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Secret Sins
Adam Bennett is a man with secrets.
Evelyn Berry is determined to unravel them.
When Eve’s curiosity gets the best of her, she’s plunged into an underworld of dominance and sin. Adam is a dangerous temptation. He’s sexy and charismatic on the surface, but there’s another side…
Trapped against her will, Eve’s not sure if she will ever escape. Or if she wants to.
Drowning in desire, can Adam trust the beauty who has come blazing into his dark world?
Author’s This dark historical romance novel contains themes that may be disturbing to some readers. For a full list of potential triggers, please visit the author’s website.
Evelyn Berry is determined to unravel them.
When Eve’s curiosity gets the best of her, she’s plunged into an underworld of dominance and sin. Adam is a dangerous temptation. He’s sexy and charismatic on the surface, but there’s another side…
Trapped against her will, Eve’s not sure if she will ever escape. Or if she wants to.
Drowning in desire, can Adam trust the beauty who has come blazing into his dark world?
Author’s This dark historical romance novel contains themes that may be disturbing to some readers. For a full list of potential triggers, please visit the author’s website.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Shalene Marie
13 books111 followersShalene Marie was born in Wisconsin, in the heart of the Fox Valley. She enjoys living in the Dairy State with a sassy feline named Garfield. Family and friends are important to her, and she appreciates the support they offer without question. In her free time, she is likely to pick up a good book or watch a movie. Her favorite genre’s include romance, mystery, horror, and comedy. She has been writing for many years but finally made the transition to self-publishing in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 6, 2025
Well I wasn’t expecting that!! This is a longer than average book but don’t worry because all that does is allow us to delve into the magical and compelling world Shalene Marie has created.
This is darker than her usual read but holy moly it was so addictive!! The words seamlessly wrapped themselves around me and tugged me, a willing captive, into the dark and secret lives of these beautiful characters.
Adam is a force of nature. He has a delicious dark and dominant side that, oh my goodness, makes your knees weak and your heart skip a beat.
I love his confidence in believing he’s a rogue and that won’t ever change. Then boom!!, along comes a woman who literally knocks him on his backside and makes him yearn for everything he thought distasteful before.
The way his obsession becomes something longer lasting was so beautiful to watch. This isa man who fell, and fell hard. I love when that happens!!
Adam is a powerful man, yet he doesn’t flaunt it and I find that endearing. His relationship with this Butler, Cook a Maid is more family orientated than employer and employee and I loved that.
While he comes across as intimidating character, it’s softened by his care of those he considers to be family.
Eve is such a wonderful character. She’s strong willed and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She has a soft side for those in her heart but her back bone of steel is openly paraded and I love that!! It’s refreshing to see in a time where women are not generally seen as strong and prominent in comparison to men.
I loved watching her fall for Adam and exploring a part of herself she hadn’t known before. Watching her come to terms and embrace the dark side of her sexuality was so refreshing to watch in a woman so young and pure.
Adam and Eve made an explosive combination. Their chemistry off the charts hot, their pull towards each other was instant and true. It was absolutely beautiful to watch them bond, whilst reluctantly at first but as feeling grew and obsession run rampant their bond became unbreakable.
This is an absolutely amazing read. It has a couple of turns I hadn’t expected an Shalene wrote this perfectly. Once again she has knocked it so far out of the ball park you’ll never see the ball again!!
So compelling and addictive, it packs one heck of a punch it’ll floor you and leave you begging for more. The depth and emotions will pull you in with no effort at all, holding you a willing prisoner.
What a ride!!!
Thank you Shalene Marie, you’ve excelled yourself🥰
If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this book. It deserves so many stars to fully portray how fantastic a read it is
This is darker than her usual read but holy moly it was so addictive!! The words seamlessly wrapped themselves around me and tugged me, a willing captive, into the dark and secret lives of these beautiful characters.
Adam is a force of nature. He has a delicious dark and dominant side that, oh my goodness, makes your knees weak and your heart skip a beat.
I love his confidence in believing he’s a rogue and that won’t ever change. Then boom!!, along comes a woman who literally knocks him on his backside and makes him yearn for everything he thought distasteful before.
The way his obsession becomes something longer lasting was so beautiful to watch. This isa man who fell, and fell hard. I love when that happens!!
Adam is a powerful man, yet he doesn’t flaunt it and I find that endearing. His relationship with this Butler, Cook a Maid is more family orientated than employer and employee and I loved that.
While he comes across as intimidating character, it’s softened by his care of those he considers to be family.
Eve is such a wonderful character. She’s strong willed and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She has a soft side for those in her heart but her back bone of steel is openly paraded and I love that!! It’s refreshing to see in a time where women are not generally seen as strong and prominent in comparison to men.
I loved watching her fall for Adam and exploring a part of herself she hadn’t known before. Watching her come to terms and embrace the dark side of her sexuality was so refreshing to watch in a woman so young and pure.
Adam and Eve made an explosive combination. Their chemistry off the charts hot, their pull towards each other was instant and true. It was absolutely beautiful to watch them bond, whilst reluctantly at first but as feeling grew and obsession run rampant their bond became unbreakable.
This is an absolutely amazing read. It has a couple of turns I hadn’t expected an Shalene wrote this perfectly. Once again she has knocked it so far out of the ball park you’ll never see the ball again!!
So compelling and addictive, it packs one heck of a punch it’ll floor you and leave you begging for more. The depth and emotions will pull you in with no effort at all, holding you a willing prisoner.
What a ride!!!
Thank you Shalene Marie, you’ve excelled yourself🥰
If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this book. It deserves so many stars to fully portray how fantastic a read it is
November 12, 2025
If you're searching for a book that transcends the ordinary, "Secret Sins" by Shalene Marie is an absolute must-read. Shalene has masterfully ventured into the realm of hot, spicy, dark romance, and she has truly outdone herself this time.
The chemistry between Eve and Adam is electric, filled with tension that pulls them together even as they find themselves at odds. The depth of their emotions is unparalleled, crafting an experience that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. You will find yourself swooning repeatedly as the heat of their connection ignites the pages.
Don't miss the chance to dive into this captivating narrative. I highly recommend adding "Secret Sins" to your reading list—it’s a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss!
Pre-order yours now!
https://amzn.to/3WOOzOC
(Note: As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn a small commission from this link).
The chemistry between Eve and Adam is electric, filled with tension that pulls them together even as they find themselves at odds. The depth of their emotions is unparalleled, crafting an experience that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. You will find yourself swooning repeatedly as the heat of their connection ignites the pages.
Don't miss the chance to dive into this captivating narrative. I highly recommend adding "Secret Sins" to your reading list—it’s a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss!
Pre-order yours now!
https://amzn.to/3WOOzOC
(Note: As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn a small commission from this link).
December 22, 2025
Decadently dark and sinfully good.
Age gap dark romance told in 3rd person from dual POVs.
This story of two morally gray characters is a deliciously emotional thrill ride.
Lord Adam Bennett is a man hiding deadly secrets and a dominating need for control-a burning need that extends to the beautiful and tempting Lady Evelyn Berry.
Eve is a young woman with her own dangerous secrets and proclivities. Ones that draw her deep into Adam's dark world and hold her there with an iron grip.
Together they face the darkness of the world they now share and are forced to make some very hard choices.
If you love your characters on the morally gray spectrum, your romance steamy, and your plots darkly twisted, this one's for you.
A definite recommend for fans of dark and steamy romance.
Age gap dark romance told in 3rd person from dual POVs.
This story of two morally gray characters is a deliciously emotional thrill ride.
Lord Adam Bennett is a man hiding deadly secrets and a dominating need for control-a burning need that extends to the beautiful and tempting Lady Evelyn Berry.
Eve is a young woman with her own dangerous secrets and proclivities. Ones that draw her deep into Adam's dark world and hold her there with an iron grip.
Together they face the darkness of the world they now share and are forced to make some very hard choices.
If you love your characters on the morally gray spectrum, your romance steamy, and your plots darkly twisted, this one's for you.
A definite recommend for fans of dark and steamy romance.
December 7, 2025
Adam Bennett is a man with secrets.
Evelyn Berry is determined to unravel them.
When Eve’s curiosity gets the best of her, she’s plunged into an underworld of dominance and sin. Adam is a dangerous temptation. He’s sexy and charismatic on the surface, but there’s another side…
Trapped against her will, Eve’s not sure if she will ever escape. Or if she wants to.
Drowning in desire, can Adam trust the beauty who has come blazing into his dark world?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times
Tropes: Historical Romance, Secrets, Curiosity, Dominance, Sin, Dangerous Temptation, Sex/Charismatic MMC, Drowning in Desire,
Secret Sins by Shalene Marie.
I really enjoy Shalene Marie’s historical romances and this one really took me by surprise. And while Secret Sins was a bit on the longer side, I can assure you that you don’t need to worry as this really allows you to dig in in, delve into the magical and compelling world that Shalene’s created for this book.
I will admit that I did find Secret Sins to be darker than Shalene’s normal books but dang, I was just enthralled by it. The world she created just wrapped itself around the characters and it seemed the wrap itself around you, and it almost seemed like it captivated you, and I found myself mesmerized in this dark work and the secret lives of all these beautiful and wonderful characters.
I found Adam to be this absolute force of nature. He has an absolute ambrosian dark and dominant side that, oh my, he left my knees weak, my heart skipping a beat, and I felt almost breathless.
His confidence was out of this world and I just loved it; he believed with his whole heart that he was a rogue and that nothing was ever going to change that. Then suddenly he meets this woman who unadulteratedly knocks him on his ass and leaves him suddenly yearning for everything he thought he’d never want before.
I absolutely loved the way his obsession becomes something so much longer lasting and it was something that was so beautiful to watch. Adam is a man who fell, and when he falls, he falls hard and fast. And I loved watching that happen.
We can see that Adam is a powerful man, and yet he never once brags about the power that he holds and I really found that endearing. I loved that he had this interpersonal and personal relationship with this Butler, Cook, and a Maid who he treats more like family then servants showing that he doesn’t look down on the working class and doesn’t hold to the employer and employee relationship and that is something that I really loved about him.
And there are times where he did come across as a bit forbidding and intimidating, his care for those he loves, cares about, and considers to be his family softens that forbidding and intimidating side.
I adore Eve, she’s such a sweet, wonderful, strong-willed character and you can tell she’s not the kind of woman who suffers fools and honestly this is the kind of FMC that I just love. And it’s so refreshing to see, especially in a time when women were not generally seen as strong, independent, and prominent in comparison to their male counterparts.
Watching Eve fall for Adam, and then explore a part of herself she had never known before, we breathtaking. And then watching her as she came to terms and then embrace this darker side to her personality and sexuality was refreshing to watch, especially in a woman who was still so young and really very pure.
Seeing Adam and Eve together, they are such a dynamic and vaporescent combination. Their chemistry is undeniable and it is out of this world. From the moment that they meet you can tell that they feel towards each other is instant and true. And I found it so stunning and beautiful to watch them bond, while they are reluctant at first, but as their feelings grow for one another and their obsession for the other runs unbridled in the beginning. But, as their feelings grow, the bond slowly becomes shatterproof.
I found this to be such an astounding read. There were twists and turns in it that I wasn’t expecting and I can honestly say that Shalene wrote this book perfectly. In my honest opinion she knocked it out of the ball park and this is one ball you’re never going to find.
This book is not only compelling it’s also enthralling and addictive, it’s going to pack one heck of an emotional gut punch and it’s going to leave you floored and begging for more. There is such a depth to the emotion that’s going to pull you into this story with no effort at all, and you’re going to find yourself a willing prisoner.
All I can say it is this is one heck of a wild emotional roller coaster ride.
Thank you for writing this book, Shalene, you have out done yourself with Secret Sins.
This is a MUST-READ book, that’s the only way I can say how highly I recommend this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would do it in a heart beat.
Evelyn Berry is determined to unravel them.
When Eve’s curiosity gets the best of her, she’s plunged into an underworld of dominance and sin. Adam is a dangerous temptation. He’s sexy and charismatic on the surface, but there’s another side…
Trapped against her will, Eve’s not sure if she will ever escape. Or if she wants to.
Drowning in desire, can Adam trust the beauty who has come blazing into his dark world?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times
Tropes: Historical Romance, Secrets, Curiosity, Dominance, Sin, Dangerous Temptation, Sex/Charismatic MMC, Drowning in Desire,
Secret Sins by Shalene Marie.
I really enjoy Shalene Marie’s historical romances and this one really took me by surprise. And while Secret Sins was a bit on the longer side, I can assure you that you don’t need to worry as this really allows you to dig in in, delve into the magical and compelling world that Shalene’s created for this book.
I will admit that I did find Secret Sins to be darker than Shalene’s normal books but dang, I was just enthralled by it. The world she created just wrapped itself around the characters and it seemed the wrap itself around you, and it almost seemed like it captivated you, and I found myself mesmerized in this dark work and the secret lives of all these beautiful and wonderful characters.
I found Adam to be this absolute force of nature. He has an absolute ambrosian dark and dominant side that, oh my, he left my knees weak, my heart skipping a beat, and I felt almost breathless.
His confidence was out of this world and I just loved it; he believed with his whole heart that he was a rogue and that nothing was ever going to change that. Then suddenly he meets this woman who unadulteratedly knocks him on his ass and leaves him suddenly yearning for everything he thought he’d never want before.
I absolutely loved the way his obsession becomes something so much longer lasting and it was something that was so beautiful to watch. Adam is a man who fell, and when he falls, he falls hard and fast. And I loved watching that happen.
We can see that Adam is a powerful man, and yet he never once brags about the power that he holds and I really found that endearing. I loved that he had this interpersonal and personal relationship with this Butler, Cook, and a Maid who he treats more like family then servants showing that he doesn’t look down on the working class and doesn’t hold to the employer and employee relationship and that is something that I really loved about him.
And there are times where he did come across as a bit forbidding and intimidating, his care for those he loves, cares about, and considers to be his family softens that forbidding and intimidating side.
I adore Eve, she’s such a sweet, wonderful, strong-willed character and you can tell she’s not the kind of woman who suffers fools and honestly this is the kind of FMC that I just love. And it’s so refreshing to see, especially in a time when women were not generally seen as strong, independent, and prominent in comparison to their male counterparts.
Watching Eve fall for Adam, and then explore a part of herself she had never known before, we breathtaking. And then watching her as she came to terms and then embrace this darker side to her personality and sexuality was refreshing to watch, especially in a woman who was still so young and really very pure.
Seeing Adam and Eve together, they are such a dynamic and vaporescent combination. Their chemistry is undeniable and it is out of this world. From the moment that they meet you can tell that they feel towards each other is instant and true. And I found it so stunning and beautiful to watch them bond, while they are reluctant at first, but as their feelings grow for one another and their obsession for the other runs unbridled in the beginning. But, as their feelings grow, the bond slowly becomes shatterproof.
I found this to be such an astounding read. There were twists and turns in it that I wasn’t expecting and I can honestly say that Shalene wrote this book perfectly. In my honest opinion she knocked it out of the ball park and this is one ball you’re never going to find.
This book is not only compelling it’s also enthralling and addictive, it’s going to pack one heck of an emotional gut punch and it’s going to leave you floored and begging for more. There is such a depth to the emotion that’s going to pull you into this story with no effort at all, and you’re going to find yourself a willing prisoner.
All I can say it is this is one heck of a wild emotional roller coaster ride.
Thank you for writing this book, Shalene, you have out done yourself with Secret Sins.
This is a MUST-READ book, that’s the only way I can say how highly I recommend this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would do it in a heart beat.
November 13, 2025
Shalene Marie’s Secret Sins is a darkly seductive tale that pulls readers into a world of secrets, dominance, and dangerous desire. Adam Bennett is a man cloaked in mystery—his charm is magnetic, but beneath it lies a storm of control and temptation. Evelyn Berry, curious and bold, steps into his world and finds herself caught in a web of passion and power she never expected.
Marie masterfully explores the tension between fear and longing, autonomy and surrender. Eve’s descent into Adam’s underworld is both terrifying and intoxicating, and the emotional stakes rise with every page. The chemistry between them is electric, but it’s the psychological depth that makes this story linger.
Secret Sins is not just a romance—it’s a haunting exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the seductive pull of the forbidden. Shalene Marie delivers a gripping, atmospheric read that will leave you breathless and aching for more.
My Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 10, 2025
I love all the books that have read by this author. Her books have so many twists and turns in the plot. It keeps the reader engaged and intrigued as to where you are going to be lead in the storyline. This book is no different. It involves several different characters that aren’t as they seem in society. This includes Adam Bennett a confirmed bachelor, scoundrel with the ladies and astute businessman. He is so much more than meets the eye. Evelyn Berry finds this out first hand. It is an interesting story about how these two people forge a life together. It is full of intrigue and is very hot and steamy between them. I immensely enjoyed this book. It is more than 5 stars if possible. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read this intriguing book earlier and this is my honest review.
December 14, 2025
Secret Sins pulls you into a dark, seductive world where curiosity leads to danger, and desire rules. Eve is drawn to Adam and his underworld of dominance and sin. Adam is the kind of antihero who lives under a dark cloud, yet somehow breaks free of it for Eve, and Eve alone. Their chemistry sizzles on the page, creating an electric push and pull that keeps the reader hooked. With every chapter, the tension builds as you’re left wondering just what Adam’s secret is, and whether Eve will escape. And does she even want to? Shalene Marie excels at characters you shouldn’t root for but can’t help loving. She turns up the heat and leaves you eager to peel back all the layers. If you enjoy dark romance with strong chemistry, mystery, and a dangerously tempting scoundrel, Secret Sins is a compelling read that will leave you wanting more.
December 8, 2025
Secret Sins is a dark and spicy read by Shalene Marie.
So I started this book and immediately disliked Adam. He is very conceited and arrogant. He thinks he can get everything he wants and he bothered me. However, by the end of the story, I loved him. He does grow on you and you do see a different side to him the more he interacts with Eve. The book was titled appropriately as there are a lot of secrets and a lot of them are dark and sinful. Eve is a curious person by nature and when she discovers some things she shouldn't, she gets herself into some trouble. There are quite a few twists that you don't see coming. One left me mind blown as I didn't see it coming. This is one of the best books I have read by Shalene and if you can only read one, I highly recommend this one.
So I started this book and immediately disliked Adam. He is very conceited and arrogant. He thinks he can get everything he wants and he bothered me. However, by the end of the story, I loved him. He does grow on you and you do see a different side to him the more he interacts with Eve. The book was titled appropriately as there are a lot of secrets and a lot of them are dark and sinful. Eve is a curious person by nature and when she discovers some things she shouldn't, she gets herself into some trouble. There are quite a few twists that you don't see coming. One left me mind blown as I didn't see it coming. This is one of the best books I have read by Shalene and if you can only read one, I highly recommend this one.
December 11, 2025
Sure to arouse even the weakest libido, Shalene Marie’s latest release, Secret Sins, is a must read for those who enjoy the spiciest of spice. Marie is able to aptly portray intense sexual scenes on the pages. That aside, what is Adam’s secret and why would Evie’s life be in danger if she were to know it? Could murder stand between them? Is m**der ever justified even in the name of justice? The answers to those questions can only be answered by the reader’s moral convictions as they unfold in this very dark and sensual novel.
December 10, 2025
I loved this! It's Adam & Eve's story & it was an awesome one! They're instantly attracted to each other, & her curiosity gets the best of her. I loved seeing her learn more about her "other side;" he's convinced that he can never change & then he meets her & everything changes. There are twists & turns here, that I did not see coming! I loved the spice & the story was fantastic! Highly recommend this book & author!
December 12, 2025
addictive read
Secrets Sins is a historical romance with a darker edge. When Adam catches Evie reading secrets she was never meant to see, he takes drastic steps to secure her silence, never expecting her stubborn streak to match his own. Shalene Marie delivers another addictive read that kept me turning the pages. The darker tone is new for her, but she handles it beautifully, and now I’m excited to see where she takes this side of her storytelling next.
Secrets Sins is a historical romance with a darker edge. When Adam catches Evie reading secrets she was never meant to see, he takes drastic steps to secure her silence, never expecting her stubborn streak to match his own. Shalene Marie delivers another addictive read that kept me turning the pages. The darker tone is new for her, but she handles it beautifully, and now I’m excited to see where she takes this side of her storytelling next.
December 25, 2025
Adam and Evelyn's story was amazing to read, I couldn't stop reading. Shalene always draws you in with her writing and the twists she adds to her character, plot and storyline. The worlds are amazing. You never want to leave. It was dark, action packed, wild, and kept you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend.
December 11, 2025
Adam and Eve
The names of the main characters in this story are a bit apropos. Maybe a bit reversed in the roles but definitely ironic. Another fantastic hit by Shalene. She draws you in with her fantastic world and character building every time.
The names of the main characters in this story are a bit apropos. Maybe a bit reversed in the roles but definitely ironic. Another fantastic hit by Shalene. She draws you in with her fantastic world and character building every time.
December 28, 2025
Secret Sins is a dark, steamy, and twisted historical romance. I couldn't put it down. The characters were amazing, descriptions and details written to perfection, and a jaw dropping twist.
December 10, 2025
What's not to love about Adam? He's got the whole 'tortured soul' thing down pat, and his dark side is ridiculously appealing. But what really gets me is how he's transformed by his love for Eve. It's like watching a butterfly emerge from a cocoon - beautiful, awkward, and utterly captivating. Their love story is a true masterpiece, full of humor, heart, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Shalene had me hooked from the first chapter when they broke out the honey 🔥🔥🔥 this story was so hot, I had to put my Kindle down bc it was too hot to touch 😁
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews