Secrets Vol 15

Simon Says by Jane Thompson
Simon Campbell is a man’s man; it says so in his column. He writes the sophomoric column entitled ‘Simon Says’. He’s adored by men and women and somehow, it’s not enough. His editor has been bugging him to do a more cerebral article, but why mess with a sure thing? He’s happy with his hedonistic lifestyle.

Georgina Kennedy saw Simon at a party and the first thing that went through her mind was ‘yum’. He was totally not her type, but still yummy. She knew she couldn’t have him, so she decided to try and ignore him the best she could. When he shows up at the weekend festivities, she cannot believe it. Can she hold back, should she?

Simon Says was a great beginning to this anthology. I thoroughly enjoyed the intelligence of the two main characters. The dual personalities that both Simon and Georgina were hiding added to the depth of the characters. I was impressed by the completeness of Simon Says. Ms. Thompson did a great job writing a short story that didn’t leave me hanging or wanting more.

Bite of the Wolf by Cynthia Eden
Trinity Martin had no idea what was in store for her when she went jogging. An amazingly gorgeous man stepped out of nowhere and kidnapped her, whisking her into a surreal world where men turned to wolves and she was the future of their race.

Gareth Morlet has found his mate. After years of searching, he’s finally found her. Unfortunately so did his arch-enemy Rafe. In order to keep her safe he needs to convince her that she’s his mate and that werewolves truly exist. Can she love a beast?

Trinity and Gareth have a hard time coming together emotionally in Bite of the Wolf. The idea that there is one person out there for everyone, be it emotionally, physically, or mentally, is tantalizing. Ms. Eden takes it a step farther by bringing the continuation of a race into the mix. I was intrigued by the werewolf clan portrayed in this story and hope that there are more of their stories to come.

Falling for Trouble by Saskia Walker
Sonia Harmond had a wonderful night out on the town with her friends only to be accosted by her brother’s best friend outside her front door. When Oliver tells her that her brother Alec has been set up by her boss to deliver secret papers, she cannot believe it. Oliver asks her for help getting information from Tarquin, her boss.

Oliver Eaglestone was under the impression that Sonia was a homely woman. The vivacious woman in front of him was anything but homely. How could he get her help and keep her safe from the bad guys and himself?

This was a refreshing story. Being written by an Englishwoman and taking place in Europe, this story had an entirely different feel than the others in this anthology. Oliver was great, a Pierce Brosnan kind of agent, yummy to the nth degree. Sophia really rolled with the punches throughout the story. I was impressed with how well she dealt with a truly crazy situation. This was a very well written story and I will look for more by this author.

The Disciplinarian by Leigh Court
Clarissa was sold in the marriage mart, to the highest bidder, by her father. The winner of her dowry is a harsh man intent on fathering an heir. After two years of marriage and no heir, he has called in the services of the Disciplinarian to make her a biddable wife. The loathsome jerk has even gone so far as to tell The Disciplinarian to warm her up so his seed can take root. In shock and afraid for her well-being, Clarissa has no choice but to get into The Disciplinarian’s coach. After learning The Disciplinarian’s secret, she finds herself caring for her captor. Should she care for someone intent on sending her back to her abusive husband?

This was one of the most unique twists on a historical romance I have ever read. To have a man like The Disciplinarian feared by the women of the ton is ingenious. I especially liked the ambiguity of him being good or evil. Clarissa was a very strong character, not many women could deal with her life and do it so well. I found myself cheering for her throughout. This was the perfect story to round out a well-done anthology.

Secrets 15 was in keeping with the previous 14 books; a well-rounded anthology with a little bit for everyone. I have never been disappointed with a Secrets anthology and don’t anticipate being disappointed in the future.

Reviewed by: Serena