The Secret

Arranged #2

by Stella Gray

On the day I was married, I promised to love, honor, and obey my husband Stefan.
Little did I know how literally I would mean obeying.
Stefan tells me what to do, and I do it. There are questions asked, but I always submit in the end.
It would hurt less if I hadn't started falling for him.
It was supposed to be pretend. But the secrets we now share are too real, and they're crumbling every piece of who I thought I was.
If only Stefan was the man I thought he was.
If only I weren't so powerless.
But there's one thing I have that he wants.
My body. 
And I'll do anything it takes to right the wrongs I've discovered.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Adult

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2019

About the author

Stella Gray has always had her head in the clouds and has been writing since she was in high school. A contemporary romance author, she loves dark romances with morally gray men. When she’s not writing, she’s either in the kitchen testing out a new baking recipe or spending time in the great outdoors.

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have new appreciation for Miss Gray's work. So far what I am reading from her, I like it very much. I hope to pick up more of her books.

The Secret is the second book in Stefan and Victoria's story. Now that the secret is slowly out, it tested their bond. I do love how Miss Gray putting a push and pull power between Stefan and Tori. Instead of fighting their attraction, they finally succumb through it. And with that, a strong trust binds them both.
I like the plot. It is not overwhelmed and Miss Gray seems to focus on the plot building her characters through out the book.

Overall this is a wonderful read. Looking forward for the final book in this series.

4 stars

[PeaceOfGod]

😡😡😡

🟥It would be VERY nice if one of you could just..........SAY it that he-


🟥WAS IN LOVE B4.

🟥BOOK HAS DETAILED SEXSCENE OF H WHEN HE WAS 17 YEAR OLD WITH A MODLE ANJA, WHOM HE WAS IN LOVE WITH.

🟥FOR MORE INFO VISIT-

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

🟥NONE OF THE REVIEWS GIVE DETAILING OF SPOILERS!!!!!

🟥OR MAYBE I JUST DIDNT LOOK VERY CAREFULLY, BUT..........I WAS LIKE............DANCING AROUND THIS SERIES FOR 2 DAYS, AND THEN DECIDED TO JUST START IT.


🟥THE LINK GIVEN ABOVE WILL GIVE U MUCH NEEDED SPOILERS.

🟥TRUST ME...........YOU SAFETY READERS DONT WANNA MESS WITH THIS ONE.

[Christine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stefan & Tori had a lot of bumps on this road of a sham/arranged marriage, however one thing is for sure when he tells her to obey and submit Tori is powerless her body/mind gives Stefan everything. It becomes obvious Stefan is keeping secrets especially when Tori goes to his office and over hears the one thing she should have never heard the Zoric family secret. Now torn she goes to her father the senator to find out that he is not the man she thought he was. He orders her back to her husband and tells Stefan to keep her under in control. Now trapped in a no win situation forced back to her husband, which now alters her marriage because of all the secrets Stefan holds. One thing is still undeniable Tori still wants her husband and their chemistry is off the charts. Believing that Tori is in danger and the fact Stefan may lose her he decides to reveal all of his secrets and they consequently start to work together. But don't count old man Zoric out because he has the biggest secret of all and decides to give Stefan the one thing he's been looking for since he was 18, the one person he thought he would never see again.

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting storyline.
Heroine is only 18 but she is very childish at times.
Opening prologue is Hero and descriptive scene of sex with other woman who he intended to marry.
Lots of sex scenes with Hero and heroine.
Possessive, controlling Hero.
Cliffhanger end.


Spoiler.


There is a secret baby story involved at the end.
The secret baby story is different to a regular second chance, the mother of the child is not the heroine of the story.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret by Stella Gray is book Two in the Arranged Series. This continues the story of Victoria 'Tori' and Stefan, so you really need to read the first book 'The Deal' first before starting this one. In addition their story will continue into the next book called 'The Choice'. Tor and Stefan's marriage is of course having some bumps especially after Tori is finding out slowly some of Stefan's secrets.
This is a hot page turning series.

[Jennifer D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I was a little leary with how slow book 1 took to really get going but there are so many twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat in this one. Stefan and Tori may have started off as an arranged marriage but at some point it shifts into something real. Their chemistry was never lacking but once real feelings enter, they burn up the sheets! So hot! It ends on a wicked cliff hanger so be prepared to dive into book 3 immediately.

[bahar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again , I blame quarantine for reading this entire series .No other way I would finish book after book of series

[Mysza · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 3,5 stars ***

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret is the second book in the Arranged Books series, and it continues where the first book ends. Tori knows something isn't right in her marriage, and she knows Stefan is keeping something from her. Tori has found out that the business that her husband is running is not the haven for models she thought it was.

Stefan has always known things are bad at his father's company, and now he is ready to do something about it. But he never wanted his wife involved in any of his companies issues. Stefan knows that anything Tori knows will put her in danger. But what will he do when his father decides to stick his nose into Stefan and Tori's marriage and bring back an old fling?

The Secret is well named. Lots of secrets come out in this story. Will all of these secrets make their marriage fall apart? Or strengthen the bond they are just now forming?

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoying reading Stephan and Tori' s 2nd installment of there story.

There marriage has many ups and downs and twist and turns. But they overcome them all and there love blooms to the point they cannot deny it to each other any longer. This is no longer a arranged marriage of convince but a perfect love.

The story ends on a real cliff hanger when Stephan father once again is trying to break up there marriage. I would be upset with a cliff hanger, but all 3 books of the trilogy are out and ready to read. So I don't have to wait to read the final book The Choice.

The audile Narration by Sebastian York and Elena Wolfe is Very Good!!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There was something between us—something powerful and perfect and right."

The Secret was another explosive installment to the Arranged series. I honestly just can not get enough of these characters and their story. I love the authors ability to keep you on your toes. Every time you think you got everything figured out she breaks out plot twists that destroy everything you thought you knew. Their was so many twists and turns this book I could not devour the pages quick enough. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next. If I had any criticism about this book it would be at times I felt the author used sexual scenes as a page filler. Some scenes I found was just out of place or really wasn't necessary or added anything to the overall storyline or plot. Don't get me wrong I'm all for sexy scenes all day long but they shouldn't take away from a story. With that being said I found everything else about this book completely flawless. It was the right amount of suspense, mystery, and angst. I am on the edge of my seat for book three after one of the most jaw dropping cliffhangers I've read this year!

"I loved that my body did this to him. That I drove him wild the same way he did for me."

Tori has really come a long way since the start of this series. She is just one of those heroines you can't help but love. I could easily see myself being her friend in real life. She is just so relatable and overall completely likeable. I love her attention to detail and fiesty ways. Shes nerdy, headstrong and eccentric at best. She keeps you on your toes with her unpredictability. I feel Tori has many more layers to uncover and I look forward to what her character brings next.

"He was almost like a heady drug and I was completely, utterly addicted to everything about him."

Stephan is well on his way to owning my heart. His character truly came into himself during this book. I loved watching his guard come down and his layers peeling back. I felt like we finally got to know the real Stephan Zoric. He was vulnerable as he was possessive. Every word out of his mouth oozed sex and charm. I found myself melting in a puddle of swoons with his every action and move. Now that I've had a little taste of his secrets I am desperate for more.

"There was no going back now—only forward. Together."

*5 STARS*
Well earned for The Secret. For this to be the authors debut series Gray is absolutely killing it. I would absolutely recommend this book as well as this series. It is worth every penny!

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella Gray has written a 5-star book that has Tori and Stefan dealing with betrayal, feelings of rejection, and mistrust. After Tori married Stefan she comes to find out he is not the man she thought he was. She was at his office and got lost and overheard something that upset her. Now Stefan and she are not getting along at all. She spends more and more time with her study group than at home. Gavin, one of the people in her study group is not who he claims to be and is trying to get Tori to distrust Stefan. Stefan has his own problems with his father and trying to take him down for what he is doing in the business. Tori wants to know what is going on, but Stefan will only tell her it is not her concern and this makes her unhappy. The more he keeps secret, the more she pulls away and he doesn't know what to do. Something happens and Stefan finally opens up to Tori and tells her what is going on. They are going to have dinner with his father and when they walk in Stefan sees someone he has been looking for but could not find. It is his first love and she is not alone. She tells Stefan that he has a son.
What will Tori do now that Stefan's first love has come back?
Will Stefan stay with Tori, or go back to his first love?
This was a wonderful read and I can't wait to read the next one. I would recommend this book to anyone.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you read The Secret, make sure you have read The Deal, book 1 in the series. Without reading that first, you will be a bit lost in the story line. The Secret is another great book in the Arranged Series. The story line is well written and draws you in and the characters are strong, well developed and have definite chemistry. No spoilers here, just grab your copy today (and The Deal if you haven't already read it), you won't be disappointed. You may have a sleepless night or two because you won't want to put it down until you finish.

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

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second part of Stefan & Tori's story.  Stefan is definitely keeping secrets from Tori.  She overhears something she shouldn't have when she goes to Stefan's office.  They go through a rough patch with their marriage, but then are okay.  He reveals all his secrets to her at one point and they decide they are going to work together.  I love the steamy scenes in it as well.  There is twist at the end, leaving a cliffhanger again.  This is a compelling book, and I can't wait to read the third and final one.  Stella Gray has done a fine job with this series.

[Lori Sang · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many secrets!

Holy moly! I’m so glad I waited until this trilogy was complete to start cuz that bombshell at the end. Another bite-your-nail cliffhanger. Kudos to Stella Gray!

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely nothing happened in this book

[Mysti · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you read my review of the first book - you know I hate this trilogy and am hate reading at this point. THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS

Victoria has learned the secret that the modeling agency is just a front for a sex trafficking operation. She makes all sorts of ridiculous threats. Stefan still treats her like trash.

"If you don’t shut your mouth, I’ll shut it for you." His voice was threatening, but low enough that only I could hear it. "I’ll push you down on your knees and force my cock down your throat. You won’t be able to say one more word while I’m fucking your mouth—while everyone sees that you’re just as much of a whore as the women benefiting from this charity."

We also learn that Stefan has a long lost love that he was still searching for - in fact - that's what he was doing ON THEIR HONEYMOON. After Tori gets injured, Stefan realizes that he does actually care for his wife and decides to make things work with her - while searching for his ex - though he does say that he just wants to make sure she's safe and that his father didn't do something to her.

At the end of this book - Stefan's evil father brings back Stefan's ex, along with her son - who is Stefan's son.

The third book is even worse. Honestly - don't read this. OH - this series is also way too fucking long. It's filled with the stupidest shit.

[Patricia Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was far too much drivel from Tori we didn’t need to know about every detail of her classes, studying or meetings with Professors that to me was wasted pages.
Stefan was literally saving people and fighting a network of influential people and the author chose not to give more chapters from Stefan POV but drivel from Tori who at times was so childish I don’t know how the author thought readers would want to hear her inner dialogue of just inane drivel about her classes and study time.
I personally would have much preferred to read more from Stefan on his secrets and how he was coordinating the escapes, that would have been a much better read.
Yes their sex scenes were hot but that to me isn’t as important as a really good storyline and I think the author failed as Stefan’s POV would have been where the interesting storyline was.
That ending wasn’t what I expected at all and it means his father knew about this all along.

[Ayesha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I detest this book. The way it objectifies women, it disgusts me. I hate how the Stefan acts around his wife, all controlling and dominant. I abhor how Victoria's always fulfilling her 'wifely duties' and believing it's her obligation to obey all his 'commands'. Everytime Victoria tries to confront him, he concludes that she's being childish or expects her to 'come around'. And don't even get me started on how many times the same situations reoccurred, or how many times they repeated the same sentences.
Yes, he was sometimes sweet and yes he cared for her from the beginning but none of that justifies his nonsensical behavior. Cherry on top, Victoria liked all that abuse ew.

[Lindsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not really sure why I’ve been putting off this book. I literally read this book in a day and didn’t want to put it down. So many twists and turns and of course this story ends in a cliffhanger again! Kind of a huge one I might add...
I am enjoying these characters more and more. Tori is getting out there and enjoying her life while also going to school and dealing with Stefan. I’m so glad she’s standing up for herself more and more also. She’s getting what she wants and not taking any crap anymore.
Stefan is so much better in this one. He’s actually opening up more and trusting Tori again. I like that the author includes his POV sometimes but I wish it was more than three times in the whole story. Just as things are going good for the couple and they are figuring things out; something happens. Also this book is crazy hot with the sex scenes and the descriptions of everything happening! *fanning myself!*
I really wonder what’s going to happen in the third/last book with this huge cliffhanger...I feel like I should have seen it coming but I honestly didn’t see it happening like that...like I said “so many twists”.

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit, the first book almost fell flat for me but this one I completely loved. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Tori and Stefan slowly made their way to each other and fell in love with each other over time. Built some trust and things are going great. But his dad just wants to come between them like the prick he is. Grrrr. That man.....I am loving this series and jumping right into book 3. 5 stars.

[madie (madieanne) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5) HOLY SHIT THIS WAS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK

[Janeinma · Rating 4 out of 5]

mafia isn't normally my thing and this is a new to me author but this was a free intro series and I loved it. Well written, characters are engaging

[Tiff ᥫ᭡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoaaaaaa whaaaaaaaat shut up

[Saharah Vanvalkenburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and it got even better. I loved it.

[Ankita · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Both the characters are damn irritating..especially the h.
Yeah..I think I'm done with this series now.

[Priyanka Dhingra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just got more disappointed after reading this. I mean it was all about sex and there was zero storyline in this book. Though I would say the book was going somewhere in the end but still it was a waste of time for me.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stefan and Tori's story continues, I still want to slap Stefan but not so much now. He just needs to stop hiding the secrets and trust Tori, she has his back. Ends in another cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I hope Tori gets her HEA even if it's not with Stefan.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella Grey has written another stellar book in this series! The Secret is the second book in Stella Grey’s Arranged series and continues Tori and Stefan’s story. In this installment, Tori overhears something that alters their relationship and Stefan eventually shares his secret with her. Consequently, they begin to work together. Like the first book, the plot and characters intriguing and the storyline is full of secrets, drama, and sizzling chemistry. This book ends in a cliffhanger which sets the reader up for the next book in the series entitled The Choice. I highly recommend this book (and series)!

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

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 2 of the Arranged Series is a very well-written story and my first book by this author and I will be reading more from this Author. The Characters were amazingly well-written and they were on a crazy and intriguing ride full of betrayal, mistrust, suspense, excitement, steam, and tons of secrets, deceit, twists and turns. The emotions the characters are heartbreaking, frustrating, and bittersweet. The story flows smoothly and the chemistry between the characters is explosive. A must read and should be read after Book 1

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