Secret

Betrothed #9

by Penelope Sky

She saved my life.

She promised she wouldn't intervene, that her loyalty was to her family, not me. But she did it anyway.

Now everything is different. I can feel it with every kiss, every time she's underneath me. This isn't a meaningless fling anymore.

It's so much more.

I know it...and she knows it.

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

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2020

About the author

A New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.

Reviews

[Leah City of Words and Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

März 2021:

Ich weiß nicht, was ich zu diesen Büchern sagen soll, außer, dass ich sie großartig finde und sehr sehr liebe! ❤️


Juli 2020:

Diese Reihe ist für mich in meinem Lesejahr 2020 unheimlich wichtig geworden!

Ich habe ja schon mehrmals erwähnt, dass ich sie so unglaublich toll finde, und auch die Geschichte von Heath und Catalina ist einfach klasse! ❤️

Bei diesem Band finde ich Heath Entwicklung total schön. In „Lie“ fand ich ihn auch schon toll und einzigartig, aber hier merkt man, dass sich bei ihm noch mehr tut.

Das Buch habe ich wieder sehr schnell durch gehabt, weil ich einfach nicht aufhören kann, wenn ich einmal anfange. 🙈
Die Geschichten sind super geschrieben und es wird nie irgendwann mal langweilig!

Ich bin jetzt wirklich auf den letzten Teil gespannt, weil ich nicht richtig weiß, was mich da erwarten wird. 👀

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My anxiety levels oml

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

'Secret' is the ninth book of the 'betrothed' series by the best selling author Penelope Sky. This book is the second book of Heath and Catalina and is told in dual perspectives.

I have read pretty much all of the books of Penelope Sky and somehow she always manages to surprise me with these amazing characters and storylines!! I am so obsessed with her.

Heath and Catalina are perfect for each other in every way! This book picked up where the last one ended and I was so glad to again see these two characters. Catalina saves Heath's Life and now both of them are in a delima. Each storyline of the book is interconnected, and in the usual penelope-sky style she also gives us glimpses of other characters in her books. I won't reveal much about this book's storyline, as that would ruin your fun. You all need to go in this book blind.

This book is recommended to all the dark Romance lovers out there !! This series is amazing and a must read for all!

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[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page 1 to right to the end, this book was one, that was hard to put down. The electricity between Skull king's leader Heath and the dynamic and confident sister to Damien, Catalina, is one hot chemistry couple.
Penelope Sky, is my favourite author, I have read over 25 books of hers and I can't get enough. Each book and storyline and characters she uses are each interconnected with each other and she magnetises you right from the start.
I love this couple, Catalina saves Health's life, but in return so did he. The cliffhanger is nailing biting, as you really want to know what happens. The next book in the series, is not due for another 3 weeks, I have to keep reading the book over and over... very addictive story line and highly recommend it.

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 9 in the series

5 ⭐

Honestly just adore the characters in this book

Heath just has my heart 😍

This isn't a genre I would have ever chose as the words used are quite out there and at times there are close your eyes moments but I stumbled across Penelopes book by chance in my kindle but honestly her characters and their lives transport you to their world.

Now on to number 10 🙃

[Otuyo Aminat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dis series. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one. It's wonderful.

[Karla✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh que desesperación con Damien y Heath 😤

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing the story.
I could have banged them both over the head for how stubborn they both can be.
During separation, neither with anyone else.
Small other woman and man drama.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.

Cliffhanger ending.

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I devoured this book. Amazing, entertaining and beautiful. I just can't help how I feel when I read Penelope Sky's books. What is it about her writing I love so much? I can't explain it. Great story!❤

[Jennifer Lamb Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pene took my feelings to a whole new level with Secret. I could not put this book down!! My heart is absolutely broken from this book. I've never felt so many feelings towards a character before but Catalina seen them all as I read this. I cannot wait to see how their story ends.

[Limor Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Marjolein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was 😱 wat een plot twist. Ik zag het al gebeuren in het vorige boek maar wat een wending. Het laatste boek nog en dan is de serie voorbij..

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Sky never fails to give us an amazing story that we can sink our teeth into. Heath and Catalina continue to give us a story with so many feels you will not be able to put it down until the end.

As we see their relationship build and the love and devotion they have for each other, you know in the back of your mind something is going to drop and cause them and you heartbreak. You will never expect it to come like it does or what happens afterward.

Lines will be drawn and hearts will be broken maybe never to be healed but you will keep reading even though your tears. This story is one of the best so far and you just want to see the happily ever after but with the way things are going will this be the couple to never be able to have it? I felt like I just got off a wild roller coaster ride where I’m a little disoriented and have the hangover from hell.

I can’t wait to see if and how this couple will put it all back together and if their families will be able to forgive and maybe even forget the past damage that was done. I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for the next installment.

[PATRICIA GARZA · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMO a esta autora!!🥰, me encanta que todos sus personajes son tan diferentes!!
los primeros 4 libros son la historia de Hades y Sofia.

La historia de Hades me atrapó y me gustaba mucho, me encantaba Hades hasta que cayó de mi gracia por cobarde y me decepcionó mucho su personaje, sobre todo en su último libro.

Libros 5,6 y 7 de Damien (socio y mejor amigo de Hades) y Anabella.
El me cayó mal desde el principio de la historia de Hades por estupido y después lo terminé odiando más en el libro 9 y 10 así que definitivamente ni Hades ni Damien fueron los mejores de la serie para mi.

Finalmente en los libros 8 ,9 y 10 llega la historia de Heath y Catalina hermana de Damien).
🙌🙌❤️❤️❤️❤️, Me encantaron estos personajes, la química es explosiva y definitvamente mis favoritos de la serie. Me enamoré totalmente de Heath. Catalina también me gustó pero hubieron momentos en que me desesperaba su comportamiento y las decisiones que tomaba así que bueno, creo que de las series largas de Penelope, ésta es la que menos me ha gustado. Aun así los recomiendo si son fan de Penelope cómo yo 😀

[Samm Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets can cause all sorts of problems.

We knew from the beginning that Catalina and Heath are explosive. Toss in Damien's hate, a twin brother that Catalina knows nothing about, a lady of the evening, and a traitorous Skull king and you have a powder keg that is just waiting to go off. Family dynamics on both sides are in full force adding tension and drama to Heath and Catalina's relationship. Heath's metamorphosis from full on ruthless Skull King to Catalina's love is showcased spectacularly (in his dealings with Damien and sunflowers).

I love that this author never makes it easy for the couple to get together and stay together. There are misunderstandings and misconceptions and false conclusions drawn repeatedly. Every jealous tirade, every secret revealed, every punch thrown, kept me turning pages to see where the story would go next. I cannot wait to see how this story ends!

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I've always wanted to dive into Penelope Sky's books because they all sounded so good. After reading Fifty Shades I was anxious to keep reading more books along those lines.

Heath and Catalina have explosive chemistry. They are attuned to each other and the problem with them is that they need to learn how to trust. Catalina has jealousy issues that make her insecure because Heath is a very good looking man. Heath on the other hand, he completely trusts her and he's told her many times that he has nothing to hide.

What started off as a casual relationship has now turned into a little more. Neither one expected to fall that deep for each other but it happened. The only question is, can Catalina forgive Heath for his secret?

This book was full of sexy scenes that I just couldn't get enough of. I was completely hooked on this book.

5 Stars

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I’m me wanted to give this book 5 stars. The only reason I knocked off a star is due to the fact that majority of the book was a repeat of night after night. Yes, it was a book that held some humor but a lot of heartbreak. And yes, we were seeing the two of them built a relationship, but it’s only so many times the same thing can happen chapter after chapter. Beyond that, this book was amazing! Heath becoming a changed committed man was exciting to see. And Cat’s interaction with Balto was freaking hilarious. On the other side, I need Damien to recognize that he’s not as tough as he believes himself to be. He is going to suffer if he continue to let anger blind him. He won’t be satisfied until something happens. And that guilt trip he laid on his sister was just horrible!!! I’m starting to not like him. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Van · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly do not like these two and their story. I liked Damien even though I felt like the author hates him and wrote him to be useless and annoying. He doesn’t win at anything except getting his best friend back. Catalina is awesome on her own but as part of this couple, I really hated her and I don’t like Heath. Even when he’s in love with her, he’s just an annoying person in general. These last couple of books with Catalina and Heath’s story are the worst of the series.

