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Chicago Underground #6
Secret
I'm the one with the dark past, the scarlet letter, the soul so black there's no hope of redemption.
At least, that's what I always believed...
Luke
has secrets of his own, and the more I search, the more I'm afraid of
what I'll find. But I have to know, my survival depends on it.
He's the man I love. The man who can destroy me.
He's the only one who can save me.
Author's Note: SECRET is a dark new adult romantic suspense novella in the Chicago Underground series. This part was previously published in Selling Out by Amber Lin.
Books in the Chicago Underground series:
1. Rough
2. Hard
3. Fierce
4. Wild
5. Dirty
6. Secret
7. Sweet
At least, that's what I always believed...
Luke
has secrets of his own, and the more I search, the more I'm afraid of
what I'll find. But I have to know, my survival depends on it.
He's the man I love. The man who can destroy me.
He's the only one who can save me.
Author's Note: SECRET is a dark new adult romantic suspense novella in the Chicago Underground series. This part was previously published in Selling Out by Amber Lin.
Books in the Chicago Underground series:
1. Rough
2. Hard
3. Fierce
4. Wild
5. Dirty
6. Secret
7. Sweet
164 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2015
71 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 11, 2015
Holy cow, what a climatic finish! The suspense and intrigue had me nail biting on the edge of my seat! At one point in the storyline I flipped, literally went ballistic! Was to good to put down, raw emotions, high frustrations, more twists and turns then a souped up roller coaster. Another five star winner. Epic!
April 23, 2018
Some loose ends were tied, a bit open-ended but that's ok. While some scenes were intense, I felt that there was something missing when it comes to the writing style, I still rated this a 5 because of the redemption of the characters. I guess some of the situations were downplayed.
July 15, 2015
This is like a rocket that explodes in the sky with a myriad of colours and a deafening sound. OMG, I feel in awe of the author. I know her style, her words, but this time it's like an oniric poem that rushes through your mind and leaves it torn and cleansed at the same time.
My heart was full of pain for Shelly and Luke. The horrors they've endured, the dark love they share that can heal them as much as break them. Other times, I just thought they'd kill each other for wanting to deserve love. I was impressed by the depth of Luke's secrets and taken aback by the savage lovemaking that's a way of them both of coping with insanity. You can't love more than Shelly does Luke.
And oh, the darkness that's always been a consort to her makes a really creepy comeback. I can't quite grasp why it all happened the way it did, but it was truly climactic, a bit rushed but mind-blowing. And the secrets keep tumbling out in circles that bind all the characters.
The every ending is like a big karma closure wrapped as a gift. I addiction, some characters that help Luke as a team were interesting enough for their own story. Hello, Major! Though I'm quite curious about Philip. When will he have his own kinky happy ending? ;o)
My heart was full of pain for Shelly and Luke. The horrors they've endured, the dark love they share that can heal them as much as break them. Other times, I just thought they'd kill each other for wanting to deserve love. I was impressed by the depth of Luke's secrets and taken aback by the savage lovemaking that's a way of them both of coping with insanity. You can't love more than Shelly does Luke.
And oh, the darkness that's always been a consort to her makes a really creepy comeback. I can't quite grasp why it all happened the way it did, but it was truly climactic, a bit rushed but mind-blowing. And the secrets keep tumbling out in circles that bind all the characters.
The every ending is like a big karma closure wrapped as a gift. I addiction, some characters that help Luke as a team were interesting enough for their own story. Hello, Major! Though I'm quite curious about Philip. When will he have his own kinky happy ending? ;o)
February 16, 2016
Whew...where do I begin? This has been the most intense story I have read in a long time. I was gritting my teeth while reading it. Secret is the perfect name for this book because so many explosive secrets come to light as the story unfolds. Shelly and Luke go to the pits of hell in this book but somehow come out of it alive.
I think Shelly and Luke's love story is one I will have in my heart forever. It is bittersweet and beautiful one moment, raw and gritty the next. Definitely not a love story for the faint of heart.
Another home run for Skye Warren. She has a unique ability to take the most broken souls into the light. I love her writing, and I highly recommend this series!
I think Shelly and Luke's love story is one I will have in my heart forever. It is bittersweet and beautiful one moment, raw and gritty the next. Definitely not a love story for the faint of heart.
Another home run for Skye Warren. She has a unique ability to take the most broken souls into the light. I love her writing, and I highly recommend this series!
July 26, 2015
So my epiphany in the previous book was true - so happy about that!!! And some other things that seemed creepy turned out to so much more so. I guess my favourite part of the whole story was when Shelly claimed her life back because it tied all the stories together, so simply - she's mine too - and those lost girls will protect the future!
October 19, 2023
This is the finale that we’ve all been waiting for – to see how the story end up for Shelly after all that she’s gone thorugh in the last 2 books of her story and even in the pages of Allie’s story. We know that she’s trying to get Henri, figure out how to take him down and clear her name, make Claire safe and figure out all the mysteries surrounding her, luke, her father. There are just too many unknowns to name.
In this third installment, we see what happens when Shelly thinks that she’s invincible. She puts her faith in Luke and finds that while he’s trustworthy – he’s not above the means of people who are up to no good. Throughout this story too we see another side of him – we learn what brought him to where he is today – the life that he grew up in and why he’s so comfortable in Shelly’s world. It’s a bit of a surprise on one hand but not at all shocking on another.
Shelly tries to help the ‘good guys’ take Henri down and instead finds herself back in his grasp. she’s been taken back him and forced into the world that she wanted to get away from, even though we know that she can’t escape it. She’s doing all this as I mentioned to clear Claire’s name as well as her own, and to allow Claire the chance to have a normal life – since she’s so young.
There are strings being pulled behind the scenes which we don’t know and that’s a lot of the motivation in this story. We don’t know why Shelly was brought into the life that she’s in, yet we know that her father is connected some how. We know that Claire was taken for a reason, and yet we don’t know what that is until the end.
We watch kidnappings happen, shootouts, escapes, torture, fear, love – all the things happen. it’s a roller coaster of emotions but where we do net out is an ending that’s worth the story. Secrets are revealed and i’m shockingly not surprised at any of them. Frankly I should have figured out a few of them on my own
In this third installment, we see what happens when Shelly thinks that she’s invincible. She puts her faith in Luke and finds that while he’s trustworthy – he’s not above the means of people who are up to no good. Throughout this story too we see another side of him – we learn what brought him to where he is today – the life that he grew up in and why he’s so comfortable in Shelly’s world. It’s a bit of a surprise on one hand but not at all shocking on another.
Shelly tries to help the ‘good guys’ take Henri down and instead finds herself back in his grasp. she’s been taken back him and forced into the world that she wanted to get away from, even though we know that she can’t escape it. She’s doing all this as I mentioned to clear Claire’s name as well as her own, and to allow Claire the chance to have a normal life – since she’s so young.
There are strings being pulled behind the scenes which we don’t know and that’s a lot of the motivation in this story. We don’t know why Shelly was brought into the life that she’s in, yet we know that her father is connected some how. We know that Claire was taken for a reason, and yet we don’t know what that is until the end.
We watch kidnappings happen, shootouts, escapes, torture, fear, love – all the things happen. it’s a roller coaster of emotions but where we do net out is an ending that’s worth the story. Secrets are revealed and i’m shockingly not surprised at any of them. Frankly I should have figured out a few of them on my own
April 28, 2019
I didn't necessarily finish this series because I loved it so much, it was more of a mild curiosity and since I already read the first two installments, I figured I may as well tackle the third one. Besides, these short novels don't even have that many pages so I was done quite quickly.
Storywise, I can say the story wrapped up nicely. I guess we get an end we can be happy with. But that's about it. There is nothing absolutley, ground breaking amazing here that would merit an ode to the high heavens. But I do say that I love Skye Warrens writing style. She has just such a way of scribbling words down on a page that can captivate you from the beginning!
Storywise, I can say the story wrapped up nicely. I guess we get an end we can be happy with. But that's about it. There is nothing absolutley, ground breaking amazing here that would merit an ode to the high heavens. But I do say that I love Skye Warrens writing style. She has just such a way of scribbling words down on a page that can captivate you from the beginning!
May 15, 2017
Finally secrets are revealed and I was very surprised at them. The one at the end I didn't see coming at all. I wish the confrontation between Shelley and her dad would have been a little different.
Still things left unanswered. Such as who in the team betrayed them and why? What happened to Rico?
This author is a good writer but she leaves you hanging with to many unanswered questions. It leaves you very unsatisfied when you finished the book.
Still things left unanswered. Such as who in the team betrayed them and why? What happened to Rico?
This author is a good writer but she leaves you hanging with to many unanswered questions. It leaves you very unsatisfied when you finished the book.
October 25, 2017
An Amazing Story
I was hooked from book one to book 6. This Chicago Underground series is not you typical expectations of what one thinks of underground happening. This story is very well written and I love it.
I was hooked from book one to book 6. This Chicago Underground series is not you typical expectations of what one thinks of underground happening. This story is very well written and I love it.
