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Scarlet #2
Scarlet Secrets
What you can't say - owns you. What you hide - controls you.
Scarlet knows the truth of these words all too well. As the stress of a family wedding builds, her resolve to be a #GoodDaughter wears thin and toxic truths begin to take their toll. Scarlet's epic humor carries her through everything from (more!) forbidden croquembouche, to uku infestations and melon-like wardrobe malfunctions, and more of her family's barbed idea of love. Sometimes you just have to laugh through life's pain, or else you'll cry your heart out. Right? Can Jackson be the strength that helps Scarlet break through the lies? Or will her secrets destroy them?
Experience the tropical heat, humor and heartache that is Scarlet's trip home to Samoa. Do not read unless you can handle scorching scenes that contain passion (fruit) at the plantation, too much dessert and lots of (Jackson's) caramel deliciousness.
For mature audiences only. Contains reference to childhood abuse and trauma, and discussion of associated topics.
Scarlet knows the truth of these words all too well. As the stress of a family wedding builds, her resolve to be a #GoodDaughter wears thin and toxic truths begin to take their toll. Scarlet's epic humor carries her through everything from (more!) forbidden croquembouche, to uku infestations and melon-like wardrobe malfunctions, and more of her family's barbed idea of love. Sometimes you just have to laugh through life's pain, or else you'll cry your heart out. Right? Can Jackson be the strength that helps Scarlet break through the lies? Or will her secrets destroy them?
Experience the tropical heat, humor and heartache that is Scarlet's trip home to Samoa. Do not read unless you can handle scorching scenes that contain passion (fruit) at the plantation, too much dessert and lots of (Jackson's) caramel deliciousness.
For mature audiences only. Contains reference to childhood abuse and trauma, and discussion of associated topics.
- GenresRomanceContemporaryAdult
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2015
20 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Lani Wendt Young
27 books431 followersLani Young is an international bestselling author of YA fantasy, contemporary romance and literary fiction. The 2018 Pacific Laureate, her work is inspired by the diverse mythology of Oceania and the richness of her cultural heritage as a Samoan and Maori woman.
When she's not writing (or reading), she's baking cookies, talking to dogs, and trying to do triathlons.
She lives in Samoa and New Zealand with her Ironman husband and four children.
When she's not writing (or reading), she's baking cookies, talking to dogs, and trying to do triathlons.
She lives in Samoa and New Zealand with her Ironman husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 11, 2019
• Best Points: AUNTY LANUOLA. I wish I had an aunty like her that bragged about me to a handsome stranger who offered to take her to church (and who most definitely wanted me), and then told me to have sex with him. Also, Jackson being so eager and handsy and WHEW. Mans know what he wants. Also, Jackson being so eager and handsy and WHEW. Mans know what he wants.
• Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
✨
While maintaining the iconic Pacific Island humour, 'Scarlet Secrets' was more of a deeper, sombre read than it's predecessor, 'Scarlet Lies'.
True to its title, this book was very much the telling and revealing of Scarlet's secrets and I think one of the many things I enjoyed about this book was how the author was able to write Scarlet's nonchalant behaviour to what was being said to her and how she was treated by her family. It's a common trait among Pacific Islanders to basically downplay our trauma in favour of not being pitied or viewed as a disappointment, and so during the part where Scarlet shared with Jackson a part of her past that she did not initially want to share, I personally resonated with Scarlet's forced dismissal and nonchalance to what happened and sharing it because, in her words, "What good would it have done to make that kind off thing public?...It's in the past anyway."
Sibling relationships are hard, and it's even harder when there is so much toxicity between the siblings that has been more or less fueled by the toxicity between parents and their sibling relationships. One of my favourite things that occurred in the book was the some-what breakthrough in the relationship between Scarlet and Naomi. While it's not perfect, I really liked that there was some sort of an understanding between the two characters. Family toxicity is a generational curse, people! It is something I know about all too well and reading the dysfunctionality between Scarlet and Naomi, and then seeing it as a reflection of their parents sibling relationships made me say "lol same". At the same time, I like the relationship Scarlet has with Tamarina. It's not one of many words, but it is one of understanding, straightforwardness and appreciation for each other.
