Deadly Secrets

Kings of Eternity #1

by Savannah Hartley

Jamie Dexson is like any other twenty-year-old young man—with one exception. He’s been passing himself off as a girl for four years.

Fleeing from a dangerous situation, the ruse is necessary. Jamie and his mother have been on the run, but when Jamie’s disguise becomes more trouble than it’s worth, he has to decide if leaving it behind will free him from the arms of a predator seeking to make Jamie his.

From a life of deciding which heels to wear with what outfit, Jamie falls into a world of dragons, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters. And he discovers he’s one of them…but doesn’t know which one.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Fantasy, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2012

About the author

Born on the Big Island of Hawaii, Savannah moved to Oregon with her family, where she still lives with her three children. She passes her time with her head in the clouds, her nose in a book or pounding away on her keyboard.

Reviews

[Lexi Ander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great surprise.

I was gearing up to hate the people who were making Jamie dress up as a girl because it becomes very clear that it is not his idea. Before I knew it I was sucked into his world and his unique life as it was slowly revealed. The plot kept me guessing, good guys, bad guys, were there any good guys? Who is Jamie? What is Jamie? Is Jamie going to run? I was snared, engaged, and I could not put it down. When I did finished I turned around and started recommending it. I don't recommend many books but this one, defiantly!

Somethings you should know, the romance is second to the plot in this first installment. Jamie has a crush, a love interest who makes him absolutely weak in the knees and with his current situation he doesn't feel it is right to bring someone into his life. He's pretending to be a girl. Just imagine how many ways a date can go wrong. All that aside, at any minute he may have to leave and he doesn't want his heart broken. So this means there is no sex in this book. I can see it in the future but it really wouldn't have been appropriate in this one. It is so well done, I didn't even notice.

There is a secondary story with Ethan, the young man who through a series of oops becomes Jamie's friend. His story is heartbreaking and tragic but it is not written in a way to bring you down. Ethan is strong of character and finds in Jamie someone he can trust even if Jamie is not what he appears to be on many levels.

Take the CONTENT ADVISORY seriously. There is an attempt at a rape and a mention that it isn't the first time. This was handled with finesse. The attempt was quickly and satisfactory terminated (in my POV) with a vase to the head and a little something extra later on for the rapist.

This is a "To Be Continued" which may make some people wait. Don't. Please Don't. Everything is loosely tied. I was very satisfied with the ending because Jamie was exactly where I wanted him to be. So don't wait! Read it now!

[LaShonta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I don't really know what to say about this. I don't even really know how to rate it. The first half of this book was boring as hell. You have no clue what is going on and all the chapters are about his life as a girl in college. It didn't really start to pick up until 78% of the book. I don't want to give to much away but you don't really find out anything until then.

So, if you can handle boring until the book is almost over then I say go for it. Once we find out what is real and what isn't it picks up and then bam its over! The ending, even though I know was a to be continued one pissed me off. You go through 78% of boring to damn its over with tons of damn questions. The epilogue was a joke. It wasn't one at all.

With all that being said, now that the boring is over, I'll most likely read the second one to get answers to my questions. I just pray it continues from that 78% and not go back to boring!

[Nikyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I put off reading this book for a while because of the 'to be continued' ending. The cover intrigued me so much I just couldn't hold off anymore and I'm glad I finally read it.

Right from the start I was drawn into the story because Jamie was an interesting and intriguing character. I was trying to figure out how this story would go, how it would progress and where it would end up but I could never predict it which is another reason I enjoyed this story. It's so filled with twists and turns, shocking and gory moments, and weird conflicts and creatures. Honestly, I was so enamored with this story I sulked for a few days because the sequel wasn't out yet.

I just couldn't get passed how much I enjoyed this book. It's not really a romance but there is a bit of sexual tension between Jamie and another. I loved the characters because they're funny, cute with just a hint of being dangerous. The world this is set in is both different and intriguing because it spins a unique tale on the traditional paranormal creatures while adding some mythical creatures as well. The conflict is a bit predictable in the whole running for your life type thing but it's also given its unique spin on it all.

Of course, while I loved the book, it wasn't without its faults. For one, while the journal entries were interesting, I kind of got annoyed with them because they happened right when I wanted more of something else to happen. Another thing is the first half of the story was solely from Jamie's POV then second half other POVs are thrown into the mix (even secondary and third characters) which led to a bit of head-hopping whenever there was more than one person in the scene. There was also the fact these 'students' who are in college seemed more like high school prima donnas and adolescents than mature adults.

In the end, I'm glad I finally read this one. It was something I very much enjoyed. I'm really looking forward to the sequel and I hope it comes out quick because I desperately want more of this world and these characters!

[Cole Riann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I still don't know what to say and I read this over a week ago. While I found the story pretty fascinating overall and definitely look forward to further installments, I had some pretty significant dislikes. There's no romance here, though apparently there will be in the next book. The problem with that is that for most of the book I was thinking, who the hell is he supposed to even end up with? I didn't like the guy either. In fact, I pretty much didn't like anybody except Jamie and Asa. Also, I thought the first half of the story could have been cut down a bit. Either that, or throw me a bone every now and then to keep me from ripping my hair out in frustration! I was pretty confused with all the details... still am actually.

Still, I made it through all that and more and still found the story hella exciting. It's a pretty interesting premise and the story definitely doesn't let up. It's pretty much GO GO GO, which may be why I constantly felt like I was missing something. Anyway, I think that with a little romance to balance it all out in future books, I'll be much happier :) That is if I end up being able to tolerate Ethan and Aidan!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap. A book with no sex that I actually couldn't put down. It was fascinating and the end of the book was only the beginning of the real story so now I've got to keep going. Yay! Jaimie is so twinkish and Aiden is so larger than life, I've just go to see what happens next. It's definitely a paranormal book but not the norm and I'm still not quite sure what everyone is. Hopefully I'll get it straight in the next book.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Letti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was iffy on reading this book I have so many books on my to-read-list that I’ve been wanting to read but something told me to read this first and boy was I surprised... There are so many twist and turns, Wondering who was telling the truth and who you can possibly trust, can your friend be your possible enemy... I was left with my mouth hanging open literally..

This book is so entertaining that I did not care that there was no romance or HEA or whatever the only thing I cared about is when book two was being released...

[Absynthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! The author has stepped away from the completely formulaic nature of most m/m books and written something really original. The end was a total roller coaster that I didn't see coming. Kudos to the author for surprising me and keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Really fantastic! Can't wait for the next book!

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. The saddest thing about this book is that there's the hint of an interesting story buried deep, but even though this ended on a cliffhanger, I'm not inspired to read more.

[Ayanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Melodramatic and annoying. It was, however, mildly amusing in a "I can't believe what I'm reading" sort of way (hence, the second star). Not my cup of tea, as it were.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is incredibly difficult to rate. I would give it 3.75. My *major* problem with it is that the setting is during college and yet it seems like high school. Not only that, all the characters talk like they're out of an anime/manga. No one says boobies in college (I let this slide after we learn about this character later on which may forgive all her dialog. maybe) or talks about love confessions or lovey dovey. No one in real life is like "omg you're a b cup?!" Come now. Or even the whole "the boys are playing shirtless, girls let's all go down and squeal in their presence!" These are all overused (and sexist) representations of characters from anime/manga. I kept head smacking so much the first 70 or so pages. As I write this, I want to round the stars down to 3 just due to these issues. God, maybe even a 2. I liked the story enough to round up but barely. I wait for the next book because as least no one is at this fake nonexistent college that I swear is a front for a Japanese high school now and no one is in disguise (or disguise after watching only anime for reference. never do this people!!!!)

Edit:
Forgot to mention, these people are supposedly 20 (at least Jamie definitely is) and yet they use boy? "The boy over there. I'm a boy. Oh no he'll realize I'm a boy." I'm 23 and I know no one from the last few years who referred to themselves as a boy. None. In a college setting: none. Yeesh. That also just about drove me crazy - if you're going to write how early 20-somethings speak, please do research!

Edit:
Decided to remove my rounded up star based on above edit, with the other examples of non-college/US/English speech patterns. I believe this takes place in the US? Author is American but I guess could be any English-speaking country.

[Betryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many unexpected twists and turns in the story plot and in all honesty it through me for one heck of a loop. It really goes out of the box and beyond this world in fiction. Literally.

All in all I enjoyed this story even for the whackiness and I know there's a book 2 in the works and I sure can't wait for it.

Little secret? The ending surpasses as a cliff-hanger for me that's left me knocking on the author's door and saying: Hurry it up already!

[315 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh it ends in a cliffhanger!!! How did I miss that. A cliffhanger of 3 years. Marking this down a star for such a long wait and no sex. This is in no way a MM Romance book. Hell there isn't even MC couple.

[Saskie- · Rating 2 out of 5]

If not for the last quarter it would get only one star >>"
I disliked Jamie, such an unpleasant person -_-" only yelling on everyone...
always...ugh *shudder*

[Mandy]

I really want to read this book, but with a cliff hanger ending and no news of the sequel 3 years later, there's no point getting involved.

[Sanne92 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mean Girls - drag edition.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Secrets by Savannah Hartley
Dark Kings of Eternity, Book 1
5 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com

Let me start off by saying that I haven’t enjoyed a book as much I did this one all year long and considering how much I read, that is a true compliment. I feel like a gushing fan girl trying to figure out what I want to say in my review. Can I just start out with ‘I fucking loved this book’? Well, I am going to. I fucking loved this book. It combines UF, paranormal, magic and alternate dimensions and turns it into one of the most complex and perfectly woven stories that I have ever read. There is no information dump here, the details are slowly introduced and you get a real feel for the characters. The people are often not what they first appear to be and their motivations for their actions are often very different from what we are first led to believe.

Our introduction to the main character Jamie is his first entry to a journal he is starting. Jamie lives with his mom and her lover Catherine and has been impersonating a girl for four years. He grudging submits to the waxing, the hair dying, the make up and the skirts and heels, not because he is transgendered, but because his mother says that it is the only way to keep him safe. They have been on the run from Jamie’s father, a high powered vampire who wants his bastard son dead, for ten years. The two years that they have been in their current city has been the longest period of time in any one area. Jamie is enrolled in his second year of college and is finally making a couple of friends, most notably Tiffany and Asa. Tiffany latched on to him like a parasite from their first meeting and Asa’s friendship happened by accident. As Jamie and Asa get closer, their secrets are slowly revealed and their lives are changed forever. Much to his dismay, Jamie has also grabbed the attention of Aiden, the most handsome and popular guy in school. He happens to be the only person that Jamie has ever felt sexually attracted to and that makes Jamie run the other way. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far he runs, Aiden is following and he won't giving up. One of the few problems that I have with this book is that most of the students seem more like high school kids than young adults. It pulled me from the story a bit but it wasn't too difficult to overlook.

Content advisories. There is a brief mention of previous sexual abuse and one rape attempt. The attempt was over almost before it begun and did not cause me any discomfort. Other than that, there is no sex at all in this book other than a couple of kisses and, shockingly, I did not care. I started this book knowing that it had a ‘to be continued’ ending and I am still happy that I read it. I am now stalking Ms. Hartley’s blog hoping that the sequel, Deadly Skies, will be finished soon.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys any type of paranormal,great writing and a snarky main character. I wish that I could give more than 5 Stars.

[Amy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I loved the author's style of slowly revealing info as you go along to build the story. And I actually didn't read the summary fully, or I read it a long time ago and didn't remember, so I had no idea this was a paranormal book until about half way in, and I think that made the big reveal all the more powerful. I don't think that the shock of discovering that they're not human wouldn't have made such a big impact if I knew that going in. Like I would've thought "Oh, the father is trying to kill him. Must be for some supernatural reason..." But I had no idea what to think of why they were being hunted and it was much more exciting. In fact, I think it would be a good idea for the author to take out the werewolf/shifter part in the summary so it's more of a mystery like it was for me. I can't wait for the sequel. I have to know what happens neeexxxtttt (whines)

All in all really loved this book but the reason I'm not giving it a 5 star rating is because there were some confusing parts. Such as, in the book it says these characters are in college but it was not a college setting at all. This definitely described a high school so I don't get why it doesn't say that. And I didn't know who was the bad guy or who to like. After it was revealed that the dad wasn't trying to kill him but protect him from Aiden I didn't know what to think. I don't wanna think of Aiden as the bad guy because I liked him and Jamie liked him, and he was sexy;) Also, the father was trying to prevent Jamie from having to marry Aiden but it never said if Jamie would actually be opposed to that because they kept him in the dark about the whole thing. I mean, he actually liked Aiden so would it be a bad thing if they got together? Aren't they true soul-mates or something?

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate giving poor reviews, but this book stirred up some quite strong emotions in me, and so I almost feel I have to. I gave it 2 stars simply because I managed to read it, though 1.5 would have been better.
So, I did finish this, somewhat to my surprise, as it constantly annoyed me. If it were not for the fact that I was listening to it via text-to-speech while ill, and it being too much effort to turn it off and start a new story, I doubt I would have. Also, I'd paid for it, and wanted to eke out my money's worth. That's a bit like making yourself finish the food on your plate, even if it's making you feel a bit queasy. Maybe I'll stop doing that in future.
The writing felt like a fanfic, and not one of the best; the characters constantly seemed much younger than we were told they were, behaving like early teens and not the 20-ish college students we're introduced to.
The plot was overly convoluted and melodramatic, and I found I really couldn't connect to Jamie, whose emotions did frequent 180-degree turns for very little reason at annoyingly frequent intervals. He was more irrationally premenstrual than any girl, and if he was acting that part, he was definitely making a mockery of it.
Not only did he sound and act like a girl, even worse, he seemed to be the very worst kind of dramatic, self-involved, materialistic idiot. Hence, whenever he evoked it a response in me, it was a negative one, and I quickly decided I couldn't care who he ended up with, except to pity them.
I certainly won't be buying any sequels, based on this.

A quick word about the totally gorgeous cover by Reese Dante. I loved it, and it deserves all sorts of plaudits for making a convincing image of a young man who could pass as a girl.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the age of 20 years old, Jamie Dexson have been four years living as a girl,a pretty and popular one. It's not without reasons Jamie tortures himself with the skirts, fake boobs, special designed panties, dye-his-natural-blond-hair-into-brown, and not to mention waxing. Someone, or something out there is hunting his life.

But, his disguise begins to be more trouble when the most popular boy in his school,Aidan Montgomery, pay attention on him. To make it worse, one of his friend, found out who really he is.

From a life of deciding what high heels to wear with which outfit, Jamie falls into a world of dragons, vampires, werewolves and shape-shifters... And he's one of them, but which one?

To begin with, this is not a transgender story, Jamie only cross dressing. And he is a man as a man should be.

The story told in many different angles; Jamie, Asa, Ethan, Aidan. And Jamie's journal really helps get to know his past. I adore all the characters and the interaction between them; Jamie and Asa banter, Ethan's possessiveness toward Asa, Jamie & Aidan mutual attraction. And I am dying to know what happens next to them!

This is a good beginning for the series. The ending is just an opening into the new world.

Now, somebody tell me when will the second book goin to be released?!!

[Yummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish i had words to describe this book. But i was left speechless. This book left me a mess and wanting to know what the next book will bring. The cliffhanger is deadly and piercing through the heart. I still can't believe there is no sequel yet for this book.
I liked the idea of the story telling trough a diary but sometimes they felt intruding on some scenes that i would have wished continued than stopped all of a sudden and bam a diary page from idk when. as in i sometimes i felt they disturbed the flow of the story.
I really liked the plot of it and how you as a reader was finding the truth exactly at the same time as the main character, practically making me feel like the main character.

I really want to read the sequel to this book. to find more about what is going to happen with the Jamie's mother and with the main characters themselves or Ethan and Asa. I am curious about all the characters that appeared even for a tiny bit like Jamie's brother and Janis. anyway i want the next book :D Although it has been already 3 years and no sign of the book only one post of it being transferred to another publisher in 2015 but in rest no other updates since i am still hoping here fingers crossed for the author.

[Sui Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

**spoiler alert** 3.5 rounded up. Okay I'm very undecided about this book. There are things I enjoyed and things that just frustrated me. There were so many things that read like high school and not college level. The school yard bullying and prom comments are all so high school it makes this read like a Young Adult novel turned Adult. Which is fine, it was just a bit disconcerting to feel like sometimes he was talking about his childhood and then maybe it was high school with the same people at a later time. I just found it a bit confusing.

Disregarding the whole high school/college stuff. The story is good. It did take a while to start caring about Jamie and everything going on in the guys life. I would recommend this as a good read but not a very satisfying read. It was long and slow moving. I realize this is just the first book and it purposely left a lot open ended because it is just the first step. I have high hopes for more to come.

[Lepiota · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know if I should read this or not at first, I haven't even read a summary for this book but I gave it a try because I liked the cover and I'm so glad I did.
It's really good and full of unexpected twists and turns. I thought nothing could surprise me, that I know all facts and suddenly something happens and story turns about 180°!
Characters of this book are really well written and enjoyable. What I love is how it's written in first POV, Jamie's thoughts and all monologues were really funny for me to read.
Someone could complain that there is no romance etc. but I like how slowly is the plot developed because I don't like rush romance and this really suited my tastes.
It's not finished story, it has open end (someone doesn't like these, be warned) and it's only book one in the series but I really can't wait to read more. Hope the sequel will be published soon!

[Seriously Reviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very original story. I will admit to saying “OMG—354 pages!” upon opening the book. However, by the time I reached the end, I was saying “354 pages weren’t long enough! More!” So this is a series that I will definitely be following.

It starts with Jamie Dexson-who is a boy that has to pretend to be a girl to stay alive-writing in his journal, about the events in his life. We not only learn of what happened in the past from his journal entries, but what’s happening now, as he’s living it. The journal reveals that Jamie, his mom and his mom’s partner Catherine are on the run from Jamie’s father, who wants Jamie dead. By the end, you’re not sure who’s who anymore, as the plot twists and turn. Is Jamie hiding because his dad really wants him dead, or does his father have ulterior motives, and just wants Jamie to think that?

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I want to start of by saying that I liked this book. Would I give it 4 stars...no. It was enjoyable,but I can't really say if I'm going to like the end or not...since it was open ended.


That being said....WTF??! I did not see the whole "I'm a being from another plane of existence that is kinda like a vampire, but not" thing coming.

And the end? ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Could he have been more stupid? At one point I literally found myself yelling at the pages because I was so frustrated. Jamie knew that Aidan was after him. He knew that and yet he let the man mark him?

Lord.

I am very intrigued to see what happens, since this was a cliffhanger work. I think we have only begun to scratch the surface of this world...Can't wait to read more.

[Honey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I just got out of a car that Vin Diesel was driving at 160 km/h. I feel a little disoriented and queasy, but addicted at the same time. The story was fast. And confusing. Really confusing. Frustrating and original. Very original. It would have been a 5 star read if there had been more romance. I powered through the book's 354 pages in just over 12h because I was hooked (!) and all I got were two miserable little kisses at the very end. There were quite a few moments where things were going a little crazy in the book and I just wanted everyone to sit down and talk like civilized, well, monsters, but that didn't happen. I really need a sequel out pronto.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO unbelievably pissed with myself for 'listening' to a previous reviewer saying don't wait for the sequel to be released before reading this one. I finished it in one sitting and now I find out that the sequel hasn't even been purchased by the publisher yet and there is no future release date? I am now going to stalk the author's website and make a nuisance of myself to find out about book two because that was a total cliffhanger. Seriously this was a fantastic book but WAIT if you can until the second one is released so you don't find yourself tortured like this poor soul.

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, what an amazing story!!! I can't wait to read more.
I want to know what happens next between Jamie and Aiden, Ethan and Asa, as well as all the others. Some of the story bordered on a big no-no for me (namely the near rape/ rape scene, but I somehow survived it). Still, it's a fantastic read! I'd give the book more than 5 stars if it were possible.
I want the next book in this series. NOW!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it a 3.5 stars. I agree with other reviewers in that the first two thirds of the book did drag a bit. The last third was where most of the questions were answered and the excitement of the story started to pick up. I think if I hadn't read the other reviews posted I could very well have given up on the book but in the end I am glad I did. I will definitely be reading any future books from this series since I am curious as to how the whole Aidan/Jamie and Asa/Ethan stories will pan out.

[Lipvixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this!!! It has mystery, supernatural beings,rescue of a great person, action, adventure, deep friendship, destined love and even humor. One of those I actually wish would be made into a movie!

Warning though, there is rape of a good guy with a moron of a father which broke my heart. Glad he found a powerful best friend in the lead character who gives rapist serious scary payback! The ending is also obviously leading up to a sequel.