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The Chronicles of D.E.A.D. High #2
3rd Degree Secrets
“Like burns, there are degrees of secrets. First-degree secrets are those that girls share with female friends under clouds of giggles and shushed voices, eyes bright, smiles flashing, with furtive glances to ensure that a certain boy doesn’t overhear. First-degree secrets are relatively painless, subject to no worse than blushes or easy tears depending upon if that boy does or does not return feelings of affection. Second-degree secrets follow a person from her locker down the school halls—rolling eyes and pointed fingers marking her as surely as a painted X on her back. These secrets don’t leave scars, but injure nonetheless, deep inside where insecurities linger and fester, waiting to explode. The most serious secrets are third degree, just as third degree burns are the worst, leaving the scars, bumpy, pitted, and marred; these secrets irrevocably twist, disfigure, and ruin lives.
“I’ve had my share of second-degree secrets that I mostly try to ignore, but my third-degree secrets, well, those I hug to me in a fear born of basic survival instincts. My exterior is unblemished, white with blue veins, road maps traveling to foreign places beneath my skin, but inside, the terrain rises into mountains and ridges, scared, puckered, and ugly, uncrossable except by painful passage that I’m unwilling to take.” Kisten Rowen, Age 16
3rd Degree Secrets is a dark, sexy, paranormal mystery that fans of House of Night and Vampire Academy should love.
“I’ve had my share of second-degree secrets that I mostly try to ignore, but my third-degree secrets, well, those I hug to me in a fear born of basic survival instincts. My exterior is unblemished, white with blue veins, road maps traveling to foreign places beneath my skin, but inside, the terrain rises into mountains and ridges, scared, puckered, and ugly, uncrossable except by painful passage that I’m unwilling to take.” Kisten Rowen, Age 16
3rd Degree Secrets is a dark, sexy, paranormal mystery that fans of House of Night and Vampire Academy should love.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
6 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Roni O'Connell
4 books24 followersRoni O’Connell is the author of Inside Phoenix, a sexy shifter romance/thriller for adults, Chameleon’s Spell, a dystopian paranormal romance/thriller, Float, the first paranormal thriller in the YA series Chronicles of D.E.A.D High, and 3rd Degree Secrets, the second paranormal thriller in the series.
Addicted to books from infancy, Roni says, “I love books that explore fantasy worlds and the paranormal—books that push the edges of my imagination. As a child, I spent many of my best hours immersed in books and that passion morphed into writing them. I taught English literature for many years and found some of my students felt underrepresented in the books they read. That is why Float has a Hispanic heroine.
“I live with my husband and three dogs high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. A California native, I find inspiration in the forest, wildlife, and lakes around my home. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found out on my kayak or swimming in mountain lakes. I love good wine and great coffee, and people with my similar wicked sense of humor. I love animals, and I’ve become known locally as the Animal Whisperer as I can get birds to land in my hands and foxes and deer come to me to be petted.”
To learn more about Roni O’Connell, like her author page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter at RoniOConnell. To show you care, leave your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Addicted to books from infancy, Roni says, “I love books that explore fantasy worlds and the paranormal—books that push the edges of my imagination. As a child, I spent many of my best hours immersed in books and that passion morphed into writing them. I taught English literature for many years and found some of my students felt underrepresented in the books they read. That is why Float has a Hispanic heroine.
“I live with my husband and three dogs high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. A California native, I find inspiration in the forest, wildlife, and lakes around my home. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found out on my kayak or swimming in mountain lakes. I love good wine and great coffee, and people with my similar wicked sense of humor. I love animals, and I’ve become known locally as the Animal Whisperer as I can get birds to land in my hands and foxes and deer come to me to be petted.”
To learn more about Roni O’Connell, like her author page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter at RoniOConnell. To show you care, leave your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 14, 2014
Aw, man! Why didn't I read Float when I had the chance? 3rd Degree Secrets was pretty good so I can only imagine that Float rocks as well. I have only read one other book written by Roni O'Connell (Chameleon's Spell) and since I really liked it too, I'm starting to trust her ability to deliver well written and exciting stories.
3rd Degree Secrets covers a lot of ground when it comes to teenage vandalism, bullying, child abuse, and insecurities while throwing into the mix a good portion of romance and a hint of paranormal to keep things interesting. I enjoyed that it's told in dual points of view as it lets the reader have a wider picture by entering the minds of Kisten and Blaine. And yet, the plot was super easy to follow and the story flowed so well, despite the change of points of view. It was interesting to learn about Kisten's ability to have visions with her grey eye and predict what the Chaos Club was about to do next to the students of D.E.A.D.
The Chaos Club was something so wrong inside the book. There was no justification for any of their actions and I couldn't believe my head how authorities managed the situation. This club was acting on revenge and you know that nothing good can come out of it, especially when others join just to, well, do actual chaos instead of fighting for justice from all the bullying the members suffered from mean kids at school.
As for the main characters, I liked Kisten and Blaine a lot, as individuals and as a couple, although it did take too long for them to be together. Still, I loved how they developed their relationship, going from friends to then getting romantic. Personally, I liked Blaine a bit more than Kisten because he grows throughout the story, he changes for his girl, but Kisten was also cool, despite some wrong choices she makes out of faith, of trusting the goodness inside the people of the Chaos club. She's too nice, so naturally, people took advantage of that.
I forgot to mention that 3rd Degree Secrets can be read as a standalone even though it's the second book in a series. I never felt lost inside the story but it did make me curious as to what happened to Kisten's friend, Rashelle, before these events. And like I said before, if Float is as good as 3rd Degree Secrets, then I'm in for a treat.
*You can also find this book review at The Reader and the Chef!*
3rd Degree Secrets covers a lot of ground when it comes to teenage vandalism, bullying, child abuse, and insecurities while throwing into the mix a good portion of romance and a hint of paranormal to keep things interesting. I enjoyed that it's told in dual points of view as it lets the reader have a wider picture by entering the minds of Kisten and Blaine. And yet, the plot was super easy to follow and the story flowed so well, despite the change of points of view. It was interesting to learn about Kisten's ability to have visions with her grey eye and predict what the Chaos Club was about to do next to the students of D.E.A.D.
The Chaos Club was something so wrong inside the book. There was no justification for any of their actions and I couldn't believe my head how authorities managed the situation. This club was acting on revenge and you know that nothing good can come out of it, especially when others join just to, well, do actual chaos instead of fighting for justice from all the bullying the members suffered from mean kids at school.
As for the main characters, I liked Kisten and Blaine a lot, as individuals and as a couple, although it did take too long for them to be together. Still, I loved how they developed their relationship, going from friends to then getting romantic. Personally, I liked Blaine a bit more than Kisten because he grows throughout the story, he changes for his girl, but Kisten was also cool, despite some wrong choices she makes out of faith, of trusting the goodness inside the people of the Chaos club. She's too nice, so naturally, people took advantage of that.
I forgot to mention that 3rd Degree Secrets can be read as a standalone even though it's the second book in a series. I never felt lost inside the story but it did make me curious as to what happened to Kisten's friend, Rashelle, before these events. And like I said before, if Float is as good as 3rd Degree Secrets, then I'm in for a treat.
*You can also find this book review at The Reader and the Chef!*
December 10, 2014
I recently was introduced to Roni O'Connell's books. Float is the first book I read and it was nothing short of AMAZING!!!!! Then I was given the opportunity to read 3rd Degree Secrets.....not only did I say yes, I dove right into it and I am almost speechless at this author's ability to snatch you into a book from the very first page! This book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book Float first simply because you will already be familiar with the characters and well I can't help pushing these books because they are some of the best I have read in a long time! The characters are refreshingly "real" and incredibly believable! There is a paranormal twist and tons of suspense and the perfect amount of romance!!!! I LOVED every single second of this book! The only thing that disappointed me was that it ended! I sincerely hope that Roni O'Connell will continue to add to this series and will continue to share the stories of her wonderful chatacters!!!! I easily gave it 5 stars and HIGHLY suggest snatching up a copy for yourself today!
June 3, 2015
This is the second book in the DEAD series and again, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although some characters are recognisable from book one, this time it focuses on someone new - the intriguing Kisten - and her relationship with Blaine. An unlikely couple yet the 'she says/he says' style gives the reader an in-depth look into their personalities.
This story may be for the teenage generation, but it is written so well, in addition to the mystery/paranormal flavour, that it makes for a compelling read; regardless of age. It also demonstrates the mindset of the said teenage generation and, I would guess, help them address those tangled 'emerging into adult' years.
Themes such as bullying, difference, diversity, friendship, abuse and love, create an important book and the author does a brilliant job with plot and character development.
It will be interesting to see where the next book will lead - I hope there will be one.
Highly recommended.
Although some characters are recognisable from book one, this time it focuses on someone new - the intriguing Kisten - and her relationship with Blaine. An unlikely couple yet the 'she says/he says' style gives the reader an in-depth look into their personalities.
This story may be for the teenage generation, but it is written so well, in addition to the mystery/paranormal flavour, that it makes for a compelling read; regardless of age. It also demonstrates the mindset of the said teenage generation and, I would guess, help them address those tangled 'emerging into adult' years.
Themes such as bullying, difference, diversity, friendship, abuse and love, create an important book and the author does a brilliant job with plot and character development.
It will be interesting to see where the next book will lead - I hope there will be one.
Highly recommended.
December 12, 2014
Have you ever stopped to think about secrets? Like, really think about them? Roni O'Connell's new sequel to the fabulous novel, FLOAT, inspires you to do just that. The concept that secrets have degrees of severity...it's pure genius.
And O'Connell's execution of the plot nails it once again. The plot explores the depths of secrecy and the characters are very well fleshed out. They are witty, real, and believable, and I found myself totally lost in the book. This is truly saying a lot considering the reading rut I have been in lately!!
The length of the novel is also perfect. It comes in at just the right length to have adequate attention to detail without being too wordy and it pulls you in and lets you go at just the right spots. Roni O'Connell has become an author to watch for and is one author whose books I eagerly await!!
And O'Connell's execution of the plot nails it once again. The plot explores the depths of secrecy and the characters are very well fleshed out. They are witty, real, and believable, and I found myself totally lost in the book. This is truly saying a lot considering the reading rut I have been in lately!!
The length of the novel is also perfect. It comes in at just the right length to have adequate attention to detail without being too wordy and it pulls you in and lets you go at just the right spots. Roni O'Connell has become an author to watch for and is one author whose books I eagerly await!!
December 9, 2014
I am not a reviewer with a lot of words. 3rd Degree Secrets is the 3rd book I have read by this author. I just simply adore the way she writes. How I feel like I am right there in the story. Like the other two books, I read this is one day. I just did not want to put it down. I beta read this one and was having a really hard time taking notes. I just wanted more of the story. Not that there were a lot of notes to take. Roni O'Connell knows how to captivate a reader and keep them interested. I look forward to the next D.E.A.D. High book. As a matter of fact, I simply cannot wait ! I hope you enjoy 3rd Degree Secrets half as much as I did. I say half, because it was just that good for me.
September 19, 2017
The second book in the series is just as exciting and still a great page turner! Jumping back in to the world of D.E.A.D. High was smooth and fun, especially with wonderful new characters! It is a completely different story, but it is great having characters from Float show up in this book, too. I am so glad I got into this series, looking forward to the next book!
August 5, 2020
Mmm
This would definitely have been a four star rating if it wasn't for all the grammatical errors. The author would do well to have a proofreader go through the book before publishing.
This would definitely have been a four star rating if it wasn't for all the grammatical errors. The author would do well to have a proofreader go through the book before publishing.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews