There were three of us. Strat. A rock god who walked on air. Indy. A handsome musician smart enough to live through stardom. Me, a girl with everything to lose and nothing she wanted to keep.
I loved them both. They say three's a crowd, but maybe I liked crowds...until the one thing I wanted to keep was stolen out of my arms.
I left that world, straightened up, went to law school. I was fine until Indy walked back into my life to remind me of what I'd lost. They say there's no time like the present, but when the past shows up with an invoice there's gonna be hell to pay. ---- This bundle includes SECRET SINS and SACRED SINS, Margie Drazen's complete story!
CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
Wow. While reading this book I really thought I would end up giving this it a bad rating if only because I expected it to be a romance and it was beginning to feel like something else. In the end it was a romance, but it was also so much more. It was also suspense, mystery, and tragedy that spanned decades.
Margie's story is woven throughout Jonathan, Theresa, and Fiona's stories, so it pulls the those stories together and adds to them with another POV to shed light on the bigger picture. Margie, the fixer of the family, was involved in so much of her siblings' crises that she really was the glue of the family. The author did a magnificent job of blending the storylines together and adding new meaning to stories that were already known to readers of her other books.
The story of Indy/Drew and Strat's friendship, and of Margie's relationship with them, isn't soon forgotten. And Margie's strength as she selflessly gives her all to do what is best for Jonathan's sake is admirable. I only wish there were more to the epilogue, because Margie really deserved happiness, and it would have been nice to have learned more about her HEA.
Secret Sins: Oh Margie! My heart broke for you and your secrets. The Drazen family is just as f****ed-up as I remember it. Secret Sins feels bittersweet and fulfilling at the same time. I laughed with Indie/Drew and Cin/Margie and cried for them. And yet, through the heartache and the cynicism, there's hope, kindness, respect and so much love. I absolutely loved the maturity of the characters, and the degree of connection between them. The author's also jungles with present and past in a mastery fashion. Fabulous CD Reiss' writing style: poetic, blunt, humor filled and ultra sensitive. A masterpiece.
Sacred Sins: Why hadn't I read this book earlier? I am so proud of Margie! What a woman! But all the Drazen women are so strong! I absolutely loved plunging again into Mrs Reiss' magical writing style. Going back there felt like being home after all these years. Learning more about Margie, but also Jonathan, Monica, Declan, Theresa and all the family, sometimes revisiting moment we already knew (or thought we knew), but with a new perspective is just amazing. I don't want to spoil the plot, just know that Sacred Sins will keep you on the edge of you seat all along, page after page, chapter after chapter. Frenetic, brilliant, this is a story I devored in no time!
A great story that brings new meaning to the word drama
This is a great duet. Although with the continuous back and forth in the timeline at the start, I found myself rereading a few paragraphs thinking I had missed something. Actually, I hadn't, because what we're given here are snippets that at first may not be fully understood, but which niggle the back of the reader's mind before being revealed. It was like being given clues and hints to what happened or what would happen, which made this very hard to put down. IMO it was an interesting writing style that kept me eager to see where the story was going.
Once I really got into this, there wasn't a dull moment. It's got everything: heat, love, suspense, wonderfully complex characters, and a story that brings new meaning to the word drama. Of course there's drama when dealing with a family of eight siblings! There are plenty of ups and downs, and I was on the edge of my seat to the very last chapter.
I'd also recommend reading Ms. Reiss's companion box sets Complete Submission and Complete Corruption, as these sets are also about members of the same family as here. All the sets can be read as standalones, but characters reappear in all of them.
CD Reiss has pulled me in again with her emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns you will never see coming. I love that these stories intertwine but can be read as standalones as well. When Margie was young (eighteen give or take... more take) she finds herself drawn to two rock and roll God's. In her world of the over-privileged you can get away with a lot. But when there are appearances to uphold, such as being good Catholics, there is one thing that won't be tolerated, and when Margie finds herself with child at fifteen there is only one option. Being sent away to a convent to have her baby adopted without the paparazzi finding out. But something like that cannot be forgotten even if it appears to have been forgiven. Margie becomes everything her father wanted, she studies law and lives for her six sisters and one brother. That is until circumstances put her in front of one of the 'could have been' fathers of the child her father removed from the birthing room before Margie could even see it. No longer a rock God but a lawyer himself Drew (Indy) has information that will throw so many spanners into the so called perfect world of Margie and her family that they begin to implode. Murder, attempted murder stolen babies are only part of it. Feelings between Margie and Drew haven't changed but will Margie's commitment to her family come between them? Fiona is a mess, Jonathon is dying, Deidre is excommunicated from the family. They need her to look out for them as their parents never have in the way they need. Is Margie's father really glad when Drew comes back or is he going to do the same to him as he did to the father of Margie/Cin's baby? Drew knows the answers to more secrets than Declan Drazen wants anyone including his family and the FBI (who not so subtly keep hanging around) to know. Besides if Drew dies, Jonathon needs a new heart, and Drew is so close a match anyone would think he was Jonathan's real father.
I was browsing through the romance section of KU when this book jumped out at me. I thought I’d read all of the Drazen books, but I was wrong. I have no idea how I’d missed Margie’s story. I instantly one clicked and started reading. For me Margie’s book was full of surprises. I couldn’t really remember much about her life and discovering her story was eye opening. Margaret Drazen’s life was one that had more downs than ups but she was always the strong one of the family. My heart ached for her and everything she had been through. As well as learning about Margie, there was also a love story that spanned through the decades. Margie & Indy’s romance was one that had me turning the pages and I was rooting for the couple with every chapter. If like me, you loved the Drazen novels, I recommend reading this one. If you haven’t yet picked up any of them up, I would recommend starting from the beginning with Jonathon & Monica’s books. If you love erotic romance that is beautifully written, these books will not disappoint.
I have met Maggie in all the Drazen books. I know she is tough and a ball buster. I also know how much she loves her siblings, and most times save them from themselves. Never in a million years could I have suspected the brokenness in her heart. I should have guessed though. Their dad showed himself to be a complete monster. He is a criminal of the highest order.
Even though Maggie and Indy will reconnect years later, by now she knew only Indy can fulfill the yearning in her heart. Not to reveal much, Drazen senior played the devil again. Maggie and Indy separated, and it took almost two decades for them to get back together.
CDR always pull out all the emotions in me. I don’t know how she does it. This book was even more emotional for me to read than Cassie’s book. The genesis of Jonathan’s heart condition is revealed here, or not. Sometimes things are not the way they seem . To date? This is one of my most emotional and favorite books.
Margies story is about who do you love more your family or your lover. How do you choose when your family needs you
I started my read on the Drazens with the complete submissive which was Jonathan's and Monica story my favoritei . I read Theresa story but Fiona was my second favorite. I like Margies story she was the thinker but her choices brought her loneliness. This one was my least favorite . If Drew loved her he should of stuck by her . Margies family is dysfunctional with a capital D but aren't we all in some way . I like epilogues I don't remember one at the end . I really like this author sorry for the 4 not my favorite story
My first introduction to CD Reiss was the Submission series. I loved it! I had to read Margie's story and know more about her. WOW! Those books were amazing. I got so emotionally invested in those books. I cried like a fool in between chapters 25 and 26 of Sacred Sins. Read it and find out why!! The ending was the best but would have loved to find out more about Margie and Indy's future. I can not express how much I recommend these books and this author. I am truly now a lifelong fan. I can't wait to read the rest of the Drazen family.
Margie was a groupie more or less with her friends. After a concert she met the band I'm the hotel room to play poker. She relives her early years after she meets up with Indy. He had become a copyright attorney. They got back together then moved to NYC. They went to LA because of another family situation. She stayed he left. After 15yrs she found out Strat wasn't her son's dad but it was Indy. After years had passed she had Indy back in her life. So many things happening but yet their love grew stronger.
These books are about Margie as a teen and as an adult. How she deals with first relationships, her family, and all the secrets they all hold dear. There’s so much back and forth of what’s really true, that I’m not totally sure what the actual truth is. There was heartache and love, deception and freedom. I look forward to the other books about this family
I knew Margie had some dark secrets but damn now I know why she is so quiet. Everyone knew something was off with Margie but no one ever knew why. She was the one who became an attorney and always stayed single. Well you find out in this twisted story about her past. I have always loved Margie but damn I really love this strong woman even more now. Keep cranking out this amazing character CD Reiss.
I like roller coasters, this book was a roller coaster. The story lines were complex and the characters were extremely well developed. It made me laugh, cry and I felt extremely sad and angry about things happening with/to the characters. Margie, Strat and Indy are the triangle of love and hope, but reality and outside interference cause deep fissures and the lies told and kept help nothing and no one. I loved this duet and think you will too.
This book was well written. It time jumps a lot between past & present but is fairly easy to follow. The main character, Margie, is hard. She's surrounded by weak, cowardly corrupt people. It was anxiety inducing for me, lots of conflict- not enough vulnerable connections with the characters. I felt actually stressed reading this book and that is the exact reason I read, to relax. So I won't be following up , just not my thing.
o.m.g.!!!!!! What a fabulous duet about Margie Drazen's life. Outrageous, Witty, sarcastic, entertaining. But also sweet, romantic and gentle. It was also tragic, complex, emotional. A superb read. I highly recommend it.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Entertaining Funny Happily Ever After Inspirational Page-turner Romantic Realistic Steamy Tear-jerker Tragic Twisted Unpredictable Witty Wonderful characters
My only complain is why did it take so long for Indy/Drew and Margie/Cin to get back together!?!? The so many years apart drove me nuts!!!
This book was sooo good!!! I got to see Jonathan is a new perspective and can’t wait to finish his and monica’s story!!! I need to know about all the Drazen siblings!!!!
Over the past few weeks I have been reading one series at a time and each one is as good as the next . Each story unfolds with the main characters developing more but you still get a bind and connection with the whole family ! Certainly a good series to read :)
This two book set gives your emotions a roller coaster ride. I laughed, cried and said What the freak all on the same page. It's a must read. I enjoyed this book very much and can't wait to read more from this author. CD Reiss is an author i will have in my must read list.
How can you not love Margie. Her life with the highs and the lows are a journey; I was so happy to join her on. Indy is the guy you hurt for. He is not without mistakes but because he is genuine you can easily forgive. The only part of this story I didn’t want to bear was the end of Strat; I would have loved to see him flourish.
I chose my rating because I've been reading CD Reiss since the beginning. This was much better than the short version about Marge. My only regret was that Jonathan didn't overhear something about his true parents. It's surely about time he finds out. I love every book Ms. Reiss has ever written and I have them all!
Amazing story of Margie. It was fabulous and the lemons, Ohlala! I loved Indy/Drew and all his facets and my heart aches for him. Margie is a strong character that you want to help but I the end.... I’m not the spoiler type of reader. Enjoy Christina knock it out of the park again.
With this duet we get Margie’s story. So many secrets are revealed in this book. I honestly love reading about the Drazen clan. This book showed that there is so much more to Margie!
Yes yes yes the Drazen Family is back and I absolutely loved this duet!!! CD Reiss writes books like no other and the Drazen Family is my favorite functioning dysfunctional family. So glad it's on KU!
Well I was eager to hear about Marie's story. She's been a strong character through all of the book for the Drazen family stories. It's an awesome story, heart breaking, hot, funny and with a few heart stopping twists!!! It's a great read
Oh...my...goodness!! Did NOT see that coming! LOVE Margie and her story!!! Again, it must be said...I did NOT see that coming! I truly don't know what else to say other than CD Reiss just threw a HUGE twist in the Drazen family and you MUST read this to find out what it is.
Powerful book(s) and an excellent series! Could barely put them down to sleep ... read all 5 in the series in 5 days . This series ran the gamut of emotions and very sexy as well. Most books I return ... these I am keeping!
Just explosive. Omg I cried tears of sadness and relief for margie. Such a beautiful written book. The end of the Drazen series but definitely will re-read in a year's time.
This was so nuanced, hidden depths, breaking hearts. What a story. The thing is, this author writes some of the best fiction, ever. These books are addictive.