September 27, 2017
Great series. Intense suspense with lots of plot twists. The characters were intriguing. The storyline dynamic.
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars. I was finally able to warm up a little to Shelly, but there were moments when I was confused about what exactly was going on. Glad they got their HEA.
August 8, 2020
Best of the series with a surprisingly sick plot twist.
March 22, 2021
If I could give ten stars I would Skye Warren that was an epic read. Wow wow
March 16, 2024
This was a hard read. Not as good as the second book in Shelly's trilogy, but not terrible.
October 30, 2016
THE LAST BOOK WAS GOOD, BUT NOT FUCKING AMAZING. I don't know why I feel reserved with this review, I mean the story was great especially the very very raw and in a fucked up way, very thrilling relationship between Luke and Shelly.
OUR HERO was initially painted as a good cop in my mind, the kind you can imagine - a man of justice and do-gooder but I am quite surprised when his past was revealed by Henri, the pimp. In Shelly's mind he was always on a pedestal but his shady background finally made him appeared more human with flaws, no longer the crime fighting superman but a man with mistakes who is trying to find his sister whom he believes he has wronged and rues his own carelessness as a brother. Also, the fact that he was an ex-gigolo at 16 now made him have SOMETHING in common with Shelly, and I am NOT talking about sex. The fact that he has suffered the abuse and humiliation makes him the one who would GET what Shelly has undergone and is going through. Their common drive to preserve who they are - PRIDE.
OUR HEROINE has a rather complicated and fucked up relationship with the man she calls 'Daddy' and somehow he was the instigator who placed her on the streets. While she is beautiful and smart, and could have chosen a good job but to help her friend, she sacrificed her body to save a child's life, for the fast money and got sucked into the lifestyle she just cannot operate on normalcy anymore. As time passes, she becomes cynical and demands pay back for her SELFLESSNESS by turning selfish towards the men who paid for her body. In a whacked up sense, I kind of get why the author wrote her character as such because nobody could stay an angel forever, sometimes things in life wear you down especially when you are alone and with no one to lean on, I guess Shelly became bitter/canny and eventually looks out for herself to protect herself - not her body of heart. Something about Luke calls to her and she just can't say no to him often. Pride is what is driving her now.
OVERALL it was a very intense read but somehow there was something elemental missing apart from sex but maybe that is just me. I blame myself for not reading the first three books, maybe that's why I don't feel the full effect/impact of their bizzare relationship. However it was still a very enjoyable three part story.
OUR HERO was initially painted as a good cop in my mind, the kind you can imagine - a man of justice and do-gooder but I am quite surprised when his past was revealed by Henri, the pimp. In Shelly's mind he was always on a pedestal but his shady background finally made him appeared more human with flaws, no longer the crime fighting superman but a man with mistakes who is trying to find his sister whom he believes he has wronged and rues his own carelessness as a brother. Also, the fact that he was an ex-gigolo at 16 now made him have SOMETHING in common with Shelly, and I am NOT talking about sex. The fact that he has suffered the abuse and humiliation makes him the one who would GET what Shelly has undergone and is going through. Their common drive to preserve who they are - PRIDE.
OUR HEROINE has a rather complicated and fucked up relationship with the man she calls 'Daddy' and somehow he was the instigator who placed her on the streets. While she is beautiful and smart, and could have chosen a good job but to help her friend, she sacrificed her body to save a child's life, for the fast money and got sucked into the lifestyle she just cannot operate on normalcy anymore. As time passes, she becomes cynical and demands pay back for her SELFLESSNESS by turning selfish towards the men who paid for her body. In a whacked up sense, I kind of get why the author wrote her character as such because nobody could stay an angel forever, sometimes things in life wear you down especially when you are alone and with no one to lean on, I guess Shelly became bitter/canny and eventually looks out for herself to protect herself - not her body of heart. Something about Luke calls to her and she just can't say no to him often. Pride is what is driving her now.
OVERALL it was a very intense read but somehow there was something elemental missing apart from sex but maybe that is just me. I blame myself for not reading the first three books, maybe that's why I don't feel the full effect/impact of their bizzare relationship. However it was still a very enjoyable three part story.
August 5, 2015
This is the final piece in Shelly and Luke's story. It was action packed and full of twists and turns that kept the pages turning on my e-reader. We learn a lot most secrets about both Shelly and Luke and the horrors that have made them the people that they are today. Just when I thought that their pasts couldn't be any darker than what I had seen up until this point, Ms. Warren through me for a loop that shows just how dark her mind can really be.
