What do you think?
Rate this book
The Harper Sisters #1
Secret Hunger
She's chasing dreams. Olivia, a café owner and cook, never regretted forsaking her dreams to finish raising her sisters after the death of their parents. Now grown, they've moved out of the house, leaving Olivia free to pick up where she left off -- if she can find the courage to start over. He's hunting nightmares. Mason is a Boston police detective, recuperating from a tragic incident that left his partner dead. All he wants is to heal and get back to the job of hunting the killer down. The last thing on his mind is romance. Finding love wasn't in either of their plans. But as things heat up between Olivia and Mason, events happen that make her realize she's drawn a far more sinister kind of attention. Suddenly, she finds herself fighting not only for her dreams, but her very life! This is a romantic suspense novel with a HEA and NO cliffhanger! Readers 18+ This is the first book in the Harper Sisters Trilogy, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
394 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2015
118 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Satin Russell
3 books54 followersGrowing up, Satin was an avid reader who wanted to be either an English teacher, librarian, or author. So, of course, she became a financial advisor.
Years later, she realized that life was short, and decided to follow her dream. Now, she’s published three books in her romantic suspense trilogy called The Harper Sisters.
Satin lives in Massachusetts and is married to the love of her life, a man who literally flew halfway around the world for her.
Other than writing, she loves reading, supporting fellow authors (especially self-published ones,) traveling, and photography. She’s also partial to a good whiskey every now and then.
Website: http://satinrussell.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsJanyaa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satin.russell
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Satin-Russell/e...
Years later, she realized that life was short, and decided to follow her dream. Now, she’s published three books in her romantic suspense trilogy called The Harper Sisters.
Satin lives in Massachusetts and is married to the love of her life, a man who literally flew halfway around the world for her.
Other than writing, she loves reading, supporting fellow authors (especially self-published ones,) traveling, and photography. She’s also partial to a good whiskey every now and then.
Website: http://satinrussell.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsJanyaa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satin.russell
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Satin-Russell/e...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 27, 2019
-5 Stars!-
Review to follow
“He ached to reach out and pull her into his embrace. Something about this woman made his arms feel empty without her in them.”
Romantic suspense that had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and not wanting to put it down, but having to pause just to gather myself!!
Review to follow
“He ached to reach out and pull her into his embrace. Something about this woman made his arms feel empty without her in them.”
Romantic suspense that had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and not wanting to put it down, but having to pause just to gather myself!!
January 16, 2019
I discovered this book pretty much by accident, when I happened to notice the beautiful cover. Something about that cover just pulled me in and held me tight, and so – though it's not normally the kind of book I read – I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did, and it provided me with a little reminder about how reading outside your comfort zone can sometimes really pay off. Secret Hunger is a very good romantic thriller indeed.
The narrative follows Mason, a police officer whose life and career have been plunged into turmoil by an incident in which a violent serial stalker, Robert Mendez, killed his partner and shot and injured Mason himself. A convalescing and traumatised Mason goes to stay with his sister in Maine, and while there he meets Olivia, a local café owner and the eldest of three close sisters who have come to depend on one another since their parents' deaths.
So far this is a fairly standard romance plot – man suffering the after-effects of a personal tragedy meets a warm-hearted woman who offers not just love but healing – but this is no cosy romance. Just as Mason has headed north, so too has Mendez – and it isn't long before Olivia is the new target of his unwelcome attentions. Mason's and Mendez's lives seem to be intertwined: before they were opponents, Mason representative of law and order, and Mendez of violence and lawlessness; now they are rivals for Olivia. But whereas Mason's courtship is respectful, and his feelings reciprocated, Mendez is obsessive, delusional – and ever ready to spiral into violence and degradation.
I especially liked the insights into Mendez's thinking: he's a fantasist and unbelievably violent, but from his point of view there's a reason for, and a method behind, everything he does. In his own mind, the women he targets actually want to be targeted. In his own mind, he's offering them redemption. It's creepy, it's obviously wrong – and yet it's undeniably compelling.
There are one or two little gripes. On a couple of occasions, the way the paragraphs were constructed made it difficult to work out who was saying what. Some of the scenes went on a little too long, and involved a little too much exposition and detail. To be fair, that may reflect my personal preferences rather than any objective flaw; in any case, they shouldn't put anyone off reading Secret Hunger. If you're anything like me, the cover might be the thing that baits you; but rest assured, the story will reel you in.
The narrative follows Mason, a police officer whose life and career have been plunged into turmoil by an incident in which a violent serial stalker, Robert Mendez, killed his partner and shot and injured Mason himself. A convalescing and traumatised Mason goes to stay with his sister in Maine, and while there he meets Olivia, a local café owner and the eldest of three close sisters who have come to depend on one another since their parents' deaths.
So far this is a fairly standard romance plot – man suffering the after-effects of a personal tragedy meets a warm-hearted woman who offers not just love but healing – but this is no cosy romance. Just as Mason has headed north, so too has Mendez – and it isn't long before Olivia is the new target of his unwelcome attentions. Mason's and Mendez's lives seem to be intertwined: before they were opponents, Mason representative of law and order, and Mendez of violence and lawlessness; now they are rivals for Olivia. But whereas Mason's courtship is respectful, and his feelings reciprocated, Mendez is obsessive, delusional – and ever ready to spiral into violence and degradation.
I especially liked the insights into Mendez's thinking: he's a fantasist and unbelievably violent, but from his point of view there's a reason for, and a method behind, everything he does. In his own mind, the women he targets actually want to be targeted. In his own mind, he's offering them redemption. It's creepy, it's obviously wrong – and yet it's undeniably compelling.
There are one or two little gripes. On a couple of occasions, the way the paragraphs were constructed made it difficult to work out who was saying what. Some of the scenes went on a little too long, and involved a little too much exposition and detail. To be fair, that may reflect my personal preferences rather than any objective flaw; in any case, they shouldn't put anyone off reading Secret Hunger. If you're anything like me, the cover might be the thing that baits you; but rest assured, the story will reel you in.
Want to read
April 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/3/2020)! 🎁
June 30, 2015
Wow, Wall Street's loss was this reader's gain. I'm very glad Satin Russell decided to ditch the world of finance and devote herself to the high-paying field of writing fiction! This romantic thriller delivers in every way: a likable and interesting protagonist, a super-hot love interest with a dark past, and a villain who made my skin crawl. The secondary characters are well-developed, and I'm guessing that in future books we may see Olivia's sisters starring in their own stories (yes, I figured that out all by myself, aided only by the subtitle "The Harper Sisters, #1") (damn, I'm good).
I have to say that the bad guy, Robert Mendez, absolutely gave me the creeps. I won't be comfortable standing at my kitchen sink at night for a long time to come. If ever.
In addition to having great characters, the book's story and pacing were terrific. I read it in one day because I had to. It was one of those where I kept saying to myself, "When I finish this chapter, I'm going to get up and..." But I never did. I just kept reading, faster and faster as I approached the very satisfying end. My house is its own kind of scary story today. Nobody. Come. Over.
Great story, Satin! I can't wait to read about the Harper girls again soon. Next year, perhaps?
I have to say that the bad guy, Robert Mendez, absolutely gave me the creeps. I won't be comfortable standing at my kitchen sink at night for a long time to come. If ever.
In addition to having great characters, the book's story and pacing were terrific. I read it in one day because I had to. It was one of those where I kept saying to myself, "When I finish this chapter, I'm going to get up and..." But I never did. I just kept reading, faster and faster as I approached the very satisfying end. My house is its own kind of scary story today. Nobody. Come. Over.
Great story, Satin! I can't wait to read about the Harper girls again soon. Next year, perhaps?
July 17, 2018
Secret Hunger is my first Satin Russell book and such an amazing, up and coming author to keep an eye on! True to her tagline, this book was truly suspense that sizzled. This book focuses on the relationship between Mason, a police detective recovering -both physically and emotionally - from a terrible event and the woman he falls for Olivia, who has dedicated her life to raising and supporting her two younger sisters. These are two good, amazing people finding each other and it would be perfect were it not for this psycho stalker who has his eyes on Olivia. I loved how Satin weaved together the story- and included perspective from the stalker- what an interesting way to share his thoughts, and she did such a deep dive into his point of view and perspective- disturbing and fascinating at the same time! I loved this book and was able to complete it all in one sitting because I just didn't want to put it down!
June 11, 2015
Secret Hunger is set in a small east coast town where the main character Olivia has made her way in life running her own café while helping to raise her two younger sisters after their parents' death. In comes a hot cop with a haunted look in his eyes at the same time that a very creepy bad guy has come into town. Things get crazy. Romance and terror ensue. I enjoyed the cozy setting and the cast characters all the way through but somewhere around the halfway point the book grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. I don't usually read romance but the plot drove things along so well that it didn't bother me. (It does get quite steamy in a few parts.) The book is set in the winter but I thought it was a great summer read!
May 8, 2015
I was hooked from the moment I picked it up - from the tragic prologue, through to the (happy) ending.
Satin Russell does an amazing job of enveloping you in her story with just the right amount of description. I could practically smell the breakfast cooking at the cafe, and see the small-town covered in holiday cheer.
This break-out novel is a great entrance into the writing scene. I can not wait to read more about the Harper sisters!
Satin Russell does an amazing job of enveloping you in her story with just the right amount of description. I could practically smell the breakfast cooking at the cafe, and see the small-town covered in holiday cheer.
This break-out novel is a great entrance into the writing scene. I can not wait to read more about the Harper sisters!
July 19, 2015
I truly enjoyed this book from the tragic start to the (spoilers) happy ending. I have a hard time reading books whose characters are forced and unrealistic... I was so happy when I discovered this was not the case here! Satin, well done! I was hooked from the start. Can't wait to read the next one!
February 17, 2016
Well...it is my book, after all.
September 14, 2019
A page turner- good read with well spun suspense.
October 2, 2015
Olivia Harper is a hard-working, ambitious woman with a big heart who gave up college in order to raise her sisters in small town, Maine. Mason Clark is a Boston detective, recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty and still reeling from the loss of his partner. When the two meet, sparks fly. But even as their attraction intensifies, are they ready to let go of their past in order to embrace a new future? And when Olivia suddenly finds herself the subject of a murderous stalker's obsession, will she even have a future to consider?
Satin Russell's first book strikes a great balance of romance and suspense, while setting up for future books featuring the Harper sisters. The writing is tight, the dialog is strong, and the descriptions of small town Maine feel just like the real thing (I live just south of ME.) While the focus stays on the intense new romance and encroaching danger, Russell fleshes out the supporting characters, creating a world of family and friends that feel like people you know yourself. Olivia is a spunky, hardworking, and likable heroine, while Mason is just what you want from a hero-cop.
Russell writes with authority and confidence. While it can be read as a stand-alone, Secret Hunger leaves one hungering (see what I did there?) for the next Harper Sisters novel. Highly recommended.
Note to young readers: graphic bedroom scenes
Satin Russell's first book strikes a great balance of romance and suspense, while setting up for future books featuring the Harper sisters. The writing is tight, the dialog is strong, and the descriptions of small town Maine feel just like the real thing (I live just south of ME.) While the focus stays on the intense new romance and encroaching danger, Russell fleshes out the supporting characters, creating a world of family and friends that feel like people you know yourself. Olivia is a spunky, hardworking, and likable heroine, while Mason is just what you want from a hero-cop.
Russell writes with authority and confidence. While it can be read as a stand-alone, Secret Hunger leaves one hungering (see what I did there?) for the next Harper Sisters novel. Highly recommended.
Note to young readers: graphic bedroom scenes
October 29, 2015
Pretty intense stuff! Romance, thrillers, and romantic thrillers are not among my usual genre preferences, but I dip into them now and then. A good story is a good story, no matter its genre. And this is a good story. Well crafted, well developed characters.
One thing that tends to turn me away from thrillers is when the bad guys get to where the good guys are going ahead of the good guys, even when the good guys left first. And how do the bad guys know where the good guys are going when the good guys don't know, themselves? That doesn't happen in this story - how the bad guy interacts with the good guys here is explained, naturally and in context. I appreciated that.
There is definitely a magnetic attraction that can happen between strangers. I think it is handled very well in this story, with the two romantic interests each acknowledging the attraction and the problems with that attraction happening NOW. The romantic attraction concentrates, with the power of a magnifying glass in the sun, the tension of that circle of Olivia, Mason, and Robert, around whom the other characters orbit.
I had the pleasure of meeting Satin Russell at a book fair and chatting at length. I'm glad I bought her book. I shall look for more of her titles.
One thing that tends to turn me away from thrillers is when the bad guys get to where the good guys are going ahead of the good guys, even when the good guys left first. And how do the bad guys know where the good guys are going when the good guys don't know, themselves? That doesn't happen in this story - how the bad guy interacts with the good guys here is explained, naturally and in context. I appreciated that.
There is definitely a magnetic attraction that can happen between strangers. I think it is handled very well in this story, with the two romantic interests each acknowledging the attraction and the problems with that attraction happening NOW. The romantic attraction concentrates, with the power of a magnifying glass in the sun, the tension of that circle of Olivia, Mason, and Robert, around whom the other characters orbit.
I had the pleasure of meeting Satin Russell at a book fair and chatting at length. I'm glad I bought her book. I shall look for more of her titles.
March 27, 2018
I haven't read a romance in years, but really enjoyed this novel set in the town of Bath, Maine. Mason, a Boston police detective travels up to Bath for R&R after surviving a violent shooting incident that left his partner dead and first sees Olivia while having breakfast at her popular café. From that moment, the story kept me turning the pages. Mason feels immediately attracted to Olivia, but still suffering from trauma, isn't ready for a relationship...until he has the chance to rescue her one evening after Olivia's car spins out into a snowbank in a snowstorm. The authentic portrayal of winter in Maine, powerfully descriptive love scenes and well-researched sections involving police work and violence kept me intimately engaged. Once a stalker arrives on the scene, tension builds as Olivia realizes she is in danger. Mason and Olivia's sisters are committed to protecting her, but scheduling conflicts (seeming a bit contrived) made it impossible to keep her safe at every moment. Part detective, part steamy romance, this debut novel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a riveting New England novel you can't put down.
August 9, 2015
I bought Secret Hunger at a book reading and was immediately drawn in by the haunting cover. The story opens with a bang, literally, and the tension builds from there as protagonist, Olivia is stalked by a murderer who spots her while fleeing to a remote cabin in the Maine woods. Scenes vary from the cozy setting of Olivia's cafe to the harsh terror of captivity, with several steamy, sexy scenes mixed in.
I really liked Russell's handling of Olivia's processing of how to escape despite an overwhelming level of fear. The level of detail must have required some intensive sessions of imagining the experience, which couldn't have been pleasant.
While Romantic Thrillers are not typically my genre, Secret Hunger is an impressive debut novel! I can't wait to see how Ms. Russell continues to develop her cast of characters, especially the Harper sisters, and how her writing evolves with them.
I really liked Russell's handling of Olivia's processing of how to escape despite an overwhelming level of fear. The level of detail must have required some intensive sessions of imagining the experience, which couldn't have been pleasant.
While Romantic Thrillers are not typically my genre, Secret Hunger is an impressive debut novel! I can't wait to see how Ms. Russell continues to develop her cast of characters, especially the Harper sisters, and how her writing evolves with them.
October 25, 2019
My Review: Admittedly, I do not normally read thriller or suspense books, but with the addition of romance and Russell being a local author, I thought I would give it a shot. I was really drawn into the story and at times when I was alone had to put the book down because I got myself freaked out. I think that means that Satin Russell really got her point across in the atmosphere of the book. I adored the characters, Olivia is no dummy, she understands the danger and doesn't take unnecessary risks. She does chafe under the circumstance but I really liked her determination to see it through. Mason is a great hero, he has his flaws but he is definitely someone to lean on (and he comes with a fantastic sister). I really enjoyed the journey with Livvy and Mason even if I was a little spooked at times and am looking forward to the next book.
May 13, 2015
This book completely captured my mind. When I wasn't reading, I often found myself wondering what was going to happen next. Before I was even halfway through the book I found myself already recommending it to my friends and family. The characters are strong and wonderfully well-written, especially Olivia, the protagonist. Along with the solid characters, the setting is described in such a way that you can't help but feel as if you're there yourself. This story is the perfect mix of suspense and romance, and there is never a dull moment. A fantastic read!
September 30, 2019
I loved Secret Hunger by Satin Russell. The characters were adorable and engaging, realistically portrayed and the tension between them was enjoyable. The suspense is well done and overall, I enjoyed this book very much!
August 7, 2017
I love supporting new writers!
August 23, 2017
Love this book! If you like romance or suspense then this is a must-read!
September 27, 2019
A very good book, the first one of a series about the Harper Sisters. Satin Russell is off to a great start. I'll definitely look for the next books in the series.
December 2, 2019
Give this author a read- you won't be disappointed.
January 8, 2020
Good police story
Loved the main characters. The serial killer was really interesting. It w you hooked till the end.Liked the romance mixed in .Can't wait to read more.
Loved the main characters. The serial killer was really interesting. It w you hooked till the end.Liked the romance mixed in .Can't wait to read more.
September 1, 2023
Olivia has struggled with keeping her cafe and sisters going after the death of their parents, but now that her sisters are older and have moved out, she is looking forward to whatever the future might bring. Mason is only in town temporarily, staying at his sister's bed and breakfast as his gunshot wounds heal, and while he figures out how to deal with the death of his partner. Olivia and Mason sense the sparks flying between them, but the man who shot Mason has become obsessed with Olivia, and Mason isn't sure he can keep her safe.
Secret Hunger is a very predictable romantic suspense that is almost formulaic in its execution. Several descriptions of settings and characters are over-written, and many of the events don't add much, if anything, to the story. The protagonists are likable, but there is very little chemistry between them and there is no mystery to hold the interest of the reader. The only suspense comes from how long it will take before the stalker, Robert, comes after Olivia. Overall, Secret Hunger checks all the boxes for a romantic suspense story, but the execution is somewhat flat.
Secret Hunger is a very predictable romantic suspense that is almost formulaic in its execution. Several descriptions of settings and characters are over-written, and many of the events don't add much, if anything, to the story. The protagonists are likable, but there is very little chemistry between them and there is no mystery to hold the interest of the reader. The only suspense comes from how long it will take before the stalker, Robert, comes after Olivia. Overall, Secret Hunger checks all the boxes for a romantic suspense story, but the execution is somewhat flat.
August 28, 2017
Good suspense, great characters, but some of the descriptions were a bit too much for my taste. I like romantic suspense as part of a variety of genres to read and will likely read other books in this series in future.
September 19, 2018
Satisfying
I read this quickly enough to stay intrigued. I liked the suspense with the romance. I bought both of her books.
I read this quickly enough to stay intrigued. I liked the suspense with the romance. I bought both of her books.
January 27, 2019
I loved this book
Such a great story. I adored the characters but I hate when they say or do things that are so stereotypical in a romance book. The typical "even though I love her, I will leave her because my life is dangerous for her" common...COMMON!!!!? On a better note, something I love is when a heroine is able to save themselves and doesn't necessarily rely on, or need the hero. This story was about 100 pages too long in my opinion. Most people might like the a characters descriptive inner monologue or musings about subjects that really have nothing to do with a story but I dont. I ended up skimming quite a bit. So in all, I really liked this book and will continue with the series
Such a great story. I adored the characters but I hate when they say or do things that are so stereotypical in a romance book. The typical "even though I love her, I will leave her because my life is dangerous for her" common...COMMON!!!!? On a better note, something I love is when a heroine is able to save themselves and doesn't necessarily rely on, or need the hero. This story was about 100 pages too long in my opinion. Most people might like the a characters descriptive inner monologue or musings about subjects that really have nothing to do with a story but I dont. I ended up skimming quite a bit. So in all, I really liked this book and will continue with the series
August 23, 2018
Very well written
I found the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat while I enjoyed learning about the relationships throughout.
I found the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat while I enjoyed learning about the relationships throughout.
June 22, 2015
Secret Hunger by: Satin Russell
I give this book three out of five stars for its lively characters, mix of romance and suspense, and thoughtful treatment of a serious topic.
What I liked about the book:
1) I applaud Russell’s portrayal of a woman being stalked and the horror it brings into a victim’s life. While Robert might be on the extreme end of stalking offenders, I like how general information about stalkers was included.
2) I liked the characters, and the small town. I was interested in each character presented, and I enjoyed the small town connections that were embraced.
3) The accurate depictions of winter, and the nice descriptions of it.
What I didn’t like:
1) There is an editor cited in the ending credits. I don’t know if this person was hired to do a copy edit, but if so shame on them. I found three copy edits, and if I’m finding them there is a good chance more exist.
2) The narrative got a little long and unnecessary in parts; there was a lot of chatter that seemed repetitive or pointless to the overall story. It didn’t kill the read for me, and I consider it a growing pain of the author’s first novel.
3) I don’t enjoy head hoping, moving from one characters thoughts into another’s, within a few paragraphs. I didn’t find this choice necessary to the overall mood or action of the story.
I give this book three out of five stars for its lively characters, mix of romance and suspense, and thoughtful treatment of a serious topic.
What I liked about the book:
1) I applaud Russell’s portrayal of a woman being stalked and the horror it brings into a victim’s life. While Robert might be on the extreme end of stalking offenders, I like how general information about stalkers was included.
2) I liked the characters, and the small town. I was interested in each character presented, and I enjoyed the small town connections that were embraced.
3) The accurate depictions of winter, and the nice descriptions of it.
What I didn’t like:
1) There is an editor cited in the ending credits. I don’t know if this person was hired to do a copy edit, but if so shame on them. I found three copy edits, and if I’m finding them there is a good chance more exist.
2) The narrative got a little long and unnecessary in parts; there was a lot of chatter that seemed repetitive or pointless to the overall story. It didn’t kill the read for me, and I consider it a growing pain of the author’s first novel.
3) I don’t enjoy head hoping, moving from one characters thoughts into another’s, within a few paragraphs. I didn’t find this choice necessary to the overall mood or action of the story.
June 29, 2020
I've had this book sitting on my bookshelf for well over a year, finally sat down to read it. I met Satin Russell at a craft fair of all places. In conversation about how we both enjoy buying books as much as reading them, I ended up buying hers, The Harper Sisters, #1 and #2. I mean, what if I liked it and I didn't have the next one to dive right into. I'm glad I bought that next one.
Such an easy read, the writing flowed so well I felt more like a spectator than a reader. The characters were well developed, and fit well together. I don't like it when a book has too much romance, or too much violence, definitely not a fan of too much sex, especially if its forced to sell not to add to the story line. I never felt that with these characters. I can't wait to read #2 and see Liz Harper flushed out beyond the grease monkey.
The entire time I read, I never felt that this was a first time author!
Such an easy read, the writing flowed so well I felt more like a spectator than a reader. The characters were well developed, and fit well together. I don't like it when a book has too much romance, or too much violence, definitely not a fan of too much sex, especially if its forced to sell not to add to the story line. I never felt that with these characters. I can't wait to read #2 and see Liz Harper flushed out beyond the grease monkey.
The entire time I read, I never felt that this was a first time author!
April 28, 2021
I can not believe this is the first book by this author. It is so well written and the suspense and tension kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance is beautiful, captivating, and exciting. Olivia is a chef and cafe owner in Bath Maine, who raised her two sisters after their parents' death. Mason is a Boston police detective who is recovering from injuries and the loss of his partner while trying to capture Robert a serial killer/stocker at his sister's bed and breakfast in Bath. Robert sets his target on Olivia. Will Olivia survive and realize her dream of having a dinner restaurant. Will Mason return to Boston or commit to Olivia. The sub-characters add so much to the story. I loved the description of Olivia's recipe for pumpkin ravioli with pancetta and root vegetables. The author has really done her research as she gives us a great description of the different types of stockers. Absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews