Book Review: S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline

S.E.C.R.E.T.

By L. Marie Adeline

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Source: Publisher

Summary: Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. 

The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.

Review: I've never heard of this series before, but when I was given the opportunity, I was intrigued by the concept of the book. I've never heard of a book about a society dedicated to women uncovering their sensual sides, so I thought I'd give it a try.

After her abusive husband died, Cassie has spent the past five years in a dull routine, spending her time waitressing and doing not much else. So when she finds the diary left behind by a woman containing a scandolous life that Cassie can't even dream of having, her whole world turns upside down. She's offered the position in a elite group called S.E.C.R.E.T., where the women learn how to become confident and comfortable with their sexuality. Can Cassie really put it all out there and take the risk she's always wanted to take, but been too scared of ever taking? 

This book was a pretty quick read, but nothing about it really wowed me. Cassie is a likable enough character. Anyone can relate to her in the fact that she's fallen into a life that's dull and needs something more. Her insecurities with herself aren't too obnoxious and I liked how she grew throughout the novel. And the men she runs into along the way. Oh boy is she one lucky woman!

I really liked the variety of adventures Cassie has, but it seems like things are a bit too drawn out. Cassie has 9 separate charms she has to earn that give her the 9 qualities she's always wanted, but this happens over an entire year. Things between each charm are a little rushed and skipped over, so the timeline seemed a little weird to me as the book went along. 

The ending, though. Oh my gosh! I'm really happy I have the second book of this series to read because I really want to know what's going to happen to Cassie now. While the story as a whole was just okay, the author sure knows how to end a book. Don't go into this one expecting your next great read, but the story still offers interesting characters and an unique enough plot to keep you reading until the end.