Secrets & Chance: A Romantic Suspense Novel of Family Secrets and Forbidden Attraction

The Sterlings #1

by Z.L. Arkadie

What happens when there are four greedy sons and one family fortune?

Rosalie Stetson is on the verge of discovering the answer when she and one of Edna Sterling's grandsons find themselves trapped in the middle of her ex-grandmother-in-law’s mysterious disappearance. The grandson’s name is Chance Sterling and not only is he as gorgeous as the day is long but he's probably the coldest and most unavailable man she’s ever met.

The first time Chance Sterling laid eyes on Rosalie Stetson was at his cousin Peter’s wedding. She was the bride. She doesn’t remember him, but she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Now he's forced to trust Rosalie with his family fortune. The only problem is Chance trusts no one, especially the ex-wife of the most spoiled Sterling in the clan.

No matter what Rosalie and Chance think of each other, they’re in it together. But do they have what it takes to survive this dangerous game of “Winner takes all?”

Passion ignites, and mystery abounds as this pulse-pounding tale of whodunit keeps you guessing until the very end. *** The Sterlings Secrets & Chance (Book 1) Revelations (Book 2) Forever and Ever (Book 3) The Secret Keeper (Book 4) Final

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

326 pages

First published January 26, 2018

About the author

Z.L. Arkadie is a bestselling indie author who has been writing full-time since 2011. Her expansive backlist moves from the paranormal intensity and epic-fantasy sweep of the Parched series to the sizzling contemporary romance of Steamy Destinations and the dark secrets, passion, and suspense of The Blackstones. Grounded in family—both the one we’re born into and the one we choose—her emotionally charged stories feature complex characters and deeply felt romance, where danger, devotion, and desire collide.

She also writes as Zoey Locke, bringing humor, warmth, and heartfelt connection to contemporary romance.

Reviews

[SylviaV]

I read the kindle version.
This is a terrific story, however it is a CLIFFHANGER of the worst kind.
Just when you get invested in the characters; BAM the book finishes.
NO resolution on the almost relationship.
NO resolution on the mystery and disappearance of the grandmother.
Because of the Cliffhanger i gave this 1 star, because this kind of book publishing should not be encouraged.
I will not buy the other books in this series, because this is just the first part of a book.
Sorry author, I will not buy any of your books in future.

[Seriniti]

Edna?

Edna is a shady woman. I love it. What's her endgame though. I'm really curious about why she did all this and if she is okay.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on iBooks today (5/25/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Secrets & Chance is a full-length novel that ends with a nail-biting CLIFFHANGER. For those who like an intricately woven, well-told and addictive romance series filled with twists, turns and revelations that you won't see coming, The Sterlings Series is for you!


When the matriarch of a powerful family disappears, it will take an unlikely duo to figure out the mystery behind what happened to her. When Rosalie Stetson meets Chance Sterling for what she believes is the first time, she thinks he’s arrogant and cold. Chance remembers Rosalie from their brief encounter years ago on her wedding day to her ex-husband and his spoiled cousin, Peter Sterling. And although Chance had desired Rosalie since the moment he laid eyes on her, he’s still unable to trust her motives. Passion ignites and mystery abounds as this thrilling tale of whodunit keeps you guessing until the very end.

[Carissa]

I loved this book. I could not put it down. It has a little mystery, a little corruption and a lot of romance.

Rosalie is a great character with a kind heart, I loved reading about her. Chance is a hot steamy lawyer, and the best part is that he works for Jack Lord.

This book is a definite must read.

[Nancy]

I hate books that leave you in the middle of the story. What a waste of my time. I guess you were hoping to snare me into reading more of your books but I assure you I will never pick up anything written my this author again. It just wasn’t that good.

[Coco.V]

FREE on Amazon today (11/06/2017)!

[Cathy Black]

This story kicks off the Sterling Family Saga. Edna, the matriarch, is now widowed. She sends a letter to Rosalie, a beloved sort-of family member who was once married to her grandson Peter. Despite their divorce, Edna still adores Rosalie. Rosalie and Chance meet with Edna, who asks them to see Fredrick Holland, likely one of her lawyers. Fredrick has them sign a document without reading it, leaving them uneasy about what they’ve just agreed to. Meanwhile, Edna’s sons are scheming to take over their mother’s company, but she’s already several steps ahead, using Chance and Rosalie as part of her plan. Now the big questions are: where is Edna, and what will become of the Sterling Company with Chance and Rosalie possibly in charge—or not? The next chapter promises to be fascinating. I started this series because it’s by Z.L. Arkadie, whose Love in the USA series I enjoyed last year. I can’t wait to dive into the next book, Revelations.

[Deb Smith]

What a fabulous start to a new series by one of my favorite authors. The love story starts simply and slowly but before long the intrigue and secrets start and before the end you will be needing a scorecard for the fast paced plot. I love how Arkadie starts simply and adds layer after layer to both characters and plot. I kept reading long enough to finish the book but then I was wondering “WTH” as the story cut off. I just hope the series is a resounding success because I need the next book like I need to breathe. SO I MOST DEFINITELY RECOMMEND Secrets and Chance

[deannaf]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I loved this book it is a great start to this series. It is not the average same ole love story. There is mystery and romance, just when you think you have the characters figured out then comes another twist. I enjoyed the characters being complex it keeps you pulled into the story you won't be about to put it down. Can't wait for the next one!!

[Carolyn]

Didn't Like this enough to continue the series. Though I would like to know what happened to grandmother. Even in a series I dislike when issues are not brought to completion. Also, felt the characters were bland...all of them used the F word and not one of them stood out. The great looking guy and the beautiful, brilliant female attorney were blah to me. Sorry, for me it wasn't a better read.

[Linda Rodriguez]

Secrets & Chance (The Sterlings Book 1)

A book I couldn't wait to read. Fast paced, interesting mystery with a romance thrown in, too! I enjoyed this book and want together book number 2! I recommend it!!

[Abbie]

It was a great read and very captivating

It was a great read and very captivating. I enjoyed the storyline and hope to find out the outcome. Hope all that read it find it as entertaining as I did. a thriller

[Dee Renee Chesnut]

This e-book was in My Digital Library since October 21, 2017. I dropped a star to 2 because the story was more like a prequel because it introduced characters but there was no resolution to the mystery.
I do not recommend this unless you are willing to buy the 4 books of the series.

[charmaine White]

Wow

An amazing read.I can't wait to find out what happens next.This is a really.really good read.Suspense,mystery,thrills and a love interest thrown in.

[Bonny Millard]

Great Read

I o Lynn wish it had finished the first-hand on the author.Just when the reader gets to the good part, the story is continued....

[Janet]

very good

[Elizabeth]

I liked the book and would have given it higher if not for the cliffhanger. I will not be continuing to book 2.

[Tami]

Really enjoyed. Want to read more!

[Ketrina Wheeler]

Hmm

Nope, couldn't finish it. The first chapters felt like they were all over the place. I didn't even make it half way.

[Sherry McWilliams]

It was a really interesting story, but it ended in the middle of a scene. I don't like cliff hangers, especially when it leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

[Judy Ely]

Secrets&Chance

This book was very interesting from page one. Characters where we'll described, and the story was very intriguing. I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Marvin Matteson]

Great reading

Did not want it to end but it did. Wanted many unanswered questions answered. Pshould beca book two with follow through

[Madonna Grant]

I liked this book. A different turn from the author who I love.

[Jeannine Wickliffe]

Good read

Where has Edna gone and what has she done? Follow Rosalie and Chance as they search for answers. Also as they find themselves drawn to each other

[Elizabeth C Logging]

Wow super reading

Love the story line. Intriguing, mystery, love in the air, Everything a book needs to keep turning the pages. But where did you leave grandma??

[Temperance]

The books just ends. Ploy to get the reader to buy the other books in the series. Boo! Story is actually good. Unfortunately not a complete book. Just a cash grab.

[Lisa]

This first installment of this book was an interesting read. I thought that the plot at the beginning moved slowly as I felt that the events were repeating when they were told again in the following chapter from either Rosalie or Chance's POV. I was intrigued by the mystery of this story and I look forward to seeing where the story goes in future installments as I was intrigued by the events that took place. I look forward to seeing where this story goes.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.