident woman is more than Michael bargained for. He fears losing control of his carefully ordered life when his love for her intensifies. As passions collide and secrets are revealed, Michael and Emma must decide if they are strong enough to risk their hearts, and possibly their lives, for love.
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2014
About the author
Lana Williams
95 books385 followersLana Williams is the USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star Author of over 55 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/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.
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/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 30, 2014
Fans of Lana Williams rejoice! The second book of her Secrets Trilogy is now available! The first installment, Unraveling Secrets, swept readers up in a Victorian Romance filled with mystery and suspense...as well as some breathtaking romance.
Now Ms. Williams is back with book number two, Passionate Secrets. The underlying story of a science experiment gone wrong and the three young men whose lives were changed forever as a result, continues.
Michael Drury, the Viscount Weston, is one of these survivors, left with the ability to read a person’s aura that indicate success or failure for their current ventures. But Michael hasn’t dwelt on his new talent, instead he’s been trying to save the family fortune and honor, both lost by his parents whose passions clouded their judgment as well as their hearts, ultimately leading to their deaths.
Michael commits to avoid entanglements of the heart, feeling they lead to ruin. He makes his own fortune and plans to wed a cold but connected beauty whose father holds the key to the final piece of his inheritance. Just as the plan seems set, a woman from his past reappears.
Emma Grisby is the niece of the now-dead professor whose experiment changed Michael’s life. But is he dead? Michael has reason to believe he may not be. And Emma, intent on gaining his assistance with an interview for a governess position, seems oblivious to this new turn of events regarding her uncle.
Is Emma playing a game? Her family has fallen on hard times and her sister is desperately ill. Certainly she has every reason to rue an uncle who disappeared just as her family needed his help the most. But is he helping them now? Michael intends to keep her close to find out the truth, while keeping himself personally distant, avoiding those messy affairs of the heart. He has a plan after all.
Emma, however, whose dour and stand-offish exterior hides a woman of great talent and gentle nature, slowly softens that hard exterior making it very difficult for Michael to reign in his growing feelings...and find out the truth about the evil professor’s diabolical scheme to control the population, and possibly endanger them all.
Passionate Secrets is a great read all on its own, whether you read the first book or not...but it might make you want to read them both! Williams writes a fluid and compelling tale that will make you a fan of all her books. Luckily, readers can anticipate a third installment in the future.
Now Ms. Williams is back with book number two, Passionate Secrets. The underlying story of a science experiment gone wrong and the three young men whose lives were changed forever as a result, continues.
Michael Drury, the Viscount Weston, is one of these survivors, left with the ability to read a person’s aura that indicate success or failure for their current ventures. But Michael hasn’t dwelt on his new talent, instead he’s been trying to save the family fortune and honor, both lost by his parents whose passions clouded their judgment as well as their hearts, ultimately leading to their deaths.
Michael commits to avoid entanglements of the heart, feeling they lead to ruin. He makes his own fortune and plans to wed a cold but connected beauty whose father holds the key to the final piece of his inheritance. Just as the plan seems set, a woman from his past reappears.
Emma Grisby is the niece of the now-dead professor whose experiment changed Michael’s life. But is he dead? Michael has reason to believe he may not be. And Emma, intent on gaining his assistance with an interview for a governess position, seems oblivious to this new turn of events regarding her uncle.
Is Emma playing a game? Her family has fallen on hard times and her sister is desperately ill. Certainly she has every reason to rue an uncle who disappeared just as her family needed his help the most. But is he helping them now? Michael intends to keep her close to find out the truth, while keeping himself personally distant, avoiding those messy affairs of the heart. He has a plan after all.
Emma, however, whose dour and stand-offish exterior hides a woman of great talent and gentle nature, slowly softens that hard exterior making it very difficult for Michael to reign in his growing feelings...and find out the truth about the evil professor’s diabolical scheme to control the population, and possibly endanger them all.
Passionate Secrets is a great read all on its own, whether you read the first book or not...but it might make you want to read them both! Williams writes a fluid and compelling tale that will make you a fan of all her books. Luckily, readers can anticipate a third installment in the future.
September 29, 2014
Okay, enough, Ms. Williams! You're books keep me up late at night, and I need more sleep. But no! You have to have another brilliant one out!
Hee-hee! Seriously, I LOVED this book!
Michael Drury, Viscount Weston, is hot in pursuit of an evil professor, when lo and behold his niece, Emma Grisby, lands herself in his library one morning, looking for a reference. He has other plans, although he does provide a reference for a job that Emma doesn't get. Michael decides instead to have Emma close, to keep watch over the one lead he has of the professor, and offers her a season for the prospect of marrying one of the rich London bachelors in the ton. Although Emma has some issues with men and trust, she sees the logic in Michael's plan. After all, this is Victorian London when precious little else was offered to women who aimed to provide for her family, which Emma has been trying to do for years.
In the process of the showing Emma the town and ton, Michael realizes he has feelings for her. But he's engaged to be married to a woman who could grant him the home his father had gambled away. It's wonderful to watch the two fight their growing attraction and try so hard to do the right thing. Through it all the evil professor has plans of his own, and when life and love are threatened the characters must make tough decisions.
I cannot wait for the next book!
Hee-hee! Seriously, I LOVED this book!
Michael Drury, Viscount Weston, is hot in pursuit of an evil professor, when lo and behold his niece, Emma Grisby, lands herself in his library one morning, looking for a reference. He has other plans, although he does provide a reference for a job that Emma doesn't get. Michael decides instead to have Emma close, to keep watch over the one lead he has of the professor, and offers her a season for the prospect of marrying one of the rich London bachelors in the ton. Although Emma has some issues with men and trust, she sees the logic in Michael's plan. After all, this is Victorian London when precious little else was offered to women who aimed to provide for her family, which Emma has been trying to do for years.
In the process of the showing Emma the town and ton, Michael realizes he has feelings for her. But he's engaged to be married to a woman who could grant him the home his father had gambled away. It's wonderful to watch the two fight their growing attraction and try so hard to do the right thing. Through it all the evil professor has plans of his own, and when life and love are threatened the characters must make tough decisions.
I cannot wait for the next book!
October 3, 2014
The blurb doesn't begin to do this book justice.
I really liked Michael and Emma. They both have flaws and insecurities. And they both love their families and will make any sacrifice necessary to make them happy.
This book didn't seem to focus as much on Michael's "gift" as much as the first book did. It was mentioned, but it wasn't really part of the story.
I thought the book was good - but there were some inconstancies that distracted me and some parts that were anticlimactic Overall, it was enjoyable and I would recommend it.
Now I am anxious to read Shattered Secrets. Lucas is a total mystery and I want to see how Ms Williams manages to wrap up the ongoing story of the professor!
I really liked Michael and Emma. They both have flaws and insecurities. And they both love their families and will make any sacrifice necessary to make them happy.
This book didn't seem to focus as much on Michael's "gift" as much as the first book did. It was mentioned, but it wasn't really part of the story.
I thought the book was good - but there were some inconstancies that distracted me and some parts that were anticlimactic Overall, it was enjoyable and I would recommend it.
Now I am anxious to read Shattered Secrets. Lucas is a total mystery and I want to see how Ms Williams manages to wrap up the ongoing story of the professor!
September 29, 2014
In this Victorian era historical romance, Michael is a hot viscount embroiled in a mystery involving his former professor--a man he thought died. Emma is a desperate governess who needs a job as soon as possible to save her family from the work house. But Emma is the professor's niece, so Michael of course suspects her of working with him. Michael reluctantly offers to give her a season to help her find a husband as a way to keep her close. But when Emma transforms from drab to gorgeous, he has a hard time remembering his goal. With clever characters, a mystery that involves electromagnetic experiments, and a passionate romance, this book was a total page turner!
September 29, 2014
I love the Victorian Era and this story delivers.
This story combines a viscount who's all business and a desperate governess who will do anything to save her family. Although unaware of her dire situation, Michael, the viscount, offers to give her a season so she can find a husband which gives him a way to keep watch on her. Michael has a few secrets of his own, involving her uncle and his recent return from the dead. Michael soon finds his heart entangled with Emma despite his vow to keep his relationships all business. Passion heats and secrets are revealed as the mystery unfolds. I'm anxious for the next book in this series.
This story combines a viscount who's all business and a desperate governess who will do anything to save her family. Although unaware of her dire situation, Michael, the viscount, offers to give her a season so she can find a husband which gives him a way to keep watch on her. Michael has a few secrets of his own, involving her uncle and his recent return from the dead. Michael soon finds his heart entangled with Emma despite his vow to keep his relationships all business. Passion heats and secrets are revealed as the mystery unfolds. I'm anxious for the next book in this series.
September 29, 2014
Great Victorian romance with a twist of mystery! Emma's desperate situation really tugged at my heart. She needs help and when Michael comes up with an unlikely offer, she reluctantly accepts. I loved Michael's reaction to her transformation from a drab governess to a lady. Their passion for each other builds while neither of them will let go of their secrets. I've adored both books in this series so far and can't wait for the next book! Highly recommend.
September 30, 2014
I loved book #1 so I had to get this next. I love that the characters from Book #1 (Staphen and Abigail) play a big part, but the main characters in this book are really interesting. Michael, the viscount, just doesn't want to be attracted to Emma but he can't help himself. It's fun to watch him struggle. And of course Emma is the perfect foil: supposedly drab and conniving, but in reality passionate and gorgeous. A really fun, fast read.
May 16, 2019
Still looking for a murderer
(Picking up where the first book left off)
Michael, Viscount Weston was injured in an experiment ten years ago. Once again a man who is suppose to be dead is alive. The only link is his niece. Michael remembers her as a carefree, exuberant young girl. Now, she's struggling to support her family. He has a solution, sponsor her for a week or two to find her a husband. Only things don't go as planned, especially with Emma in danger.
This series pulled me in from the first book and hasn't stopped. •••••
(Picking up where the first book left off)
Michael, Viscount Weston was injured in an experiment ten years ago. Once again a man who is suppose to be dead is alive. The only link is his niece. Michael remembers her as a carefree, exuberant young girl. Now, she's struggling to support her family. He has a solution, sponsor her for a week or two to find her a husband. Only things don't go as planned, especially with Emma in danger.
This series pulled me in from the first book and hasn't stopped. •••••
January 9, 2015
This is a fairly routine historical romance with characterizations and a story line that I've seen done before, down to the brooding and emotionally distant hero and the poorer, beautiful heroine. I can’t say I've seen the sponsoring into society for a wealthy husband thing, but I have no problem seeing that as a typical romance novel device. I would imagine I haven’t run into it before, because I haven’t read a vast amount of the genre yet. Even the additional supernatural element of seeing auras and the science fiction electromagnetic stuff seemed a bit out of place and almost forced onto the story to make it more than your typical romance novel. Just didn't seem to jive all that well together.
However, that’s not to say that I didn't connect with the novel or enjoy it. The emotional content was just perfect for a romance novel; I cried where I was supposed to and soared on the wings of love where appropriate. The beginning portion with Emma and her family’s situation was especially heart wrenching. There were times where the author backslid into the usual mis-communication and assuming clichés, but everything in this novel still touched my heart in every way.
I also enjoyed the characters, hero and heroine especially. I loved that Emma was a bit of a spitfire with a brain to match. Any girl that gets thrilled over a display of rocks or making a living as a writer is my kinda romance heroine! A brain to match her beauty, yes please. I liked that she took no gruff from Mr. Dark-and-Broody; yet, she also had a very large vulnerable side because of her life situation. I felt like slapping Michael over the head more than once because of his focus on a business-like marriage and past scars. But I could see where he might have gotten his motivations so I forgave him. I kinda liked that Dark-and-Broody exterior.
All in all, this was your typical romance novel. High on the emotional content and with main leads I could get behind, I’d definitely recommend it to fans of the genre. Just be prepared for some heavy uses of the typical clichés of that same genre and for a plot line that is very predictable. But we’re not reading romance novels for the plot, are we?! Nope, romance and emotions it is! So definitely recommended for that.
Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for honest review via Good Reads First Reads program.
However, that’s not to say that I didn't connect with the novel or enjoy it. The emotional content was just perfect for a romance novel; I cried where I was supposed to and soared on the wings of love where appropriate. The beginning portion with Emma and her family’s situation was especially heart wrenching. There were times where the author backslid into the usual mis-communication and assuming clichés, but everything in this novel still touched my heart in every way.
I also enjoyed the characters, hero and heroine especially. I loved that Emma was a bit of a spitfire with a brain to match. Any girl that gets thrilled over a display of rocks or making a living as a writer is my kinda romance heroine! A brain to match her beauty, yes please. I liked that she took no gruff from Mr. Dark-and-Broody; yet, she also had a very large vulnerable side because of her life situation. I felt like slapping Michael over the head more than once because of his focus on a business-like marriage and past scars. But I could see where he might have gotten his motivations so I forgave him. I kinda liked that Dark-and-Broody exterior.
All in all, this was your typical romance novel. High on the emotional content and with main leads I could get behind, I’d definitely recommend it to fans of the genre. Just be prepared for some heavy uses of the typical clichés of that same genre and for a plot line that is very predictable. But we’re not reading romance novels for the plot, are we?! Nope, romance and emotions it is! So definitely recommended for that.
Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for honest review via Good Reads First Reads program.
May 12, 2015
Thanks to a Goodreads Giveaway I was introduced to Lana Williams when I chosen a winner for this book. I am happy to have discovered a new author to me and intrigued enough with this series to get the other 2 books. I love the spunk of the heroines in the first 2 books and can not wait to read the 3rd to see how the plot plays out as there was no interaction with that Hero only brief mention of him in the previous books and more of just part of the background story.
The Secret Trilogy Series can not be read as stand-alone books as the characters interact and plot continues from each story.
Michael and Emma's story begins with events that separated the 3 friends, Stephen, Michael and Lucas, in a tragic accident that almost cost them their lives because of a scientific experiment that went horribly wrong. The accident left all men injured and with an unusual ability they had to learn to cope with.
Emma is the niece of the professor whom all thought died in the accident but turns out to be the villain in the story and re-emerges 10 years later only to be trying to complete his failed experiment.
The Secret Trilogy Series can not be read as stand-alone books as the characters interact and plot continues from each story.
Michael and Emma's story begins with events that separated the 3 friends, Stephen, Michael and Lucas, in a tragic accident that almost cost them their lives because of a scientific experiment that went horribly wrong. The accident left all men injured and with an unusual ability they had to learn to cope with.
Emma is the niece of the professor whom all thought died in the accident but turns out to be the villain in the story and re-emerges 10 years later only to be trying to complete his failed experiment.
October 9, 2014
I am excited to write a review for Passion Secrets, a romance novel, written by Lana Williams. Passion Secrets is the second book in a series penned by this very talent author. The previous book in this series is titled, Unraveling Secrets. Ms. Williams has published a total of five romance novels, included a trilogy series: A Vow to Keep, Trust in Me and Believe in Me . Ms. Williams has master the romance writing genre, as one of her fans, her tightly crafted writing style is fun to read. Her attention to the story line detail and character development flows well throughout her novels. The main characters in the Passion Secrets; Michael and Emma are up against difficult odds and the choices they make have you wanting them to succeed and win each other’s hearts over. Ms. Williams does an excellent job describing their character and emotions. As with Ms. Williams other novels, Passion Secrets does not disappoint.
I whole heartily recommend the Passion Secrets to others who love romance novels.
I whole heartily recommend the Passion Secrets to others who love romance novels.
May 21, 2015
This book was pretty good with likable characters and an exciting plot. I had a few issues with the hero - the whole "I can't possibly be romantically involved with you but I am going to kiss you as often as possible then remind you we can't be together" sort of thing. Also, the hero created this elaborate plan to throw a season for the heroine in order to determine if she is bad or working with her uncle when the hero's good friend can read good/bad intent in people's auras. Anyway, the heroine was strong, independent, and capable, just like I like them. A good down-on-her-luck but still trying story.
December 2, 2014
I'm not much of a Victorian romance person, but I liked this one with its twist of mystery! Emma's desperate situation called for a knight in shinning armor and Michael filled the bill with an unlikely offer. Michael's reaction to her transformation from a drab governess to a proper lady was a favorite part. I also liked the way he broke the engagement to his fiancé, Katherine. Then her subsequent engagement was great. I really hated Katherine.
Emma and Michael's passion for each other grew while neither of them were ready to relinquish their secrets. Highly recommend.
Emma and Michael's passion for each other grew while neither of them were ready to relinquish their secrets. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2015
My first book by Lana Williams and I loved it. Did not realize it was book two until I started it, but that's ok. Emma and Michael are so perfect together!!! Emma and her family has struggled for the past 10 yrs after her uncle supposedly died in a freak science experiment. She come to Michael, who was once her uncles student to ask for a reference so she can obtain a governess job. He thinks she's there for other reasons. He's and Ashbury are thinking keep your enemies closer, so they decide to help Emma to get to the truth about her uncle. A wonderful read!!!
December 5, 2014
Another solid historical, which I liked slightly better than the first in the series. There's a line of how far you can go to show a character's distress in a romance novel...get too brutally honest, and the spell is broken. The author walks right up to that line--in this case, poverty and illness--but manages not to cross it, I think because the characters are worried but don't lollygag around feeling sorry for themselves. Stakes nicely raised, madame.
June 1, 2015
Interesting story
I liked the fact that there is a sinister undertone with shady characters creating the subplot. The story got a little bogged down with trying to tie in information from the first story in the trilogy, but not enough to stop me from enjoying it. I will read the other books in the series as I now feel invested in all of the characters.
I liked the fact that there is a sinister undertone with shady characters creating the subplot. The story got a little bogged down with trying to tie in information from the first story in the trilogy, but not enough to stop me from enjoying it. I will read the other books in the series as I now feel invested in all of the characters.
March 1, 2015
4.5/5.0
A delightfully gripping mystery lurks within this passionate romance novel that should not be ignored.
Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
A delightfully gripping mystery lurks within this passionate romance novel that should not be ignored.
Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
May 29, 2015
Passion glorious
I found this book to be a well written book that will keep you on your toes. Me Williams has woven suspense all through her story I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a wonderful Historical Romance.
I found this book to be a well written book that will keep you on your toes. Me Williams has woven suspense all through her story I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a wonderful Historical Romance.
August 1, 2016
Great author
Excellent follow up for her last book, Unraveling secrets. Effortlessly seams it with the last. You kind of need to read this trilogy in order. I loved the hero and heroine in this book. The dialogue wasn't stilted. Can't wait to read lucas' story.
Excellent follow up for her last book, Unraveling secrets. Effortlessly seams it with the last. You kind of need to read this trilogy in order. I loved the hero and heroine in this book. The dialogue wasn't stilted. Can't wait to read lucas' story.
March 11, 2015
Intriguing story with Avery good mystery plot .lots of action and romance. Very good story. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes a little intrigue mixed with romance.
June 22, 2015
This book ended so abruptly, I was surprised. I know it is a trilogy, but I expected more. I cannot recommend it.
November 1, 2016
There is more to life than business
Lord Weston tried hard to keep emotions out of his life. Too bad he underestimated the power of youthful memories and the girl who created them.
Lord Weston tried hard to keep emotions out of his life. Too bad he underestimated the power of youthful memories and the girl who created them.
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December 15, 2018Not Kindle.
Two tropes I dislike. He doesn't trust feelings because of his parents - not hero material. She doesn't trust men but can't stop her attraction to him - not heroine material.
Two tropes I dislike. He doesn't trust feelings because of his parents - not hero material. She doesn't trust men but can't stop her attraction to him - not heroine material.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews