Secrets to Reveal

Highland Wolves #1

by Tilly Wallace

A paranormal Regency romance for those who like a dash of magic with their history

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2017

About the author

Tilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight. I didn't even mean to read it. I have three other books I'm smack dab in the middle of, but I was going through my kindle and saw that I'd recently picked this up for free. I was a little curious so I thought I'd read a chapter or two, just to get a peek. Three and a half hours later I looked around and thought OOPS. I love historical paranormal romances. That's such a long title for the genre. HPRN? I like HPNR as an abbreviation. Anyway, as I was saying. I love this genre and I hate that there aren't more books like this out there. Considering this book was free, I didn't expect much. Perhaps I enjoyed it so much because I didn't expect much. Was it the greatest book ever written? No. But it was such a surprise. A really, really, good one.



Hamish is part of a select group of soldiers who have been purposefully infected with lycanthropy-now they're werewolves. Aster Simmons is secretary to Sir John, who decodes important documents that help in the war against France. Aster isn't just his secretary though, she is secretly a talented cryptographer whose gift surpasses that of her beloved employer. Sir John knows this and gladly gives her puzzles and documents to decode instead of dooming her to a life of merely dusting books and delivering his tea. Hamish and his group of werewolves are given orders to protect Sir John, as an important encrypted list of traitors has fallen into his hands. Hamish and Aster are drawn to one another but each has their own secrets and they have to decide whether they can trust each other.

I loved everything about Aster. She was truly feisty. The odds were stacked against her yet she persevered. She had no family. No fortune. She wasn't considered a conventional beauty. But she was brilliant, self-reliant, and brave. She also happened to be smart enough to know when she was in danger. We all know how frustrating it is to read about supposedly intelligent heroines who for some reason, decide to abandon all good sense and put themselves in danger at the worst moments. There was a distinct lack of TSTL in this book and it was so refreshing. Aster refused to apologize for her intelligence and the fact that she found a way to support herself in a field that she loved and excelled in. She may not have wanted to live her life alone but she knew she could if she needed to.



I loved that while Hamish and his fellow wolves were baffled by her independence, they were also in awe of her ability and admired her for it. What she did was important and they never discounted
that. Aster had moments of intense loneliness that I think everyone can relate to, at least at some point in their lives. She wanted to be seen and loved. Simply put, I adored her.

And what about Hamish? He was the whole package. Alpha werewolf. A Scottish Alpha werewolf. Smart. Kind. Protective. Just the right amount of possessive. Loyal. And oddly enough, humble. He was the second son. He wasn't sure if he would have a future, but Aster didn't care. There wasn't an ounce of assholeness in him. And he loved how crazy smart Aster was. It was a huge turn on for him and I loved him for it.


I really enjoyed the other men in Hamish's unit. Is unit the right word? Regiment? Anyway, it was set up perfectly for the rest of the series. The end dragged a little but it wasn't enough to ruin it. The book's main issue is resolved but I look forward to the continuation of the big-picture-plot through the rest of the series. I read the entire thing in one sitting and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a supernatural twist. It might not knock your socks off but I loved it, it was such a lovely way to spend an evening.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this audiobook very enjoyable and got very attached to the characters. Unfortunately my book app don't have the other books so I might not get to them.

[Treece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: TBD

For now-

[Laura J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story looses it's magic

This book is a rewrite of "The Cryptographer" by Alice Wallis-Eton. Since I remember enjoying "The Cryptographer", I was looking forward to the paranormal twist. The first 3/4ths of the book did not disappoint. The intelligent heroine, the plot surprises, the dog (!) were well done. The last quarter of the book fell flat.

[CeCe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to get into this story several times, but lost interest.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Loved it. Wish the next ones were a little cheaper, but I'm still going to buy them. Gotta see where all these guys end up.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good overall - I mostly got into this series because of Tilly Wallace's OTHER regency/monster/steampunk novel series Manners & Monsters (It's AMAZING) and this novel definitely has some of the same vibes - the discussions of vampires, werewolves, and other creatures are all here, but it's not quite as immersive as I found the other series to be, and the heroine is not quite as compelling. Some of the characters/relationships (such as Aster's relationship with Sir John or her interactions with the girls she lives with) are presented as if the reader should already care about/be impacted by them, rather than showing the meaningful exchanges. This is less the case with Sir John, but I really do wish this book would show more of his character rather than the limited dialogue/interactions we see ( which is, of course, limited due to his untimely death), but I digress. The plot is interesting, if a little easy to predict, but I did enjoy Aster's interactions with the Highland Wolves, ESPECIALLY Quinn. The fake brother-sister dynamic is too cute, and every time they interacted my heart melted. The sex scenes come out a bit from left field for me, so that did detract from my overall reading experience - the scene of Aster on the cliff practically gave me whiplash, I was SO not expecting it. Also, reader beware, there are HEAVY mentions of a foot fetish held by the love interest. Not necessarily a negative, but it did make me bust out in hearty giggles every time I read a paragraph of Hamish waxing eloquently on the "slender turn of an ankle."
Whatever floats your boat I guess. Overall, a pretty good werewolf regency romance - I'd recommend the Parasol Protectorate series for one done a little bit better, with less predictable mystery and a big heaping of humor. 3 Stars

[Darkwinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this book is somehow correct and entirely misleading. Everything it mentions does happen from a "certain point of view", but left me with a completely different idea of where this book was going. After I let go of those pre-conceptions, I did enjoy the book. I liked the idea of this world and the men of the wolf pack. Aster was full of surprises. I certainly didn't see that big surprise coming, but wasn't bothered that it seemed to come from out of left field.

I will probably read further in this series and from this author.

[Punkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yay wolves

Interesting vampires and wolves tale. There was a bit of annoying overlap and repeat of feelings/details from his and her points of view but kept pace well enough. Pretty mushy. Some humor.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A-WOOOOOO!

That was suppose to be a wolf howl.

Gonna binge read this series!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Kimberley Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun paranormal historical romance involving Scottish werewolves, French vampiric spies, and a brilliant female cryptologist during the Regency era. Marian Hussey’s narration is wonderful.

[Misti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pandemic reading = author I've never heard of + genre I rarely read + low expectations. So yeah, 3 stars.

[Irène Wadowski uliasz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une agréable surprise car ce nest pas mon genre préféré. J'ai tout de suite été captivée et je ne l'ai plus lâché. Les personnages sont attachants et l'histoire se tient . Hâte de lire la suite.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read a book by Tilly Wallace before, and I have to say, I quite enjoyed this. The characters were funny and likeable, and their interactions are hilarious at times. The storyline was decent, and the world building was very good.

As for Hamish and Aster, they are a very sweet couple, and even though the plot probably only takes place over about a week, the romance didn't feel rushed. I just found them (Aster in particular) to be a bit needy at times. Despite this, it was very refreshing to read about an intelligent woman who forged her own path in a regency setting, as in reality, women of the time had very few prospects beyond finding a good husband and having children. The fact that she didn't put herself in danger (because intelligent woman being stupid and endangering herself is far too common a thing in stories) was something I was very happy about.

There are a few paragraphs that jump the scene a little, but it's not many and it's pretty easy to work out what's happening. I just got muddled for a few seconds when it happened.

For those of you wondering, whilst this book does contain some intimate moments, there is no explicit sex, and nudity is mentioned but again, not explicit. It was a surprising change from other books in this genre, and not an unwelcome one.

[B Whitaker, · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been stepping away from the normal romances that I read and review lately and have been pleasantly surprised in several instances (such as this little jewel). Tilly Wallace weaves a masterful mix of history, paranormal and regency romances all into one really great book. She had me chuckling at several points in the book when there was particular interaction between our main characters (Aster and Sir John ) and the circumstances they found themselves in. I do love a well written book (whatever the genre') because it lends authenticity to the plot and/or storyline. I would read more from this author in the future, and plan to if she comes out with subsequent novels.

I don't leave synopsis of the story (the author can do a better job of that then I can) nor spoilers because nothing makes me fly mad as quickly as someone ruining the high points of the story even before I have opened it up. I will just say that I greatly enjoyed "Secrets to Reveal (Highland Wolves, Book 1) and would rate it (if I could) at a 4.25 stars.

I received an advanced reader copy(ARC) of this book and voluntarily left posted review.
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[Daniell Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the author mixed in paranormal with regency. Love when a book has humor and strong characters. Also like how she makes the characters more in touch with everyday people with problems and not perfect. Aster is smart, provides for herself with a good attitude without being pretty, as she herself describes saying she is plain. There has been lots of books that they are a total package with above average smarts, looks but not having a nice personality so it was a nice change. Loved how her dog was incorporated in the book. I am glad to see that there is other books for some of the secondary characters as you get to like them and want to see more. I hope she does another book with Ewan as would like to see what happens with him. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review. After I read this book I did go in and buy the series as wanted to be able to reread the book and see what happens with the rest of the characters. This was a HFN as you did see their story but some loose ends which does not take away from the story and could be left there.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read this years ago for free on my kindle. I liked it better the second time around. It’s not a literary masterpiece by any means, but it’s a feel-good regency era romance… with werewolves!

