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Fatal Hearts #1
Secrets and Lace
**WARNING: Due to sexual situations and adult content, this dark romance thriller series is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing, kidnapping, murder, rape, and extreme abuse. **
Chloe Parker has the world at her feet. Her career in magazine publishing is flourishing, and she’s about to be married to Miles Durant, a gorgeous billionaire, and the man of her dreams.
But one month before her wedding, she receives a countdown card. No sender. No return address. No message. Only a piece of lace stained with blood. As the wedding gets closer the cards keep coming to her every day without fail.
It seems, while she’s counting down to the happiest day of her life, someone is doing a countdown of their own. Chloe fears she’s in danger, but she can’t turn to the cops for help. There’s something in her past she wants to remain hidden, a dark secret that could destroy the life of her dreams. To make things worse, Miles is becoming increasingly impatient and suspicious about her past, to the point where he’s so angry he becomes a man she doesn’t recognize.
While working to keep her relationship intact, Chloe must find out who wants to hurt her before she loses everything, or ends up dead.
Chloe Parker has the world at her feet. Her career in magazine publishing is flourishing, and she’s about to be married to Miles Durant, a gorgeous billionaire, and the man of her dreams.
But one month before her wedding, she receives a countdown card. No sender. No return address. No message. Only a piece of lace stained with blood. As the wedding gets closer the cards keep coming to her every day without fail.
It seems, while she’s counting down to the happiest day of her life, someone is doing a countdown of their own. Chloe fears she’s in danger, but she can’t turn to the cops for help. There’s something in her past she wants to remain hidden, a dark secret that could destroy the life of her dreams. To make things worse, Miles is becoming increasingly impatient and suspicious about her past, to the point where he’s so angry he becomes a man she doesn’t recognize.
While working to keep her relationship intact, Chloe must find out who wants to hurt her before she loses everything, or ends up dead.
200 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2016
327 people are currently reading
1460 people want to read
About the author
Dori Lavelle
47 books571 followersDori Lavelle is a mother, wife, and sucker for happy ever afters and mint chocolate. Hand her a great romance novel and a mug of hot chocolate and she'd be one happy woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 10, 2016
Wow! This story completely took me by surprise. I went into it blind, assuming I knew what type of story I thought it was and boy was a pleasantly surprised that I really had no idea!
From page one, author Dori Lavelle draws us readers in with an interesting story. Chloe is hiding from her past, running a successful yet not necessarily respectable company, and marrying one of the most successful bachelor's in the country. What could go wrong? Well, when special deliveries keep showing up, Chloe must dive right in and figure out if her past has finally come back to haunt her.
This book was an absolute page turner that I read in one sitting. I had to know what was happening. The author did an excellent job of leaving bread crumbs along the way and kept me guessing.
If you like romance with a huge suspenseful element, you'll love this story! I highly recommend it!
From page one, author Dori Lavelle draws us readers in with an interesting story. Chloe is hiding from her past, running a successful yet not necessarily respectable company, and marrying one of the most successful bachelor's in the country. What could go wrong? Well, when special deliveries keep showing up, Chloe must dive right in and figure out if her past has finally come back to haunt her.
This book was an absolute page turner that I read in one sitting. I had to know what was happening. The author did an excellent job of leaving bread crumbs along the way and kept me guessing.
If you like romance with a huge suspenseful element, you'll love this story! I highly recommend it!
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March 13, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/12/2018)!💝
Blurb:
**WARNING: Due to sexual situations and adult content, this dark romance thriller series is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing, kidnapping, murder, rape, and extreme abuse. **
Chloe Parker has the world at her feet. Her career in magazine publishing is flourishing, and she’s about to marry the man of her dreams, billionaire philanthropist Miles Durant.
But one month before her wedding, she receives a countdown card. No sender. No return address. No message. Only a piece of lace stained with blood. As the wedding gets closer the cards keep coming to her every day without fail.
It seems, while she’s counting down to the happiest day of her life, someone is doing a countdown of their own. Chloe fears she’s in danger, but she can’t turn to the cops for help. There’s something in her past she wants to remain hidden, a dark secret that could destroy the life of her dreams. To make things worse, Miles is becoming increasingly impatient and suspicious about her past, to the point where he’s so angry he becomes a man she doesn’t recognize.
While working to keep her relationship intact, Chloe must find out who wants to hurt her before she loses everything, or ends up dead.
Blurb:
**WARNING: Due to sexual situations and adult content, this dark romance thriller series is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing, kidnapping, murder, rape, and extreme abuse. **
Chloe Parker has the world at her feet. Her career in magazine publishing is flourishing, and she’s about to marry the man of her dreams, billionaire philanthropist Miles Durant.
But one month before her wedding, she receives a countdown card. No sender. No return address. No message. Only a piece of lace stained with blood. As the wedding gets closer the cards keep coming to her every day without fail.
It seems, while she’s counting down to the happiest day of her life, someone is doing a countdown of their own. Chloe fears she’s in danger, but she can’t turn to the cops for help. There’s something in her past she wants to remain hidden, a dark secret that could destroy the life of her dreams. To make things worse, Miles is becoming increasingly impatient and suspicious about her past, to the point where he’s so angry he becomes a man she doesn’t recognize.
While working to keep her relationship intact, Chloe must find out who wants to hurt her before she loses everything, or ends up dead.
May 20, 2016
I’m giving this book 3 stars based on the ending.
I’m not going to explain what the story is about since the blurb is pretty straight forward, and well I just want to get to the point.
Now at first I really couldn’t get into the story. It missed so much depth and emotions I felt disconnected. So many reactions were emotionless I couldn’t believe it. Also, so many parts just didn’t add up. Sometimes the story went from one thing to another without really getting into it, which annoyed me.
I didn’t get a dark romance feeling UNTIL THE VERY END , which is quite a disappointment. Based on the reviews I’ve read, and the warning that was giving at the beginning of the book, I thought I’d feel so much angst. Well, I didn’t feel a thing.
AND, so many things were just unresolved. It dragged on and on, but never really got to the point. I know it’s a series, and you want to keep some things for the next books, but still so many events were happening based on something that happened in the past without really getting an explanation.
Even though I had a suspicion at the ending, I still liked how it played out. I did get into it and started turning pages so fast because I just needed to know how It would end. THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH
For me, the story missed a lot, but the ending saved it from getting a lower rating.
Still, I’m curious for the following books in this series.
I’m not going to explain what the story is about since the blurb is pretty straight forward, and well I just want to get to the point.
Now at first I really couldn’t get into the story. It missed so much depth and emotions I felt disconnected. So many reactions were emotionless I couldn’t believe it. Also, so many parts just didn’t add up. Sometimes the story went from one thing to another without really getting into it, which annoyed me.
I didn’t get a dark romance feeling UNTIL THE VERY END , which is quite a disappointment. Based on the reviews I’ve read, and the warning that was giving at the beginning of the book, I thought I’d feel so much angst. Well, I didn’t feel a thing.
AND, so many things were just unresolved. It dragged on and on, but never really got to the point. I know it’s a series, and you want to keep some things for the next books, but still so many events were happening based on something that happened in the past without really getting an explanation.
Even though I had a suspicion at the ending, I still liked how it played out. I did get into it and started turning pages so fast because I just needed to know how It would end. THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH
For me, the story missed a lot, but the ending saved it from getting a lower rating.
Still, I’m curious for the following books in this series.
May 25, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
What did i just read?? I can't even express it with words, it simply blew my mind away. The author created a dark, twisted with many secrets and a lot of mystery background story. Yeah now i became obsessed by the series, i can't wait to see what will happen on the second book (i can't even imagine what will happen).
Chloe Parker has a "very" mysterious/dark past and she "hides" from it very well disguised now to a successful woman with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies, owns the Sage magazine with a great success, everything seems perfect in her life besides her career she has a wonderful fiancee soon to be husband the billionaire Miles Durant. Well she obviously didn't expect that secrets from the past will come back to hunt her down. I won't say anything else about the story because it's a masterpiece and i don't wanna spoil anything, the author manipulated the story ingeniously you really don't expect what is about to happen, i surely recommend it and maybe at first you'd thing that things are calm or even maybe slow but believe me when the mystery takes hold you won't put the book down until you each the final page and well.. then you will want to jump in the second book right away (I'm pretty sure about that because after that cliffhanger that's what i wanted to do).
May 6, 2016
Omg!!! This wasn't what I had expected at all!!! Oh dear god!! I had the honor to receive an ARC of this amazing book and I'm floored. Dori my book babe and one fave author you are one truly one talented person.
This book had me on edge and such a page turner. The story of gripping and suspenseful that I felt like the other shoe was going to drop when I turned the pages. It had all my feels all over. The one day you waited for your whole life may be not your happily ever after.
I could go on and on about this but I would be telling the book to you. I highly recommend this!!
As my 9 word story... Pain will consume me than the happiness I felt
This book had me on edge and such a page turner. The story of gripping and suspenseful that I felt like the other shoe was going to drop when I turned the pages. It had all my feels all over. The one day you waited for your whole life may be not your happily ever after.
I could go on and on about this but I would be telling the book to you. I highly recommend this!!
As my 9 word story... Pain will consume me than the happiness I felt
April 11, 2016
Ahhh! And she did it again.
I read this book in one sitting, non-stop!
Dori Lavelle has the ability to hook me since the very first page. She has a way to captivate me with her evil mind. The twists, the theories, argh, when you think you have already figured it out the situation, boom, she changed it.
This is not your typical romance book, this is a thriller, I have never thought I would be reading this books but here I am, loving the shit out of it.
An addictive-page turner story, that will leave you wanting more and not so patiently waiting for the second book.
I read this book in one sitting, non-stop!
Dori Lavelle has the ability to hook me since the very first page. She has a way to captivate me with her evil mind. The twists, the theories, argh, when you think you have already figured it out the situation, boom, she changed it.
This is not your typical romance book, this is a thriller, I have never thought I would be reading this books but here I am, loving the shit out of it.
An addictive-page turner story, that will leave you wanting more and not so patiently waiting for the second book.
April 8, 2016
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have to say, I was hooked from the beginning. Chloe, was the woman every woman wished she could be. She seemed to have everything. One thing she had was a secret. As the book progressed, her concern grew, that her secret would be exposed. The last thing Chloe wanted, was to jeapardize her relationship with her Billionaire finance Miles.
Someone began stalking her, and from there the storyline really took off. I kept waiting for answers, but even more questions arose. I was so glued to the e-reader trying to figure out what was going to happen next. When I reached the end of the book, I started to relax, and then the cliffhanger. I did not expect what happened. Wow! This was an exciting book. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book.
Someone began stalking her, and from there the storyline really took off. I kept waiting for answers, but even more questions arose. I was so glued to the e-reader trying to figure out what was going to happen next. When I reached the end of the book, I started to relax, and then the cliffhanger. I did not expect what happened. Wow! This was an exciting book. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book.
June 1, 2016
This is my first book from Dori..and wow I loveeee it.
This book is pretty twisted, this book playing with my head from the prologue till the end and i'm loving it, yup mindfuck book is definitely my cup of tea.
This book keep me on edge, I keep wondering what the hell happened in Chloe's past, I keep suspecting everyone, I want to yell at Chloe to spill it all the time, and then in the end bam...shocking.
If you love dark and twisted story that will keep you intrigued and keep you on edge...THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ FOR YOU...you have to read this
This book is pretty twisted, this book playing with my head from the prologue till the end and i'm loving it, yup mindfuck book is definitely my cup of tea.
This book keep me on edge, I keep wondering what the hell happened in Chloe's past, I keep suspecting everyone, I want to yell at Chloe to spill it all the time, and then in the end bam...shocking.
If you love dark and twisted story that will keep you intrigued and keep you on edge...THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ FOR YOU...you have to read this
April 29, 2016
*I received an ARC from Kitty Kats Crazy About Books and Dori Lavelle in exchange for an honest review*
Thank you so much to Kitty Kats Crazy About Books And Dori Lavelle for sending me an ARC of Secrets and Lace!! I'm very honored and grateful!!
5 Engaging and Terrifying Stars!!
After having read the Prologue i was instantly hooked and i couldn't turn away from my Kindle. I was scared and on my toes for most of the duration of the story. It was gory, terrifying at times, and so suspenseful. This was such a unique concept of a story and i felt like i was reading something that could easily be made into a Thriller. I kept trying to figure everything out and why someone was doing what they were doing.
There are so many emotions that i went through while reading this that at some points i had to put my hand over my heart to calm the beating due to how intense it was throughout. That ending left me in total shock and I have never wanted another continuation of a story as much as i do to this particular one!! Secrets and Tears can't come soon enough!! Ms.Lavelle you are an evil genius and i can't wait to see how everything turns out.
Chloe Parker was a character that made a living out of exposing others dirty secrets until one day her past came back to haunt her. She was sweet and very kind when she wanted to be. I was very anxious to find out all about her past and secrets. Her journey to finding out the person behind her torment was a thrill ride and often times bone chilling. Chole's caring side that she showed to her mom was so sweet and heartwarming after everything was cleared up. Fingers crossed that everything goes right for her in the next Installment even though danger is always where you least expect it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a read that will keep you guessing until the very end! It was everything i wanted it to be and more! This book is full of surprises and how ones past never stays buried deep for long. In this story actions have consequences and they just might be deadly. One-click this Thriller today!! You won't regret it!! :) 5 Stars all around!!
Thank you so much to Kitty Kats Crazy About Books And Dori Lavelle for sending me an ARC of Secrets and Lace!! I'm very honored and grateful!!
5 Engaging and Terrifying Stars!!
After having read the Prologue i was instantly hooked and i couldn't turn away from my Kindle. I was scared and on my toes for most of the duration of the story. It was gory, terrifying at times, and so suspenseful. This was such a unique concept of a story and i felt like i was reading something that could easily be made into a Thriller. I kept trying to figure everything out and why someone was doing what they were doing.
There are so many emotions that i went through while reading this that at some points i had to put my hand over my heart to calm the beating due to how intense it was throughout. That ending left me in total shock and I have never wanted another continuation of a story as much as i do to this particular one!! Secrets and Tears can't come soon enough!! Ms.Lavelle you are an evil genius and i can't wait to see how everything turns out.
Chloe Parker was a character that made a living out of exposing others dirty secrets until one day her past came back to haunt her. She was sweet and very kind when she wanted to be. I was very anxious to find out all about her past and secrets. Her journey to finding out the person behind her torment was a thrill ride and often times bone chilling. Chole's caring side that she showed to her mom was so sweet and heartwarming after everything was cleared up. Fingers crossed that everything goes right for her in the next Installment even though danger is always where you least expect it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a read that will keep you guessing until the very end! It was everything i wanted it to be and more! This book is full of surprises and how ones past never stays buried deep for long. In this story actions have consequences and they just might be deadly. One-click this Thriller today!! You won't regret it!! :) 5 Stars all around!!
April 28, 2016
I'm trying so hard to understand WTH I just read. And then to be left hanging like that?! I can't even. Chloe Parker has the perfect life. Her magazine is successful, and she's marrying to gorgeous billionaire, Miles Durant, the man of her dreams. There's one problem, Chloe is hiding a dark past that she's kept buried, so when she starts getting anonymous countdown cards a month before the wedding, she believes she's in danger especially since they are a piece of lace with blood on them. Because of her buried past, she can't go to the cops without losing everything. If that's not enough, Miles is getting very suspicious and subsequently angry. Will Chloe find out who's behind the cards before it's too late?
I'm pretty sure I hit a new level of saying WTF during this story. The character development is great, with an intense, mysterious, and very well written storyline that flows effortlessly. Dori Lavelle's talented and diabolical writing style had me on the edge of my seat cover to cover with non-stop suspense. Her twists and turns brilliantly unravel very slowly, making tons of WTF moments that never let me catch my breath. I'm still not completely sure what is going on, but that explosive ending that masquerades as a cliffhanger, still has me dropping fbombs hours after I finished. OMG the next book can't come quickly enough for me, and I'm not ashamed to say that I will be lurking everywhere for the date of book 2. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I'm pretty sure I hit a new level of saying WTF during this story. The character development is great, with an intense, mysterious, and very well written storyline that flows effortlessly. Dori Lavelle's talented and diabolical writing style had me on the edge of my seat cover to cover with non-stop suspense. Her twists and turns brilliantly unravel very slowly, making tons of WTF moments that never let me catch my breath. I'm still not completely sure what is going on, but that explosive ending that masquerades as a cliffhanger, still has me dropping fbombs hours after I finished. OMG the next book can't come quickly enough for me, and I'm not ashamed to say that I will be lurking everywhere for the date of book 2. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 5, 2016
Ok this was a mistaken purchase on my part. I thought I clicked Steel and Lace by Adrian Leigh but got this instead so I thought what the hell, I'll read it.
First of all to write 1st person you really have to nail it for it to come across tight, this did not. The story was interesting but it ends about 2 chapters where the story should've begun. You see the twist coming but not right away. I think the author thought the first part of the build up would be the story arc but honestly I skimmed (a lot!) and don't feel like I lost anything along the way, it was mostly filler. I won't read the next one as I have a good idea of how it will play out already. It's a quick read-or maybe that's because I did a lot of skimming. Lastly this is not a dark romance, closer to the end it becomes a pale shade of gray perhaps.
First of all to write 1st person you really have to nail it for it to come across tight, this did not. The story was interesting but it ends about 2 chapters where the story should've begun. You see the twist coming but not right away. I think the author thought the first part of the build up would be the story arc but honestly I skimmed (a lot!) and don't feel like I lost anything along the way, it was mostly filler. I won't read the next one as I have a good idea of how it will play out already. It's a quick read-or maybe that's because I did a lot of skimming. Lastly this is not a dark romance, closer to the end it becomes a pale shade of gray perhaps.
April 7, 2016
I... wow!! I have no words to describe how amazing this book is. I received a copy for an honest review, just a few short hours ago. I finished reading just a few minutes ago and I am still reeling from reading the book.
Dori Lavelle managed to surprise me yet again with such an astounding novel.
The book captivated me from the beginning till the very last word of the novel.
I cannot, cannot wait to read the next book.
I can pleasantly recommend this book.
Dori Lavelle managed to surprise me yet again with such an astounding novel.
The book captivated me from the beginning till the very last word of the novel.
I cannot, cannot wait to read the next book.
I can pleasantly recommend this book.
April 28, 2016
Boca Raton Resort & Club was sponsoring the AIDS Gala.
300 PPL, Chloe Parker (narrator, BA, Journalism/ U of South Florida, nee Kelly Pearson), Miles Durant (fiancé, billionaire) & Owen Firmin (Miles’s BMF, former business partner) were in attendance.
Misty Cove, FL. Chloe & Miles went to meet her mother (brain cancer).
Chloe hires Lester Reading (PI) to find out what happened to her BFF Stacy Prammer.
Will Chloe & Miles finally get married?
Who on the other-hand is Alvin Jones?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or a mini TV series. To be contined. Cant wait. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
300 PPL, Chloe Parker (narrator, BA, Journalism/ U of South Florida, nee Kelly Pearson), Miles Durant (fiancé, billionaire) & Owen Firmin (Miles’s BMF, former business partner) were in attendance.
Misty Cove, FL. Chloe & Miles went to meet her mother (brain cancer).
Chloe hires Lester Reading (PI) to find out what happened to her BFF Stacy Prammer.
Will Chloe & Miles finally get married?
Who on the other-hand is Alvin Jones?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or a mini TV series. To be contined. Cant wait. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 12, 2016
This story is definitely one of the more suspenseful I've read in a while! From the very beginning there is a sense of foreboding that stays with you throughout the book!
Kelly, aka Chloe, is living the life! Successful career, engaged to a billionaire, unlimited clothes, money, unlimited everything! She is on top of the world! She's also harboring seriously dark secrets. And now someone is stalking her and the only way to stop the stalker is to return to where it all happened. Chloe discovers her friends have scattered and nothing is the same. Chloe needs her man because crazy stuff is going down in Misty Cove.
Miles, Chloe's fiancé, is worried about his girl. She seems to be losing her mind. She accuses his best friend and former business partner of being the stalker. He doesn't seem to like her. Should she care? As lies and secrets continue to unravel, the drama hit the fan! Things are not as they seem. Someone is going to die...
This story is dark so adhere all warning Signs! Five stars
Kelly, aka Chloe, is living the life! Successful career, engaged to a billionaire, unlimited clothes, money, unlimited everything! She is on top of the world! She's also harboring seriously dark secrets. And now someone is stalking her and the only way to stop the stalker is to return to where it all happened. Chloe discovers her friends have scattered and nothing is the same. Chloe needs her man because crazy stuff is going down in Misty Cove.
Miles, Chloe's fiancé, is worried about his girl. She seems to be losing her mind. She accuses his best friend and former business partner of being the stalker. He doesn't seem to like her. Should she care? As lies and secrets continue to unravel, the drama hit the fan! Things are not as they seem. Someone is going to die...
This story is dark so adhere all warning Signs! Five stars
April 16, 2016
Ms. Lavelle is the queen of WTF cliffhangers and she did not disappoint in this one.
Chloe hold the secrets of her past close to her heart, and left them in her past life. She is happy with the success of her magazine and her relationship with Miles. As she looks forward to getting married her past comes back to haunt her.
As the pages turned more and more mystery surrounds this story. You don't get to know the full secret of Chloe's past but you know it is something bad. This story is non stop mystery and suspense. It will keep you guessing right to the end and of course in the last chapters you learn a big secret and then a huge cliffhanger.
As usual Ms. Lavelle will suck you in at the first page and keep you reading until it is done. And then you will want to throw your e-reader and say a few choice words. She is a superb writer that entraps you in a story with her secrets. She writes a character that seems perfect but you will watch slowly unravel as the story continues.
Chloe hold the secrets of her past close to her heart, and left them in her past life. She is happy with the success of her magazine and her relationship with Miles. As she looks forward to getting married her past comes back to haunt her.
As the pages turned more and more mystery surrounds this story. You don't get to know the full secret of Chloe's past but you know it is something bad. This story is non stop mystery and suspense. It will keep you guessing right to the end and of course in the last chapters you learn a big secret and then a huge cliffhanger.
As usual Ms. Lavelle will suck you in at the first page and keep you reading until it is done. And then you will want to throw your e-reader and say a few choice words. She is a superb writer that entraps you in a story with her secrets. She writes a character that seems perfect but you will watch slowly unravel as the story continues.
April 23, 2016
I literally cannot give anything away in this review. All I have to say on Dori Lavelle's newest novel is this; Secrets & Lace will take you on one hell of a ride. There were so many shocks, and twists and turns in this quick, enjoyable read. I can't say anything though! I was shocked by the ending, and honestly, was not expecting it at all. I'll try to sum everything up in a few sentences without giving anything away below, but this was such a great book! Definitely recommend!
Chloe Parker has it all. The amazing job. The amazing soon to be husband. If she wants it, she gets in with a snap of her fingers. When the first mysterious envelope, and piece of lace show up, she panics. Is this a prank? Do the numbers concede with her wedding? Is that human blood on the finely shaped pieces of lace? She brushes it off; doesn't tell anyone for days. When she disappears back to her hometown - a place she swore she would never step foot back in - so much seems to lead to something in her past. Find out what happens!!!
So many questions! So much can happen!!!!!
April 8, 2016
holy crap that was awesome what a twist. at first I didn't like chole but then grew to like her and understand her. this book kept me guessing. my thoughts on the stalker kept changing. I had fun reading this book and at the end you'll be like OMG. The characters are interesting and likeable the plot is exciting. it was well written. I definitely recommend this book
May 19, 2016
Ummm...what?!! Please let book 2 be better!!!
June 15, 2016
Knew it was Him, now curious as to the why's...
April 26, 2016
**ARC received from the author for an honest review**
WOW!!! I have to start by saying that this was SUCH an exciting book and I just couldn't put down!! I signed up for this book without really knowing what it was about, other than that it looked interesting and I was seeing a lot of posts about it. I also really love to go into books blind, since I find it more adventurous that way. So I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Boy am I glad that I did that!! Every chapter kept me on my toes, and all I kept wondering throughout the whole thing was, "who is it!" Or "I bet it's him!!" The whole plot of the story was so unexpected for me and that's what I think I loved about it the most!
In Secrets and Lace, you meet Chloe Parker, who owns a popular magazine that is well known for blasting famous people's dirty secrets out to the public. She has done very well for herself, and is about to get married to an extremely wealthy business man, and obviously the man of her dreams, Miles Durant. Chloe has done everything in her power to run from her past and to hide from the ever present ghosts living in her own closet. Until of course, she starts to get nasty, scary threats, and Chloe has to figure out if these threats are from the past she is running from or from a client she's outed. Chloe's secrets are kept hidden for pretty much the entire book, and it really helped to keep the mystery and suspense of the story. The serious ANXIETY I was experience was epic, and I was always guessing what the hell could have happened to her! Overall, Dori Lavelle's writing is wonderful, and she does a great job at pacing the story, making sure that it is entertaining as hell and giving the reader just enough information within each chapter to always keep them interested and guessing as to who the threats could be coming from.
My only SLIGHT issue with this book would be the relationship between Chloe and her mom, and the years they go without talking. I can't say exactly what the situation is without giving that part of the story away, but I feel like the reconnection was a little bit too fast. Especially because of the amount of years they had gone without talking as well as Chloe's anger towards her. But, I guess I do get WHY she had them reconnect like that, so again, it was only a slight issue. And this might really only be me. Also, I really need to know what a certain someone's role in this story is, and I felt like not getting to the bottom of the best friends involvement left me wanting. This could, however, be something she held back on for the next book in the series, which I'm TOTALLY fine with.
The ending, though, is what really got me, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen! TOTAL CLIFF HANGER ALERT!! Everything happens so fast and your left thinking "HOLY CRAP", AND THEN BAMMM!! It's over!! Omg!!!! I cannot wait to know what happens with Chloe!! And I need to know the rest of her big secret, because the entire scenario has yet to be revealed!! 4.5 stars for me!! I cannot WAIT to have the second book in my hands!!! I need NOWWWW!!!
WOW!!! I have to start by saying that this was SUCH an exciting book and I just couldn't put down!! I signed up for this book without really knowing what it was about, other than that it looked interesting and I was seeing a lot of posts about it. I also really love to go into books blind, since I find it more adventurous that way. So I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Boy am I glad that I did that!! Every chapter kept me on my toes, and all I kept wondering throughout the whole thing was, "who is it!" Or "I bet it's him!!" The whole plot of the story was so unexpected for me and that's what I think I loved about it the most!
In Secrets and Lace, you meet Chloe Parker, who owns a popular magazine that is well known for blasting famous people's dirty secrets out to the public. She has done very well for herself, and is about to get married to an extremely wealthy business man, and obviously the man of her dreams, Miles Durant. Chloe has done everything in her power to run from her past and to hide from the ever present ghosts living in her own closet. Until of course, she starts to get nasty, scary threats, and Chloe has to figure out if these threats are from the past she is running from or from a client she's outed. Chloe's secrets are kept hidden for pretty much the entire book, and it really helped to keep the mystery and suspense of the story. The serious ANXIETY I was experience was epic, and I was always guessing what the hell could have happened to her! Overall, Dori Lavelle's writing is wonderful, and she does a great job at pacing the story, making sure that it is entertaining as hell and giving the reader just enough information within each chapter to always keep them interested and guessing as to who the threats could be coming from.
My only SLIGHT issue with this book would be the relationship between Chloe and her mom, and the years they go without talking. I can't say exactly what the situation is without giving that part of the story away, but I feel like the reconnection was a little bit too fast. Especially because of the amount of years they had gone without talking as well as Chloe's anger towards her. But, I guess I do get WHY she had them reconnect like that, so again, it was only a slight issue. And this might really only be me. Also, I really need to know what a certain someone's role in this story is, and I felt like not getting to the bottom of the best friends involvement left me wanting. This could, however, be something she held back on for the next book in the series, which I'm TOTALLY fine with.
The ending, though, is what really got me, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen! TOTAL CLIFF HANGER ALERT!! Everything happens so fast and your left thinking "HOLY CRAP", AND THEN BAMMM!! It's over!! Omg!!!! I cannot wait to know what happens with Chloe!! And I need to know the rest of her big secret, because the entire scenario has yet to be revealed!! 4.5 stars for me!! I cannot WAIT to have the second book in my hands!!! I need NOWWWW!!!
April 27, 2016
Review of Secrets and Lace (Fatal Hearts #1) by Dori Lavelle
Review done for Hooked on Books & Cherry)Blossoms Promotions
4 ½ out of 5 stars
Chloe’s Parker’s profession is to publish other people’s dirty laundry. It is what has made her magazine so successful.
Unfortunately, Chloe has dirty laundry of her own. She is doing her best to keep it from her fiancée, but a stalker is determined to make her go crazy.
Chloe sets out to uncover who her stalker is by dredging up her past. She returns to her hometown to try to find some clues.
One of her friends has turned of dead due to the trouble Chloe and her friends got into back in high school. It looks like she is the next one on the killers list.
Not everyone is who they seem, and Chloe is in for the shock of her life.
I haven’t read a great murder mystery in a long time. That is until I read this book. It was fantastic. I was so anxious to see what was going to happen throughout the entire book. The suspense was just right and the story flowed perfectly.
The ending was torture; I can’t believe I have to wait for book 2 to see what happens next. The author definitely leaves us hanging.
The author did a great job with this book and I will definitely check out other ones by her. I definitely recommend this book to read!!
Review done for Hooked on Books & Cherry)Blossoms Promotions
4 ½ out of 5 stars
Chloe’s Parker’s profession is to publish other people’s dirty laundry. It is what has made her magazine so successful.
Unfortunately, Chloe has dirty laundry of her own. She is doing her best to keep it from her fiancée, but a stalker is determined to make her go crazy.
Chloe sets out to uncover who her stalker is by dredging up her past. She returns to her hometown to try to find some clues.
One of her friends has turned of dead due to the trouble Chloe and her friends got into back in high school. It looks like she is the next one on the killers list.
Not everyone is who they seem, and Chloe is in for the shock of her life.
I haven’t read a great murder mystery in a long time. That is until I read this book. It was fantastic. I was so anxious to see what was going to happen throughout the entire book. The suspense was just right and the story flowed perfectly.
The ending was torture; I can’t believe I have to wait for book 2 to see what happens next. The author definitely leaves us hanging.
The author did a great job with this book and I will definitely check out other ones by her. I definitely recommend this book to read!!
June 6, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Story: 4
Characters: 3
Twists: 3
My first book by Dori Lavelle. It certainly won't be my last, I'm excited to see how far she goes with this story, how dark and twisted she takes it. I wanted to rate this 4 Stars, but it wouldn't portray my feelings correctly, the ending is definitely 4, but the story as a whole is a 3 for me. I felt bored, to be honest, up until the last 25% or so, I knew something was gonna happen, and I waited forever for it. Then Bamn the book is over. This book seems to set up for the big bang in the second book. I'm not sure how many books will be in this series, but this one is more or less the foundation. My thoughts anyway. I needed a bit more suspense, I'm a huge lover of dark books, so I need more shocking events to keep me glued. I'm hoping the second book knocks me on my ass. I'm praying to the dark book gods as I write this. I absolutely loved the twist at the end, but it wasn't enough for me to say I loved the book as a whole. I did love the writing, the story telling, but it lacked the things I need in my dark books.
With all that said, I need the next book!!! I'm excited to see where the story goes.
Story: 4
Characters: 3
Twists: 3
My first book by Dori Lavelle. It certainly won't be my last, I'm excited to see how far she goes with this story, how dark and twisted she takes it. I wanted to rate this 4 Stars, but it wouldn't portray my feelings correctly, the ending is definitely 4, but the story as a whole is a 3 for me. I felt bored, to be honest, up until the last 25% or so, I knew something was gonna happen, and I waited forever for it. Then Bamn the book is over. This book seems to set up for the big bang in the second book. I'm not sure how many books will be in this series, but this one is more or less the foundation. My thoughts anyway. I needed a bit more suspense, I'm a huge lover of dark books, so I need more shocking events to keep me glued. I'm hoping the second book knocks me on my ass. I'm praying to the dark book gods as I write this. I absolutely loved the twist at the end, but it wasn't enough for me to say I loved the book as a whole. I did love the writing, the story telling, but it lacked the things I need in my dark books.
With all that said, I need the next book!!! I'm excited to see where the story goes.
April 28, 2016
Storyline: 4
Angst: 5
Tissue: 2
Value: 4
Panty Scorching: 2
Over All Rating: 4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Lindsey
Okay first of all I want to scream. That ending flat out pissed me off. Seriously. But holy shit it was great. Freakin HUGE CLIFFHANGER! This is a first time read for me by this author and I'm hooked. The writing style was great and I loved how things were descriptive but not overly wordy. Things that needed more details had them. It was very refreshing after being in a funk.
Chloe is living the good life and leaving her past where it is. Only things happen that throw it in her face and there is no escaping it. No matter where she goes or who she talks to. It's there. Painful reminders of an event that happened in her teens shock her to her core. She has a great job and even greater fiance. Chloe doesn't want this to keep hitting her in the face and goes to look for answers. Only the answers she had planned on finding were a dead end. Literally!
This book is definitely high in angst and intense emotions. I loved it! The story flowed well and the characters were definitely likeable. The ending completely wrecked me and I am left reeling. I want more. Like now!
Angst: 5
Tissue: 2
Value: 4
Panty Scorching: 2
Over All Rating: 4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Lindsey
Okay first of all I want to scream. That ending flat out pissed me off. Seriously. But holy shit it was great. Freakin HUGE CLIFFHANGER! This is a first time read for me by this author and I'm hooked. The writing style was great and I loved how things were descriptive but not overly wordy. Things that needed more details had them. It was very refreshing after being in a funk.
Chloe is living the good life and leaving her past where it is. Only things happen that throw it in her face and there is no escaping it. No matter where she goes or who she talks to. It's there. Painful reminders of an event that happened in her teens shock her to her core. She has a great job and even greater fiance. Chloe doesn't want this to keep hitting her in the face and goes to look for answers. Only the answers she had planned on finding were a dead end. Literally!
This book is definitely high in angst and intense emotions. I loved it! The story flowed well and the characters were definitely likeable. The ending completely wrecked me and I am left reeling. I want more. Like now!
December 5, 2019
BOOK 1
Well.... This book took me by surprise I didn't read the blurb I went in blind and I loved it read in one sitting was hooked from the start was wondering what the secret was Chloe was hiding I never expected that ending what a Twist...
BOOK 2 This is the second book in the Fatal Hearts series and you should read book 1 Secrets and Lace first.
The story starts from where the first one left off I not going say much as not to spoil it for you but .. this one is all kinds of crazy and torture in it.Such a Rollercoaster of a ride and another i started and couldn't put it down till I finished.
Can't wait for book 3 I really think we haven't seen the last of the secrets and Twists just yet :)
BOOK 3 Great ending to this series there has been so many twists and turns through these books they will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how it will all end.
This is the second time I have read this series and it is just as good as the first.
Well.... This book took me by surprise I didn't read the blurb I went in blind and I loved it read in one sitting was hooked from the start was wondering what the secret was Chloe was hiding I never expected that ending what a Twist...
BOOK 2 This is the second book in the Fatal Hearts series and you should read book 1 Secrets and Lace first.
The story starts from where the first one left off I not going say much as not to spoil it for you but .. this one is all kinds of crazy and torture in it.Such a Rollercoaster of a ride and another i started and couldn't put it down till I finished.
Can't wait for book 3 I really think we haven't seen the last of the secrets and Twists just yet :)
BOOK 3 Great ending to this series there has been so many twists and turns through these books they will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how it will all end.
This is the second time I have read this series and it is just as good as the first.
April 28, 2016
Book given for honest review.
Chloe has been keeping a secret for 13 years a secret that made her leave home change her name and never look back and now it's almost time for Chloe to get married to Miles but when a card with a number on it and a piece of red fabric Chloe thinks someone is out to get her but she doesn't know who. But when Miles best friend says something she suspects him but then an emails ent to Chloe she knows it someone from her past and now she goes back home to see if she can get answers. But Chloe finds out some other truths and is able to build bridges with her estranged mother.
Will Chloe and Miles big day go without a hitch or has the mysterious stalker got something else planned?.
Ms Lavelle will keep you guessing and the cliffhanger at the end wow I want the second book asap.
Chloe has been keeping a secret for 13 years a secret that made her leave home change her name and never look back and now it's almost time for Chloe to get married to Miles but when a card with a number on it and a piece of red fabric Chloe thinks someone is out to get her but she doesn't know who. But when Miles best friend says something she suspects him but then an emails ent to Chloe she knows it someone from her past and now she goes back home to see if she can get answers. But Chloe finds out some other truths and is able to build bridges with her estranged mother.
Will Chloe and Miles big day go without a hitch or has the mysterious stalker got something else planned?.
Ms Lavelle will keep you guessing and the cliffhanger at the end wow I want the second book asap.
May 17, 2016
This was my first book by Dori, and she completely sucked me into that intense cliff hanger!
The suspense of the weeks leading up to the wedding of Miles and Chloe, grips you and has you waiting with baited breath as we see our heroine in a constant state of panic due to cards she receives. Why? Because she has secrets... And they seem to be coming back from her past to haunt her in the most chilling ways.
Her soon to be husband is her rock, her support, but what about Owen, Mile's best friend, for some reason he doesn't like Chloe. Could he be the one sending these cards to her?
This twisty, bendy story is filled with suspense until you hit the last page and you're left in a state of shock! I didn't see that ending coming at all. Dori knows how to keep you riveted until the very end, and then she leaves you hanging by a thread waiting for book two.
The suspense of the weeks leading up to the wedding of Miles and Chloe, grips you and has you waiting with baited breath as we see our heroine in a constant state of panic due to cards she receives. Why? Because she has secrets... And they seem to be coming back from her past to haunt her in the most chilling ways.
Her soon to be husband is her rock, her support, but what about Owen, Mile's best friend, for some reason he doesn't like Chloe. Could he be the one sending these cards to her?
This twisty, bendy story is filled with suspense until you hit the last page and you're left in a state of shock! I didn't see that ending coming at all. Dori knows how to keep you riveted until the very end, and then she leaves you hanging by a thread waiting for book two.
April 29, 2016
Suspenseful and Thrilling, Secrets and Lace is a story about pure revenge.
The secrets are huge, the omissions clear and the end unpredictable.
Chloe is a woman with a secret buried in her past. She's getting married with a wonderful man, a billionaire that loves her deeply although he doesn't approve her career, he supports her, until the day a card, from an anonymous person, is sent to Chloe, turning her life upside down. The threats are clear and Chloe needs to face her past so she can live her future.
The plot is good and now I understand why some characters acted the way they did when all I wanted was to yell at them to do things differently!
Can't wait to read the next one and see what will happen!
The secrets are huge, the omissions clear and the end unpredictable.
Chloe is a woman with a secret buried in her past. She's getting married with a wonderful man, a billionaire that loves her deeply although he doesn't approve her career, he supports her, until the day a card, from an anonymous person, is sent to Chloe, turning her life upside down. The threats are clear and Chloe needs to face her past so she can live her future.
The plot is good and now I understand why some characters acted the way they did when all I wanted was to yell at them to do things differently!
Can't wait to read the next one and see what will happen!
June 10, 2017
I have always LOOOOVE Dori Lavelle (especially after Veiled Obsession, LOCK YOUR DOOR!) but this book made me bored halfway through. I stopped reading and picked it up after months. Tried to complete it and I did through blood and sweat.
I rarely gave below 4 stars for books (I am not really a good critic lol) but I'M SORRY O'Lavelle but this book bored me to tears snort.
The ending is actually predictable? Though there are still unanswered questions.
Having read her His Agenda series first, this book just didn't do it for me.
Having said that, I would read her other future books and still have hopes that it would be as good as His Agenda series!
I rarely gave below 4 stars for books (I am not really a good critic lol) but I'M SORRY O'Lavelle but this book bored me to tears snort.
The ending is actually predictable? Though there are still unanswered questions.
Having read her His Agenda series first, this book just didn't do it for me.
Having said that, I would read her other future books and still have hopes that it would be as good as His Agenda series!
April 12, 2016
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story is a dark mystery romance. Kelly a senior high school student is responsible for an unknown wrong doing. She left her home town for college not returning for 13 years. She changed her name became everything she wanted to be & fell in love with the richest bachelor around. Who is sending her count down cards? Who is the person stalking her? Does she survive to tell her side of events? Can a person ever apologize for childhood indisgressions?
February 6, 2017
I love this Author
This author has me on the edge of my seat every book she writes. Dori Lavelle can draw you into her books just by the Prologue. Then our hooked til the end.
This story is about Chloe and her fiancé Miles.
Chloe runs away from her past changes her name. Has a great career, falls in love with Miles. They get engaged, and Chloe's past might be coming back to haunt her because the count down to the wedding everyday she is getting letters with blood on a piece of lace with the number of how many days left til wedding.
This author has me on the edge of my seat every book she writes. Dori Lavelle can draw you into her books just by the Prologue. Then our hooked til the end.
This story is about Chloe and her fiancé Miles.
Chloe runs away from her past changes her name. Has a great career, falls in love with Miles. They get engaged, and Chloe's past might be coming back to haunt her because the count down to the wedding everyday she is getting letters with blood on a piece of lace with the number of how many days left til wedding.
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