I could not finish this book more than 30%. The writing was difficult to follow and did not appear to be professionally edited. I will not read the sequel.

3* Secret Stars

His Secret is the first book in the Secret Series and is told from Julia’s point of view. The story revolves around a very naive Julia, who is the nanny to Sidney, and Jonas, Sidney’s father. The characters were engaging but not very likeable. The book has quite a bit of mystery to it and I found that I was trying to piece together all the clues, as I got deeper into the book.

As the heading suggests this story is filled with secrets and lies. If you enjoy a book with romance, mystery and lots of twists and turns and a massive cliffhanger, then don’t hesitate to read this.

I am looking forward to the second book in the series to piece together the hidden secrets.

Thanks to the Author Gina Jones and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

A bit boring...found it hard to get into. Just not my cup of tea. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Oh my! What a read. I was hooked from the get go on this story and I am so glad that even though this ends in a cliffie I have the next one to read.

I enjoyed these characters. I liked the mystery aspect. I didn’t quite figure out what was going on even though I had that inkling but once I did I was shocked. It al made sense!

I can’t wait for the next!

Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore

1.5 Stars

Did I read the same book as everybody else? The blurb promises dark, mysterious things and hints at (or rather straight up states) a carnal read. I got none of that. Instead, there’s incessant eye-rolling (seriously, I think this book has more eye-rolls than all the other books I’ve ever read. Combined.) and very little is explained or found out. There’s just a lot of statements made and unanswered questions that lead up to a cliffhanger.

We don’t even meet the allusive Jonas until 23% in and by that time I was over caring about the story.

Julia straddles the line of innocent and stupid much of the book and her actions (which are obviously meant to help the twists along) annoyed me. Sidney is ten but acts anywhere from 5 to 15. It was hard to get an understanding of her character. And Jonas, the secretive man with a “dark” past could have never turned romantic interest and I probably would have liked that better. We never really see his dark past.

I felt as if the author was trying to mix too many subgenres and plot devices together in order to make sure there’d be enough material to make a series. I have to say, that even though I didn’t particularly care for the book, it sort of worked. I am curious to find out the answers to all the missing pieces.

All I can say is WOW! This book kept you guessing! I knew this was a love story, but I didn't realize this was a mystery as well. Julia comes to work as a nanny for Jonas's ten year old daughter Sidney. She is very attracted to Jonas, and she begins to care deeply for his lonely, daughter. She brings life and love into his household. Yet, something is not quite right. She knows Jonas is hiding something. Yet, she really doesn't want to have her fairy tale illusions shattered. Unfortunately for her and Sidney, the truth finds a way of getting out. She is broken into a thousand pieces. Can she manage to let go and begin again? My one complaint, is that this has a cliffhanger ending. Now I have to wait to find out what happens!

This book was very hard for me to get through in the beginning. The dialogue was choppy and made it difficult to enjoy. The movement of the story was slow and I nearly put it down. However, curiosity was what saved me. I love Julia's personality and shyness although the concept of the shy, un experienced girl is hardly new, I think it's addictive and will definitely get most readers going. I would definitely read the next book to see what happens!

His Secret by Gina A. Jones, A new to me author that I'll be sure to check out more books by. I liked the storyline. Even with the very spicy content it still had a strong storyline.

What a beautiful story!! Can't wait for the followup book.. a beautiful expression of self discovery and love. I could not put it down

This was an ok book, I tried hard to get into it but I honestly couldn’t.

Well, damn! That was a serious ride...His Secret is one of those books that draws you in and doesn't let go even after you're done reading. I absolutely have to know what happens next!

Julia is an innocent young woman who was orphaned at a young age and was taken in by her church's pastor and his wife. She's been helping raise their daughters and is like their older sister. But, it's time for her to move on and get a job of her own so she can achieve her dream of going to culinary school in Paris. To that end, she takes a nanny job in a town near where she lives. It's here where she meets the young girl, and man, who will change her life irrevocably. Julia bonds with Sidney, her new charge, slowly, as Sidney gets used to her, and they soon grow really close. But, Jonas, Sidney's father isn't present in Sidney's life until one day he comes home from traveling and Julia greets him with a fireplace poker over the head. Oops!

Soon, though, he and Julia are lost in lust and falling in love with each other. But, Jonas is mysterious and has lots of things in his life that he can't (won't) explain, and Julia can't help but want to know what he's keeping from her, even though he says it's for her and Sidney's protection that he not tell her. But, at the end of His Secret, when that crazy cliffhanger happens, what will become of Julia and Jonas? Will she ever see Sidney again? I already know how book 2 will start, thanks to a very helpful excerpt included at the end of His Secret, but I want to know everything, NOW!!

His Secret is set in the present, but it has lots of threads of times past. It's rather gothic at times, and I got a serious Jane Eyre vibe more than once. And trust me, that is most certainly not a bad thing, it only added to the slightly spooky, very romantic tone. I absolutely loved it and must, must, must have book 2 immediately!

While yes, I picked this book out, it was one that I could not get into.

mystery, romance a bit of thriller that always keeps u on the edge. I liked it but something was missing. Whenever i saw the ebook i just dint feel like reading it. Sorry not my cuppa tea.

The first book of The Secret series....did not make me want to read the others. Maybe I'm biased because I love Jane Eyre (which....this is CLEARLY referencing) but...no. Julia is no Jane and Jonas is NO Rochester.

Still, this would be good for a different type of reader. Someone who...hasn't read Jane Eyre and enjoys a more raunch vibe.

If this is the first book in the series, then sign me up for the whole series because I'd love to know what becomes of Julia and Jonas' story. I'd also love to know how Erin got to complicate what seemed like perfection to me and is there anyone else who read this book and felt some Jane Eyre vibes? I know I'm probably pushing it a bit, but there's something about Julia and Jonas's relationship that took me years back to Jane Eyre.
I found the author's writing style to be simple, swift where it could be, harsh towards the end when everything unravels about Erin and Jonas and I'm still reeling from that cliffhanger. I voluntarily requested to read this book off NetGalley and now I am a reader who knows there's a secret Jonas is not willing to bring to the light and that's got me curious enough to want to read the next book just to unravel the mystery.

Very suspenseful! I cannot wait for Her Secret to be released so that the rest of the story will be revealed. I read this book in one day. It was full of twists and turns.

This book was entirely different than what was portrayed. It has a very dark side to it & religious at the same time. I did not care for this story.

This was a great book! I hope you are working on book two right this minute! Just kidding. I love the suspense and the romance.

Wow a great book to read when it's cold outside . Will tell all my friends to read this book

Don't stop!! So much happening in this story. Very emotion filled and who can't love Natalie who just makes you laugh! I'm looking forward to book 2 and can't wait to are what happens with everyone
Julia is a bit weak and Jonas so wishy washy but somehow it just works!