| Title | : | Secrets Vol. 3 (Secrets, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 148391321X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781483913216 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 158 |
| Publication | : | First published September 8, 2012 |
When Anna admits she's falling for Cole she can't believe his response. He pushes her away with an excuse that seems too flimsy to be real. Crushed, Anna continues working at Cole's Long Island studio, but she can't stop thinking about him. It isn't until Anna is called into the dean's office that the real trouble starts. To make matters worse, Edward keeps popping up at the worst times reminding her of everything she wants to forget.
Secrets Vol. 3 (Secrets, #3) Reviews
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★★★★ 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!
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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
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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. -
“How does he look at me, Em? Like an intern? Like a student? Like he can’t stand the sight of me?”
She tilts her head and snaps back, “No, Anna. Like he wants to tie you up and fuck you. Like he can’t get enough by just looking at you. Like he won’t stop if you ever give him the chance.”
Noooooooooooooo !!!!!! When does the next book come out ??!! Ah , I want it right now ! You just cant let us hang out there like its nothing .. This is just ... just n... not right !!
Boy oh boy ... Lets run a check list for this book :
-A feisty heroine who doesn't give up that easily [Check]
-A oh so handsome but oh so adamant hero [Check]
-Some really nutty , pissed off beyond damage control characters [Check]
-Friends who stick to you no matter what [Check]
-Sexual Tension as huge as a boulder that refuses to budge !! No wait , correction , a huge boulder that budged just a little and then found its place back again ! [ Double check ]
-An ending thats promising much much better things in the future volumes [Check]
-A hot steamy sexy scene that makes you wanna melt in your seat !!! [ Triple check]
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These volumes just keep getting better and better. I read this one in about 3 hours. Volume 3 gets hotter then the previous two!! All I can say as it's about time Anna got some action! Things heat up in more way then one though. The best way to explain it is the crap hits the fan big time. You will find out what the secret is and its kind of a dozy. Things are about to take a turn for the worst for Anna. What I want to know is who is feeding the information. I think I know who it is but, it could be a couple of people. And it ended before you fine out!!! I feel bad for Anna, things don't ever seem to go right for her. It's kind of like she has a black cloud above her all the time. There are 2 volumes left and I hope that Anna finds a four leafed clover or something. I desperately want her to have a happily ever after or I would settle for happy!
Cole seems a little more distant in this one. I get why he is now but, still. Edward is like the creepy ex who can't get over the break up. And that leaves Jessie. I actually like him. He seems like a nice guy. Unless he's the snitch then I hate him. I am still cheering for Cole though. Even if one of the worst things that could happen to someone, other then death, happened to him. He was left in kind of a dark place at the end of volume 3.
So now I will wait for the next volume to come out. I am very invested in Anna's story and have to know how it will end for her! -
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! -
4 FRUSTRATING-EYE-NARROWING-YET-CANTsTOPrEADING STARS! Still no Cole PoV?! Dang! Nonetheless, I love the book! Moving on to Book 4!
Review to follow after ... tsk! I can barely contain myself to know the ending so ... after I've finished the entire series. Later guys! :) -
Again, this would be a 5 if not in volumes:( -
Love this story, hate the volumes.
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Oh my, holy f'ing HELL! Awesome book - killer cliffhanger for this one - moving on to #4.
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My rating for this book is 3.2 stars.
Reitero, podía haber sido un solo libro y no cinco volúmenes, pero bueno que más se le puede hacer.
Saben, es realmente fácil descubrir cuál es el acosador de Ana, solo digo, aunque no les diré quien es, no soy así de mala. -
Jajajaja esta pobre va a morir de frustración sexual! Pero vaya pars resistencia la de Cole!
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Wow!
OMG I would love to see this made into a movie but I dont think it would do it justice. My heart breaks for Cole but at the same time it makes me want revenge for Anna. -
This novel, the third book is the Secrets series wasn't as carefree as the first two, but much more serious. There was so much drama, emotions and heartbreak that I couldn't stop reading.
I think that H. M. Ward has portrayed all her characters personalities very well.
I'm glad that this story didn't have as much of a cliff hanger as the first two.
I believe that the first three books in this series should be glued together to make one book instead. -
Oh, 60 pages. This should have just been added to the other parts. For a series that only has 5 parts as is barely over 350 pages so far, this really could have been published as one big book, or at least two, rather than five. This is exactly the reason that people gave up on buying the Arrangement series. The sections were too short to be charging readers so much so many different times. Again, I'm glad I'm borrowing these, otherwise, I don't think I could justify the investment, no matter how much I love it.
That being said, I'm still very much in love with this series. This one in particular, although short, had me screaming at the characters like I do so love to do.
1. Sottero is a bitch. She wants control over everything, including suing Cole for everything he's worth. So I scream at her character like she can hear me tell her off. Though on the contrast, Jesse is an amazing character and I'm growing to love him even more. Anna is going to break his heart though.
