The Secret Within

by Mary Dean

Alex Heart wakes up one morning to have her entire world turned upside down.

Announcing they are going on a trip without her father, Alex's mom swiftly takes Alex away from her home and the boy she has loved all her life, Nix.

With this sudden news of Alex leaving, Nix does something he has been wanting to do for years-- he kisses her. Realizing now is her chance with her crush across the street, Alex vows to tell Nix about her feelings when they return from their trip.

Only, this isn't a vacation. It turns out Alex is on the run with her mother. But she has no idea from who. Now, she learns that she is a magic being! Finding herself back in her hometown of Cliffhaven, the journey to discovering who she really is begins and also a romance with the boy, who is a man now.

But he has his own demons and he can't forgive himself for the man he became as he grieved her. But Alex refuses to accept that he isn't good for her. As they reconnect, Alex falls for an evil plan and her life is in danger. As her family tries to save her, secrets and truths are revealed and the happily ever after for so many seems like it may or may not be obtainable.

With heartbreak, mystery, and betrayal around every corner, Alex must fight for her life...and those she loves.

Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2019

About the author

I am no longer writing. Books are unpublished.
Just focusing on reading.

Reviews

[Nikki J Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read paranormal romance but this was a pleasant surprise for me. I really enjoyed reading about Nix & Alex and their relationship, seeing it develop & progress. That ending was awesome. I can’t wait to find out about Rachel after that! Fab job Mary x

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I found myself constantly wanting more from these characters. Dean did a fantastic job on her debut novel and I can't wait to read more by her and see how the series develops.

Alex's life is changed when her mom takes her on an unexpected trip that turns out to be run...but from what? That's the secret that Alex doesn't find out until she's back in Cliffhaven and reunited with her former best friend and crush, Nix. Things are different now.

Nix lost Alex and had a hard time moving on so he became a version of himself he wasn't exactly proud of. Now, she's back and he's having a hard time figuring out how to move forward. He tries to tell himself he's not good enough for Alex but he also can't seem to resist her.

With unexpected situation arise Nix and Alex will be force to face everything but who will survive?

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this engaging, action-packed story in one sitting. I loved getting to know these characters and the mystery surrounding Alex and her heritage. I highly recommend this great book and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Rashmi Binu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Mary Dean.. I was very excited to win an e-copy of this book... And wonderful to connect with you!

The book is a fast paced and very YA themed. The whole plot and and the fact that this is a series, has me hooked. Looking forward to the next in series. ❤

[Amber Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has been on the run with her Mom for quite some time. They left abruptly, leaving her dad, friends, and 1st day of high school all behind with no explanations
A past she has been hidden from catches up to her and sends her back to her hometown, family, the boy she loves. It also reveals her past, her life, and her identity has all been one massive cover up. And it all sounds astoundingly farfetched, even to her own ears.

This is a fun and different tale of a young woman learning the truth and coming in to her own. It's about deceit, revenge, forgiveness, love, and inner strength. HEA

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Paranormal Romance genre!

The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.

The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Booklover Mercis Bookish Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying if I didn't know beforehand i would've never believed that this is Mary Deans Debut Novel!An incredible storyline with loving characters and a an intense sense of mystery that leaves off with an epic cliffhanger that will have you craving more.My only issue..and its more of a personal preference than an issue is the sentences are a bit clipped.Very short.Like i said more of a preference.Between all the twists and turns, and the intense chemistry between Alex and Nix in this phenomenal new series you will be burning the midnight oil for just "one more chapter".

[Nikkita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Dean's debut novel, and you would never guess it after reading it. She knocked this book out of the park, the writing was phenomenal, the characters engaging and lovable. I seriously couldn't put this down after I started it, I had to know what happened. The storyline was so engaging and had twists and turns you didn't see coming. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I’ve read in awhile! It was great to get lost in! I promise you won’t be disappointed reading this book if your into romance and magic! Can’t wait to read book 2!!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. This was a story that had sweet moments as well as twists and turns you don't expect. I love a story that keeps you guessing. The powers that these characters possess are not what you expect and just add to the great character development. Can't wait for the next book!

[TJ Creque · Rating 5 out of 5]

J Blog's
Published by TJ Creque · May 10 at 4:50 AM ·
I just read the book The Secrets Within, written by Author Mary Dean.
This book was not what suspected; I thought I had that great superpower to kind of know how the book would roll and the sequence it would be revealed. Not this The Secrets Within. As a reader and blogger, I love surprises. I was every bit entertained throughout this story. The Secrets Within is not the “normal” type of book I review, but I am glad I did, and I will read many more books by Author Ms. Mary Dean. This is a love story that involves mystery, action and special gifts.
My favorite part of the book is when Alex was confronted by Nix girlfriend; I thought they were going to throw down right there. There are several moments like that in this novel; plus, hot guys. So, if you’re into book boyfriends then Nix may just be your next throb.
I encourage to read this book for yourself and then come back here and tell Author Mary Dean, how she impressed you as she did me. Way to go; I applaud you on a well written and entertaining novel.
I have been gifted this arc; this review is my opinion only. I will rate this book 6 stars. Get yours today.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!! This book was absolutely fantatic!!! Can't wait to read the next one. Alex and Nix❤❤❤ loved the magic, love, and suspense. Fantastic read! Love love loved it

[Ashley Pagano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such A Great Book!

I love a book with a powerhouse female (Alex) and a Swoonworthy book boyfriend (Nix). This book has everything; intense chemistry between Nix and Alex, surprises, twists, sassiness, mystery, and lots of action. When a dark twist of fate brings Nix and Alex back together there's still something between them, but Nix is definitely not the boy she remembers. He's much much different, and not in a good way. What will happen next??? Will they end up together???

I found this book so easy and quick to read, which is an amazing thing when you have a toddler. I know there will be a book two because this one ends with so many questions and I truly cannot wait for it. I highly recommend this book.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It hooks you in from the very beginning. On the run with her mother for most of her life things take a dramatic turn when what they were running from catches up. With help from family and friends, whom she ran from she finds out the truth. Through in a love story that was destined and so supernatural magic and your in for a ride. Great work from Mary Dean.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dani Readsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think It says a lot when you finish a book in one day.
I really liked this!
Kept me hooked the whole way through, like I NEEDED to know what happened next all the time.
Great chemistry between Alex and Nix. Love them both!
Although not really a cliffhanger ending, That ending...... shit just got serious!
I’m looking forward to reading book two. I really need to know where it goes from here.
Great writing, amazing debut novel. I will definitely read this author again.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author and she has produced a book with has a great mystery that held my attention and interest throughout. The characters are well developed and the whole book was a joy to read. Looking forward to book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy of this book, and I have to say that I adored it. I read it in one sitting, because I found myself compulsively reading, I just had to know what happened next. The characters and world building are beautifully constructed, it's an emotional roller coaster of a read. I was gripped the entire way through. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Pat Labrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe that this is her debut novel. It's absolutely amazing. I was hooked from the first page and read it in one sitting I couldn't out it down. I love the strong characters and can't wait to see what she does next

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good dark fantasy romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was story about true loves being ripped apart by evil and finding there way back to each other. I wished it had a little more background in the beginning but it was still a good read. The ENDING 🤯 wow

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a debut novel by Mary Dean, and what an amazing debut is was! The Secrets Within hooks you in from the very beginning, and leaves you wanting more! A definite must read. I look forward to read more by Mary Dean.

[Luv2 Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Nix

My favorite stories always have a bit of love, a dash of mystery, and of course a HEA. This book checked all 3 boxes.

[Ashlee Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great debut novel. I loved the story, very unique and entertaining. It is a fast and easy read, you won’t want to put it down. The relationships between the characters were amazing. Nix and Alex have a rocky start when Alex comes back home to Cliffhaven. Nix didn’t deal well with losing Alex and turned into someone Alex didn’t recognize when she got back. He was no longer the boy she knew, but a man that had more than closed himself off. Alex is an amazing strong woman, after supposedly watching her mother killed, she returns home and finds out who she really is. I loved following their story, with twists and turns and complications that keep you wanting more. It does have a cliffhanger that will leave you wishing you had the next book. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with Alex's mom wishing her a Happy Birthday. At 22, there are a lot of things that a person could wish for. Alex's wish is to go home. That was enough to lure me into the book further. Why would she want to go home when she is with her mother. As the story unfolds, we find out there is magic, murder, mayhem, and love.

After Alex has spent seven years on the run, she decides she will take control of her life. She finds her dad and reconnects with Nix, her best friend from school and her only crush. Her dad wants to protect her and keep her close. Nix wants to protect her also but keep her at arm's length. Nix is not the boy she once knew. Alex is left to fight for what she wants.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are ripped away from your home, family and friends by someone you love and trust it sucks.

One night right before Alex’s freshman year of high school was to start her mother woke her up for a “girls only” trip only it turned into something so much more. Alex knew her mother wasn’t being 100% honest with her so when there home is invaded and Alex is taken things start to make more sense to her. Now she has a second chance with her childhood best friend/crush while still being hunted.

This story was awesome!! I was hooked from the very beginning and now I can’t wait to read Rachel’s story, The Fire Within!! 🖤🖤

[Sidhra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 2.5 stars

I won this book in a giveaway by Mary Dean herself and to thank her it only felt right to leave a review.

Unfortunately I couldn't get into the book. I really loved the storyline and the concept, but the characters just didn't work for me. I found it really hard to bond with them and feel what they felt. And I also thought that the maturity didn't coincide with the ages. I felt Nix and Alex seemed less mature than Rachel.

All in all, it was a quick and easy read with a good storyline, but just not captivating enough for me to jump into the second book right away. But I'm curious so I probably will... after a break :)

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this through a giveaway on Facebook at some point. I finally got around to reading it.

While it was an interesting plot, there were some serious issues with the execution of it. There were many issues that having a good editor would have fixed with the punctuation/spelling/sentence structure/continuity. There also seemed to be parts where too much time was describing small details before skipping over bigger things. Some gaps in continuity were distracting. With a little help, this could be a decent book instead of something just over the line of painful.

[Tammy Bulcao · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Magic please!

This story was just okay for me. There’s was a lot of drama but very little Magic or happy times. I liked the alternating POV’s but this story didn’t work for me.
First let me say that this is my first from narrator and I recognize that she might be relatively new. That said, IMO the narration wasn’t good.
it sounded choppy and the male voices were not good.
This is book 1 and is a standalone with an HEA.
it wasn’t for me but it might be right for you.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! I love paranormal stories and this one was refreshingly different than many others I’ve read. This “sleepy” little magical town boasts some amazing characters and s great storyline that I hope continues on in multiple books! I’ve got a feeling there’s lots of intrigue mixed in with the cobwebs of this town waiting to come out!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Robbins did a great job of narration for this great book.

This is a story about a young girl who didn't know she has magical abilities. Unexpected twists, magic, love, mystery and fast-paced, strong characters.


This was exciting from the start and kept me guessing. I loved Alex and Nix's connection!