Review: Fantastic follow-up to one of my favorite books!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 31, 2013
"What if Cee was really the soul of me, and Charlie was just another mask I wore?"This book is one that have been anxiously waiting to read from the moment I knew that it would exist; and I'm absolutely ecstatic to say that it did not disappoint. The reader gets to see in to Charlie's soul as he struggles with her new life after the mansion. She no longer feels the weight of poverty and abuse and has an amazing man in her life: a man whose dark past and bright future rivals her own. The story is deliciously dark, gritty, and sexy; intense emotions, both ecstasy and despair, mesh perfectly with a suspenseful and engaging story. The plot itself, with its twists and surprises, is compelling enough. But, what makes this book truly special is the artistic style to Mann's writing: scenes described with a sensual artistic quality using beautifully realized colors, textures, and details.I was impressed with how much Charlie's character has grown. She is stronger and braver, she still struggles, but is trying to come to terms with her demons, to find comfort, stability and love. But this story is not only about Charlie. It's also about the people around her and the relationships she is forging. Now that she is not simply surviving, but actually living, she is connecting with people on more than just a sexual level. She is forced reconcile these new found connections with her past and her future, and moving forward will not be easy.We are introduced to a whole new cast of well-realized secondary characters. I truly enjoyed getting to know new angels and enemies, and witnessing new stories of darkness and light, of tragedy and triumph. Especially Cameron; He is my perfect broken hero. Gorgeous and damaged and sexually insatiable, his connection with Charlie is undeniable and I loved seeing the evolution of their relationship, in spite of nearly insurmountable obstacles."I tilted my head, looking in to the crystal clarity that stared back at me. The only thing cold about him was the blue of his eyes. Everything about Cameron spoke of his warmth. `Do you think I'm crazy?'`No,' I said as I shook my head. `I think you're wonderful.' "I must admit, I am such an enormous fan of SEDUCTIVE SHADOWS that it would be nearly impossible to top that book for me. I highly recommend reading it first; the background is necessary to fully enjoy this book (and it's an AMAZING read!!). SEDUCTIVE SECRECY is it's own story, though. We have a new Charlie, with glimpses of Cee, but this Charlie is more accessible and I feel that this book has a more relatable quality. It is heartbreaking and intense, but the pinpoints of light are just a bit brighter in this installment. These books, with their perfect combination of romance, sex, suspense, devastating darkness, and brilliant hope have captured my heart and soul."Maybe I should stare at the sky more often. Maybe I should enjoy the night air instead of shielding myself from it. Rather than letting the the never-ending blackness overwhelm me, maybe I should appreciate it for what it is; a background for the brilliance of stars. After all, without darkness there can't be light."*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.This review and more at TattooedBookReview dot com