Recommended if you’re looking for a quick, lighthearted, romantic read with a happy ending.

[Charleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tilly Wallace really said "the romance market needs a Scottish werewolf with a foot fetish" and then wrote that hero, huh

[CallaLily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this light, fun read. It’s similar to, but not quite as quirky as, Gail Carriger’s books. These MMCs are soldier assassins using guns and knives as opposed to the more refined tophats and tails used by Gail Carriger’s society assassins.

The FMC is quiet and unassuming. Some might even think her mousey as her looks, manner of dress, and demeanor make her almost invisible. Unbeknownst to those around her, she’s probably one of the smartest people in the country, deep in the world of espionage, and actively engaged in fighting the on-going war. She’s hella smart, feminine, independent, and career-minded in a time when women of her class are told to stay at home and sew needlepoint.

The MMC is part of a pack of wolf shifters. While very confident, they’re not arrogant. Their concerns about being accepted by human society, finding their mates, and enjoying success/fulfillment is openly discussed. It was refreshing. The MMC recognized the FMC as his mate, but due to the war and his shifter status, he had to be cautious. He also realized that the FMC would not have the same immediate feeling about him. While creating opportunities to be near her, he was respectful and let her get to know him over time.

I loved how the author detailed the realities of being a shifter. She mentioned how they had to get completely naked to shift and all of the (sometimes entertaining) logistics around that. The author also includes instances of other animals reacting to the MMC. One recurring theme is how the MMC is constantly battling to keep his inner wolf on a leash. The wolf refuses to understand that he can’t just jump out anytime he wants; he’ll scare the humans! Also, one of the shifters can’t shift no matter how badly he wants to or how hard he tries and another doesn’t want to as he prefers his human form. With all of the shifter rhetoric, who’d have thought? That’s so original. It’s interesting details like this that get me. They pull me deeper and deeper into the story.

I’ll definitely read the entire series.


Kindle
5

[Rikke Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I cannot make myself give it 4, despite some parts truly deserved it..

Aster was a delight of a female lead!
The way she was very much her own, an intelligent woman, independent, witty and a bit stubborn. She was brave despite being scared and went through the world analysing everything - until she fell in love.
She has a certain need of order (yet not possessive enough to call it OCD or neurodivergent, I think) and she is so very lonely, it truly touched me.

The male lead, Hamish, was indeed a charmer - and I even found myself enjoying the 3 comrades, despite not always being the biggest fan of side-characters.

The love story was sweet and the book almost split into different stages.
The fist half was very much like a cat and mouse game - the two main leads truly pining for each other, but can they trust one another?
The second half is the danger erupting as well as the love truly unfolding.

I think the narrative was very true to its regency-period - very Austen.

But why the 3.5 stars then?

I think the first half a bit too slow and the second half a bit too rushed - and I think some of the plot, the part not being the romance, disappears. It handled the romance very well, but I missed the suspense it could truly have held as well.
I am aware, that the plot will continue in the sequel(s?) but it truly had the length and opportunity to actually finish the story in this one - and then it could have started another mystery in the next. This way, the non-romantic plot became overly, and perhaps unnecessary, stretched, when it could have been concluded. I am still very exciting to see where the plot will lead in the next one, and perhaps further on, but I do feel that this book could have rounded better off (though I do not know the depth of the plot - and perhaps it does need more time and books to conclude, instead of a new mystery).

I did enjoy the read though! And the romance and characters were so very sweet and wholesome.
Big fan of Aster - truly a favourite kind of FL. Independent - though soft.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY WHAT A FANTASTIC READ, A TERRIFIC BOOK 1, Yet it stands alone! READ, DON'T PASS UP!

Tilly Wallace, I want to Thank You, for finally teaching me book wise how to ride side saddle, her instructions are very clear and anyone could probably get on a horse and begin side saddle riding with all information needed, already read at hand. This alone would almost be worth the 5 stars I am giving it because; of the sheer enjoyment I received while reading the actual paranormal involvement of Captain Hamish, and his wolf, how one would feel certain way and the other self would contain all of the strange emotions to not give them wolf/man, shape shifter away, and how he interacted to his Army Unit vs other Army, and rest of Recency Society! 18 yrs & older are needed to read this story, because our Heroine Aster, who everyone but a few thinks is a man, at a time Ladies don't work was one of the Country's top 3 or 4 Cryptographers, unknown especially as a woman. Aster tackles her lonely life as a only child, one who's mother died and she had to start supporting herself around 15 yrs old, was affected by Hamish, and had to figure out if he was a spy after her puzzles; while Hamish had to figure out if she was the spy passing info to France, it is obvious her self doubts come from being by herself, and his from being a second son. Take my advice and get comfy while you share this story with your mind and heart, on the simple trials testing each other and themselves, as the war gets heavier, the spy game gets deadlier and their desire and necessary need to know about the comes to a head .

[PSUDST · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, I avoid paranormal/supernatural books because the characters typically have weird names that I can't keep straight. Couple that with sprites, shapeshifters, vampires, werewolves, and a partridge in a pear tree, and I end up losing sight of the story because I need a flowchart to keep characters organized.

At first, I thought that I would have to suffer through such paranormal chaos with Secrets to Reveal but after the first couple of chapters, the story settled into a more familiar romance storyline that I was able to follow. The Unnaturals as they are referred to in the book are integrated into the historic English society circa late 16th century which I found fascinating. I believe that most of the paranormal books (other than those set in the future) that I have read in the past had characters keeping their secret traits hidden.

Overall, I really enjoyed the author's writing style (this is the first book that I've read by her) and she was able to blend perfectly romance with intrigue. The heroine, Aster, was super smart and was not shy about voicing her opinion about the inequities that women unfairly faced during the time which I liked. Hamish was a strong leader who took his duties seriously, especially when he had to set aside his growing affections for Aster in favour of completing his mission. It made his developing feeling for Aster far more believable for me.

The secondary characters were interesting but not so domineering within the story that they overshadowed Aster and Hamish's tale. The other men who serve with Hamish get their own stories and I look forward to reading each one of them.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly Wallace puts a unique spin on the war against Napoleon by bringing a magical and para normal aspect to the spy game. I found the characters funny entertaining and believable. I felt the loneliness of Aster and how her past and intelligence kept her apart from other women but she doesn't mind because she's happy with her life with her constant companion Dougal. You could just picture Hamish's inner wolf trying to come out and him keeping him at bay especially when they are both so attracted to Aster. Hamish is the commanding officer of the group of very new and unique Highland soldiers. Ms. Wallace weaves a story that makes you wonder what may happen next and will their differences keep Aster and Hamish apart and will she be accepted by his troops. The comradery of the four men is funny and you can see their love for each other and how they accept the woman their leader has chosen as his own and treated as the family she's been looking for. Then there is the loveable and mischievous Aunt you will fall in love with that treats these men of honor and courage as little boys/puppies who need to be trained using a newspaper. Between the two women the men are kept in check. Tilly Wallace shows that no matter if your a spirit, human, lycanthropes, mage, Wight or any other type of mystical or magical being you can help your country with your unique skills help the war effort. I'm looking forward to reading the next and future installments of the Highland Wolves Series to see how they foil the traitors and the French under Napoleon.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect as it was my first historical read with supernatural beings.
The first chapter was confusing but soon I understood the setting of this dystopian universe, I was hooked.

Aster Simmons had not an easy life, each new day she must fight for a right to live, a woman in this men world has so limited options. Until Hamish the captain of the Highland Wolves noticed her, she was a shadow, living an existence of few hopes. She is no fighter with weapons or limbs but she has a sharp mind, her best gun. Now what does is really looking for the delicious officer?
Hamish Logan never expected to find a woman in an intelligence department even more a secret one. So he struggled at first to see her for more than she appears to be, his inner wolf has recognized her for who she is but can Hamish comprehend and accept her.

The author did a great job building her world where unnaturals coexist with humans. The main couple is a great match, each one bringing to the other what is needed to feel whole. Aster in contact with Hamish realizes what is really missing in her life, while Hamish for the first time since long can be really himself. They both together can drop their walls and facade to be true.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot itself was interesting although Aster, got on my nerves just a little. Can we not have a female lead who is comfortable with her looks, who is fine with her features and doesn't think she's the plainest girl in the room until a guy takes interest in her. Can we have a girl who has confidence in herself? And not at the expense of putting down other girls? Alright, rant's over. Aside from the looks issue, I did like the fact Aster is a cryptographer. Hamish was fine and I enjoyed reading about him and the unit. I loved the brother-sister relationship Aster and Quinn developed. Seriously loved Aunt Maggie. She made me laugh. especially when she didn't tell Quinn the neck guard wasn't tested.

