S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared (SECRET #2) by L.Marie Adeline

From Gooodreads

Hidden desires are set free in SECRET Shared - the intoxicating, intensely sexy second novel in the internationally bestselling S.E.C.R.E.T series.

Cassie Robichaud has come a long way from the invisible, insecure woman she was a year ago. As she takes her place as a guide for S.E.C.R.E.T - an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies - Cassie tries to put the bittersweet memories of the man who was almost hers behind her.

But while helping a new member, Dauphine, to live out the passionate adventures she's kept buried for so long, Cassie's connection with one of the male recruits may unravel the one thing she's afraid to leave exposed: her heart. Can a passion formed in fantasy ever become love in Cassie's reality?

An irresistible, erotically charged and unforgettable romance series, perfect for fans of E. L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy and Sylvia Day's Bared to You.

My thoughts

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway some time ago. When I realised it was part of a series, I just had to buy the first book (which is also reveiewed on my blog) and read it first as I hate reading a series out of order.

I really enjoyed the first book which set the scene nicely for the series and read it in a day, which is what I also did with this one as I felt that I couldn't put them down. The second book carries on nicely from where we left off with the cliffhanger that Tracina announced to Will, which completely upset Cassie's plans for her and Will.

In this book Cassie strikes out alone from Will but still has feelings for him and has to keep the work relationship on an even keel. Cassie is offered a new role in S.E.C.R.E.T., which she decides to take on, in order to take her mind off things and Will.

The book introduces us to Dauphine, who needs the help of S.E.C.R.E.T.  Dauphine places more of an emphasis on her career and work life, with her sex life taking a back step.  As she is approached as a suitable candidate for the help of S.E.C.R.E.T., she mulls over their offer and decdes to give it a go. Without giving away too much of her story, we are left wondering whether she will find and become involved with the man she is interested in.

Told in turn from the POV of both Cassie and Dauphine, we read and watch their stories and lives unfold played out with some erotic episodes that again are more instrumental to the story rather than of a gratuitous nature.

Personally I would have been happy for this book to be just about Cassie and her relationships. We find out that Tracina isn't being quite as honest with Will as she should be, which causes him some serious heartache and soul searching. Will isn't prepared to accept what Cassie has experienced through S.E.C.R.E.T. and pushes her away leaving her with no option but to carry on as she has been doing.

Well written this is a great series and perhaps the Author didn't feel that there was enough to write about Cassie to make this book completely about her. A well deserved 8/10.