| Title | : | Secrets (Secrets, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 061568677X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780615686776 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 256 |
| Publication | : | First published August 16, 2012 |
As Anna tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it's forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, sexy as hell, and her boss. When Anna's internship plans derail, she ends up interning at Cole's elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole's run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He's nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.
Genre: New Adult Romance
Secrets (Secrets, #1) Reviews
-
★★★★ 1/2! Secrets, book 1-5 (complete series). Intern-boss story with complex, secretive and elusive alpha male hero.
All 5 installments/books have been released and my recommendation is to read them as a set. Combined they make a 600 page read. I read 3 of the books last year. Once the remaining 2 were released I did a quick “refresher” of book 1-3 and continued with book 4 and 5.
Anna Lamore (22 years/photography student-intern/dark brown hair) meets Cole Stevens (38 years/photographer-boss/$$$/dark brown hair/blue eyes) when applying for an internship. He is her last choices initially – so much she interviewed in rain boots, ugly clothes, with a determined, rebellious and cocky attitude. Cole surprises her by obliterating her preconceived notions of him. Instead he persuades her accept an internship at his studio and so a very complicated and tumultuous relationship begins.
Cole played the part of the troubled, secretive, elusive, neglected, rich playboy alpha male very well. Though the lust and attraction is there he withholds so much of himself from Anna. He maintains and pretty much respects the boss-intern relationship. But don’t fret there was lots of sexual tension throughout the series. As for Anna she was sweet and naive from a working class background. As the story progressed she stepped up and grew a backbone.
Without revealing much more I will say to expect anything from betrayal and secrets to scorned exes and stalkers... I enjoyed this series, much thanks to Cole. Pssst! Ms. Ward, I’d very much like to read Emma’s story!
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Story line rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: * see below
******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
* The sex scenes are slow in coming, but there is plenty of sexual tension.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes. -
Anna begins interning with Cole Stevens. An infamous man in the photography world. Shockingly, the internship and the man are more than what meets the eye. She is also learning a lot. As her internship takes off, her relationship with her roommate’s brother begins to plummet.
The story is good. My issues are with Anna. I don’t like her attitude or personality. She’s rude and judgmental. Then she takes offense if someone shovels it back. She’s also unempathetic. People actually suffer from OCD. I might continue with story because I want to see if her character will demonstrate growth. -
Cole lifts his glass to take a sip when my mom says, “It’s not good for a pregnant woman to be so skinny. You remember that Cole. Fatten her up before you knock her up.” She raises her glass to my dad and they clink them together, laughing. They think they’re hysterical.
Cole chokes on his drink. Before he can recover, they’ve started talking about conception superstitions .
O.M.G.O.M.G !!!! This was so me when I first found that Ella Steele a.k.a H.M.Ward has written another adult/erotica novel !
I loved her first erotic novel
and If you havn't checked it out yet , I kindly suggest you do !!
This is the first book in her Secrets series .. Like , they are all called 'Secrets' but have been divided in 5 Volumes . This is Secrets Volume 1 and boy I must admit , there's no shitting with that title . Its just perfect ! Secrets , secrets and too many secrets ... Everyone has one !!!!
Anna Lamore dreams and aspires to be a Wedding Photographer . And she wants to learn and excel at this art under her Ideal Sophia Sottero wings . She wants to intern at her studio . But as a requirement from her university she is suppose to apply at two other studio's so that she can expand her range in learning . Sophia is interested in Anna , because she is a top class excellent sort of a student . So Sophia helps Anna in trying to blow up her interview at Le Femme , which is owned by the infamous Cole Stevens . They specialize in Sexy lingerie and nude photography and Anna detests him for that saying that he's trying to sell sex ... Phisssh ... Girl , were did you learn that shit ?!! Anyways , so the next day Anna is dressed to kill like literally with a mission on mind , Irritate Cole out of his senses so that he doesn't hire her . In short ... PISS HIM OFF !!!!
But sadly for Anna , the universe has other plans for her , and instead of Pissing Cole off she actually manages to impress him securing a place for her to intern at Le Femme !!! And so begins a game of truth , lies , seductive desires and secrets .
What I loved about this book ...
Anna Lamore ! She is just soooo good ! She acts all tough on the outside , but on the inside she's all broken and bruised . She has a secret hidden , deep down in her . A secret that fills her with hate . A secret that makes her look at people with money and fame too differently . I loved her . She's witty and sarcastic . I'd think think twice before calling my boss an old dude ! But she , nope she doesn't give two winds to all that . She also has a secretive Kinky side to her !
Cole Stevens ! God damn that guy confuses and infuriates me like no other ! He is such a mystery . At times he's this cool dude who loves teasing and having fun . And then at times he's all serious and business like with a brooding silence and deep thoughts kinda feel to him . There's something really hot about him , but I cant really place my finger on it ... Well actually I have , but since this is the review for the first book I shouldn't be mentioning it here !
The story is lovable , the sexual tension is hot and the characters are fun . So where's the problem ? The problem is the story being told in different volumes . This could've easily been a uber hot and enticing full length novel ! Definitely continuing the series to see where Anna and Cole's strange relationship leads them next !!!! -
Please forgive me, but I do not have the patience that Ward has...I cannot write 5 separate reviews for these little volumes! I'm going to write one and then copy/paste. You forgive me, right? If you don't, it's because you haven't read this amazing tale because you then you would realize that the volumes are really just like built in potty breaks or something because once you start, you just don't stop.
First, props to my GR pals that read these a volume at a time and waited in between...you're way better than I am. I would have been in some serious trouble if the next volume wasn't a few clicks away.
Cole and Anna. Push/Pull. They had me from that first interview and kept me plowing through these volumes with things like this:
"There isn't more than this. This is the best of what I can offer you. The rest is too..."
Yeah, I get the whole meaning behind the title now. Umm Umm Umm...Cole has some SECRETS!
"Legal to do things you couldn't imagine, old man"
Anna has some pent up diva in her and she's so focused on her career that the whole push/pull with Cole is just a constant reminder that her "boyfriend' isn't right for her and her life isn't what she wants it to be.
I started volume 1 and didn't put the kindle down until I was done with volume 5. I suggest you do the same. There is angst, there is self discovery, there is hawt H.M. Ward erotic love (as only she can) and there is some awesome intrigue too! The total package, well...split into 5 volumes! -
Has my interest, just wish it was not broken up into five volumes. Have to wait a week for the next volume, and who knows how long before 3-5 come out. Should have waited until the whole book was published... oh well.
-
Oh my god. I immediately fell in love with Secrets. Just like all of Ella Steele's novels. Anna is an amazing character to read. I complete fell in love with her personality. She's gutsy, witty, and an amazing roll model of sorts. She knows what she wants and goes after it. She wants to be a wedding photographer. She ended up working for Cole Stevens. A broken man who photographs hottie women in sexy underwear. While at first Anna thinks she'll hate working for him, she finds the job compelling, and changing everything she believed in.
Honestly a need to read!!!
Favorite Quote:I honestly loved this scene with Anna's parents. I swear to goodness they were hysterical.
Cole lifts his glass to take a sip when my mom says, "it's not good for a pregnant woman to be so skinny. You remember that Cole. Fatten her up before you knock her up." -
more 3.5
These are a set of mini books, same main characters in each. honestly I wish the author just waited and put it all together. Each book is about 5o to 60 pages long. Anyway, first book is interesting enough to make you want to read the next. You like the characters right away, that you feel for that reason alone obligated to read the next one. You want to know what happens to them and hoping there is a true ending for them. -
Wanting to make it big into the photography world makes Anna do crazy things. After interviewing at one of the most desirable photography studios around, Anna decides this is the one she dreams of interning for. The problem - she must interview with at least three different places of employment. At the advice of her idol, Anna decides to be the most appalling, ill-dressed, and crass person she could possibly be at the interview with Le Femme.
What she didn’t count on was meeting the sexy owner of the studio - Cole Stevens. Upon meeting with Anna, he decides to ‘teach her a lesson’. Cole calls the head of her school and tells them he hired Anna on the spot. She is furious with him for causing her to lose her dream internship.
In the meantime, Anna is struggling with her personal relationship with her roommate’s brother. He is a germ-a-phobe. Typically, it might not be a problem, but Anna wants to take their romance further. Can that really happen when your boyfriend doesn’t want your bodily fluids on him?
Cole gives Anna the opportunity to leave Le Femme and go to work for her idol. She decides to stay and see what this internship has to offer. What she didn’t count on was the sexual chemistry that she has with Cole. Even though he is older, she finds herself intrigued with him.
As a fan of HM Ward - I couldn’t wait to start this series. However, I do not like when authors break a story up into several extremely short reads. This book could have so much more impact if all the volumes were together. -
This is a series of short stories that follows Anna's life basically. We do get introduced to Cole in Vol. 1, which was awesome. I have been anxiously waiting for this series after reading Scandalous and it did not disappoint! I love Anna, she is awesome. A very strong opinionated person. For the record I would feel exactly like she did about the whole Edward situation. If the sex doesn't work the relationship might prove to be challenging. I wish I could have seen what she looked like when she went to her interview at Le Femme. I can only imagine the how she looked. I think her internship should prove to be very interesting.
Then there is Cole. He seems like the sexy older man! Ugh, I can't wait to see more of him. I have this feeling that he is going to test Anna in some way. I don't know. It's just a feeling I have. I also have a feeling he's going to be kind of kinky! HA! Wouldn't that be fun.
The only complaint that I have is that it was to SHORT!! I need more! I have to know what's going to happen with Cole and Anna! These books better come out once a week or withdrawals may set in. -
* SPOILER ALERT *
Strongly Recommended for all.
Okay.. I'm reviewing this book as a whole..
That was truly, by far the greatest employee-employer book I've read so far..
It's SUPER intense, fun, heavy, sexy, head-spinning, toe-curling, hand-shaking and SUPER EXTRA romantic love story..
The most amazing thing about this book -actually all of Ward's books - is that the foundation of these books isn't revolving around the physical attraction or the maddening lust between Anna and Cole.. Although it's a major factor but the love and the romance top any other reasons to establish a strong relationship, which is exactly what Secrets is all about..
I loved every single word, line, letter, punctuation of it..
I honestly felt the pit in my stomach dips and got butterflies whenever there's an intense moment going on..
I have NEVER trusted Edward.. I hated his guts from the second Anna mentioned how he prefers to show up 15 minutes earlier for the movies.. That's rediculous.. I mean who does that but insane freaks?
Yeah it turned out I was right.. I swear I knew it all along that he is the stalker.. he gave me the creeps! Ugh. -
Anna, a photography student, will graduate soon but before she can, she must complete a summer internship. She has chosen three potential photographers to work with. She is offered a position by both her top choice and her last choice, even after trying to sabotage her own interview by acting ridiculously. In the end she chooses to work for her last choice-- Cole, a boudoir photographer and known serial womanizer. Soon, she learns that sometimes rumors are just that and she begins to see Cole in a different light.
I have to admit that this first book feels a bit too similar to FSOG from the onset. Anna is awkward and the somewhat domineering character of Cole seems a little to Christian for me. The storyline was kind of slow and there was no resolution to any of the situations in the book, so it really felt like the beginning of a road to nowhere. I’m not a fan of serials, and I took advantage of a sale on this one so I’ll see it through, I’m just not in a particularly big hurry to do it as this really failed to capture my attention. -
This was a good start to what is no doubt going to be a great story. Secrets 1 introduces us to Cole and Anna. Honestly, I loved both of their characters. I laughed out loud several times at their back and forth banter. Especially the motorcycle scene. My only complaint is that these are novellas--which I am really NOT a fan of. Not at $2.99 a pop. It forces the reader to buy (and often wait) for the other pieces of the story. Each volume is under 100 pages; therefore in total the story will be approximately 400 pages and almost $15. I read A LOT of books and have NEVER paid $15 for one book. It's hard to justify doing that despite how good the story may be. So now I am torn....while I really want to see how the story ends I am not sure I can fork over $2.99/each for the remaining four volumes. My rating is based purely on the story itself.
-
In the first novel we meet Anna an ambitious college photographer interviewing for her internship all while dealing with her strange but sweet boyfriend; Edward. This was fun, evenly paced and filled with twists that made me laugh. I loved the interaction between Cole and Anna from the onset, and really felt their chemistry.
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer -
Ugh! I should have known better than to start a 5 book series. Now I want to know what happens so I'll have to buy books 2-5. I loved Anna's parents- they were so funny!
I wish I could say I'm going to wait for books 2-5 to go on sale before buying them- but I don't think I'm patient enough. -
It is kind of intro for this series.. i liked it and the dialogue between anna and cole is quite funny.. Will continue for Secrets Vol 2 now :)
-
GAAAH!Super addictive. There is editing issues but I am totally willing to overlook them. Loving this series so far. Was up until 3:00am reading. I LOVE books like that.
-
very good book!!!
-
Picked this up; short read but loved it. Love having characters with a bit of an age difference. Cole is yummy!! And Anna is a pistol. They'll both teach each other something.
-
My rating for this book is 2.5 stars.
Es muy corto, me parece que le falto mas escenas, mas capitulos, pero por lo que vi son volúmenes pequeños para -me imagino- completa un libro grueso. En fin, nuestra personaje es extrovertida y una bocazas llena de fantasías con respecto a su carrera, y nuestro hombre es una gran empresario, fotógrafo... y mayor.
Tengo verdadera curiosidad por descubrir hasta que grado llena de perversidad de Anna, pero por culpa del neurótico de los gérmenes no pudimos descubrirlo sino solo imaginar un poco de ello antes de que el chico lo arruinara.
Nuestro hombre Cole tiene grandes problemas, es frío pero tiene un lado suave que podemos vislumbrar de vez en cuando Anna hace de las suyas, necesito mucho mas asi que le seguiré dando la oportunidad de encantarme o decepcionarme. -
Hubiese abandonado este libro de no ser por su breve extensión (unas 100 páginas aprox). En mi reseña os contaré las mil razones por la cual no debéis de leer esta novela.
Próximamente en el blog: saranghaeunnie.blogspot.com.es -
Okay so, this novel was quite fun and enjoyable with a strong minded female character (Anna).
It was intriguing and kept me wanting more but, I personally think that this book ended on too much of a cliff hanger. -
I can't believe I wasted money on this series. The writing is awful, stale, lacking any type of emotions.
-
Agh! Me caes remal Cale! Tantas señales mixtas!!!
-
Cant wait
I cannot wait to read the next book to find out more about Anna and Cole. I really enjoyed this book. -
This was cute!...will keep going to volume 2
-
WOW...I really loved this whole series. I read books 1-5 and I must say these stories kept me thoroughly intrigued and on the edge. I love books like this with the angst, mystery, and sooo much sexual tension. I am surprised I was able to keep reading without getting completely annoyed when the H Cole and h Anna kept getting closer and closer but still never had sex. That to me tells me this was definitely some excellent writing and an incredible story. I loved Cole and Anna..they had the cutest banter going on and sooo much sexual attraction to each other it had me squirming!!
The book is told in Anna's pov. It starts from her meeting the sexy older Cole Stevens, photographer extradonaire for an internship. Inititally she hated him but quickly things changed and they are drawn to each other. But Cole has some issues and dark secrets that makes him hold back. Cole and Anna were both at war with theirselves trying to deny the attraction and growing love they felt. Of course that does not last...
Overall, these books had a fair amount of angst, mystery and suspense to keep me completely engrossed. Some steamy love scenses but not a whole lot, which I did not mind because the story was great. Loved this authors writing style. I felt it really gave me the full picture. I was able to really see and feel this couple and how they evolved...
I will say also as much as I enjoyed the books...I hate the novellas. At 2.99 each that is way too high!! I do not understand that cost and why the story was broken up. This would have been fine as a full length novel. I think that is a mistake on the authors part because a lot of people will miss out on this wonderful story all because it COST TOO MUCH! BUT as I said besides that irritation...the story was well developed and truly enjoyed it... *****5 stars -
I'd been anxious to read Secrets since I read the teaser chapters at the end of The Arrangement (1 or 2). I was not disappointed. Secrets Volume 1 delivered all that it promised in those teaser chapters. I would like to point out that I think the synopsis is maybe more for the overall story line.
Anna has basically pulled herself up by her bootstraps and is about to graduate with her Masters degree. She just needs an internship. She thinks she knows exactly what she wants out of that internship and Cole Stevens is not it. He comes from a moneyed family, has had everything handed to him and objectifies women in his photography. But is that the true story?
Cole is successful and definitely good at what he does. He seemingly comes from privilege but has he really had it all that easy? He does have a lot to offer Anna towards her education though and he's willing to personally teach her.
The banter between Anna and Cole was fantastic fun. It was one thing I was most excited about. The sexual tension between them is so thick you could cut it. And - Cole is ~15 years Anna's senior. I don't see this much in romance and I liked it.
Secrets Volume 1 is all about setting the state and Ward has done an excellent job. Anna is fierce and fun. She knows what she wants - personally and professionally - and she's driven to achieve her goals. Cole is just the person to help her get there. We see a few clues as to the real Cole but I'm really excited to get better acquainted with the man who'd hire an intern who shows up to her interview in a tutu and hot pink sneakers. I'm also anxious to see how the sparks fly between these two - because they're gonna fly! -
97 short pages. That's it. But I loved it.
I read a lot of YA lit, as evidenced by this blog alone, so being single, I tend to be more attracted to younger guys. This story though, reminded me that older guys are well worth the look too. Anna is in her 20s and Cole is near 40. One thing I hate about this story though is that she keeps telling him he's so old and thinking there couldn't be anything there. I'm less than a year away from 30 and that just becomes so aggravating as I'm reading this.
One really cool thing about reading this is that I learn a lot about photography. It's always been something I've loved, but I never got into it past an amateur level, so I know absolutely nothing about cameras, shutter speeds, and textures. I take pictures with my smart phone and have fun in an editing program to tweak colors and shading, that's it. But it was nice seeing that other angle to it all.
I really loved Cole in this. He's the cocky jerk that I fall for in every story. And it's full of sexual tension, both imagined and real between them. There is no doubt that I wanted him to be real so I could meet him. He has an amazing take on photography and the description of the things he can do with it made me want to watch and not just imagine from a description.
As much as I love May-December relationships, I was putting off reading this one. Something about the description just wasn't drawing me in immediately. But I gave it a shot and blew through it, loving every minute. Going to pick up the next part now. -
I'm not exactly sure where I first stumbled upon H.M. Ward's work, but I knew from the time I read an excerpt of Demon Kissed that I'd be a true lover of her books. She's probably the author I brag about most, because she really has this unique way of story telling. I've read ALMOST every book in her YA Demon Kissed series and I am loving it! But when I heard news of her New Adult titles, I just about had a heart attack!
SECRETS is a new premise for me. Most adult titles I read are paranormal or urban fantasy with a dash of folklore. So when I read the blurb and scored myself a copy, I dove in immediately. Anna and Cole are two very different people, and yet they clash together in this exotic way that boils my blood HOT. Anna is young and I do get that teen-angst vibe from her sometimes, but right when I don't expect it, she throws on her woman panties and again she is this courageous girl who knows what she wants. I think Ward did a really great job with bringing her to life, truly. The story itself is short, but you learn so much about two characters that it feels as if they exist--not in a book. Cole is the kind of man you can devour in one sitting! The way he talks, the way he smells, his hair--all of it! I have a deep passion for photography, so there's nothing I like more than a man who knows what he's talking about.
All in all, SECRETS is a keeper, a MUST READ! I look forward to Vol. 2 with eager anticipation. -
I love, love. love Ella Steele's writing and was excited to read that she was writing another book like Scandalous which was a full length contemporary romance type book. Anna is a very likable, strong female character who is looking for success in the photography world! While working with Cole may not have been what she had in mind, he seems to be exactly what she needs! He has an edge and I really want to know more about his story. I will say there will also some moments that had me laughing in this book (I will not be putting spoons and red ribbons under my bed!).
While I really like where this book is going and LOVE the characters, I am not a fan of this type of book being split into Volumes. I have had a couple authors do this lately and I think splitting a book that would be read better as a full-length novel into a bunch of smaller books ruins the experience for the reader. Goods books take you on a roller coaster and that ride is best felt when it continues and I feel that range of emotions over a couple days rather than over several weeks. A book is good or great in my book if I connect with those emotions. Books work well in Series format when they have a distinct beginning, climax and end (okay so it is like good sex!) but this one was just foreplay. I may wait until the whole series is out or a compilation is released before continuing.