If you like dark romances that still have a happily ever after ending, then Skye Warren is an author that I would recommend to you. She writes very dark and gritty stories that are very erotic and passionate. This series is a serialize piece. I would recommend reading books 1-3 together and books 4-6 together. I also believe that you can read Shelly and Luke's story without having read Allie and Collin's story. I enjoyed both stories, but I feel you can read one without being lost if you haven't read the other.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Book One, ROUGH, is a FREE ebook at most major retailers at time of posting.
If you like dark romances that still have a happily ever after ending, then Skye Warren is an author that I would recommend to you. She writes very dark and gritty stories that are very erotic and passionate. This series is a serialize piece. I would recommend reading books 1-3 together and books 4-6 together. I also believe that you can read Shelly and Luke's story without having read Allie and Collin's story. I enjoyed both stories, but I feel you can read one without being lost if you haven't read the other.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Book One, ROUGH, is a FREE ebook at most major retailers at time of posting.
October 20, 2016
This is the last book on Shelly and Luke.
In this book they go through and find out why the girl was taken and why Shelly was framed for all of those murders. Shelly and Luke finally get close and admit their feelings to each other.
They get into a bind and it looked like their life was over, but someone from Shelly's past comes into the picture and she is able to end her past to have a future. There are some secrets about Luke's past that comes out in the open. ( but I am not going to reveal them you will have to read to find out what they are but very shocking I must say.) Shelly does not let it bother her. She is in love with Luke and wants a future with him.
Someone from Luke's past comes up at the end of the book and with that he can put his past behind him and move on like Shelly.
I know this blog is a little short but there are so many things I could talk about but it would spoil the book and I really do not like to give big spoilers away. I really hope you pic it up a read it.
In this book they go through and find out why the girl was taken and why Shelly was framed for all of those murders. Shelly and Luke finally get close and admit their feelings to each other.
They get into a bind and it looked like their life was over, but someone from Shelly's past comes into the picture and she is able to end her past to have a future. There are some secrets about Luke's past that comes out in the open. ( but I am not going to reveal them you will have to read to find out what they are but very shocking I must say.) Shelly does not let it bother her. She is in love with Luke and wants a future with him.
Someone from Luke's past comes up at the end of the book and with that he can put his past behind him and move on like Shelly.
I know this blog is a little short but there are so many things I could talk about but it would spoil the book and I really do not like to give big spoilers away. I really hope you pic it up a read it.
March 20, 2018
Skye warren is an amazing writer she just has this way of dragging you into a story and not letting you go until she said she is done with you. Shelly is a fantastic heroine. This is the conclusion of Shelly story (unless we are all lucky enough to get another installment.) Shelly and Luke together are a dream team. Shelly and Luke both have past that come back to haunt them in this last book in a way that just leaves you speachless. This book was an amazing conclusion to the series.
I'm hoping that there will be more books to come from other characters espically Phillip, I have a very odd crush on Phillip. So please Skye Warren put me out of my misery and write Phillips story preferably with Ella.
I received an ARC for an honest review
I'm hoping that there will be more books to come from other characters espically Phillip, I have a very odd crush on Phillip. So please Skye Warren put me out of my misery and write Phillips story preferably with Ella.
I received an ARC for an honest review
April 21, 2016
Okay so I love the first two books to Luke and Shelly's story...this one not so much, there was just so much going on all at once and everything kind of got jumbled while I was reading it.
We did finally learned Luke's secret...thing is it was something we should have picked up from the beginning...and I was right in my assumption of what happened to Daisy (that made me happy). We never found out what happened with Jeff which ticked me off because .
I think Shelly should have told Claire/Ella what Jade told her...she had a right to know and I think it may come back later to bite her in her butt that she didn't.
I still have high hopes for the next two books...especially Philips....
We did finally learned Luke's secret...thing is it was something we should have picked up from the beginning...and I was right in my assumption of what happened to Daisy (that made me happy). We never found out what happened with Jeff which ticked me off because .
I think Shelly should have told Claire/Ella what Jade told her...she had a right to know and I think it may come back later to bite her in her butt that she didn't.
I still have high hopes for the next two books...especially Philips....
July 12, 2015
I absolutely LOVED Secret!! I am so addicted to this series I am going to be crushed when I get to the end!!! This book took me through all kinds of emotions-anger and frustration and sadness and happiness and it even turned me on!! I'm not going to tell you what happens because I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, you need to experience it for yourself!! If you hadn't already guessed I highly recommend this book and the series so far!! I will be buying the next book in the series as soon as I finish this review!! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!! Skye is a wonderful writer with a very special gift!! Well done!!!Looks like Sweet isn't out yet so I will be waiting!!
February 10, 2016
This is the sixth book in the Chicago Underground series. You do need to at least read books 4 and 5 before reading this. Books 1 to 3 are about Allie, but Shelly is in those as well.
I did start to feel the connection between Shelly and Luke in this book, more than the previous two books.
I liked Shelly's sass and how she could become protective over someone else. Sometimes she did come across as selfish, but it was an act, she did put others before herself.
There were quiet a few secrets that came out in this book. Some I kind of expected, others not so much.
It's a good series. I've read the first six book in a couple of days, they are quick reads.
I did start to feel the connection between Shelly and Luke in this book, more than the previous two books.
I liked Shelly's sass and how she could become protective over someone else. Sometimes she did come across as selfish, but it was an act, she did put others before herself.
There were quiet a few secrets that came out in this book. Some I kind of expected, others not so much.
It's a good series. I've read the first six book in a couple of days, they are quick reads.
October 25, 2016
Just when you think you can't love the Chicago Underground Series anymore, Skye Warren writes another EPIC book that just intensifies the Series. You think you know the characters and then "Secret" reveals just that!!! I wasn't prepared for Shelly and Luke's secrets, but oh! does it make everything come together. Love the way this book holds you in suspense and gives it to you so hard it hits your heart and makes your head explode. Readers need to seriously read the ENTIRE series. It will make reading Secret so worth the wait. Love Shelly and Luke! Skye Warren is amazing and proves it continuously.
December 11, 2016
3 Star Read:
It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and/or physical or signs of spot-on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and/or physical or signs of spot-on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
July 15, 2015
All I have to say is WOW. Secret blew me away. There are so many different twists that will keep you on edge. Skye Warren has captured me with her writing, you feel like you are right there with Shelly and Luke through everything.
Shelly and Luke's story was definitely not your typical love story. I'm sad to see their story end but can't wait to see what is coming next.
"I was gifted a copy for an honest review"
Shelly and Luke's story was definitely not your typical love story. I'm sad to see their story end but can't wait to see what is coming next.
"I was gifted a copy for an honest review"
September 15, 2015
I love Luke and Shelly's story!
It's dark and hard and horrible but sooo good! Both have had a very tough life but you feel the healing of their souls by the love they have for each other!! I loved their story! At times Skye Warren's books are hard to read because you know somewhere in some dirty part of some big city are people going through the same hard, ugly and horrible situations. But Skye shows you the power of love. Very well done!
It's dark and hard and horrible but sooo good! Both have had a very tough life but you feel the healing of their souls by the love they have for each other!! I loved their story! At times Skye Warren's books are hard to read because you know somewhere in some dirty part of some big city are people going through the same hard, ugly and horrible situations. But Skye shows you the power of love. Very well done!
July 8, 2015
As Shelly and Luke's story comes to an end, I found myself so immersed in the story that my emotions were all over the place.
Have you ever wanted to reach into the pages of a book and somehow find a way to "remove" a character. Delve into the Chicago Underground Series and see if you feel the same
Have you ever wanted to reach into the pages of a book and somehow find a way to "remove" a character. Delve into the Chicago Underground Series and see if you feel the same
December 20, 2015
Wow the twists and turns in this book! Secret is the perfect name for this book and big secrets they are. It all comes out now. There is lots of action and drama in this book. This is a great conclusion for Shelly and Luke. Loved it and I recommend it and this series.
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is all of my own opinion.
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is all of my own opinion.
November 12, 2015
Loved it!!
I absolutely loved Luke and Shelly's story! It was gritty and dark but when is life? It really showed the struggle that Luke to redeem himself and it was painful and hard. Shelly's life came to a peak and wow...that was a little painful! I am eager to hear more and now there are new characters I am eager to read their stories!!!
I absolutely loved Luke and Shelly's story! It was gritty and dark but when is life? It really showed the struggle that Luke to redeem himself and it was painful and hard. Shelly's life came to a peak and wow...that was a little painful! I am eager to hear more and now there are new characters I am eager to read their stories!!!
March 26, 2016
I really enjoyed these 3 books it was like a fairytale in a way. Luke and Shelley's were on to different side of the law one being a cop and the other being a hooker to find out that there past were very similar they were so broken that being together pieced them back together. I hope to see them in other books I will love to see there future because there now made me happy.
August 10, 2015
Totally 5 Stars
Enjoyed the whole series and once you start reading; you won't be able to put it down. This story was wonderful, with lots of action and awesome characters? Can't wait for this series next book and keep them coming?
Enjoyed the whole series and once you start reading; you won't be able to put it down. This story was wonderful, with lots of action and awesome characters? Can't wait for this series next book and keep them coming?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews