review: s.e.c.r.e.t. by l. marie adeline

Even before her alcoholic husband died, Cassie knew it was time to move on with her life. Despite finding a new place to live and getting a waitress job, Cassie was stuck romantically. Feeling she wasn’t ready, she turned down her attractive boss, who took up with another one of the waitresses. Now 35, Cassie hasn’t had sex in five years and it’s time she does something about that. When one of her regular customers accidentally leaves behind a diary, Cassie discovers an organization called S.E.C.R.E.T. which helps women like her fulfill their fantasies. From there, L. Marie Adeline takes the reader into an erotic world as Cassie gains some much needed self-esteem.

Although Cassie’s sexual adventures are a big part of the novel, the story is more about her awakening and self-discovery. With S.E.C.R.E.T. forcing her to spell out her fantasies, Cassie actually has to start making decisions instead of just allowing her life to go along passively. It’s a coming-of-age tale that nicely incorporates steamy sex into a well-written plot with great characters.
4/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Broadway.