Also, I have to give more love to my mans Jackson cus his and Scarlet's interactions had me getting me frillz. Like, I just want to see an IRL Jackson Emery...all caramel deliciousness with cuts, indents and contours. Whew.
Much like the first book, I really loved the second installment to the Scarlet series and I'm really excited for the third book (I can't believe I'm third on the library reading list T.T) because I NEED to know what happens! Like, Tamarina dropped a massive bomb on Scarlet (AND ME!) like that, and I really want Jackson and Scarlet to get their happy ending and I just...ugh, I need to know how this series ends :(
• Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
✨
While maintaining the iconic Pacific Island humour, 'Scarlet Secrets' was more of a deeper, sombre read than it's predecessor, 'Scarlet Lies'.
True to its title, this book was very much the telling and revealing of Scarlet's secrets and I think one of the many things I enjoyed about this book was how the author was able to write Scarlet's nonchalant behaviour to what was being said to her and how she was treated by her family. It's a common trait among Pacific Islanders to basically downplay our trauma in favour of not being pitied or viewed as a disappointment, and so during the part where Scarlet shared with Jackson a part of her past that she did not initially want to share, I personally resonated with Scarlet's forced dismissal and nonchalance to what happened and sharing it because, in her words, "What good would it have done to make that kind off thing public?...It's in the past anyway."
Sibling relationships are hard, and it's even harder when there is so much toxicity between the siblings that has been more or less fueled by the toxicity between parents and their sibling relationships. One of my favourite things that occurred in the book was the some-what breakthrough in the relationship between Scarlet and Naomi. While it's not perfect, I really liked that there was some sort of an understanding between the two characters. Family toxicity is a generational curse, people! It is something I know about all too well and reading the dysfunctionality between Scarlet and Naomi, and then seeing it as a reflection of their parents sibling relationships made me say "lol same". At the same time, I like the relationship Scarlet has with Tamarina. It's not one of many words, but it is one of understanding, straightforwardness and appreciation for each other.
Also, I have to give more love to my mans Jackson cus his and Scarlet's interactions had me getting me frillz. Like, I just want to see an IRL Jackson Emery...all caramel deliciousness with cuts, indents and contours. Whew.
Much like the first book, I really loved the second installment to the Scarlet series and I'm really excited for the third book (I can't believe I'm third on the library reading list T.T) because I NEED to know what happens! Like, Tamarina dropped a massive bomb on Scarlet (AND ME!) like that, and I really want Jackson and Scarlet to get their happy ending and I just...ugh, I need to know how this series ends :(
May 16, 2017
Funny and serious at the same time
This second book was definitely more serious than the first. It dealt with a serious topic that is taboo and still is in Samoa. The subject of rape/incest is never talked about within the aiga yet everyone knows it happens, keeping true the point about family reputation being above all. I liked how the writer talks about all these taboos and brings up the "hard topics" and then writes in a way that the character affected symbolically "overcomes" these. I felt all the emotions of this second book. Excellent read. I can't wait for the third book!
This second book was definitely more serious than the first. It dealt with a serious topic that is taboo and still is in Samoa. The subject of rape/incest is never talked about within the aiga yet everyone knows it happens, keeping true the point about family reputation being above all. I liked how the writer talks about all these taboos and brings up the "hard topics" and then writes in a way that the character affected symbolically "overcomes" these. I felt all the emotions of this second book. Excellent read. I can't wait for the third book!
June 20, 2015
Book. Hangover. That is all!
April 14, 2019
Aaahhh!!!!! I LOVE IT!! 💯💯
I love everything about Scarlet and Jackson’s relationship 😍!!! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance book and lead characters that will blow your mind away! I chose this rating because it deserves more than 5 stars ♥️😌 I’m a huge fan of the Scarlet Series and Lani Wendt Young. She’s an amazing author and I love her and her books.
I love everything about Scarlet and Jackson’s relationship 😍!!! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance book and lead characters that will blow your mind away! I chose this rating because it deserves more than 5 stars ♥️😌 I’m a huge fan of the Scarlet Series and Lani Wendt Young. She’s an amazing author and I love her and her books.
May 24, 2019
I want more! Lol the chemistry between Scarlet and Jackson was just mind blowing for me. I started with Scarlet Lies then Secrets (no sleep inbetween lol) and then completed Redemption all in 3days! I literally couldnt put the book down! LOVED IT, ALL OF IT!
September 21, 2019
POWERFUL BOOK!!!
I cannot explain how this book hits home for me. It took me a while to finish it because every chapter I would have to take a breather or pause to soak everything in.. I love these books. That leave mental and cultural imprints in my life.. I LOVE IT!!!
I cannot explain how this book hits home for me. It took me a while to finish it because every chapter I would have to take a breather or pause to soak everything in.. I love these books. That leave mental and cultural imprints in my life.. I LOVE IT!!!
January 22, 2021
This series is so so good! I love that it tackles issues that are rarely talked about in a Samoan household. And Scarlet! She is just so amazing. I love how she’s been able to find her voice throughout this book. I’m so excited to read the next book to find out how everything is resolved.
May 25, 2017
AWESOME
July 23, 2018
Good read.
April 17, 2019
Riveting & Truth
A story that brings to light a tragedy that happens way too often in the Samoan culture that is always being swept under the rug, because of pride...
A story that brings to light a tragedy that happens way too often in the Samoan culture that is always being swept under the rug, because of pride...
March 20, 2020
Best BBW Story
Love it. Finished this and the first one in two days. Makes you wish Jackson Emery was real! Scarlets imagination is cray cray crazy
Love it. Finished this and the first one in two days. Makes you wish Jackson Emery was real! Scarlets imagination is cray cray crazy
August 23, 2022
Very well done romance. Funny, sexy, heartbreaking at times and powerful. I am very impressed with this writer and am looking forward to finishing Scarlet's story.
December 18, 2022
This book was so raw, I loved it! It brings to light so many unspoken truths that need to be spoken about more openly.
February 14, 2025
Scarlet is such a wonderful character. Reading the whole series
June 30, 2015
Talk about developing a character! That's exactly what Lani Wendt Young did in the second book of the Scarlet Series! If you thought you knew Scar before, you really get a truer understanding of what it took to journey back to Samoa in this one! I just love how Lani explained Scar's relationships with her parents, sisters, and Jackson so fully, how Scar's arrived in this place in her life, and why Scar's fighting her relationship with Jackson! It's not only a journey back to Samoa for a wedding, it's Scar's journey to overcoming everything in her life and finding a way to move on! And the steamy rainforest scene...OMG! So ready to book a flight for my husband and I to Samoa! As soon as I read the last page, I immediately went to Amazon to get the third book and oh how the tears fell when I realized it isn't ready yet!! Even though it's a cliff-hanger, I'm so excited to see what happens next for Scar and Jackson, Troy and Naomi, and Scar and her family (and especially Aunty Lanuola!)!
December 2, 2015
HOLY SHIZNIT LANI!! A ton of secrets were definitely unloaded in this book and it broke my heart reading that part. It gutted me and I wanted to freaking kill that bastard myself and kick a few of those women's asses! But the strength it took for Scar to endure and finally set herself free by releasing it all to Jackson and mainly Naomi...Freaking Awesome!!!
This has always been a favorite quote of mine since you shared it with us on your blog.
"Scarlet, your voice, your hurt and your healing are more important than your family’s reputation."
Scar & Jackson are freakin' HAWT together and ooohwweeee do they bring the Heat!!! Bow-chicka-wow-wow!!
Damn good book and outstanding job Lani! Now bring on book 3, lol!!
This has always been a favorite quote of mine since you shared it with us on your blog.
"Scarlet, your voice, your hurt and your healing are more important than your family’s reputation."
Scar & Jackson are freakin' HAWT together and ooohwweeee do they bring the Heat!!! Bow-chicka-wow-wow!!
Damn good book and outstanding job Lani! Now bring on book 3, lol!!
June 20, 2015
Could this book have me wanting more or what?! The Jackson and Scarlet romance is so steamy and scandalous, the love I have for these characters make me laugh. This books is such a enticing book with so much hurt, love and happiness in one book, seriously can not get enough, although it always hit close to home. The history and secrets uncovered had me wanting more, knowing the background of the characters simply kept me interested. This is indeed an awesome book, it has me so frustrated I want to know more, what happens next honestly am busting to buy the next book hoping all questions will be answered. P.S. I so need to find myself a hero like Jackson Emery ;)
December 31, 2015
What can I say about this book! I absolutely loved every bit of it! "Scarlet Series" book 1 & 2 are probably one of my favorite books this year, just waiting so very impatiently for book 3.....
Scarlet is in Samoa preparing for the epic Samoan wedding of the century. The women of the family are rough, their expectations are intense ( it kind of reminded me of My Big Fat Greek Weeding). More family secrets are revealed, more sexiness and a ton more Jackson. Scarlet Secrets will take you on an emotional, cultural journey, with a hilarious yet humble heroine.
Scarlet is in Samoa preparing for the epic Samoan wedding of the century. The women of the family are rough, their expectations are intense ( it kind of reminded me of My Big Fat Greek Weeding). More family secrets are revealed, more sexiness and a ton more Jackson. Scarlet Secrets will take you on an emotional, cultural journey, with a hilarious yet humble heroine.
April 27, 2016
The continuation of the first book and so entertaining and funny!! Love all the culture you get as you read the book of all the aiga (family) and the relationships that have rules! Again, so funny and sexy and you can't help but want to help Scar see herself as a beautiful woman but you know by little tidbits that there is a reason that she can't see herself that way! I really want to know what she looks like but you don't really get that since she is narrating the book! Loved it! (It does have some very "sex" scenes and some language, if that bothers you you can skip over it...)
June 11, 2016
Scarlet continues to enthrall us with experiences on her return home for her sisters wedding. We learn of the secret she hasn't spoken of since she was sent away from home at age 16 and how it imprisoned her soul and free spirited self. I really loved this book and imagining the picturesque island nation of Samoa and its' customs and aiga. I can't wait to read the 3rd series!
June 21, 2015
This is so intense!
Just when you think you know where the story is taking you, ... Wow! Everything about this tale is gripping and climatic! I can't wait to read about how Scar's story ends or really begins.
Just when you think you know where the story is taking you, ... Wow! Everything about this tale is gripping and climatic! I can't wait to read about how Scar's story ends or really begins.
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April 16, 2023Secrets Always Come Out!
Wow! Talk about from one extreme to the next. This book had me from laughing, saying dannngggg, to wtf, then angry and frustrated and back to lol! Another page turner that I did not put down.
Wow! Talk about from one extreme to the next. This book had me from laughing, saying dannngggg, to wtf, then angry and frustrated and back to lol! Another page turner that I did not put down.
July 15, 2015
IM SAD IT ENDED....
I loved that it kept me wanting more...
I wished there was more Beyonce!
LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEIR LOVESTORY: JACKSON!
I loved that it kept me wanting more...
I wished there was more Beyonce!
LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEIR LOVESTORY: JACKSON!
September 26, 2015
So good. So, so, so good. Even better than the first book. When does the next one come out?!
October 6, 2015
Read it while in Samoa - good insight into samoan life
January 9, 2016
Blown Away
Moved to tears. Can't wait for book three! Great book! The author is an gifted writer, she had me entranced since the beginning!
Moved to tears. Can't wait for book three! Great book! The author is an gifted writer, she had me entranced since the beginning!
May 22, 2016
I enjoyed book 2.
I've missed reading your work.
I look forward to more books being released.
I've missed reading your work.
I look forward to more books being released.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews