Deep Dark Secret by Sierra Dean

Deep Dark Secret by Sierra Dean

Book stats:
Reading level: Adult
ebook: 272 pages
Genre: Urban fantasy
Publisher: Samhain
Release date: February 5, 2012

Series: Secret McQueen #3

Source: Personal shelf

Reviewed by: Jenn

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

The only good Secret is a buried Secret

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 unusual.

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.

Warning: Contains a werewolf king with wandering hands, a creepy English professor with nefarious plans, and one hell of an unexpected gala evening at Columbia.

DEEP DARK SECRET is Secret McQueen's third novel-length adventure and Sierra Dean has upped the stakes on both the romantic and political front. The previous two novels have focussed primarily on vampire business and added some werewolf romance but DEEP DARK SECRET turns that formula on its head, with the politics being werewolf in nature. Lucas' territory is being encroached upon by Secret's family and it forces Lucas and Secret's relationship issues to the foreground of the novel. I've always found Lucas to be a bit high-handed and autocratic and I was none too pleased with his behaviour in DEEP DARK SECRET since he takes this behaviour to new levels. Thankfully, Secret doesn't take to this very well, which leads to some awkward but important conversations. She does, however, go along with some of the situations he creates for the good of the pack, which shows how much she's learned about her status in the pack and how her actions affect not only her own future but those of her packmates. It's great to see her becoming more aware of the bigger picture, but it would be nice if Lucas wasn't always forcing decisions on her. I hope that the next book, GRAVE SECRET, shows us a more considerate side of our determined werewolf king but I doubt it.

On the plus side, some of Secret's other relationships (romantic and otherwise) are not so fraught, which is good considering she has to find Genevieve's missing niece Lucy. The mission takes some interesting twists and turns and the series mythology expands to include previously undiscussed supernatural elements. The Big Bad is a type of monster common in urban fantasy and paranormal romance but Dean does a nice job of making it her own (and extremely icky). The climactic battle is really exciting and it has some nice surprising elements that I think everyone will enjoy.

We actually get to learn a lot about Secret's past because an ex-boyfriend features rather prominently in DEEP DARK SECRET. Secret's interactions with him give us a lot of insight into her character, and also highlight how much she's grown since we first met her. There was one reveal in particular that will likely have serious ramifications for the series, but it comes towards the end of the novel so I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to read DEEP DARK SECRET for yourself if you're curious! :)

Though I didn't like DEEP DARK SECRET as much as the previous installments in the Secret McQueen series, it's still a fun, fast urban fantasy ride that delivers the level of action, humour, and sexiness I've come to expect from Sierra Dean. The characters continue to grow, Secret continues to kick butt and snark her way through all of her challenges, and her life gets ever more complicated. I can't begin to guess what might befall Secret next but I can't wait to read it!

Read an excerpt

Read More

Posted by jenn at 07:03

 Review, Samhain, Sierra Dean, Vampire, werewolf  2 People left their mark

Deep Dark Secret by Sierra Dean

DEEP DARK SECRET is Secret McQueen's third novel-length adventure and Sierra Dean has upped the stakes on both the romantic and political front. The previous two novels have focussed primarily on vampire business and added some werewolf romance but DEEP DARK SECRET turns that formula on its head, with the politics being werewolf in nature. Lucas' territory is being encroached upon by Secret's family and it forces Lucas and Secret's relationship issues to the foreground of the novel. I've always found Lucas to be a bit high-handed and autocratic and I was none too pleased with his behaviour in DEEP DARK SECRET since he takes this behaviour to new levels. Thankfully, Secret doesn't take to this very well, which leads to some awkward but important conversations. She does, however, go along with some of the situations he creates for the good of the pack, which shows how much she's learned about her status in the pack and how her actions affect not only her own future but those of her packmates. It's great to see her becoming more aware of the bigger picture, but it would be nice if Lucas wasn't always forcing decisions on her. I hope that the next book, GRAVE SECRET, shows us a more considerate side of our determined werewolf king but I doubt it.

On the plus side, some of Secret's other relationships (romantic and otherwise) are not so fraught, which is good considering she has to find Genevieve's missing niece Lucy. The mission takes some interesting twists and turns and the series mythology expands to include previously undiscussed supernatural elements. The Big Bad is a type of monster common in urban fantasy and paranormal romance but Dean does a nice job of making it her own (and extremely icky). The climactic battle is really exciting and it has some nice surprising elements that I think everyone will enjoy.

We actually get to learn a lot about Secret's past because an ex-boyfriend features rather prominently in DEEP DARK SECRET. Secret's interactions with him give us a lot of insight into her character, and also highlight how much she's grown since we first met her. There was one reveal in particular that will likely have serious ramifications for the series, but it comes towards the end of the novel so I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to read DEEP DARK SECRET for yourself if you're curious! :)

Though I didn't like DEEP DARK SECRET as much as the previous installments in the Secret McQueen series, it's still a fun, fast urban fantasy ride that delivers the level of action, humour, and sexiness I've come to expect from Sierra Dean. The characters continue to grow, Secret continues to kick butt and snark her way through all of her challenges, and her life gets ever more complicated. I can't begin to guess what might befall Secret next but I can't wait to read it!

Read an excerpt

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 03:03

 Adult, Purchased, Review, Samhain, Secret McQueen, Sierra Dean, Urban Fantasy, Vampire, werewolf  4 People left their mark

Stacking The Shelves [62]

 

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page!

 

------------------

 

Remember that upon the completion of our SS event, you can still enter all giveaways until July 5th! Thank you pubs, authors, and everyone else for making this event a success!

 

So, it's really awesome to be sitting here right now because last week...I graduated! I'm happy to say that I am officially a high school graduate, now a college student. Feels great not to have anymore homework! haha I originally had a video to share, but read the reasoning below as to why you can't see my graduation fun.

 

I actually had a vlog showcasing the three weeks worth of books that I have to share with you, but a thunderstorm cut out my electricity for about five minutes last night and it deleted my vlog. I'm sorry, cover photos will have to do! With that being said, this was a really amazing three weeks because so many surprises showed up on my doorstep!

 

For Review

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols (blog tour on Lili's Reflections)
Vortex by S.J. Kincaid (Thank you, SJ!)
Taste Test by Kelly Fiore (Thank you Netgalley! Hello, Master Chef!)
The Weight of Souls by Bryony Pearce (Thank you for this murder mystery, Strange Chemistry!)
A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard
Thank you Harper for the ARC! Blog tour here at Tynga's Reviews on July 17th!

 

Trade via the YA Book Exchange

All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry (thank you, Becky!)
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler (thank you, Christy!)
Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder (thank you, Christy!)

bound manuscript of The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
I jumped for joy when this landed on my doorstep. You are so amazing Christina, thank you! <3

ARCycling

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

 

Gifted
Christina surprised me with these four beauties off of my TBR list alongside The Winner's Curse. Thank you again, girl <3 No idea these were coming!

The Heist Society by Ally Carter
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
From What I Remember... by Stacey Kramer and Valerie Thomas
The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges
Have to find book one since I have yet to read it yet.

Bought

Losing It by Cora Carmack (on sale--amazing book!)
Suddenly Royal by Nicole Chase (on sale--read-a-thon with Christine! NA Princess Diaries)
Among the Nameless Stars by Diana Peterfreund (free novella!)

 

Library

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar (story just wasn't for me, did not like even though it has genies!)
Shadowlands by Kate Brian 

Borrowed from Friends

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (Thank you, Jennifer!)
Never Too Far by Abbi Glines (Thank you, Christy!)
Going to be honest and say these books disappointed me in every imaginable way after all the hype surrounding them. Did not like this new adult series, at all.

My First Ever Acknowledgment
In 2012, I reviewed SANCTUM by Sarah Fine here on Tynga's Reviews. If not for me joining this blog tour, I would never have gotten as close to Sarah as I have. I'm very proud to call her a friend. And I'm even more amazed that she decided to put me in the acknowledgement section of book two, FRACTURED. When I noticed this in my ARC, I did the world's biggest happy dance! Thank you, Sarah! And for those of you who have not read this series, I highly suggest it!
 

Bloggers Mentioned
Christina at The Reader of Fictions 
Becky at Stories and Sweeties
Christy at Christy's Book Addiction
ARCycling 
YA Book Exchange

What did YOU add to your shelves?
 

 

Read More

Posted by Lili at 06:00

 Stacking The Shelves  47 People left their mark

Stacking The Shelves [62]

 

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page!

 

------------------

 

Remember that upon the completion of our SS event, you can still enter all giveaways until July 5th! Thank you pubs, authors, and everyone else for making this event a success!

 

So, it's really awesome to be sitting here right now because last week...I graduated! I'm happy to say that I am officially a high school graduate, now a college student. Feels great not to have anymore homework! haha I originally had a video to share, but read the reasoning below as to why you can't see my graduation fun.

 

I actually had a vlog showcasing the three weeks worth of books that I have to share with you, but a thunderstorm cut out my electricity for about five minutes last night and it deleted my vlog. I'm sorry, cover photos will have to do! With that being said, this was a really amazing three weeks because so many surprises showed up on my doorstep!

 

For Review

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols (blog tour on Lili's Reflections)
Vortex by S.J. Kincaid (Thank you, SJ!)
Taste Test by Kelly Fiore (Thank you Netgalley! Hello, Master Chef!)
The Weight of Souls by Bryony Pearce (Thank you for this murder mystery, Strange Chemistry!)
A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard
Thank you Harper for the ARC! Blog tour here at Tynga's Reviews on July 17th!

 

Trade via the YA Book Exchange

All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry (thank you, Becky!)
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler (thank you, Christy!)
Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder (thank you, Christy!)

bound manuscript of The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
I jumped for joy when this landed on my doorstep. You are so amazing Christina, thank you! <3

ARCycling

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

 

Gifted
Christina surprised me with these four beauties off of my TBR list alongside The Winner's Curse. Thank you again, girl <3 No idea these were coming!

The Heist Society by Ally Carter
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
From What I Remember... by Stacey Kramer and Valerie Thomas
The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges
Have to find book one since I have yet to read it yet.

Bought

Losing It by Cora Carmack (on sale--amazing book!)
Suddenly Royal by Nicole Chase (on sale--read-a-thon with Christine! NA Princess Diaries)
Among the Nameless Stars by Diana Peterfreund (free novella!)

 

Library

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar (story just wasn't for me, did not like even though it has genies!)
Shadowlands by Kate Brian 

Borrowed from Friends

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (Thank you, Jennifer!)
Never Too Far by Abbi Glines (Thank you, Christy!)
Going to be honest and say these books disappointed me in every imaginable way after all the hype surrounding them. Did not like this new adult series, at all.

My First Ever Acknowledgment
In 2012, I reviewed SANCTUM by Sarah Fine here on Tynga's Reviews. If not for me joining this blog tour, I would never have gotten as close to Sarah as I have. I'm very proud to call her a friend. And I'm even more amazed that she decided to put me in the acknowledgement section of book two, FRACTURED. When I noticed this in my ARC, I did the world's biggest happy dance! Thank you, Sarah! And for those of you who have not read this series, I highly suggest it!
 

Bloggers Mentioned
Christina at The Reader of Fictions 
Becky at Stories and Sweeties
Christy at Christy's Book Addiction
ARCycling 
YA Book Exchange

What did YOU add to your shelves?
 

 

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:00

 Stacking The Shelves  47 People left their mark

SS: Interview with Nalini Singh + Giveaway

To close the event, I’m super happy to receive best-selling author extraordinaire, Nalini Singh! It’s always such a pleasure to have her on the blog and we had to invite to celebrate the recent release of Heart of Obsidian. Please welcome her warmly!

----------------

1- Long-time reader and huge fan of the series are on pins and needles for HEART OF OBSIDIAN. How does it feel to have a book this hotly anticipated? What's your favorite scene from the book?

I'm delighted readers continue to enjoy the series! I truly love the world and its characters, and it's wonderful to know that readers feel the same.
As for my favorite scene...oooh, that's hard to choose, but one of my favorites is a flashback scene. I can't say exactly what it's about without giving too much away, but it makes me smile every single time I read it. 

2- From the entire series, which character was your favorite to write and why?

I absolutely can't choose - I love all my characters and find it so hard to compare them to each other. Some have appeared more in the series than others, but they all have a powerful role to play, not only in their own books but in the overall story arc.

3- If you could borrow another author's character and throw them into the Psy/Changeling world, who would you pick and why?

For me, the mark of a good book is that the characters fit absolutely into that world. As such, to tear them out and put them into another world simply wouldn't work - and I would never do that to characters about whom I love to read.

4- Will you ever write a book that pairs two Psy together now that Silence is fracturing for more and more people?

A Psy-Psy story or stories, has always been part of my plan for the series.

5-  Once fans have devoured HEART OF OBSIDIAN, will we have more questions or more answers? 

You'll have a lot of answers, and one big question resulting from the final events that take place in the story.

6- Will Vasic get his own story soon? You've said before it wasn't his time. Is his time soon? He's so interesting!!

Wait and see ;-) (He's in HEART OF OBSIDIAN quite a lot.)

7- Does the summer solstice means anything to as race as stoic as the Psy? What about the Changeling?

Not to the Psy, and the changelings are always in sync with nature, so the rhythm of the world is part of their very blood.

8- Do you have a personal tidbit to share in relation with midsummer?

While you're having midsummer, we're having midwinter over in the Southern Hemisphere! People have been known to celebrate Midwinter Christmas. :-)

-----------------

Thank you very much Nalini for taking the time to visit and answering our burning questions!

More about Hearts of Obsidian:

Step into New York Times bestseller Nalini Singh’s explosive and shockingly passionate Psy-Changeling world…

A dangerous, volatile rebel, hands stained bloodred.
A woman whose very existence has been erased.
A love story so dark, it may shatter the world itself.
A deadly price that must be paid.
The day of reckoning is here.

 

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Previous books in the series:

 

 

Nalini is generously offering a signed hardcover edition of Kiss of Snow to one lucky winner!

open internationally

Fill the form to enter!

Ends July 5th, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

----------------

“I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated frequently).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 05:54

 giveaway, Interview, Nalini Singh, Penguin, Supernature Solstice  27 People left their mark