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The Secrets We Keep
If anyone had told Sadie she'd be homeless and living out of her car at age twenty-five, she'd have laughed in their faces. She'd have laughed even harder if she’d been told her new, uptight, beauty parlour boss, Victoria, would steal her heart and stamp all over it. Because Sadie's way smarter than that.
The saying “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” has become Victoria's motto ever since Sadie stumbled into her ordered world. Victoria just needs a cleaner. But apparently Sadie has other talents—the sort that can crack open Victoria's heart and shatter her equilibrium.
No, Sadie and her chaotic charms absolutely will not do. Victoria’s strict no-workplace relationship rules exist for a reason.
But what if Victoria can’t live without her? Is it too late to win back the intoxicating young woman?
An age-gap, rich-girl/poor-girl lesbian romance that embraces the big, crazy, complicated mess of fixing two broken hearts that belong together.
81,000 words
The saying “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” has become Victoria's motto ever since Sadie stumbled into her ordered world. Victoria just needs a cleaner. But apparently Sadie has other talents—the sort that can crack open Victoria's heart and shatter her equilibrium.
No, Sadie and her chaotic charms absolutely will not do. Victoria’s strict no-workplace relationship rules exist for a reason.
But what if Victoria can’t live without her? Is it too late to win back the intoxicating young woman?
An age-gap, rich-girl/poor-girl lesbian romance that embraces the big, crazy, complicated mess of fixing two broken hearts that belong together.
81,000 words
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2021
65 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jay
41 books465 followersIn 2016, Donna Jay published her first sapphic romance. Since then, she has published eighteen more books, three of which made the number one spot in lesbian fiction.
Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.
She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.
When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.
Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe
Connect with Donna Jay
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com
Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.
She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.
When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.
Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe
Connect with Donna Jay
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 5, 2021
4.25 Stars. This was a really good read. If you have followed my reviews for any period of time, you will know that I’m a Jay fan. I have read everything WLW related that she has written and I will keep reading as long as she keeps writing. While I have enjoyed all of her books, this book will easily make it into my top three favorite Jay books and it might even become my number one favorite. It was so good that I was disappointed when it ended, I wanted more!
I want to start off by mentioning that this book does NOT have any BDSM in it. This is an age-gap, rich/poor, boss/employee, ice princess in training, romance. While not all, most of Jay’s books have well written BDSM scenes in them. Since this book does not, I would recommend this read to anyone who has been interested in trying Jay but was worried that BDSM was not for them. While I think Jay is one of the better WLW BDSM authors out there, she was able to still make this book steamy so I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t miss the BDSM aspects.
I enjoy a good age-gap romance and especially when it is boss/employee related. I don’t know that I’m a big rich/poor trope fan but I thought it worked really well here. Our younger main character is actually living in her car after a bad break-up. I can count on one hand how many books I have read with a character that was homeless. And most importantly, I thought it was a well written storyline too.
I was also really happy about certain choices that Jay made throughout the whole book. I don’t want to spoiler anything so I’ll be a bit vague as I go on. Pretty early on there is a twist that I did not see coming. It changes almost the whole feel of the book and I just thought it was well done. I had read the blurb and Jay keeps it a secret so I enjoyed not seeing that part coming at all.
Secondly, I found it really easy to connect with both main characters. Why? Well because Jay did a little writing trick that really made the book for me. This book is written in first person… but in the POV of both main characters. The book is cut in two halves, part one being in the younger character’s POV and book two being in the older character’s head. This worked really well for me. I’m a huge first person fan but the one problem is only getting one POV most of the time. Instead here getting both POV’s allowed me to connect with both characters and just really enjoy their romance.
Finally, as I mentioned above, I did not want the book to end. I was enjoying the story plus there were loose ends and questions I wanted answered. And even with an epilogue that I loved in a sappy, sweet way, I was still left wondering about people and storylines. That is until I saw a note by Jay that she was ready to tell the story of a secondary character and that we as readers would have all our questions answered. Yay for a book 2! I’m so glad that Jay put that note there and I’m excited to read the next installment.
All in all this was really enjoyable read. I have read 2 good books in a row now and I just hope that streak continues. This book is easy for me to recommend to all romance fans. If you are a Jay fan, this book is a must. If you are new to Jay, this is the perfect book to start on. With no BDSM here, you have no excuse to pass her books up anymore. I hope we don’t have too long to wait until book 2.
A copy was given to me for a review.
I want to start off by mentioning that this book does NOT have any BDSM in it. This is an age-gap, rich/poor, boss/employee, ice princess in training, romance. While not all, most of Jay’s books have well written BDSM scenes in them. Since this book does not, I would recommend this read to anyone who has been interested in trying Jay but was worried that BDSM was not for them. While I think Jay is one of the better WLW BDSM authors out there, she was able to still make this book steamy so I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t miss the BDSM aspects.
I enjoy a good age-gap romance and especially when it is boss/employee related. I don’t know that I’m a big rich/poor trope fan but I thought it worked really well here. Our younger main character is actually living in her car after a bad break-up. I can count on one hand how many books I have read with a character that was homeless. And most importantly, I thought it was a well written storyline too.
I was also really happy about certain choices that Jay made throughout the whole book. I don’t want to spoiler anything so I’ll be a bit vague as I go on. Pretty early on there is a twist that I did not see coming. It changes almost the whole feel of the book and I just thought it was well done. I had read the blurb and Jay keeps it a secret so I enjoyed not seeing that part coming at all.
Secondly, I found it really easy to connect with both main characters. Why? Well because Jay did a little writing trick that really made the book for me. This book is written in first person… but in the POV of both main characters. The book is cut in two halves, part one being in the younger character’s POV and book two being in the older character’s head. This worked really well for me. I’m a huge first person fan but the one problem is only getting one POV most of the time. Instead here getting both POV’s allowed me to connect with both characters and just really enjoy their romance.
Finally, as I mentioned above, I did not want the book to end. I was enjoying the story plus there were loose ends and questions I wanted answered. And even with an epilogue that I loved in a sappy, sweet way, I was still left wondering about people and storylines. That is until I saw a note by Jay that she was ready to tell the story of a secondary character and that we as readers would have all our questions answered. Yay for a book 2! I’m so glad that Jay put that note there and I’m excited to read the next installment.
All in all this was really enjoyable read. I have read 2 good books in a row now and I just hope that streak continues. This book is easy for me to recommend to all romance fans. If you are a Jay fan, this book is a must. If you are new to Jay, this is the perfect book to start on. With no BDSM here, you have no excuse to pass her books up anymore. I hope we don’t have too long to wait until book 2.
A copy was given to me for a review.
March 30, 2021
4.5⭐️ – This is by far my new favourite book by Donna Jay. I’ve enjoyed every book of hers I’ve read but this one is on another level for me.
Sadie never thought she’d end up living in her car and yet, here she is. Which in turn (and I won’t spoil how it happens) leaves her jobless too. When she gets a job interview as a cleaning lady in a beauty parlour, Sadie doesn’t expect to crush really hard on her new boss. She doesn’t expect either the beauty parlour to offer more than beauty services. Over the course of a few months, Sadie will get quite an education, about herself, about keeping an open mind, about judgement and pride, communication and love. As for Victoria, Sadie’s new boss and love interest, she’ll find that putting someone else’s needs before hers sometimes takes more than easy generosity.
The Secrets We Keep is an age gap (Sadie is twenty-five, Victoria is almost forty) rich girl/poor girl romance. The first part of the book is told in first person from Sadie’s point of view, the second part from Victoria’s. I liked both main characters, Sadie’s tough girl act that can’t hide her soft heart, Victoria’s ice queen personality that hides a different but no less real kind of hurt. The only thing I could have done without is how often Sadie’s lack of money growing up is mentioned. I’m not minimising it but we got the point and bringing it up every time adds unnecessary pathos.
The secondary characters are interesting too and I especially loved Hannah (Victoria’s best friend) and her unconventional family, and Soraya (Victoria’s oldest employee), who totally deserves her own story. An author’s note at the end of the book states that book two is in the making and that’s excellent news.
As I wrote above, The Secrets We Keep (and its pretty cover) is now my favourite book by this author. Which kind of surprises me, because I usually read Donna Jay’s books for the kink aspect and there’s none of that in this one. I like the way Jay writes power play and consent, and I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy a more vanilla romance, but Sadie and Victoria won me over. Also, the fact that there are some really steamy moments helps (this sentence feels like it needs a winking emoji).
Another reason why I always look forward to Donna Jay’s books is that she sets them in her own country, New Zealand, and doesn’t compromise on the language, doesn’t sanitise it for less adventurous readers. If you speak English, you’ll understand. You’ll grasp words that are unusual for you from the context and if you don’t, that’s what Google or your favourite search engine (I’m partial to Ecosia and Lilo myself) are for. A huge part of why I love reading fiction is escapism, finding myself immersed in another country, with different habits, different ways of life, different words and food is part of the fun and I want the whole package. So thank you, Donna Jay, for that. And for this story. I’m very much looking forward to Soraya’s now.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sadie never thought she’d end up living in her car and yet, here she is. Which in turn (and I won’t spoil how it happens) leaves her jobless too. When she gets a job interview as a cleaning lady in a beauty parlour, Sadie doesn’t expect to crush really hard on her new boss. She doesn’t expect either the beauty parlour to offer more than beauty services. Over the course of a few months, Sadie will get quite an education, about herself, about keeping an open mind, about judgement and pride, communication and love. As for Victoria, Sadie’s new boss and love interest, she’ll find that putting someone else’s needs before hers sometimes takes more than easy generosity.
The Secrets We Keep is an age gap (Sadie is twenty-five, Victoria is almost forty) rich girl/poor girl romance. The first part of the book is told in first person from Sadie’s point of view, the second part from Victoria’s. I liked both main characters, Sadie’s tough girl act that can’t hide her soft heart, Victoria’s ice queen personality that hides a different but no less real kind of hurt. The only thing I could have done without is how often Sadie’s lack of money growing up is mentioned. I’m not minimising it but we got the point and bringing it up every time adds unnecessary pathos.
The secondary characters are interesting too and I especially loved Hannah (Victoria’s best friend) and her unconventional family, and Soraya (Victoria’s oldest employee), who totally deserves her own story. An author’s note at the end of the book states that book two is in the making and that’s excellent news.
As I wrote above, The Secrets We Keep (and its pretty cover) is now my favourite book by this author. Which kind of surprises me, because I usually read Donna Jay’s books for the kink aspect and there’s none of that in this one. I like the way Jay writes power play and consent, and I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy a more vanilla romance, but Sadie and Victoria won me over. Also, the fact that there are some really steamy moments helps (this sentence feels like it needs a winking emoji).
Another reason why I always look forward to Donna Jay’s books is that she sets them in her own country, New Zealand, and doesn’t compromise on the language, doesn’t sanitise it for less adventurous readers. If you speak English, you’ll understand. You’ll grasp words that are unusual for you from the context and if you don’t, that’s what Google or your favourite search engine (I’m partial to Ecosia and Lilo myself) are for. A huge part of why I love reading fiction is escapism, finding myself immersed in another country, with different habits, different ways of life, different words and food is part of the fun and I want the whole package. So thank you, Donna Jay, for that. And for this story. I’m very much looking forward to Soraya’s now.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2021
Wow, this novel has seriously given me a case of book hangover! This is the first book I’ve read by this author despite that she has a good number of books in her catalogue and all with very good reviews. I think that the BDSM elements that she’s known for put me off. But when my friend Jude recommended this one to me saying it was a traditional romance, I jumped to read it and I wasn’t disappointed.
I love that this book deals with the difficult issue of homelessness. I thought it was very well done in the context of a romance novel, it showed the difficulty that a person faces while living on the streets (or a car, like in this case) without losing the focus that, after all, this is a romance and has to have a happy ending.
This is an age gap (26-40) and opposites attract romance and while the older character is distant and guarded, I wouldn’t put the ice queen label to describe her. It just keeps a mysterious aura about her that’s fun to uncover as we read along.
One of the things I liked most about this novel is the choice of point of view. It’s all written in first person but the first half of the book is written from Sadie’s point of view (the homeless, younger character) and the second half from Victoria’s. I think this was a very clever approach by Ms. Jay as it kept the enigmatic aura around Victoria in the first half and in the second the reader gets in her headspace and the story makes a full circle.
I know that this author is an active lesfic reader so my educated guess is that she used this knowledge to her advantage, especially at the end. First, she wrote a very satisfying epilogue, and second, she wrote a note promising a next book that will tie loose ends and feature a very important secondary character. That’s the way to do it, give the readers exactly what they want. I’m sure this will earn Ms. Jay more loyal fans... at least, I got hooked with this one. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series. Very well deserved 5 stars.
I love that this book deals with the difficult issue of homelessness. I thought it was very well done in the context of a romance novel, it showed the difficulty that a person faces while living on the streets (or a car, like in this case) without losing the focus that, after all, this is a romance and has to have a happy ending.
This is an age gap (26-40) and opposites attract romance and while the older character is distant and guarded, I wouldn’t put the ice queen label to describe her. It just keeps a mysterious aura about her that’s fun to uncover as we read along.
One of the things I liked most about this novel is the choice of point of view. It’s all written in first person but the first half of the book is written from Sadie’s point of view (the homeless, younger character) and the second half from Victoria’s. I think this was a very clever approach by Ms. Jay as it kept the enigmatic aura around Victoria in the first half and in the second the reader gets in her headspace and the story makes a full circle.
I know that this author is an active lesfic reader so my educated guess is that she used this knowledge to her advantage, especially at the end. First, she wrote a very satisfying epilogue, and second, she wrote a note promising a next book that will tie loose ends and feature a very important secondary character. That’s the way to do it, give the readers exactly what they want. I’m sure this will earn Ms. Jay more loyal fans... at least, I got hooked with this one. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series. Very well deserved 5 stars.
May 4, 2021
It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten a bad case of book hangover but here we are. I don’t want to leave the world of Victoria and Sadie just yet.
Sadie is twenty something, hungry to make her own way, and sweetly romantic which is why she gets hurt so often. Victoria is about to turn 40 and never been in love. She’s immersed in her successful business and can’t see the void in her life until Sadie sweeps in like a warm embrace.
Although the book is chock full of wit and visual humor, there are also moments of people at their most vulnerable. Sadie, on her last dime, struggles with fear and loneliness that is almost tangible. Victoria is still mentally dodging blows from childhood the way survivors often do and faces life with heavy walls firmly in place. Neither of them is perfect but their angsty passion driving them between yes and no is grin inducing and ridiculously hot. Add a bunch of friends who are loud and spectacular and you’ve got a genuinely special story. Looking forward to book 2.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Sadie is twenty something, hungry to make her own way, and sweetly romantic which is why she gets hurt so often. Victoria is about to turn 40 and never been in love. She’s immersed in her successful business and can’t see the void in her life until Sadie sweeps in like a warm embrace.
Although the book is chock full of wit and visual humor, there are also moments of people at their most vulnerable. Sadie, on her last dime, struggles with fear and loneliness that is almost tangible. Victoria is still mentally dodging blows from childhood the way survivors often do and faces life with heavy walls firmly in place. Neither of them is perfect but their angsty passion driving them between yes and no is grin inducing and ridiculously hot. Add a bunch of friends who are loud and spectacular and you’ve got a genuinely special story. Looking forward to book 2.
4.5 stars rounded up.
July 29, 2021
Victoria's... secret.
Now might be a good time to read this book if you haven’t because Book 2 (The People we Trust) of the Libellule series will be out in a couple of days. Many people have labelled this book Donna Jay’s best. I wouldn’t know because I’ve only read one other book (Corporate Lines) before this. But between the two, I definitely love this one more.
I love the premise of The Secrets we Keep. It's about a power imbalance couple (age-gap, boss/employee, rich/poor) and that trope is right up my alley. And then I realise there's more to the story than what the blurb lets on too. Jay surprises us with some sort of twist and lets us in on a little secret that makes the story more interesting than what the blurb suggests.
Jay certainly knows how to draw her readers in and I love that she knows her way around the power imbalance trope. The first half of the book is full of uncertainty. We’ve only got Sadie’s POV. She’s young, homeless and is struggling to make ends meet. She is hired as a cleaner in a beauty palour and I love that she works hard. She is also extremely independent and strives to retain her dignity even when the going gets tough. At the same time, she knows her place. She develops a crush on her older, rich boss but keeps her distance and I can fully understand why.
The second half is when everything falls into place. Before this, we can't figure Victoria out. But when we get Victoria's POV, it's like she's no longer unattainable and everything falls into place when Victoria learns to get priorities in life right. Sadie also grows into her own and blossoms. When she does, the power dynamics between them feels a whole lot less unequal. I like Sadie and Victoria as individuals. I think Jay has made them loveable characters on their own but I love them even more as a couple. The sex certainly got me all hot and bothered too. It's so steamy even without the fun kink that's in many of Jay's books.
Everyone else was right. This story is certainly good and I'm ready for Book 2. Bring it on!
I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now might be a good time to read this book if you haven’t because Book 2 (The People we Trust) of the Libellule series will be out in a couple of days. Many people have labelled this book Donna Jay’s best. I wouldn’t know because I’ve only read one other book (Corporate Lines) before this. But between the two, I definitely love this one more.
I love the premise of The Secrets we Keep. It's about a power imbalance couple (age-gap, boss/employee, rich/poor) and that trope is right up my alley. And then I realise there's more to the story than what the blurb lets on too. Jay surprises us with some sort of twist and lets us in on a little secret that makes the story more interesting than what the blurb suggests.
Jay certainly knows how to draw her readers in and I love that she knows her way around the power imbalance trope. The first half of the book is full of uncertainty. We’ve only got Sadie’s POV. She’s young, homeless and is struggling to make ends meet. She is hired as a cleaner in a beauty palour and I love that she works hard. She is also extremely independent and strives to retain her dignity even when the going gets tough. At the same time, she knows her place. She develops a crush on her older, rich boss but keeps her distance and I can fully understand why.
The second half is when everything falls into place. Before this, we can't figure Victoria out. But when we get Victoria's POV, it's like she's no longer unattainable and everything falls into place when Victoria learns to get priorities in life right. Sadie also grows into her own and blossoms. When she does, the power dynamics between them feels a whole lot less unequal. I like Sadie and Victoria as individuals. I think Jay has made them loveable characters on their own but I love them even more as a couple. The sex certainly got me all hot and bothered too. It's so steamy even without the fun kink that's in many of Jay's books.
Everyone else was right. This story is certainly good and I'm ready for Book 2. Bring it on!
I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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April 13, 2025An age-gap, rich-girl/poor-girl lesbian romance that embraces the big, crazy, complicated mess of fixing two broken hearts that belong together.
For those doing Jae's Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 Challenge this book fits:
** Non-US/UK setting
** Favourite trope (age-gap)
** Unusual job
** Safer sex
** Full-time writer
BUY links Below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
Amazon CA
Apple Books
Kobo
For those doing Jae's Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 Challenge this book fits:
** Non-US/UK setting
** Favourite trope (age-gap)
** Unusual job
** Safer sex
** Full-time writer
BUY links Below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
Amazon CA
Apple Books
Kobo
April 1, 2021
Oh boy did I love this feel-good romance! Jay normally writes more spicy romances and thus I was very curious what this one would be like. I can tell you that she did not disappoint, reading this book was like relaxing in a hot tub with your best friend: warm, comfortable, pure and good conversations about things that matter. It's a lovely slow burn and I almost read it in one sitting (but I had to sleep in between because I'm still recovering and need a lot of sleep).
I liked both MC's but also the supporting cast. Not all characters were likeable for me. But in a good book, you don't have to like everything that happens. Life isn't a utopia and I don't mind reading about characters flaws. Both Sadie and Victoria are charming and witty in their own way. Sadie maybe comes across as a little wanton and Victoria more distant (on the outside). And when you laugh out loud several times, I think I can say it also is a funny book. The tennis joke has been retold already (it was such a lame and silly joked I did a very ugly bark-laugh!).
The setting really spoke to me. I tend to like rich-poor and age gap romances. In this case, the rich-poor was somewhat extreme because Sadie starts out living in her car, so I really rooted for her. There is some power imbalance between Sadie and Victoria in the book, logically because one is the employer and the other the employee. The former also providing a roof makes that naturally there are feelings of imbalance. Charming as Victoria is, she made sure Sadie came out stronger.
After reading all of Jay's books, I'd like to think I'm learning more and more about New Zealand and the people who live there. In this book it's painfully clear how tough it is in the real estate market, I couldn't imagine needing to board because paying rent or buying a house is so difficult. So, when you'd like an authentic and great read that's set in New Zealand, surely pick up this book!
The author provided me with a copy and I'm gladly leaving a review.
I liked both MC's but also the supporting cast. Not all characters were likeable for me. But in a good book, you don't have to like everything that happens. Life isn't a utopia and I don't mind reading about characters flaws. Both Sadie and Victoria are charming and witty in their own way. Sadie maybe comes across as a little wanton and Victoria more distant (on the outside). And when you laugh out loud several times, I think I can say it also is a funny book. The tennis joke has been retold already (it was such a lame and silly joked I did a very ugly bark-laugh!).
The setting really spoke to me. I tend to like rich-poor and age gap romances. In this case, the rich-poor was somewhat extreme because Sadie starts out living in her car, so I really rooted for her. There is some power imbalance between Sadie and Victoria in the book, logically because one is the employer and the other the employee. The former also providing a roof makes that naturally there are feelings of imbalance. Charming as Victoria is, she made sure Sadie came out stronger.
After reading all of Jay's books, I'd like to think I'm learning more and more about New Zealand and the people who live there. In this book it's painfully clear how tough it is in the real estate market, I couldn't imagine needing to board because paying rent or buying a house is so difficult. So, when you'd like an authentic and great read that's set in New Zealand, surely pick up this book!
The author provided me with a copy and I'm gladly leaving a review.
April 6, 2021
Simply Terrific!
I've read a few of Donna Jay's books and this one might be her best yet!
As an Australian I enjoy the almost-familiar-yet-unknown feel of New Zealand and the author excels at incorporating "slice of life" details into her books without losing focus on her characters. Sadie and Victoria are both strong women who have been hurt and seeing them find each other makes for some great feel-good moments, lots of laugh-out-loud-worthy banter and some (hot!) sexy times, with less kink and more joy than we're used to reading from Donna.
Having the story told from Sadie's perspective then switching tracks around halfway to Victoria's point-of-view works really well, and I think I prefer this technique to the more common alternating chapters seen in dual-point-of-view novels.
This is a stand-alone "age gap", workplace, rich-girl/poor-girl story with a well-written and loveable supporting cast, at least one of whom will be getting their own story in a future novel.
I had a great time in this world. I give the book five stars and a high recommendation.
I've read a few of Donna Jay's books and this one might be her best yet!
As an Australian I enjoy the almost-familiar-yet-unknown feel of New Zealand and the author excels at incorporating "slice of life" details into her books without losing focus on her characters. Sadie and Victoria are both strong women who have been hurt and seeing them find each other makes for some great feel-good moments, lots of laugh-out-loud-worthy banter and some (hot!) sexy times, with less kink and more joy than we're used to reading from Donna.
Having the story told from Sadie's perspective then switching tracks around halfway to Victoria's point-of-view works really well, and I think I prefer this technique to the more common alternating chapters seen in dual-point-of-view novels.
This is a stand-alone "age gap", workplace, rich-girl/poor-girl story with a well-written and loveable supporting cast, at least one of whom will be getting their own story in a future novel.
I had a great time in this world. I give the book five stars and a high recommendation.
April 7, 2021
I didn't know what to expect when I started this because Donna Jay said it was going to be a departure from her previous books. Less spicy, primarily, and she even wondered if she shouldn't release it under a different pen name. I found it to be very much like her previous works, however, minus a little kink. I loved that the first half of the story was told by one MC, then the second half by the other because you get to see the perspective of each. How often do we wish we had that? I also appreciated that Sadie was a non-traditional MC in lesfic. It's rare that we get mains who are down on their luck and just need to catch a break.
**SPOILERS TO FOLLOW**
While I really appreciated the dual first person point of view, I felt like Victoria was a completely different character in the second half than she was through Sadie's eyes in the first. Was this intentional, I wonder? She was this wealthy, classy woman and the way she spoke seemed completely out of character for her.
For this to work, a reader has to understand why Victoria was willing to break all her "no dating employees or clients" hard and fast rule for Sadie. I felt like I needed to see more interaction between them to buy in. Almost right away Victoria invited Sadie to live with her to get her off the street (which was very kind and generous) but there were no boss/employee boundaries from the get-go. Why? Was it simply a matter of physical attraction? Again, I didn't see that in the text. I liked what little I knew about Sadie, but she'd just come off the street, had absolutely nothing to her name, and had been living in her car. Victoria knew virtually nothing about her. I needed more to understand why Victoria was so drawn to her and why she was willing to open up to her in the way she did.
I also found it a bit confounding that when Victoria wanted to make up with Sadie and show her how much she cared, she decided to do it with that sexual massage. I mean...don't get me wrong. The massage technique is hot. But is that what you would do if you had really hurt the woman you'd just started seeing and wanted to win her back? Offer something more physical than emotional? I wish Donna had saved that for another story or book (or for part 2 of that book) because like I said - HOT - but it seemed like a bit of an odd choice.
All of this said, this is one of Donna's best reviewed books and what appeals to us is all really a matter of personal preference. I'm happy so many people enjoyed it! I always appreciate that she sets all her books in New Zealand and we get a glimpse at her beautiful part of her world. 3.5 stars
**SPOILERS TO FOLLOW**
While I really appreciated the dual first person point of view, I felt like Victoria was a completely different character in the second half than she was through Sadie's eyes in the first. Was this intentional, I wonder? She was this wealthy, classy woman and the way she spoke seemed completely out of character for her.
For this to work, a reader has to understand why Victoria was willing to break all her "no dating employees or clients" hard and fast rule for Sadie. I felt like I needed to see more interaction between them to buy in. Almost right away Victoria invited Sadie to live with her to get her off the street (which was very kind and generous) but there were no boss/employee boundaries from the get-go. Why? Was it simply a matter of physical attraction? Again, I didn't see that in the text. I liked what little I knew about Sadie, but she'd just come off the street, had absolutely nothing to her name, and had been living in her car. Victoria knew virtually nothing about her. I needed more to understand why Victoria was so drawn to her and why she was willing to open up to her in the way she did.
I also found it a bit confounding that when Victoria wanted to make up with Sadie and show her how much she cared, she decided to do it with that sexual massage. I mean...don't get me wrong. The massage technique is hot. But is that what you would do if you had really hurt the woman you'd just started seeing and wanted to win her back? Offer something more physical than emotional? I wish Donna had saved that for another story or book (or for part 2 of that book) because like I said - HOT - but it seemed like a bit of an odd choice.
All of this said, this is one of Donna's best reviewed books and what appeals to us is all really a matter of personal preference. I'm happy so many people enjoyed it! I always appreciate that she sets all her books in New Zealand and we get a glimpse at her beautiful part of her world. 3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
So far 44 hours was my favourite book by Donna but after reading this book I have to say that this is my new number one. It’s the first book that she has written in first person. A point of view I love when it’s written well. And Donna did so much more than only writing it well.
This book has everything I love. So many feelings and 2 MCs that are so lovable and I fell in love with. Because the first part is written from Sadies point of view and the second is from Victoria‘s, I connected more with Sadie in the first part. And wow she is just lovable and has such a pure heart. She just speaks what’s on her mind. Something I love very much in a character/person. What I also love about her is that she has her own opinion and believes but is open to learn and look at things from a different point of view. The attraction she feels towards Victoria is there right away and I just wanted to push her more and more into her direction. The chemistry without touching is exceptional.
Then in the second part it’s when you get to really know Victoria. Not that you didn’t before. I already liked her a lot but knew there were some secrets I longed to know more about. What you feel right away is how much she cares for Sadie, even if she tries to keep her distance. But it was so wonderful to witness to see her change and how she starts to realise what’s really important in life.
I won’t reveal anything else about this story. But I can’t recommend it enough. This story touched my heart, it made me laugh (I just love Donna’s humour) and cry. And I loved so much that even if one is rich and the other poor, you never notice this in how both treat each other. They are totally equals and just made for each other.
I also learned some new things and it made me look at some things from a different perspective. Then sometimes just because something isn’t for us, that doesn’t mean it’s also not for others.
So if you’re a lover of an age-gap story with lots of heart, chemistry and some wonderful little side stories, this definitely is a must read for you. I can’t wait for the next book that’s already in the making. 😍
This book has everything I love. So many feelings and 2 MCs that are so lovable and I fell in love with. Because the first part is written from Sadies point of view and the second is from Victoria‘s, I connected more with Sadie in the first part. And wow she is just lovable and has such a pure heart. She just speaks what’s on her mind. Something I love very much in a character/person. What I also love about her is that she has her own opinion and believes but is open to learn and look at things from a different point of view. The attraction she feels towards Victoria is there right away and I just wanted to push her more and more into her direction. The chemistry without touching is exceptional.
Then in the second part it’s when you get to really know Victoria. Not that you didn’t before. I already liked her a lot but knew there were some secrets I longed to know more about. What you feel right away is how much she cares for Sadie, even if she tries to keep her distance. But it was so wonderful to witness to see her change and how she starts to realise what’s really important in life.
I won’t reveal anything else about this story. But I can’t recommend it enough. This story touched my heart, it made me laugh (I just love Donna’s humour) and cry. And I loved so much that even if one is rich and the other poor, you never notice this in how both treat each other. They are totally equals and just made for each other.
I also learned some new things and it made me look at some things from a different perspective. Then sometimes just because something isn’t for us, that doesn’t mean it’s also not for others.
So if you’re a lover of an age-gap story with lots of heart, chemistry and some wonderful little side stories, this definitely is a must read for you. I can’t wait for the next book that’s already in the making. 😍
March 24, 2021
Let me start by asking if you have ever fallen for the characters in stories you read? OMG, I do and often for the characters Donna Jay creates. She develops characters who have layers to their personalities and supporting characters that only add greater depth and understanding, and bring so much more flavour to the story. I always feel as if I’m part of their circle; it’s like being with friends.
This story is in first-person, which I think has to be so difficult to maintain, but Jay is spot-on throughout. I loved that she gave voice to both MCs in the story so that we can feel the emotions each (Sadie and Victoria) are going through. She introduces a difficult subject that is prevalent everywhere and makes us (me, at least) think ‘what if’. What if that happened to me? How would I be able to cope? Would I be as strong as Sadie? And to watch how both Sadie and Victoria grow as individuals throughout the story was not just enlightening, but also entertaining. No spoilers—you’ll have to read it to find out.
I also love Jay’s ability to make me laugh; her quirky humour and use of puns has made her one of my fav and go-to authors to read. She creates dialogue that feels realistic and true to the characters. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of heat in here also. It may not be the type of kinky sex scenes we are used to, but trust me, you’ll be rewarded. And did I mention her humour? I’ll just say that I now see my vegetables in a new way. Again, no spoilers. Just sayin’.
And I can’t wait for the story to continue…
This story is in first-person, which I think has to be so difficult to maintain, but Jay is spot-on throughout. I loved that she gave voice to both MCs in the story so that we can feel the emotions each (Sadie and Victoria) are going through. She introduces a difficult subject that is prevalent everywhere and makes us (me, at least) think ‘what if’. What if that happened to me? How would I be able to cope? Would I be as strong as Sadie? And to watch how both Sadie and Victoria grow as individuals throughout the story was not just enlightening, but also entertaining. No spoilers—you’ll have to read it to find out.
I also love Jay’s ability to make me laugh; her quirky humour and use of puns has made her one of my fav and go-to authors to read. She creates dialogue that feels realistic and true to the characters. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of heat in here also. It may not be the type of kinky sex scenes we are used to, but trust me, you’ll be rewarded. And did I mention her humour? I’ll just say that I now see my vegetables in a new way. Again, no spoilers. Just sayin’.
And I can’t wait for the story to continue…
December 4, 2022
A bad break up puts Sadie on the street. She can't go back home so resorts to sleeping in her car. Working as a cleaner when jobs are available, she sneaks in showering and doing laundry while house cleaning. It's only a matter of time before she's caught by a customer and instantly fired. An interview for a beauty shop cleaner brings her to meet with Victoria and so begins the tale of Victoria and Sadie.
The author pulls you into her latest book with an intriguing plot. Her lead characters are so different but somehow fit together. You experience Sadie's angst and trepidation but she refuses to let life beat her down. She is written as a caring young woman, hardworking and savvy yet somewhat naive but determined to make something of herself. Smart, she will prove to be an excellent keeper of secrets.
Victoria is Libellule 's proprietor, but this is no ordinary beauty parlor. "Libellule" is the French word for dragonfly and means change and change is exactly what Sadie and Victoria will have to face. Past hurts impact Victoria resulting in strict rules for her personal and business lives and she has her own anxieties. She seems a cold woman hiding her emotions behind walls erected for protection until Sadie enters her life.
Family drama, emotions, angst and sex are perfectly balanced in this slow burn romance and supporting characters are well developed, adding to the overall inclusive and expansive storyline.
Kudos Donna for this eye opening 5 star romance. I'm looking forward to reading Soraya's story and more in the series. Easily recommend and on my favorite's shelf.
The author pulls you into her latest book with an intriguing plot. Her lead characters are so different but somehow fit together. You experience Sadie's angst and trepidation but she refuses to let life beat her down. She is written as a caring young woman, hardworking and savvy yet somewhat naive but determined to make something of herself. Smart, she will prove to be an excellent keeper of secrets.
Victoria is Libellule 's proprietor, but this is no ordinary beauty parlor. "Libellule" is the French word for dragonfly and means change and change is exactly what Sadie and Victoria will have to face. Past hurts impact Victoria resulting in strict rules for her personal and business lives and she has her own anxieties. She seems a cold woman hiding her emotions behind walls erected for protection until Sadie enters her life.
Family drama, emotions, angst and sex are perfectly balanced in this slow burn romance and supporting characters are well developed, adding to the overall inclusive and expansive storyline.
Kudos Donna for this eye opening 5 star romance. I'm looking forward to reading Soraya's story and more in the series. Easily recommend and on my favorite's shelf.
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars.
Lovely age gap romance, well written and great characters and some very nice and interesting side characters too. I am not going to talk about the story itself. You can read about that in the blurb and other reviews on goodreads. I hope there is going to be a follow up to this book, perhaps about Soraya and that we get to hear more about Sadie and Victoria and how they are going on.
Recommend.
Lovely age gap romance, well written and great characters and some very nice and interesting side characters too. I am not going to talk about the story itself. You can read about that in the blurb and other reviews on goodreads. I hope there is going to be a follow up to this book, perhaps about Soraya and that we get to hear more about Sadie and Victoria and how they are going on.
Recommend.
July 29, 2021
"The Secrets we Keep" is my first book by Donna Jay and I like it a lot.
It's an interesting story of two very different women, set in New Zealand.
I love that the story is written in first person (from both main characters).
The characters feel authentic and are likable. Sadie's sense of humor is great, too.
I don't want to reveal any secrets, so that's all I'm going to say in my review.
It's an interesting story of two very different women, set in New Zealand.
I love that the story is written in first person (from both main characters).
The characters feel authentic and are likable. Sadie's sense of humor is great, too.
I don't want to reveal any secrets, so that's all I'm going to say in my review.
April 12, 2021
This one grabbed me right off the bat with the character and the circumstances she found herself in. Young and living out of her car, Sadie’s desperation and good intentions were well told using first person narration. There was a bit of a lull, but then the author changed POV from the one main to the other and renewed my interest. This will be a series and I will definitely look for the second installment when available.
April 9, 2021
4 star - I really enjoyed this one
You know its a good book when you use every possible period of down time to read a few pages: Waiting for my toast to toast, bathroom breaks, long traffic lights, spouse glancing at her phone for 2 seconds during a conversation … you guys know what I mean. :)
I just really liked both characters and the interesting twist I was not expecting added something different to the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
You know its a good book when you use every possible period of down time to read a few pages: Waiting for my toast to toast, bathroom breaks, long traffic lights, spouse glancing at her phone for 2 seconds during a conversation … you guys know what I mean. :)
I just really liked both characters and the interesting twist I was not expecting added something different to the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 4, 2021
Interesting book - Donna Jay is always worth a read - and loved the start and the ending. Don't know why, but lost impetuous in the middle. Left a few stray ends and promised a sequel via different characters which I'd certainly buy.
November 25, 2021
Loved it ❤️ A lot less kink than the usual, which I have come to expect from Donna Jay but with a delightful setting; rich girl-poor girl, age-gap, workplace romance with a side of ice and a dash of angst.
High 4+ ⭐️
High 4+ ⭐️
March 29, 2021
When two different worlds collide
Sadie is down on her luck, she’s 25 and her house... well it’s her car. She makes money cleaning and of course that also hits a little snafu along the way. Because when you’re down, life will always push you down a little further.
It made me think, what if this would happen to me, would I be as strong as Sadie, I hope so. It does tackle something that happens more than you think.
Victoria’s life is well ordered, she doesn’t like her life turned upside down, no chaos in her ordered existence and absolutely no-workplace relationships. She is strict and a little uptight. She’s made sure her heart is well protected by the walls she’s built around it.
Victoria is also a business owner of a beauty parlour that’s in need of a cleaner. Enter Sadie..
Donna Jay decided to write a different story than we are used to from her and I have to say, she doesn’t disappoint. The story is also written in a first person point of view. Also something new from Donna. This is a slow burn age gap rich-girl/poor-girl story and I think this is the best book Donna has written so far!
Like always Donna adds so much layers and personalities to the characters, this gives you an even better understanding of what drives them.
The first part of the story is written in Sadie’s pov and if you are like me and you are itching to know what Victoria is thinking and feeling, rest assured part 2 of the story is written in Victoria’s pov.
Sadie’s story just grabs your attention and you just have to know more and before you know it you are hooked. And that’s before Victoria even enters the picture. Because wow, Victoria is so well written, you just have to know what’s going to happen.
What I also liked about the story are the side characters. Donna did an excellent job writing them and I feel that some (or at least one) of them deserves to appear in a second book as a main character.
And of course the humour! I really like Donna’s sense of quirky humour, she makes me laugh out loud and that is something I really like in her stories.
In all of Donna’s books there are places, names, sayings that are from her country New Zealand and this story isn’t different. I always love to read those things and I find it makes her books special in a way.
There’s no BDSM between the MC’s in this book, but please don’t let that put you off. There are plenty of other situations happening and the story is so good, I don’t feel you’ll be disappointed at all. It does make you look at vegetables in a totally different way, just saying.
Sadie is down on her luck, she’s 25 and her house... well it’s her car. She makes money cleaning and of course that also hits a little snafu along the way. Because when you’re down, life will always push you down a little further.
It made me think, what if this would happen to me, would I be as strong as Sadie, I hope so. It does tackle something that happens more than you think.
Victoria’s life is well ordered, she doesn’t like her life turned upside down, no chaos in her ordered existence and absolutely no-workplace relationships. She is strict and a little uptight. She’s made sure her heart is well protected by the walls she’s built around it.
Victoria is also a business owner of a beauty parlour that’s in need of a cleaner. Enter Sadie..
Donna Jay decided to write a different story than we are used to from her and I have to say, she doesn’t disappoint. The story is also written in a first person point of view. Also something new from Donna. This is a slow burn age gap rich-girl/poor-girl story and I think this is the best book Donna has written so far!
Like always Donna adds so much layers and personalities to the characters, this gives you an even better understanding of what drives them.
The first part of the story is written in Sadie’s pov and if you are like me and you are itching to know what Victoria is thinking and feeling, rest assured part 2 of the story is written in Victoria’s pov.
Sadie’s story just grabs your attention and you just have to know more and before you know it you are hooked. And that’s before Victoria even enters the picture. Because wow, Victoria is so well written, you just have to know what’s going to happen.
What I also liked about the story are the side characters. Donna did an excellent job writing them and I feel that some (or at least one) of them deserves to appear in a second book as a main character.
And of course the humour! I really like Donna’s sense of quirky humour, she makes me laugh out loud and that is something I really like in her stories.
In all of Donna’s books there are places, names, sayings that are from her country New Zealand and this story isn’t different. I always love to read those things and I find it makes her books special in a way.
There’s no BDSM between the MC’s in this book, but please don’t let that put you off. There are plenty of other situations happening and the story is so good, I don’t feel you’ll be disappointed at all. It does make you look at vegetables in a totally different way, just saying.
April 3, 2021
4.5*
Yay for a book two eventually!
Yay for a book two eventually!
April 7, 2021
Right place and right time
This story has many moving moments. From the moment when person can't get a break and gets hit time after time. To the moment when opportunities and happy times come into life.
I loved the connection between main characters. The way their relationship grew. They way it ended. Wonderful story.
This story has many moving moments. From the moment when person can't get a break and gets hit time after time. To the moment when opportunities and happy times come into life.
I loved the connection between main characters. The way their relationship grew. They way it ended. Wonderful story.
February 19, 2022
Heartbreaking Yet Heartwarming!
I am a fan of Donna Jay. Her storytelling takes me to some fascinating places. Sweet adventures with a story wrapped around. I had this book downloaded for awhile. Like all her other books, as soon as I started I had to read it through the night. Sadie was so down on her luck. Her father left her and her mum when Sadie was young. When Sadie got caught up with her girlfriend at the time, her mother basically told her not to come home if it all falls apart. So when she couldn’t handle her ex’s drinking and pissing their money away, she left. Being broke and no where to go, she looked for jobs all while living in her car. After being fired from her last job, doing something so stupid, she gets a job at a salon. But soon realizes this job is very different and the boss, is making all her parts tingle. But she needs this job and along with her boss, Victoria, she has to make a go of it. Things start to unravel and suddenly Sadie and Victoria have secrets of their own. This book was so good. The story reveals itself to the workings of the salon, of Victoria and Sadie. Looking forward to book two!
I am a fan of Donna Jay. Her storytelling takes me to some fascinating places. Sweet adventures with a story wrapped around. I had this book downloaded for awhile. Like all her other books, as soon as I started I had to read it through the night. Sadie was so down on her luck. Her father left her and her mum when Sadie was young. When Sadie got caught up with her girlfriend at the time, her mother basically told her not to come home if it all falls apart. So when she couldn’t handle her ex’s drinking and pissing their money away, she left. Being broke and no where to go, she looked for jobs all while living in her car. After being fired from her last job, doing something so stupid, she gets a job at a salon. But soon realizes this job is very different and the boss, is making all her parts tingle. But she needs this job and along with her boss, Victoria, she has to make a go of it. Things start to unravel and suddenly Sadie and Victoria have secrets of their own. This book was so good. The story reveals itself to the workings of the salon, of Victoria and Sadie. Looking forward to book two!
Read
February 20, 2026wow
This book was absolutely amazing! From start to finish I was so stuck on it. I love when I can feel the connection and every emotion between the characters. This is the first book I read by this author and I’m so excited to read more. Definitely one of my top 5 favorites. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book was absolutely amazing! From start to finish I was so stuck on it. I love when I can feel the connection and every emotion between the characters. This is the first book I read by this author and I’m so excited to read more. Definitely one of my top 5 favorites. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 3, 2022
huka prawn park: ❌️
hooker porn park: ✅️
😏
a delightful read. also funny, sweet, and hot. 😊
hooker porn park: ✅️
😏
a delightful read. also funny, sweet, and hot. 😊
May 11, 2021
Okay so I hadn't actually planned on picking this book up this month but it kept popping up on my feed and then i saw it had some of my favorite tropes and I couldn't pass it up. I was sure this was gonna be a five star read but unfortunately it didn't quite make the cut.
First of all, one thing that made me pick this up was cause I saw a lot of people tagging it ''ice-queen'' but I just didn't think you could consider Victoria (or Sadie duh) an ice queen. I don't know if there's something wrong with me but I couldn't really see it. Of course that's not the authors fault though.
Second, this book was devided in two parts, the first part being Sadie's POV and the second part being Victorias. I don't know what it was but it wasn't my cup of tea. I would probably have preferred it switching POV's between the chapters or just sticking to one of the character's but of course that's just my opinion.
The last thing is also something that might just be me but the whole time reading this, although I had a hard time putting it down, I felt like something was missing. I'm not sure what so I can't really decribe it but there was just something, I can't quite put my finger on it.
I still really enjoyed it though hence the four stars. I liked both the characters, I like most of the side characters. There was great chemistry, lots of humor and lots of steamy moments. I also enjoyed Donna Jay's writing and it made me even more intrigued to pick up some of her other books that I've had on my TBR for a while.
I have read two other Donna Jay books before but this was by far my favorite. Definently recommend it!
First of all, one thing that made me pick this up was cause I saw a lot of people tagging it ''ice-queen'' but I just didn't think you could consider Victoria (or Sadie duh) an ice queen. I don't know if there's something wrong with me but I couldn't really see it. Of course that's not the authors fault though.
Second, this book was devided in two parts, the first part being Sadie's POV and the second part being Victorias. I don't know what it was but it wasn't my cup of tea. I would probably have preferred it switching POV's between the chapters or just sticking to one of the character's but of course that's just my opinion.
The last thing is also something that might just be me but the whole time reading this, although I had a hard time putting it down, I felt like something was missing. I'm not sure what so I can't really decribe it but there was just something, I can't quite put my finger on it.
I still really enjoyed it though hence the four stars. I liked both the characters, I like most of the side characters. There was great chemistry, lots of humor and lots of steamy moments. I also enjoyed Donna Jay's writing and it made me even more intrigued to pick up some of her other books that I've had on my TBR for a while.
I have read two other Donna Jay books before but this was by far my favorite. Definently recommend it!
May 22, 2021
Love it! I really enjoyed reading this book. And with me just back from holiday in NZ, I was really excited to recognised a few places that this book had mentioned.
The relationship between the 2 characters are sweet. I like how Victoria tends to insert a joke or two in the conversation to throw the other person of guard. I like the messages that this story gave us. That sometimes people deserve a second chance - in a different types of scenarios.
All in all. I enjoyed it every much.
The relationship between the 2 characters are sweet. I like how Victoria tends to insert a joke or two in the conversation to throw the other person of guard. I like the messages that this story gave us. That sometimes people deserve a second chance - in a different types of scenarios.
All in all. I enjoyed it every much.
August 13, 2021
Tantalizing and secretly eye opening
I liked everything of this book. It captivated my curiosity from the title, and I loved the cover, simple, warm and with clean lines. And what a surprise was to flip page after page.
This is the second book I’ve read by Donna Jay and I like her style and her characters, women who seem to have lost everything in their lives, suffered injustices and are haunted by this sort of bad luck at the beginning. But they never commiserate themselves and keep on being content of what they have, never losing what is most important for them: “their dignity”. And so is Sadie, an apparently clumsy and shy character at first, but that in the course of the book shows how much she’s capable of “surviving” of never “being defeated”. After a breakup with her girlfriend and finding herself homeless, she kept working as a cleaner with her chin up, until one single mistake shakes up the core of her life and she’s forced to look for another job. And that’s when she meets Victoria, the owner of a beauty parlor, or so it seemed. I won’t say anything about it not to spoil it!
An age-gap, ice-queen, story that will tantalize your fantasies, with the beautiful background scenery of Lake Taupo, in New Zealand, and with the constant question of how long can secrets be kept, how long can you keep on living your life the way you always had, making yourself believe that you’ve had it all, you don’t need anyone or anything. Deep down, the lies we tell ourselves become secrets that our conscience will hear directly from the only thing that can never lie: the heart.
What I also loved is the little witty game of cat and mouse between Sadie and Victoria, and the reversing of roles in the second part of the book. It pleasantly surprised me and let me enjoy the reading so much, like a sort of “Catch me if you can” story, like catching the mentioned “Dragonfly”, which as the book explains, it means “Change”. And if I thought that at the beginning only Sadie was going to change, I was happily proved wrong with the metamorphosis of Victoria.
What else can you expect in this book? A lot of banter, lovable quirky friendships, teasing sexy scenes, sweet and romantic dates, to-die-for landscapes and settings, but most of all, this book will make you question how never to judge or come to conclusions about what makes you uncomfortable.
To open your mind to unusual lifestyles and to open your heart and not be afraid to love and be loved, putting yourself in the risky position of being hurt. Vulnerability and losing control are the key to open yourself to the one who’s able to breach your armor. Letting your armor and mask down is scary, but so rewarding. Love is worth fighting for. No matter how much you've been hurt in your past.
Can’t wait to read The People we Trust and learn more about the other characters in the book!
I liked everything of this book. It captivated my curiosity from the title, and I loved the cover, simple, warm and with clean lines. And what a surprise was to flip page after page.
This is the second book I’ve read by Donna Jay and I like her style and her characters, women who seem to have lost everything in their lives, suffered injustices and are haunted by this sort of bad luck at the beginning. But they never commiserate themselves and keep on being content of what they have, never losing what is most important for them: “their dignity”. And so is Sadie, an apparently clumsy and shy character at first, but that in the course of the book shows how much she’s capable of “surviving” of never “being defeated”. After a breakup with her girlfriend and finding herself homeless, she kept working as a cleaner with her chin up, until one single mistake shakes up the core of her life and she’s forced to look for another job. And that’s when she meets Victoria, the owner of a beauty parlor, or so it seemed. I won’t say anything about it not to spoil it!
An age-gap, ice-queen, story that will tantalize your fantasies, with the beautiful background scenery of Lake Taupo, in New Zealand, and with the constant question of how long can secrets be kept, how long can you keep on living your life the way you always had, making yourself believe that you’ve had it all, you don’t need anyone or anything. Deep down, the lies we tell ourselves become secrets that our conscience will hear directly from the only thing that can never lie: the heart.
What I also loved is the little witty game of cat and mouse between Sadie and Victoria, and the reversing of roles in the second part of the book. It pleasantly surprised me and let me enjoy the reading so much, like a sort of “Catch me if you can” story, like catching the mentioned “Dragonfly”, which as the book explains, it means “Change”. And if I thought that at the beginning only Sadie was going to change, I was happily proved wrong with the metamorphosis of Victoria.
What else can you expect in this book? A lot of banter, lovable quirky friendships, teasing sexy scenes, sweet and romantic dates, to-die-for landscapes and settings, but most of all, this book will make you question how never to judge or come to conclusions about what makes you uncomfortable.
To open your mind to unusual lifestyles and to open your heart and not be afraid to love and be loved, putting yourself in the risky position of being hurt. Vulnerability and losing control are the key to open yourself to the one who’s able to breach your armor. Letting your armor and mask down is scary, but so rewarding. Love is worth fighting for. No matter how much you've been hurt in your past.
Can’t wait to read The People we Trust and learn more about the other characters in the book!
April 7, 2021
A slow-burn lesbian romance, The Secrets we Keep makes lovely use of the opposites attract aspect of Sadie and Victoria's relationship. In addition to the not-insignificant age-gap between them, there's also a divide of wealth, living situations, careers, and emotional vulnerability. What makes this such a delight is that while Donna Jay incorporates all of that into the story, she never makes either character feel 'lesser' than the other.
Written in the first-person, with Sadie narrating the first half of the story and Victoria the second, the book really takes us inside the character's minds, allowing us to directly relate to what they're thinking and feeling. Sadie's chapters are warmer and more emotional, filled with a bit more humor, but it's Victoria's that give it all significance, making us appreciate the emotional investment required to bridge the gaps between them.
I fell in love with Sadie from the start, and found myself feeling very protective of her. She's such a wonderful young woman, so determine and so resilient, you can't help but want everything to work out for her. What I felt for Victoria was more admiration, a fairy tale sort of longing for who she is and what she represents, and if I chafed at some of her actions, that just made her half of the story that much more rewarding. The supporting cast of women at the massage parlor are wonderful as well, vibrant women with bigger-than-life personalities, and I'm ridiculously excited to know that Soraya will be getting her own story.
On that note, I loved the whole concept of the salon with 'extra' services. It's sexy, and a little bit kinky, but it's also wonderfully empowering. I also loved the discussions the characters had about sex, romance, orientation, and expression, and the open, enthusiastic acceptance of a transgender woman coming for lesbian services made my heart sing. It's another thematic exploration of opposites, contrasting the sordid stereotypes of such a salon with the sweet reality of the women involved, and seeing them outside of work, especially at Hannah's home, further accentuates that.
Getting back to the romance, the will-they/won't-they sexual tension of the story is beautifully done, making us crazy with desire on their behalf, yet never pushing it so far that we're more relieved to have it over than we are to see Sadie and Victoria together. My heart broke when they fought, but it soared when they loved, and that's everything you want in a romance. The Secrets we Keep is just an altogether wonderful lesbian romance, beautifully told, with fabulous characters, the latest in a string of five-star delights from Donna Jay.
https://www.sallybend.com/2021/04/rom...
Written in the first-person, with Sadie narrating the first half of the story and Victoria the second, the book really takes us inside the character's minds, allowing us to directly relate to what they're thinking and feeling. Sadie's chapters are warmer and more emotional, filled with a bit more humor, but it's Victoria's that give it all significance, making us appreciate the emotional investment required to bridge the gaps between them.
I fell in love with Sadie from the start, and found myself feeling very protective of her. She's such a wonderful young woman, so determine and so resilient, you can't help but want everything to work out for her. What I felt for Victoria was more admiration, a fairy tale sort of longing for who she is and what she represents, and if I chafed at some of her actions, that just made her half of the story that much more rewarding. The supporting cast of women at the massage parlor are wonderful as well, vibrant women with bigger-than-life personalities, and I'm ridiculously excited to know that Soraya will be getting her own story.
On that note, I loved the whole concept of the salon with 'extra' services. It's sexy, and a little bit kinky, but it's also wonderfully empowering. I also loved the discussions the characters had about sex, romance, orientation, and expression, and the open, enthusiastic acceptance of a transgender woman coming for lesbian services made my heart sing. It's another thematic exploration of opposites, contrasting the sordid stereotypes of such a salon with the sweet reality of the women involved, and seeing them outside of work, especially at Hannah's home, further accentuates that.
Getting back to the romance, the will-they/won't-they sexual tension of the story is beautifully done, making us crazy with desire on their behalf, yet never pushing it so far that we're more relieved to have it over than we are to see Sadie and Victoria together. My heart broke when they fought, but it soared when they loved, and that's everything you want in a romance. The Secrets we Keep is just an altogether wonderful lesbian romance, beautifully told, with fabulous characters, the latest in a string of five-star delights from Donna Jay.
https://www.sallybend.com/2021/04/rom...
April 5, 2021
After reading this book I did something I had never done before: I immediately read it again. I just wasn't ready to let go of Sadie and Victoria. There were so many funny scenes and puns that I just wanted to experience them again.
Ok, I admit it - it was mostly Sadie. I am completely in love with her. Donna not only created the girl of my dreams she had me spending a little more than half of the book in her head. This is not my first book in first person perspective, but I've never been so captivated - I really felt what Sadie felt, I saw through her eyes. I lived through her despair of being homeless but could also feel her strength and determination to achieve her goal. A simple goal most of us take for granted: A roof over our heads.
Even when she had the opportunity to improve her situation more quickly, she remained true to herself and what she believed was right for her. I would have been tempted - but not Sadie.
I felt the growing sexual tension, caused partly by her new job but mostly because of the growing attraction to Victoria. Being in Sadie's head and experiencing the two of them together created a warm and cuddly feeling in me.
And then - out of nowhere - the perspective changed. Thanks for the ice bucket over my head, Donna, I guess I needed to cool down and maybe get something to eat or visit the bathroom.
I won't spoil what happens in the second half of the book, just that it was hard to go through the emotions in Victorias head. But soon it was a joyful ride again to experience how both woman irresistibly steered towards their HEA.
Again it was Sadie who impressed me the most. She knew her worth and although older, more experienced and with a lot of money, Victoria had to work hard to prove herself and finally "get into Sadies knickers" (her words - not mine).
The story felt like the beginning of several books. The author's notes in the end confirm that there will be at least one more. I'm really looking forward to learning more about Soraya. I guess the very erotic, but for Donna's standard, quite tame love scenes are going to change with her.
Besides the story there was a lot to learn in this book: Tolerance of others for one. I found a new TV show playing in New Zealand to watch and learned a lot about Lake Taupo. I can only encourage every reader to google the places Donna has written about (even the price was right - and yeah, it was a bit high).
Oh and I will appreciate cucumber and carrots much more in the future - just saying.
Ok, I admit it - it was mostly Sadie. I am completely in love with her. Donna not only created the girl of my dreams she had me spending a little more than half of the book in her head. This is not my first book in first person perspective, but I've never been so captivated - I really felt what Sadie felt, I saw through her eyes. I lived through her despair of being homeless but could also feel her strength and determination to achieve her goal. A simple goal most of us take for granted: A roof over our heads.
Even when she had the opportunity to improve her situation more quickly, she remained true to herself and what she believed was right for her. I would have been tempted - but not Sadie.
I felt the growing sexual tension, caused partly by her new job but mostly because of the growing attraction to Victoria. Being in Sadie's head and experiencing the two of them together created a warm and cuddly feeling in me.
And then - out of nowhere - the perspective changed. Thanks for the ice bucket over my head, Donna, I guess I needed to cool down and maybe get something to eat or visit the bathroom.
I won't spoil what happens in the second half of the book, just that it was hard to go through the emotions in Victorias head. But soon it was a joyful ride again to experience how both woman irresistibly steered towards their HEA.
Again it was Sadie who impressed me the most. She knew her worth and although older, more experienced and with a lot of money, Victoria had to work hard to prove herself and finally "get into Sadies knickers" (her words - not mine).
The story felt like the beginning of several books. The author's notes in the end confirm that there will be at least one more. I'm really looking forward to learning more about Soraya. I guess the very erotic, but for Donna's standard, quite tame love scenes are going to change with her.
Besides the story there was a lot to learn in this book: Tolerance of others for one. I found a new TV show playing in New Zealand to watch and learned a lot about Lake Taupo. I can only encourage every reader to google the places Donna has written about (even the price was right - and yeah, it was a bit high).
Oh and I will appreciate cucumber and carrots much more in the future - just saying.
April 2, 2021
Donna has done it again! She’s written another book with characters you will fall in love with. Sadie and Victoria have become two of my favorite Donna Jay characters. They have chemistry from the start that you can feel building as you read their love story. Her humor is spot on and DJ has a way of writing that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a blanket fort with her and she’s reading the book to you.😉
This book is also Donna’s debut attempt at first person storytelling and I think she’s found a style of writing she should continue. She does a good job sharing both main actor’s POV by splitting the book in half, opening with Sadie’s and closing with Victoria’s.
The sexy times are as steamy as usual, even though she has tamed the scenes a bit. Her usual kinky style has taken a break in this story and I really enjoyed how she still gave Sadie and Victoria a playful side to their love making.
Her secondary character’s are just as interesting as her primaries. All their personalities shine and will make you want more of their stories to be told. They are strong females who will keep you smiling with their antics and misadventures. The usual DJ tour of her island home of New Zealand is present again in this story. She always finds interesting sights and adventures for her characters to enjoy. I really think this is one of Donna’s best and I believe everyone who picks it up will enjoy reading this one! I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This book is also Donna’s debut attempt at first person storytelling and I think she’s found a style of writing she should continue. She does a good job sharing both main actor’s POV by splitting the book in half, opening with Sadie’s and closing with Victoria’s.
The sexy times are as steamy as usual, even though she has tamed the scenes a bit. Her usual kinky style has taken a break in this story and I really enjoyed how she still gave Sadie and Victoria a playful side to their love making.
Her secondary character’s are just as interesting as her primaries. All their personalities shine and will make you want more of their stories to be told. They are strong females who will keep you smiling with their antics and misadventures. The usual DJ tour of her island home of New Zealand is present again in this story. She always finds interesting sights and adventures for her characters to enjoy. I really think this is one of Donna’s best and I believe everyone who picks it up will enjoy reading this one! I received this book as an ARC from the author.
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