I’m only reading their story because I started the series and have to see it through.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made an account just to write this review, so it's going to be a rant.

Heath and Catalina's love story is compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I really liked the small intimate moments that truly convince you of their love. AMAZING.

Ok, now that's over. I really just want to rant about Damien. HATE. Abosolute HATE. I've read all the other books in this series and I used to like Damien, not anymore. Damien is a despicable, selfish, hateful hypocrite. He spends all of the book plotting to kill Heath over trying to kill his father.

Um ok, does someone need to remind Damien that he's a drug dealer, I don't understand why he would think that a criminal would take mercy over his father, why is would he be off limits? He keeps ignoring this and says that Heath crossed the line. Strike one. A few books ago, Hades and Damien got together and killed Maddox's innocent brother because of an ongoing feud, but Damien has oh so much energy for Heath doing the same thing with his father. Hypocrite.

Damien acts like he really cares about his family but he doesn't. If Damien really cared he would have retired just like Hades did when he found his true love. But no, Damien chooses to stay in the game and becomes a little bitch because his daddy almost got killed, but isn't that the name of the game? If he wants to be a drug dealer so bad he needs to make peace with the fact that he'll be endangering his family. The fact that Damien doesn't understand this is crazy to me considering what happened with Hades and Sophia, which brings me to my next point.

Hades (rightfully) held a grudge against Damien because Damien had disobeyed him and his actions led to his wife getting captured and raped. This is a much much worse offense but Hades ends up forgiving him, but Damien can't bring himself to forgive Heath for not even killing his father, almost killing him? HYPOCRITE.

Next point. Damien is biting off more than he can chew. We know from previous books that he's total shit at making decisions. Let me remind you, while him and Hades were feuding with Maddox, he got captured and Hades had to negotiate his release and they had to give up the drug business. What did Damien do? Damien secretly starts up business again and gets Hades wife captured. He tries to go against Heath multiple times and when he fails he starts bitching around like they follow some code of ethics as criminals where killing fathers is off limits. Even when he tries to get Heath after everything, he still come up short, Heath hands himself over.

Damien is a coward. Beating the hell out of Heath when he can't defend himself is the only way he can win. He's a weakling who's trying to act like a man when he's way in over his head. I have no respect for this character.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything that our author writes and this continuation of Heath and Catalina’s story just adds to my love fest. We saw this couple come together as part of a scheme to get at Damian for falling in love with a woman that ‘belonged’ to someone else, and we watched how their uncommon circumstances turned into a really amazing relationship – unexpected and intense, and so good all at the same time. Until it wasn’t.

Throughout this ninth installment in the series, the second for this couple, we remember where we left off – Heath was going to collect the taxes that Damian owed, and Damian had a plot to kill Heath and his men since he felt that he was unfairly being taxed. Catalina knew about the plan, and while she said she’d never go against her family, she realized that Heath meant more to her, and she warned him at the last moment. Saving his life, and resulting in a shift in the dynamic of just about everything from then out.

The way that their bond strengthened and changed was amazing. We saw that their ‘fling’ – their short term thing became love, even when they didn’t admit it to one another. In the moment that Cat called Heath to warn him, he saw right through what she wasn’t willing to admit and as a result, his own feelings became clear to him as well. Their relationship turned to something concrete. They had open entry to each other’s house. They were part of each other now, and even when Cat tried to fight it, fight Heath on it, she realized that she would always lose.

We spend most of this story watching how they are happy together and how they have something special. The only issue that they truly faced was the notion that Damian and Heath had a pure hatred for one another and as a result the two parts of her life could never meet. When she tried to make that change – she learned more about the past than she ever wanted to know, and that rips her and Heath apart. The things that he did to her family in the past was truly too much and the lies that he kept meant that she was now numb to him.

This brings pleasure to Damian of course because it now opens the door for him to take Heath down, and that’s exactly what happens. We see Cat torn – she’s numb, and she’s standing by her family, but of course life and love are never that easy. The end of this ninth / second book leave us at a crossroads of where Cat will be knowing that she’s vowed never to choose against her family but her future was already chosen by that same fortune teller in Morocco that directed everyone else’s lives in this series. So….I now have to wait until the next installment to see how this plays out.

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

No chance romance… so heartbreaking

I have to admit that I sobbed at this book because it has broken my heart.

Just as Heath and Catalina had started to really bond and become accepting of their feelings for each other… it all gets blown up!

Let’s face it… we could see it coming a mile off. As soon as Catalina learned the truth about what happened with her father, we knew she wasn’t going to be able to stay with a man that intended to kill her father.

It’s such a shame that this seems to happen every time. We’ve fallen in love with Damien throughout previous books… and now he’s become an absolute tyrant who actually, I really don’t like. It happened with Hades at the beginning of Damien’s story. And let’s not forget, it was actually Heath’s actions that brought Hades and Damien back together.

Now, we’ve started to fall in love with Heath (just as Catalina has) and now Damien is being beyond ridiculous. It’s so sad.

I feel so sorry for Catalina because she is being torn apart between her family and the man she knows is the love of her life.

And Heath will do whatever he has to do to prove his love for Catalina… even if that means giving up his life.

I’m really not sure where this is going to go. After everything Damien has said to Catalina and the poison he’s tried to inject into his sisters thoughts about the man she loves. He’s giving her an ultimatum, and the only outcome for her is to lose.

Love Heath so much. His character has changed so much from the Skull King that first appeared in these books. He’s no longer evil and bloodthirsty. As soon as he met Catalina he realised that wasn’t who he needed to be. It might cost him everything… his power, his wealth, his business… but all he wants is his woman. But will she make that decision? Where will her loyalty lie?

[Tea and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh is it so much to unpack in this book.

For starters I legit HATE Damien. He wasn’t very attractive to me in hades book and I wasn’t very attracted to him In his own book. Literally oissses me off! I want to slap him in the face and throw him off a building! He hates Heath so much but he was the one acting all hot shit like heath was going To blow a whole in his ass. Like dude! He start so much shit and gets butt hurt when the consequences comes with it! The kidnapping of Sofia
DAMIEN FAULT!
The reason Maddox took hades
DAMIEN FAULT
The reason Heath humiliated his ass
DAMIEN FAULT!

Now on to other beautiful news. I love HEATH sooo much!! My hurt melted this entire book I just don’t want it to end but you know I’m going to eat the next book up. And Catalina. Girl.
I LOVE YOU!
Their relationship feels so raw. Rawer than hades and Sofia. You feel the love you feel that forbidden aspect. This man GROVELS for this girl! And I love every bit of it.
But when she walked in a seen Heath beat to death🥲🥲🥹🥹🥹🥹 that literally broke me to tears!!!!! Her love showed so bright it was so precious.

[Stephanie Abeyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

so close

After all the saga of the entire series this one almost buttoned up everything but we end on a cliff hanger yet again.

Catalina has the biggest “for me” line ever…. She holds that above Damien’s head. And she holds it above heaths head too. This bringing this all on herself honestly. She got them to don’t she wanted but it’s just making this all that much harder. She wants her cake and eat it too basically.

Heath - honestly for being such a hardass in the underground and handling the skull kings like a part time job I would say he overly dedicated to Catalina. He definitely changed his entire life and routine for her.

Will it be enough though? I guess we find out in the final book. I need a stiff drink after this soap opera my word!


I truly hope this TEN BOOK SERIES ends properly. So I didn’t just waste 2.5 weeks reading for nothing, please Penelope Sky ! Don’t disappoint.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heath and Catalina’s story continues in Secret and they are still the explosive couple we fell so in love with in Lie. Catalina just exposed her brothers plan to execute Health and they both know they can never return to what things once were. Their relationship is real, they both know this isn’t a booty call situation any longer but can they move forward even knowing the problem that Damien poses.

I have loved their story so far, they’re both witty and their banter is hilarious, they’re full of steam and love. Their story is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing the whole way through, your heart will break for them but you’ll also be on the edge of you seat waiting for what comes next. I have loved getting to see some of our old favorite couples and I’ll be counting down the days until August for Truth.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm totally loving Heath and Catalina love story. They're both witty and their form of foreplay is hilarious, so full of steam and love. I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolving into something more and seeing Heath become a changed committed man was exciting to see. Also can we talked about Catalina interaction with Balto
OMG freaking hilarious!!! Damien I'm going to need for him to go have several seats and let it sink in that he's not as bad ass as he thinks. He not going to be satisfied until something happens. Shame on him for that guilt trip he laid on his sister Catalina it was awful my heart broke for her. Overall a great read I can't wait to see what going to happens next. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Raisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm scared to finish this book. I wanna read all the way through but don't wanna finish it either. I'm busking in the love of Heath and Catalina. This happened again like I felt for Griffin and Vanessa. I cried, I was so mad, I was in love with them, it hurts but in a good way. Heath make me feel alive like Griffin does, I'm so engrossed with Penelope Sky's amazing, magical writing I barely could give a chance to any other author. I wait days and months just to read another amazing story of her. I love Heath and Catalina so much, it's an absolute thrilled experience for me to see them together. The best series and writing of a single author that I'm still sticking with and that's not gonna change for a while. 💜🖤 Keep writing Penelope , your writing always encourage me to believe in love and strong emotions.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are continuing on with Heath and Cat’s story and it is intense let me just say. The feelings are intense for both of them. The feelings almost destroy them as well, but they push through the fights to get to the making up.

Cat though is having a hard time convincing Damien to accept Heath. He finds out who she is dating and he goes crazy and plots Heath’s death. So it does not go well with her family. Meanwhile Heath is facing traitors in his group. As Skull King, he has to make hard decisions but now that Cat is in his life he is turning a new leaf not fit for the underworld. But Cat must decide if she wants to be with Heath even though her family despises him. Sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants.

This was passionate for sure! Sometimes the back and forth between the two of them was like a yo-yo but I get it. You have intense feelings for each other but your boyfriend is the King of the Underworld....it’s complicated.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has officially made me like Heath's character. Or at the very least, feel for his character. The last 3 chapters had me almost tearing and definitely holding my breath. As much as I did not like the up and down roller coaster of their romance, it wasn't a surprise, and it was almost very realistic. What I enjoyed about this book's storyline is the development of their relationship. Sky wrote everything so well. I cannot help but feel for these two characters. Being able to see both of their turmoil and inner conflict amplifies the genuine emotions and feelings that they have for each other. I like that the gypsy is still so relevant at this point in book 9, as she was in book 1. The way the plot unfolded could not have been guessed, and I definitely cannot wait of the 10th book because I have no idea what could happen.

[Brittany Simonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heath and Catalina’s story continues in Secret and they are still the explosive couple we fell so in love with in Lie. Catalina just exposed her brothers plan to execute Health and they both know they can never return to what things once were. Their relationship is real, they both know this isn’t a booty call situation any longer but can they move forward even knowing the problem that Damien poses.

I have loved their story so far, they’re both witty and their banter is hilarious, they’re full of steam and love. Their story is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing the whole way through, your heart will break for them but you’ll also be on the edge of you seat waiting for what comes next. Five stars all the way! Can't wait until August!

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew right away in the last book that Heath and Catalina would become my favorite couple in the series, but this book just solidifies that theory. What do you do when the man you love is also the man your brother despises the most? Can you really love someone who was set out to destroy your family? What will you give up to make your brother happy while at the same time make yourself miserable? So many question...so many answers needed. From the moment you pick up this book you will be locked into another great read from Penelope Sky and in the end she will leave you wanting more and for the game to continue to play. Heath and Catalina have so many mountains to climb - I wonder if it will ever be enough.