Seductive Secrecy by Marni Mann Series: Shadows #2
Published by Booktrope on October 24, 2013
Genres: Dark Romance, Erotic
Format: eARC
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“We were two broken souls who had found each other in a world of shadows. We were held together by a connection of secrets, dark and fearful and reluctant to leave. Their depth was seductive and overwhelming, an endless ocean of black that threatened to cover the brilliance we kept reaching for with each other.”
With her art career flourishing and the mansion predators no longer a threat, Charlie is creating a new life. Her desires have changed, and she has a chance at a healthy, loving relationship with Cameron—if they can bury the memories and doubts that plague them.
Can they overcome the destruction of their clouded pasts, or will the revelation of more painful, shocking secrets pull them back into the shadows?
Liezel’s Thoughts:
I loved Seductive Shadows (review can be found HERE) and this sequel has been on my high anticipated list since. I would have to say that as much as I enjoyed Book 1, I loved Seductive Secrecy even more. It portrays Charlie’s life after the circumstances following the mansions’ take down. Because of the intense history among the main characters and the storyline itself I would recommend reading Seductive Shadows first.
In Seductive Secrecy Charlie and Cameron are found to be content in the life that they now share together. She does however experience those rare episodes where the darkness creeps up on her. This isn’t because she finds Cameron lacking but it’s mostly because of her nature, her personality and the effects of her past relationships. At every turn Cameron adapts to her but when the unavoidable happens where one of her clients literally comes knocking at her door Charlie and Cameron’s relationship is tested in the most extreme way.
“Where There Is Love There Is No Darkness”
What I enjoyed most about this story is its’ uniqueness which is centered around art and its’ creation. Following the writing style as that of the first book I thought the author did such a wonderful job describing each setting. The paintings themselves were illustrated with such precision it felt all so vivid and I appreciated the authors ingenuity in being able to accomplish this.
Just as in book 1, I adored the relationship between Charlie and Cameron. He provided for her in every means without expecting any sort of compensation. As much as the paintings were illustrative, their fervor was depicted in the same manner too – flawlessly. The passion between them was just incredible. Just as she was insatiable , with her Cameron was too. It wasn’t only about their amazing physical relationship either. Their connection is so profound. It is soul deep. They complimented and completed each other in every way.
I also appreciated that after everything that Charlie went through, she was still able to open her heart and let people in. Given their history, I was glad to see that her relationship with her best friend continued to grow and eventually extend to Cameron as well. I couldn’t imagine how difficult that was with everyone involved but the author made it work. She developed a great relationship with her father too. It was as if he was her guardian angel. Even if they were on different continents he always had a strong presence in Charlie’s life.
The twist and turns in the story were remarkably done as well. The appearance of that one person in this story provided the perfect amount of tension. Surprisingly, I was impressed with this character that I am hoping that the author expands on his story in the future.
Bottom line is, I LOVED this unique story and if you are into erotic novels with a darker background then this would be a perfect fit for you.
The Verdict:
Excerpt:
“It was well worth the wait to see you like this,” he said.
Keeping my eyes fixed on him, I turned on my heels so he could see both sides, and completed the full twist. “You have excellent taste.”
He shook his head. “You’d look good in anything.”
I could tell by the way he gripped the molding of the door that he was having a hard time keeping his hands off me. As much as I needed them on my body, the feeling of want that consumed me felt so good that I could tolerate it for a little longer.
“Sometimes I look at you and I’m amazed that you’re mine.”
I knew the words had come from his mouth, but it felt as if I had spoken them. It was exactly what I’d been thinking; that, after everything we had experienced together, everything he knew about me, he still treated me the way he did. He still wanted me as much as he had before he knew the truth. He showed me continuously that he wanted me even more. And I felt the same. Cameron made me insatiable; as much as he gave me, I wanted to be even closer than we were. I wanted his breath to come from my mouth every time I exhaled.
He didn’t take a step forward. He just reached out his hand and felt along the shrug, following the fabric until he arrived at the knot between my breasts. He untied both sides and pulled it off my shoulders. His fingers then circled around me, and without warning he yanked me toward him. My palms settled on his chest, my mouth moving closer to his as he had bent his neck to reach me. Our lips didn’t touch; they hovered, each waiting for the other to close the gap.
We simmered in the temptation.
He was the first one to move. His mouth finally crushed against mine, his tongue dipping inside with each kiss. After several, he pulled away. We were both left breathless, our chests rising and falling as we tried to calm ourselves.
“Walk to the bed,” he ordered.
About Marni Mann
A New Englander at heart, Marni Mann, now a Floridian is inspired by the sandy beaches and hot pink sunsets of Sarasota. She taps a mainstream appeal and shakes worldwide taboos, taking her readers on a dark and breathtaking journey. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, she’s scouring for chocolate, traveling, reading, or walking her four-legged children.