I enjoyed the overall spy antics over the romance. Don't get me wrong I love a good romance; but there was a sexual scene, sensuality, and innuendos,I did not enjoy and could have done without and which some readers may want to avoid. I'm seriously wondering if I want to finish the series because of that.

Overall, not too bad.
Recommended? Eh
Buy/borrow? Borrow

[jordyn ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS THE KIND OF WEREWOLF BOOK I'VE BEEN DYING FOR, and I stumbled upon it completely accidentally while scrolling through my library's fantasy ebooks. Seriously! Regency romance + werewolves? SIGN ME THE HELL UP. This was so entertaining in the best of ways. There's the idea of mates, there's shifting without the moon being full, there was espionage and all sorts of fun little side plots. I cannot wait to dive right into the next book because WEREWOLF HISTORICAL ROMANCE??????

Oh and the main characters were just amazing. Aster was a+ top notch smart lady and Hamish was growly alpha with a soft heart. Plus the other wolves in his pack!! I cannot recommend enough!

Docking one star because there were a few things that I personally could have done without, but nothing that really ruined the entire book for me. Namely Aster's parent's ghosts showing up at their wedding. That part I just ROLLED my eyes at. I also guessed at Aster's true parentage and wasn't surprised in the slightest. Not that that bothered me!

Anyway. FOUR really big glowy stars to Secrets to Reveal!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2018/02...

A friend who knows that Recency-era fantasy novels are my jam recommended this to me, and it was pretty fun! It starts off on a low note for me, as the heroine laments that she can't make any female friends, yet she dismisses her boarding-house-mate's conversations as "inane chatter" because she is clearly Not Like Other Girls. The world-building and the love interest coming from a troop of Scottish werewolves are more than a little reminiscent of Gail Carriger--Wallace is definitely playing in that sandbox. I did wish for a more attentive editor; we shouldn't have to be told six times in the first couple chapters that most people think the protagonist is a maid (when really she is a secretary/codebreaker) and the “inane chatter” of women shouldn’t have come up even once, let alone multiple times. There were a few other things that seemed to be errors, too. In general, the writing is a bit overwrought and I wished things had been polished up a bit. The romance and the spy stuff are both pretty cute, though. B.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my librarian friends recommended this series to me. Of all things I need, it's not more books, but, of course, I checked it out, started and couldn't put it down. A slightly different Napoleonic time, but the bones of history are there. Magic is recognized, but not necessarily liked. Seems vampires are still totally evil, but some magical beings are not. A mage decide try an experiment on 20 Highland warriors. They were bitten by a "wild" lycanthrope and then watched to see what developed. Well, some of the warriors made it through, there are twelve remaining when our story takes place, Aster, a crytographer for the British works in the war office with the head of the department. She will be a key player. The Parliament is deciding whether "Unnaturals" should be considered people and have the rights of all the people. This too will consider into our storyline. Hamish is the Captain of the Highland Wolves, and he has a definite place in the story. Already have Kisses to Steal waiting to start. Highly recommend!

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I did enjoy this story, though I don't think the wolves will replace Manners and Monsters in my heart as my favorite of Wallace's. (Though, admittedly, I loved that series more after book 1, so I supposed there's still time.)

My biggest issue with this book is some of the dialogue was just so cringy. I don't know if it was the attempt to sound historical, or if it was just some of the lines that she has our poor heroine saying. (Girl, you're too smart for this nonsense!)

Speaking of smart - it did drive me a little bit crazy how long it took Aster to figure out Hamish's secret. I mean, they're regiment is called the Highland Wolves, and you find out their Unnaturals, and Miss Super Puzzle Solver doesn't immediately put the pieces together? They're barely trying to hide it!? LOL

As to the mystery whodunit it, it was a bit lackluster in places. I get that the focus was on the romance, but I did appreciate the spy and mystery part of the story, and wish it just got a bit more development.

Lastly - Quinn was awesome, and the fake brother/sister thing was adorable.

I do look forward to watching Aster meet the rest of the pack and become "den mother" to a group of werewolves!