2. Anna is so clueless. I know...know...who is stalking her and who ratted her out to the Dean. It seems so obvious. And I'm not sure if she really doesn't know, is really that clueless about it all, or if she subconsciously just doesn't want to believe it so she won't accept that she knows.
3. There is only one paragraph that I highlighted in this segment. I highlighted because I love the way it is written out for the scene itself, and also because just imagining the way Cole say it is great. For anyone that reads this segment of the series, it's where Anna admits to Cole that the vanilla-kinky analogy she told him previously was actually the other way around and he nearly loses control with the idea. Great moment in Cole history. -
Okay seriously that ending!!!!! Let's just say there was a lot of swearing going on when I read the ending to Vol. 3. Ugh I swear I was so not expecting what happened!! Which was awesome because I hate when I know what happens in the end, but still. Oh my goodness I neeeeeeed to know what is going to happen next. Like NOOOOOW!!!!!
Vol. 3 gives a teeny taste of Cole and his naughty side, which was awesome because he is freaking sexy. I love Cole, he definitely has issues which I think makes him all the more attractive.
Things are not looking good for Anna however, everything is looking worse. She's falling head over heals for Cole and no matter what she does, she can't get him off her mind. Not even when a new guy shows up, a guy who's willing to be everything she every wanted, except he's not Cole. While working at her internship she gets a call from the deans office that there was a problem. Now she has to find a new internship or she won't graduate. Everything spirals out of Anna's control, until the very last heart breaking second.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Holly. Take pity on my soul and produce the next Secrets short story. I am dying over here. If you could take pity on me and feed my addiction I would be forever in your debt. 8)
Favorite Quote: This scene made me giggle, as did many in this short novel but this one was my favorite.
"I sigh. "You sure you don't want to be rebound guy? All sex, no string attached?"
He laughs, "You don't want a rebound guy. They have herpes." -
Anna knows that she has feelings for Cole. However, Cole warns her than nothing can happen between them. He leaves her to run the Long Island studio. Anna continues to explore her art and work with the clients. Needing advice and answers to unresolved questions, Anna returns to the city to confront Cole.
With temptation hanging in the air, Cole still finds a way to turn down Anna. Confused and in turmoil, Anna just tries to get on with her life. That is easier said than done. Cole haunts her even when they are not together.
Things take a dramatic turn when Anna receives a call from the Dean’s office for a meeting. When Anna arrives, she finds Jesse working there. During the meeting, Anna discovers that someone called the Dean to report inappropriate behavior between Anna and Cole. The school immediately pulls the hours she has earned towards her internship. Decisions face Anna about her future with her internship, graduation, and her career. The choices she makes will affect those around her as well. -
Like seriously I don't get Cole why is it he finds a need to piss me off! I mean what have I ever done to the boy but read his story! It's obvious he's attracted to Anna and then there's all the sexual tension so why does he say some stupid line of bull to her! "Cole gazes at me from the chair, "What do you want, Anna? No one else is as close to me as you are. No one else shares my bed. Ever. It's been years since another woman walked through that door every night." Then when they sort of have sex he says another crap load of shit! And practically kicks her out (actually if I remember correctly he does kick her out or walks out) It's UGH can't a woman sleep with her boss and not get crap for it she's 24 for crying out loud! Cole blaming Anna for his issues of whats happening and what's gotten out in the papers just isn't cool. I hope she kicks him in the nuts, but I won't know until I start the next book in like all of 5 seconds.
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4.5 Stars
Honestly....thank goodness I started reading this series after all of the volumes had been released. This one left us with quite a cliffhanger ending. There was still a lot of sexual tension between Cole and Anna. But we also start to see a little bit more of Cole...and his kinky side! :) Cole is just so yummy!
This Volume was full of twists and turns. And I honestly was not expecting the big "secret" to be what it was. Cole finds himself in legal trouble and this affects Anna greatly in this Volume. She finds her life spiraling out of control--problems arise with her internship and she is forced to question everything that has happened. Cole continues to push her away and even the introduction of a new guy who seems perfect can't take Anna's mind off of Cole.
Will Cole and Anna survive the fallout?? The mystery surrounding this story makes it a page-turner. This was my favorite volume of the series so far. -
Anna is missing Cole so much. Her new friend Jesse, who has helped her through the whole change of internship thing. Anna wishes she could be more for him but he's patient & says she's worth the wait. Anna is no way over Cole, she loves him & can't for the life of her work out why Cole has pushed her away.
Cole is dealing with something more than that of the end of the internship. There are moments that Anna is feeling on edge, this feeling of being followed, watched it's still there. Anna goes to confront Cole, to try and explain why she had to leave.
This is another turning point & holds one of the hottest sex scenes for them. They still don't go all the way yet but very explicit & extremely intimate. I think this is the actual point when Anna knows that Cole is the man for her in all ways.
There is still so much more going on & the story line is very intense. Cole keeps poppong up in Anna's life, he wants to talk to her but something is always holding him back. -
In this third installment of Secrets, Cole and Anna have finally admitted to having feelings for one another, but Cole is still unwilling to act on it. Sharing a few kisses here and there is taking its toll on both of them and leaving Anna more and more confused about their relationship. She begins to share his bed, and they have personal conversations, but Cole still keeps his distance.
Anna's whole world is flipped upside down when she is fired from Le Femme and called into the deans office to discuss terms of the internship and missing graduation. She also discovers a lawsuit that Cole is in with Sophia Sottero, and that they were previously in a relationship. Now Anna begins to figure out what's been going on all this time. Her protective instincts kick in after visiting with her parents, and the end of this book has her taking off to go find him and make sure he's ok.
Great story with some good twists. Makes you want to start installment 4 immediately! -
Wow! This serial just keeps getting better. You'd think with all the books I've read by H.M. Ward thus far that I'd be used to it, but she managed to surprise me every time!
When we left Cole & Anna at the end of Volume 2, he had just told her that he couldn't give her more of a relationship. Going into Volume 3, I was expecting some major revelations a nd possibly some tears. I was absolutely right but could never have predicted the circumstances!
This story took a lot of surprising twists and turns that I could never have seen coming, but I had a blast along hte way!
The ending was intense and hinted that we are going to see some ass-kicking coming in the next volume. some characters had better watch their backs!
This installment was even better than I expected it to be, and as usual, I can't wait to see what happens next! If you haven't read H.M. Ward and like New Adult, what are you waiting for?! -
(one comment for all series)
4- entertaining-but-frustrating stars
OMG, i can't believe that after the third (or was it the fourth?) book, and the SECRET revealed is just...that!
I have kept on reading all through the all the (mini)books wanting to finally, finally know what the secrets are surrounding Cole. I have been thinking of all those deep, dark ones (sorta like christian's or gideon's or the likes), but nooooooo! it was like, seriously? you call that a secret?! jeez!
anyway, the author had kept me reading, so i guess that's a plus point... but as to the actual secret, it was quite disappointing :(...
but, hey, it's a HEA, so i guess it's a plus! :) -
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
Cole is a broken man who thinks he's no good for Anna. However, he cannot resist her pull. Anna decides they should start sharing secrets and Cole learns of her dark desires. I am pretty sure Edward is stalking Anna.. He did not take the break up well and I get a super creepy vibe from him. Fucking hell everything UNRAVELS..
Cliffhanger – yes (book 3 of series)
POV - Anna -
Omg when does book 4 and 5 come out??? I need to know what happens NOW.. Read all 3 short novellas in one sitting, I had to as I needed to see how it progressed and now I am swearing at my kindle as I can't go any further... Addictive book, great characters and will be chewing at the bit for the next instalment. Only complaint would be why not have all the instalments together in one book? Although a longer read it would make a great book and would have prevented my hissy fit when I realised book 4 was not out yet!! -
2.5 stars really
I don't know! I liked it, but I just... I just didn't *feel* this one. I didn't think there was a great deal of character development. The big reveal/event intended to be the catalyst for the next volume fell flat, mostly because I saw it coming in part one. It forced the revelations about Cole and guarded nature and painted Sophia in such a contrived manner that the drama was just lost on me. That being said, with the melodramatic ending I'm off to buy volume 4. This shit's addicting.
Full review coming. -
Secrets #3 continues in much the same fashion as the previous volumes but now there's also a conspiracy that comes to light.
Vicious rumors threaten to destroy Anna's academic future and result in some nasty consequences for both Anna and Cole.
Someone is playing puppeteer, and nobody seems to be able to cut their strings yet.
Sexy moments, some mystery, career troubles, perceived betrayals and dynamic characters continue to make this series an enjoyable read. -
Holy cow..so much happens in the third installment of Secrets. Cole is obviously tormented and we discover why. Poor Anna; everything is upside down for her in this one, and Edward is really starting to creep me out. Oh and there is a certain hoity-toity bitch I want to whack over the head with my heel. *too violent?* We get some hotness and a whole lot of reason to quickly grab book four..LOL
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer -
Holy epic steam factor in this one. I spent a lot of this book frustrated with Anna and Cole. Frustrated with Cole b/c until the very end, I didn't know why he was holding himself apart like that. And frustrated with Anna for being so epically blind about Edward (and a little theory about Emma). And yet I still really love Anna....even if she can be more naive than I expect. Really enjoying adorable Jesse too. Things are ramping up and I'm curious where they're going to go....
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1.5 Don't Waste your Time Stars
Terrible book/books. It's like a badly put together mix of many characters and storylines from a bunch of romance novels. The writing is less than average. The plots were contrived, unlikely, with lots of gaps. The character development was non-existent. There were so many things that didn't add up, didn't make sense I could write a short story about it. But I won't. I wasted enough time reading these novellas... -
This is so freaking much beter. I was waiting for drama and I got it. Usually when a problem arises in a book, I instantly look for ways to fix it but I having a hard time thinking of one here. Anyway, this is terrible. I wish Anna will do the right thing. Like trash fucking Sottero and leave Cole alone. If she did this, I would be so freaking happy for her. Not leave permanently. Just leave him because he didn't believe her and let him beg her back.
