Secret Lives - Sierra Dean

ebook, 200

Published December 6th 2018 by Sierra Dean

Series: Secret McQueen #9

UF

For review

My Thoughts

I loved this series, but I also fear that I had forgotten most when I picked up this book. It had already ended with book 8, and then years later we get a surprise new book. I do not even remember which team I was on!

But, I felt the spark was missing. What I got was one liners, zings and then kept on coming. Like all the time! You are about to die a horrible death, better get that witty comment on! It was a bit too much as you can imagine.

And Secret did not feel like Secret. She was a witty monster who cared more for her friends than her husband. She only speaks with him on the phone, she comes back to NY, but visits friends first and then thinks ok maybe I can see him for a little while. Poor guy, I say he deserves better than to be the second thought of someone. When I think about it it feels like the author is building up to a divorce. He loves her, she does not care about him anymore so she gets someone else.

And he wants to turn her, which I so get! She is a hazard to herself. Sure you have learned to fight but come on, someone could snap your neck any second. Just turn wolf already.

All her old buddies come together, except her poor hubbie and there is a battle. The end.

Yes I felt the spark was missing, yes I had thoughts. It was still good and light, but it did not feel like Secret. It felt like any UF heroine doing her rounds. I miss the old Secret and the charm of everyone. Or am I just nostalgic?

But the best part as Harold. Dang, I loved Harold! I could take his witty lines. More Harold please. Harold saved this book and made it good.

Synopsis

Secret McQueen has been many things in her life: head of the Vampire Tribunal, werewolf queen twice over, bounty hunter, fighter, lover. She's been the hunter and the hunted. Hell, she even died once.

One thing she never thought she'd be, however, was a normal human. Because "normal" was never a word to apply to her.

Now, Secret's a former vampire/werewolf-hybrid living in a human's body. She continues to answer the call of the supernatural, working for an elite FBI special unit designed to help the general public accept the existence of the creatures that used to only be found in nightmares. She's happily married to the man of her dreams.

But when her old vampire mentor Sig goes missing, and her former beau Holden Chancery comes calling for help, Secret will be pulled out of her new sunny existence and sent back into the nightlife she once knew so well.

She'll find herself asking if there's any room for humanity in a world full of monsters.

And she might find there's more than a little monster left in her, still. 

A Secret to Die for - Sierra Dean

Secret McQueen thought she’d seen it all, but that was before she, Desmond and Holden came home to find New York City burning and the streets overwhelmed with the walking dead. Now, in a race against time, she must find out who is responsible for unleashing hell on Earth.

For that, she’s going to need a whole new team of vampire wardens to help round up the perpetrators, who turn out to be a gang that makes Sons of Anarchy look like toddlers on tricycles.

Her quest across the city brings old friends and enemies out of the woodwork and reminds Secret once and for all why mercy and forgiveness are not always prudent. Lives will be lost, sacrifices will be made, and when the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same again.

With no time to mourn her losses, the only question remaining is if Secret can survive long enough to stop the apocalypse…or if this is the one challenge that will finally drown her in rivers of undead blood.

Warning: The final book in the Secret McQueen series has it all: hot kisses, unexpected guests, and enough tear-jerking moments to require a whole box of tissues. You’ve been warned. 

Ebook, 287
Published December 16th 2014 by Samhain
Secret McQueen #8
Urban fantasy
Own

My thoughts:

This is the end. I am sad, but I am also happy. Too many series have gone downhill. But Secret manages to stay on top of things and never go bad. I m sad that it's over, and I do hope she writes more books, or novellas set in this universe.

The last book ended with a bang. They come back and find New York on fire and zombies everywhere. Awesome! Or not so awesome as things are going to hell and fast. But fear not because Secret is here and she has vampires and werewolves to help her.

First order of business. Zombies, there are no zombies, or? Better take them all down.

Second order of business. Trying for a happily ever after.

There will be tears. There will be action. There will be an evil baddie (that also had me laughing as I saw the name ;). There will even be romance, and heartache. The heartache was from me. Evil evil author. Think of my heart!

As for the choice. I am happy with the choice she made. It fits her, and I could see her happy now.

There was also something else that had me smiling. Yes I know I am cryptic but I can't spoil things now can I? Well done. I was really happy with those turns of events *cryptic*.

Secret is kick-ass. We meet new friends and old ones. Things get sad, I despair, I get happy.

Conclusion:

This is a series you must read.

Cold Hard Secret - Sierra Dean

The Secret’s out, and heads will roll. Ever since her near-death experience at the hands of the villainous Dr.Kesteral, Secret McQueen hasn’t been the same. As in damaged almost beyond repair. But as usual, Secret has no time to lick her wounds.

Armed to the fangs, she and Desmond embark on a whirlwind quest for revenge that takes them to the sewers of Paris to put an end to Alexandre Peyton. Instead, it’s almost the end of them, and before she can stop him, Peyton rips the veil off her deepest secret.

The devil’s not through muddling up the details, either. An eye-opening confab with Sig in the Big Apple leaves her wondering if she’s ever been in control of her own life at all. Plus, a cryptic postcard sends her racing back to her Manitoba hometown, fearing for her grandmere.

With the Council holding the power of life and death over her head, Secret’s circle of friends is shrinking, while the pool of enemies looking for payback is widening like a pool of her own blood.

My thoughts:

This one had one of Sierra Dean's evil endings. I was reading something, turned the page and gasped, the book had ended! Now that is beyond evil, so yes it does end with a cliffhanger. And it's pretty huge and so good that I want book 8 at once. Like now...please? With sugar on top?

Secret is not her usual kick-ass self. She is still dealing with the aftermath of The Doctor and who can blame her. It was gruesome.  And she still has Peyton to deal with, her mother is still out there and not to mention who she should choose. Ok there I do know something, yes she should chose X. I love X. I am not telling you whose team I am on, anyway it's pretty obvious from previous books.

 She is running around on rooftops in Paris and then racing home to her grandmother. Things are falling into place and I do think the next book will be epic. I can't even imagine what it will be like. Again, I wish I had it now.

If you have not started this series then you really should. It's kick-ass, it's a love-mess that I love. I am not usually a fan of the oh I have many men to choose from but here it works because she is both vampire and werewolf, so that brings issues to the table. I was hooked from page 1 of book 1 and it has never let me down. I love a series that keeps on going strong, so many just die out.

Conclusion:

Did I say that I recommend this one? Oh I did? Well I tell you again, it's a good one.

Cover

nice

ebook, 264 pages
Published July 1st 2014 by Samhain Publishing
Secret McQueen #7
Urban fantasy
For review

Review: Secret Unleashed - Sierra Dean

After her last mission tested the limits of her humanity and took her out of this world, Secret’s friends, determined to keep her safe from her old nemesis Alexandre Peyton, keep ushering her from one babysitter to the next. 

Couch surfing would be a lot more fun if Alexandre would let up on her long enough to allow her to get in some alone time with her lovers. Including Holden, her self-appointed shadow. 

As if living out of coffin isn’t bad enough, Secret literally brings down the house while hunting a rogue, causing the council to exile her from New York—for her own safety, of course. 

With her list of people to trust getting shorter and shorter, Secret ends up embroiled in a mystery to find a vampire warden gone AWOL and a missing artifact. Things go from bad to worse when she falls into the hands of a man who will prove that humans can be the worst monsters of them all. 

Warning: Contains a cross-country journey, an unexpected family reunion, heated lovers’ embraces and a hell of a lot of trouble.

My thoughts:

While reading this I had sat down in an uncomfortable position, but did I move? NO! That would mean precious lost reading time. And when it comes to Secret then that is not acceptable. Yes I did start reading this almost the minute I got it, and yes after having slept (evil sleep!) I did start reading again and did not stop.

Secret is as cool as ever. Her life is crap as always as Peyton is on the loose. Her love life is screwed up as always. But I am all Team Des. He is a puppy and I wanna hug him. Holden is, well hot, but nope. He does not do it for me. And now to my confession, it's a dirty secret, but in this book, I can't! Ok, I still have feelings for Lucas! I know, shoot me now. But there they are Lucas feelings popping up again.

The book takes Secret on a trip and shit hits the fan. This is one evil author I tell you. Poor Secret. I have more respect than ever for her. And while on her mission, ohhh the secrets we learn. We learn something about Sig and something about, spoilers darling. Spoilers.

I really can't say anything about this book. It feels like one huge spoilers. But it will give you action, romance and secrets ;)

Conclusion:

Read this series.

ebook, 343 pages
Expected publication: October 15th 2013 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Secret McQueen #6
Urban fantasy
for review

ARC Review: Grave Secret - Sierra Dean

Sometimes a secret goes to the grave. Sometimes Secret puts you there.

It’s been a hell of a year for Secret McQueen, and the last thing in the world she wants is to get caught up in werewolf drama. But when her former fiancé Lucas Rain shows up asking for her help, she knows there’s no easy way out.

After making it known she wants nothing to do with him, Secret agrees to help find Lucas’s wayward sister Kellen. After all, how much trouble could one socialite get into in the city that never sleeps?

Unless that socialite has been spirited away by fairies.

Trying to track down a missing girl in an alternate reality is just the start of Secret’s problems, though. Someone appears to be killing teenagers, and the MO looks eerily similar to something for which the half-fairy oracle, Calliope, might be responsible. Throw in a rogue wolf pack claiming allegiance to Secret’s mother, Mercy, and she’ll have miles to go before she rests.

My thoughts:

The last book ended with such a cliffie...of the passionate kind. I could not wait to see where it lead. Not to mention that Sierra was devastated after Lucas being a total ass and not showing up to their wedding. There was drama to be told and I needed to know.

Sierra was a bit messed up but was doing better. Des was nowhere to be found (still Team Des!) and Holden, well I will not tell you whatever happened in the beginning. Whether I am Team Holden or not, well, no not really. I just do not feel him. Can't be that team then. But trust me, not team Lucas at least, and that leaves Des. He is just such a good beta and I want to hug him.

Away from the teams. This book gives us fairies, murder and a twist that kept me reading and reading. Then I cursed our tiny flat as I could not continue to read, but I did wake up earlier the next day so that I could finish this book. And the end, oh she is evil. She leaves such an opening for more and I know the next book will be filled with action. I can't wait to read it.

The romance will not get resolved in this one, I do wonder how she will play it at the end. I am just so curious and want to know, like right now. This is an author that makes you want more.

Conclusion:

This is a great series that I recommend to everyone.

Cover Cool

Series: Secret McQueen #5Genre: urban fantasyPages: 301To be published: March 19th 2013 by SamhainSource; For review

Early Review: Low Down Dirty Shane - Sierra Dean

Thick-skinned vampire assassin meets smart-mouthed druid archer. Run, Cupid, run.

Shane Hewitt has been many things—failed husband, supernatural punching bag, and now a bitch to the vampire council of New York City. He thought killing rogue vampires was the hardest thing he’d ever do. Until a hot redhead smashes into him, shouts orders and announces she’s saving his life.

The sole female warrior in a family of druids, Siobhan O’Malley knows how to take care of herself and protect the big city from beasties who breach gateways from the fae realm. The last thing she needs is a misguided, leather-clad hottie’s help to get the job done.

Except maybe he’s exactly what she needs. Siobhan is expected to be a willing, virginal sacrifice on her twenty-fifth birthday. Sex with Shane to stay alive? If he can pull his foot out of his mouth long enough and stop driving her crazy, no problem.

Now if only the bad guys would leave them alone long enough to get the deed done.

My thoughts:

Shane is out hunting vampires when he meets a hot woman who is running for her life. Now who can say no to that?

As it's a short novella, about 70 pages, there is not much to say. They meet, they fight monsters and her family. Her messed up family who wants to sacrifice her, a virginal sacrifice, well there is one way to solve that problem ;)

Shane is cool, Siobhan is kick-ass. They make a great team and I think that they can be fun together. I would sure like to read more, they could have some action filled and hot adventures for sure.

Series: Misfits & Mayhem #1, Secret McQueen
Genre: urban Fantasy
Pages: 92
To be published: Dec 25th 2012 by Samhain Publishing
Source. For review

..................................

Discussion Point

I will ask this again tomorrow so I can get as many opinions as needed.

I have posted the Lady Scoundrels thing now for a few weeks. The questions is:

* Do you like that there are 3 reviews of the same book?

* Or should we just have one discussion post / or 3 short reviews in one? (with links to longer reviews if there are, goodreads for example)

Thanks!

2 in 1: Deep Dark Secret and Keeping Secret by Sierra Dean

Secret McQueen has hunted vampires, werewolves, and every conceivable supernatural menace-to-society. Seen it all? Not even close. When the queen of the were-ocelots comes to her for help finding a missing girl, the half-vampire/half-werewolf soon realizes how much she has to learn about the things that go bump in the night.

The case of the missing cat is one thing. Pile it up with her new duties as a Tribunal Leader, her tenuous position as mate to the king of the Eastern werewolves, and a slew of new (and unwelcome) supernatural abilities, and Secret is once again in familiar territory. "Way" over her head. But for this multitasking half-breed, it's business as "un"usual.

What knocks her for a loop, though, isn't her lover's intoxicating kiss. It's the missing memories rushing at her from out of nowhere, signaling a rapidly approaching fork in her destiny. Her choice will affect not only her life, but her love.

My thoughts:

I am gonna try to keep this short (something I never managed anyway) as I have to write a review for book 4 too. Yes I finished this book in a hurry and immediately started book 4 because the series is just that good!

Secret is kick-ass as always and adjusting to her new position among the vampires. She still keeps her two delicious boyfriends, I heart Desmond all the way but he sure gets the short stick of everything. Then there is Lucas, I do like him, he is king after all. I keep forgiving him cos he has this presence and they are meant to be after all but...yes but...

This story is about her searching for a missing girl, meeting an old friend, going to school (sort of), and dealing with her messed up love life.

And it's good! I just can't gush enough because I have fallen for this series. I am just going to recommend it to everyone!!! Read it!

Series: Secret McQueen #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 309
Published: 2012 by Samhain
Source: Own

It’s a nice day for a white wedding. At least that’s what Secret McQueen is hoping for, with her poofy-princess-dress marriage to a werewolf king looming closer and closer by the day. But as ever, nothing can be that easy for a vampire/werewolf hybrid for whom someone still harbors a death wish.

Summoned to the south by her werewolf uncle, who makes no bones about the fact her mate bond with Lucas doesn’t pass muster, Secret learns her furry heritage looks more like a tangled vine than a family tree. Getting her royal uncle’s blessing hinges on finding one of the missing twigs. Even with vampire sentry Holden Chancery at her side, she manages to land up to her neck in a swamp of trouble.

As an assassin’s scope zeroes in, family dramas boil up and a fast-collapsing love square threatens to bury her alive, making it to the church on time could be the least of Secret’s problems. 

My thoughts:

By looking at the cover you sure know something is gonna happen, yes Secret is going to marry Lucas. And I could not wait to sink my teeth into this one.

I still like Lucas but he always puts pack first! Time after time. He knows how she feels about Desmond, I mean she loves Des more! Still I like Lucas, but that love is wearing thing while reading this book. And Desmond *cries*. Why can't she just have them all :( Poor beta Des.

Like that wasn't enough, I started falling for Holden in this one. He is all..vampire and sexy. Do I need to say more?

The wedding is fast approaching and there will be a lot to deal with since not everyone is happy. And trust me, the book ends, with a big bang. A big bang that made me crave the next book like crazy! How on earth is this gonna turn out?

*craves book 5*

So start reading this series at once. Action, passion, and one girl who can't decide since she is meant for more than one wolf.

I need more!

Series: Secret McQueen #4
Pages: 256
Published: July 2012 by Samhain
Source: My own

Review: A Bloody Good Secret - Sierra Dean

A Bloody Good Secret

After cheating death twice in one night, confessing her true nature to her werewolf soul mates and being asked to kill one of her closest friends, Secret took a much-needed vacation. By running away.

Now she’s back in town—dragged kicking and screaming—determined to clear Holden Chancery’s name. Right after she finds out what he’s accused of. It shouldn’t be hard—Holden has a habit of using their new and scintillating psychic bond to break into her thoughts and dreams at some very, shall we say, awkward moments.

Just a few things stand in her way: a secretive Tribunal leader, a group of would-be vampire slayers and two werewolf boyfriends who refuse to let her operate in her customary lone-wolf style. Even less amusing are the terrifying creatures that someone is using in an attempt to gain control of the council. Even for this out-of-the-ordinary bounty hunter, it’s a challenge with potentially deadly teeth.

My thoughts:

First of all there will be spoilers from book 1 as I am gonna squee and ramble on.

I read book 1 today and thought, why did no one tell me the series is so good?! (ok maybe they did and I did not listen). After finishing it I had a serious case of withdrawal and you know I had to get more. So I had to get and start book 2 and I did not put it down. No dinner was made today, the dishes from yesterday's dinner is still in the sink, the bed was not made. You get the point. I was all about schhhhhh! I am reading today.

So what made it so good? A great heroine that goes her own way, and is both vampire and werewolf. And in the last book she found out she is soulbound, not only to the werewolf king but to his second in command too. Sure Lucas is good and rich, but I am lusting over Desmond more. Just cos he was more willing to stand there at the side watching them court. I heart Desmond. But, all is not good, honestly I need to read more! In the last book there was a mention that her vampire side will find someone too. And I am dying to know who it is, someone new? Holden? ..the freaky Finn Sig? 

You know a series is good if I read 2 in a day. And when I also want the books in print as I read ebooks.

Conclusion:

Recommended of course. And I need more..mooooore.

Cover:
ok

Series. Secret McQueen #2
Genre: urban Fantasy
Pages: (248 print)
Published: 2011 by Samhain

Source: Pressie from the best bookaholic cat in the world!!!!

Review: Something Secret This Way comes - Sierra Dean

Something Secret This Way comes by Sierra Dean

For Secret McQueen, her life feels like the punch line for a terrible joke. Abandoned at birth by her werewolf mother, hired as a teen by the vampire council of New York City to kill rogues, Secret is a part of both worlds, but belongs to neither. At twenty-two, she has carved out as close to a normal life as a bounty hunter can.

When an enemy from her past returns with her death on his mind, she is forced to call on every ounce of her mixed heritage to save herself—and everyone else in the city she calls home. As if the fate of the world wasn’t enough to deal with, there’s Lucas Rain, King of the East Coast werewolves, who seems to believe he and Secret are fated to be together. Too bad Secret also feels a connection with Desmond, Lucas’s second-in-command…

My thoughts:

I know from the start that this would be good, and the promise held as I came out from my book coma over later with a smile on my face. Ok strike that, it was more like a noooooooo! Do not leave me hanging, I need more!

Secret was one cool chick, of a freaky nature too. She works for vamps, she avoid weres. And that's where I fell in love. Weres show up and the rest is history, it started with a giggle, it ended with a craving for more. I can't say more, just...*giggle*

There is fighting, she not afraid to get dirty. There electricity in the air when certain people meet, and there is even a vampire from Finland, yay. Honestly we need vamps too (even if his name is not Finnish but hey maybe he is like me).

This is a book that I recommend. I can't even write a normal review, I just have this urge to get more, and pleeeease let book 2 be good. I can't handle it not being good.

Conclusion:

Amazing start to a new series.

Series: Secret McQueen #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 264, ebook
Published: 2011 by Samhain Publishing
Source. freebie