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The Children of the Gods #23

Dark Widow’s Secret

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Vivian and her daughter share a powerful telepathic connection, so when Ella can't be reached by conventional or psychic means, her mother fears the worst. 

Help arrives from an unexpected source when Vivian gets a call from the young doctor she met at a psychic convention. Turns out Julian belongs to a private organization specializing in retrieving missing girls. 

As Julian's clan mobilizes its considerable resources to rescue the daughter, Magnus is charged with keeping the gorgeous young mother safe. 

Worry for Ella and the secrets Vivian and Magnus keep from each other should be enough to prevent the sparks of attraction from kindling a blaze of desire. Except, these pesky sparks have a mind of their own.

340 pages, ebook

Published December 1, 2018

3547 people are currently reading
350 people want to read

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I.T. Lucas

153 books1,365 followers

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5 stars
1,602 (66%)
4 stars
591 (24%)
3 stars
192 (7%)
2 stars
23 (<1%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
310 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2023
This was just dumb…

How you have telepathic abilities to speak with your mom in PRIVATE and not think to contact to let her know you’ve been kidnapped and that the bad guys are threatening to hurt her and your brother if you don’t comply? Like WTH? This book was torture on my logical brain.

No amount of deductive reasoning done by Ella made this make sense. She didn’t want her mom to freak out and alert them they were on to her? Contact her while at work. Simple. Tell her everything Stephano told you and let an adult do the thinking because clearly you are young and stupid enough to sneak away to travel across the continent with a man you barely even know and your judgement cannot be trusted. It didn’t matter that it was just a weekend,you know nothing about the world and you really don’t have any money since you just started working. I was always told by my mom to never go anywhere without enough money to get back on your own if something happens. Simple rule to live by. Smart.

This girl had ample time and opportunity to at least let her mom know she was alive! Yet she let her family suffer from worry for over a week when all she had to do was open a mind link???? That alone further attests to her immaturity and lack of intelligence, yet the author kept having it being said that she was smart… yeah right. Everything she did from the moment she came on the scene was incredibly stupid. The fact that she even believed the threat was an testament to her lack of smarts. Well, not exactly believing the threat, but actually seeing it as one she she had a way to communicate that no one else would have had. A regular girl without her ability would be wise to believe it and fall in line, unless she had an ace up her sleeve and someone knew where she was going and with whom and all that. But this girl has a built in cellphone in her head. 🤦🏽‍♀️ I would have pretended to comply and then sucked it up and called my mom that same night I touched down in NY and told her what I did and what I had gotten into, along with all the other info Stephano had so generously given to her. True, she didn’t know that her mom had assistance but still, you’re a child with no resources or experience in real life situations. What could you expect to accomplish on your own, beside getting raped?

I swear the nonsense of this entire book was brain numbing. An entire week! I mean, she didn’t even open the connection to check and listen in on her mom to make sure she wasn’t breaking down or anything. Such a selfish child, letting her mother worry like that. Also, I was hoping she got a contact high from Rose smoking in the room and it would let her block down, but someone that didn’t work in a room with no windows and Rose smoking multiple joints? Yeah right. Plus she actually smoked some herself…🙄🙄

I can’t believe a whole book was dedicated to this nonsense. The only thing that made it readable was wanting to read about Magnus, but then that bullshit “I can’t be with her because she’s mortal” crap started taking up the majority of his chapter and I was having to skip through some of those paragraphs as well. I’ve had to skip a lot the last couple of books because it’s redundant information. It may be a different character, but they each go through the same “I wish she were a dormant” bull crap over and over again in the same book, sometimes the same chapter.

Anyway, see my notes and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Stace.
839 reviews
December 4, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series...but this book cut off so abruptly, it was almost like mid sentence. And did there really need to be so much chasing around... I really hope these stories start to tie in with the Doomers... because they are starting to lose substance and are all just filler!!
Profile Image for Kae Michelle .
6 reviews
July 3, 2023
Life is chaotic, and shit happens to good people for no good reason. We are not born with a crystal ball and the ability to predict the future.”
Profile Image for MzAnn.
681 reviews14 followers
August 18, 2019
Dark Widow's Secret--Possible Spoilers

I have mixed feelings about this book.

I kind of understand that the writer needed some way to introduce new Dormants into the series and to get Magnus and Julian to meet their respective mates. (I'm loving Magnus almost as much as I love Anandur and Brundar!) I don't really like Ella or Vivian. Unless one or both of them grows a set and starts kicking ass, I'm done with them already. I do like Parker (Vivian's 12 year old son). I get the feeling he's gonna help kick butt sooner rather than later.

I apologize to anyone I may offend with my next statements. I know little to nothing about the sex trafficking trade, so I speak from my inexperience...But Ella just seemed so dumb. How do you convince yourself that you are in love after 3 weeks? Vivian had already promised to go with her to NY in a month and Ella agreed. How does she let "Romeo" talk her into running away? And why would she refused to engage Vivian's telepathy sooner? I guess there wouldn't have been a story if Ella had done the smart things.

And that's the problem I think I'm having with this book. The entire thing is based on dumb decisions. The entire time I'm reading, I'm saying--either in my head or out loud--"what the #@!& are you doing," "that's just so stupid," or "dumd ass!". I can't enjoy the story when I'm feeling this way about it.

Maybe there is a bright spot and the situation so far may bring more of the Sari's clansmen into the story.

Just... save me from the stupid and whiny stuff...
36 reviews
December 29, 2018
I love this series, however, I am extremely disappointed that they didn't end this story but make you buy the next book to find out what happens. Each book may introduce the next book in the series and that's okay, it makes us keep coming back, but to suddenly end without a finish to the story you just spend so much time on is wrong. True followers of this author & story line will continue to read this series but we don't need a carrot dangling in front of our nose to find out what happens next. In my opinion, this is extremely unfair & very annoying.
Profile Image for Sherily.
293 reviews16 followers
July 2, 2021
Such great characters. Each and every one of these characters you can fall in love with.
Jason is such a smart, laid back guy. Hitting on an older woman but still being respectful when she turns him down.
Magnus, such a gentleman. Deep down we know he is lonely since he no longer has Anandur as a partner or a roommate. I love that he chooses to get a puppy for a companion.
Vivian is a strong, independent, single mother doing her best to raise her 2 children on her own. Ella is a teenage virgin looking for love. Ella falls hard for Romeo and although she knows her mother is being fair to her about going to NY, Romeo still convinces Ella to betray her mother's trust and go without Vivian knowing. Ella soon realizes what a mistake that was.
Magnus falls for Vivian at first sight. They seem to hit it off easily and there is chemistry. Magnus is also good with Parker. So far I can definitely see this relationship blooming.
Magnus deserves to be happy and he would make such a great dad and husband.
I can't wait for the next in this story.
Profile Image for Kadie.
1,138 reviews7 followers
December 17, 2018
I didn't really feel anything for Magnus from previous books but now i find myself really loving his character. It's sweet how he starts to feel for Vivian and her whole family and i'm hoping he gets a happy ending. Still not totally on board with Vivian yet but still a strong character.

Ella who's dilemma this book is centered around has got to be one of the most stupid characters written for this series. I was not on board with the whole telepathy thing from the beginning and you can't tell me that she wasn't able to send her mom a detailed message of what was happening and how to avoid suspicion way before she actually did.

The ending was a bit too abrupt and convenient but at least i don't have long until the next book.
Profile Image for Jamie Regan.
24 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2019
The whole series is filled with plot holes and impossible situations but this book is the worst.
An 18 year old virgin gets kidnapped by a human trafficker and her reaction is “let me just sit here and listen to what he has planned for me because I’m curious”. Then she is taken to an auction house and all the girls are just like “ya we’re in an auction house about to be sold as prostitute. No biggie”. In what world does that happen? There is zero freaking out, zero attempts to escape except trying to open one door. Just calm acceptance.
Then the plan to rescue her is completely unreal just like all the other plans in this series. None of them would ever work in the real world.
Just sloppy writing (grammar/spelling mistakes included) and a plot that was not well thought out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
129 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2019
A real rescue mission

The action and scene are real. Young women and girls are taken by scumbags like Dmitriv. Yet, many moms and dads are in denial that their child may have went willingly with someone that befriended them. Teach your children that love is never rushed or pressured, and if someone is pressuring them to do something that goes against their common sense, they need to run fast. I give this book five stars because it's engaging with several new characters that may be Dormants. I'm really hoping that Magnus will win over Vivian's heart. Hoping that the next book, Scarlett will have more time to become the protector that she is! There's more to Scarlet and I can't wait to read more about her!!
Profile Image for Angela Cornell.
Author 1 book34 followers
July 15, 2021
Dark Widow’s Secret KU 296 pgs **** 7/15/21 Magnus & Vivian

4 stars. Lots of filler but other than that I loved this book. It is so exciting, full of adventure, kidnapping, trafficking, chasing, and detective work with all the generous clan members, headed by Turner. Magnus met Vivian because of this, he is guarding her and her son while everyone searches for her daughter, Ella, whom Julian is infatuated with even though he has only seen her picture that Vivian showed him at a Psychic Convention. Of course the book ends in the very middle of the excitement, being only 296 pages long. I get frustrated with the shortness when two books could easily be combined into 2. If not on KU, I would not be able to spend that kind of money on this series so I am thankful for KU.
Profile Image for Yvonne Segarra.
10 reviews
December 1, 2018
OMG

I just finished reading and my heart is literally pounding in my chest, I’m so involved with the plot that I feel all the action like I’m right there with them. Another great book from I T Lucas. Keep them coming. Every month I can’t wait for the books to come out. Magnus and Vivian’s story keeps you on the edge. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. Love them all. For those of you that are thinking about reading this series DO IT! You won’t regret it. This series is addicting, you just can’t get enough of it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
81 reviews
June 16, 2019
LOVED IT! So much action in this book it was brilliant. Loved the new characters and getting to know some of the previously smaller side characters better. Vivian and Ella are really strong female leads and utterly believable. Both were strong of heart and strong of mind. Magnus is a hunny, and not just because he's a Scot. He's a perfect male lead, strong, thoughtful, reliable and totally kick was but approachable and with a softer side to him also. It's now 06.00 and I 've been up reading through the night. Excellent. Now straight on to book 24. Yaass! Thank you.
Profile Image for Mickey.
627 reviews49 followers
December 19, 2019
EXCITING!

Dark Widow's Secret is actually a novel featuring two couples: Vivian and Magnus, and Ella and Julian. It centers around Turner and the group of Guardians attempting to rescue Ella from a slavery ring that has taken her, and threatened her family. Magnus is protecting Vivian and Parker, and naturally falling in love with this small family. I love how the chapters bounce back and forth between the storylines, keeping the action going until the end, and the inevitable cliffhanger....
Profile Image for Carla D Cyrus.
16 reviews
December 8, 2018
A Must Read Series

Having read all the books in this series it is one that I strongly recommend for ALL to read, there is romance, action, drama as well as a little science fiction. It is also a series that I recommend that you read in order or as written with maybe the exception of the one about the goddess and her sister (can't remember their titles as I write this review). I assure all an enjoyment.
Profile Image for Jackie Walker.
Author 17 books448 followers
December 15, 2018
Amazing!!!

Couldn't put it down!! I love this series so much. Can't wait to see where the adventure takes us next!!!
Ps. Why isn't this a Tv series? HBO needs to pick this up and FAST!! Or, Netflix maybe? Damn! This is such an amazing world that the author has creates. And it is modern and exciting with compelling stories and drama!!! Love it! Just sucks that I have to wait more than a month for the next book!!!!
143 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2018
GREAT BOOK !!!!

This is the next book in a long series . It does not disappoint either. Love them all ! I am a fan of this series ! Well written and keeps you entertained from the first to last page . It's best if you read them in order to understand the background history of Annani's children . I am giving this review of my own free will without any reparations from the author or publisher . Hope you give it a try !
65 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2019
Obviously if I am on book 23 of a series it is amazing. Each book builds on the previous books. They are generally written with a three books per each major couple and this is the second book in Magnus and Vivian’s story. The clan has taken on combating sex trafficking as their mission and Vivian’s daughter has been lured away and sold. They are close to finding her at the end of the book. Can’t wait for the next for the HEA.
65 reviews
January 25, 2019
No amount of review can do this series justice

I never expected to love this series so much since I happened upon the first book that got me hooked! It's totally movie worthy, but it's going to be hardwork and lots of impossible feat to make it happen, and if it does, I'm sure I would get all of it! This new adventure with new characters are amazing! I can't put it down! Now that the secret is out, I wonder what the curse this secret may lead to!
705 reviews
February 6, 2019
There is just the right amount of suspense in this book. I'm so glad I have been away from this series for a while and will now get to move directly to the next book...Dark Widow's Curse. I can't wait to find out what happens next because Magnus and Vivian are well-developed characters. I can't wait to see how they find their HEA. And...what will they do with her son Parker? I.T. Lucas is just the best at writing vampire books and this series just keeps getting better.
44 reviews
February 10, 2019
Fantastic.

I love the series. The more I read, the better it gets. There is a good balance between romantic and action. The characters are well conceived and credible the family dimension makes it also very interesting and now that we know Anani’s story, there is another dimension on the story and expectations are high for the following books. Hope there will be plenty more to come.
Profile Image for Amanda.
35 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2021
Disappointed

I feel like I should have stopped reading at book 22. I'm not as interested in these characters and their stories are way drawn-out and predictable. The characters are kind of annoying... And the things they do sometimes go against everything else they were doing... I skimmed a lot of the book because it lost it's appeal. I'll finish magnus and Vivian story but I doubt I'll finish the rest of books.
Profile Image for Margie.
47 reviews
December 6, 2018
An adventure at every turn

This one is becoming one of my favorite, well seriously I have love all. But this one is more adventurous since the doomors . I am loving Magnus he is a fashion snob but he has a heart of gold. I can't wait for what is coming next. My only problem is they take forever to come out with the next book lol (not really). Love love this series.
Profile Image for Kasie.
110 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2018
WOW!

Okay I have loved & enjoyed every book in this series. This book though has two of my favorite men in it Julian & Magnus. They both deserve all he HAPPINESS that Ms. Lucas can give them. Way too go VERY AWESOME & LOVING BOOK, NOT TO MENTION A ROLLER COASTER RIDE.. I can no wait for JANUARY!
Profile Image for Donetta Wheeler.
205 reviews
December 15, 2018
I put off reading this series because there were so many books I had to read to catch up but I am so glad I did. It's a very good series. I love the concept of the guardians. They fight to protect all who are weaker when they could easily destroy. I love all the characters and enjoy reading their journeys to find their mates. I always look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Debbie Chittenden.
1,096 reviews
April 30, 2020
I can honestly say I struggled getting through this book. Not because it was a bad book, but because the topic and storyline was too difficult to read. I know what young kids gi through with sex trafficking and I struggled through reading this with a sick stomach. The truth is, it's very real, and the world needs ri do more to stop it.
4 reviews
November 17, 2020
Another hit.

I am an avid reader and love to read all types of books. Until I stumbled onto the works of I.T. Lucas. Since then I have read nothing but her great series starting with Children of the Gods. The writing is so fluid and just flows from one thing to another.
I can't wait to get into the next book.
1,656 reviews
Read
October 30, 2023
Brilliant Series

Dark Widows Secret (Children Of The Gods Book 23) by I T Lucas. Ella is kidnapped by slavers and sold to Russian mafia multi billionaire. Magnus is tasked with guarding Vivian and Parker. Sparks fly between Magnus and Vivian and it’s revealed Vivian and Ella can speak telepathically.
899 reviews
November 7, 2023
Exciting

This was exciting and interesting. My only issue with the story is that it was a bit disappointing that whoopie could be on Magnus or Vivianne’s mind in such a stressful time. Also I was so irritated with so many poor decisions that Ella made. I have to chalk it up to the fact that she is very young and naive
Profile Image for Carmel McKenzie.
533 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2018
Captivating

I.t lucas you are the best. But as I said before I read too quickly. It's action packed and captivating from start to finish. I hope Vivian Parker and Ella are al! dormants for Magnus sake at least
348 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2018
WOW, another great and exciting installment in this series. Book #23 and I'm excited to read #24. Not to be a spoiler but I hope that Julian saves Ella before she is violated. I.T. Lucas makes us care about the characters that she creates. I can't wait to read Julian's and Ella and Magnus and Vivian's story. And more Parker and Scarlet. I've already pre-ordered book # 24
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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