Cold Hard Secret by Sierra Dean
Series: Secret McQueen #7
Published by Samhain Publishing
Published on: July 1, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 281
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Amazon | Kobo | GoodReads
The Secret’s out, and heads will roll.
Ever since her near-death experience at the hands of the villainous Dr. Kesteral, Secret McQueen hasn’t been the same. As in damaged almost beyond repair. But as usual, Secret has no time to lick her wounds.
Armed to the fangs, she and Desmond embark on a whirlwind quest for revenge that takes them to the sewers of Paris to put an end to Alexandre Peyton. Instead, it’s almost the end of them, and before she can stop him, Peyton rips the veil off her deepest secret.
The devil’s not through muddling up the details, either. An eye-opening confab with Sig in the Big Apple leaves her wondering if she’s ever been in control of her own life at all. Plus, a cryptic postcard sends her racing back to her Manitoba hometown, fearing for her grandmere.
With the Council holding the power of life and death over her head, Secret’s circle of friends is shrinking, while the pool of enemies looking for payback is widening like a pool of her own blood.
Warning: Contains the least romantic Paris getaway in history and an unstoppable hybrid with an impossible choice to make between two men who’ve been to hell and back for her.
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This book should have been called Secret’s Revenge instead of COLD HARD SECRET, but the latter works just as well I suppose given what happens in this installment. I say this because this series has had several long running baddies, and in this novel they all get what’s coming to them. OH YEAH! I felt like such a sadist while reading Sierra Dean’s latest because I couldn’t stop grinning like a lunatic as the body count continued to rise. After everything that’s been done to her, it was great to see McQueen getting her pound of flesh. That being said, there’s more to this book than straight-up retribution; her secret’s out, she finally chooses a man, and the cliffhanger will leave you floored. Batten down the hatches people, because this shit is about to get real.
As action-packed as this installment was, the emotional moments were just as poignant. Secret’s quite possibly irrevocably broken after her encounter with The Doctor, and it was painful to watch such a strong heroine brought to her knees. McQueen’s killing spree was practically therapeutic for her in a way because it allowed her to realize that she’s still got it. This series’ shifting love triangle has finally reached its conclusion, and as satisfying as it was, I’m skeptical that it’s really over. There is one more book left after all. Desmond, Holden, and even Lucas, get one last chance to fight for Secret’s affections, but only one wins and it’s not the one that made me cry.
About halfway through this novel, I looked back at all the passages I had highlighted only to realize that there was no way I was ever going to be able to pick my favourite COLD HARD SECRET one-liner. There were just too darned many! I can’t say that I’m surprised because this IS Sierra Dean we’re talking about, but after seven books (and two novellas) I love that she can still leave me reeling with a single sentence. Her writing, characters, and story have not waned one little bit, and even though I am sad that this series is coming to a close, I’m also relieved that SECRET MCQUEEN will be going out on top. As she should.
I loved how each epic battle was showcased to the fullest while also leaving plenty of pages left over for even more oh shit revelations. Dean has already started to tie-up loose ends which I really appreciated because it means that A SECRET TO DIE FOR won’t be weighed down by small details. After this installment’s cliffhanger ending, I expect the finale is going to be crazy good. There’s still lots of story left to tell with Secret’s deal with the Fae, and the Tribunal Council’s reaction yet to be played out. I’m also kinda hoping that amidst all of this forthcoming madness McQueen will somehow find time to visit the werewolf shrink, because that would be a not-to-miss conversation! Just saying.
Sierra Dean knocked me on my ass again with COLD HARD SECRET. I can’t believe there’s only one book left! WANT.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Omg the end, oMG
blodeuedd recently posted…Book Blog Walkers: Weekly Check-in June 27 2014
Yup. Enough said. LOL
I haven’t started this series, but I’ve heard great things. I hope to get it on my list soon.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…House of the Rising Sun Audiobook by Kristen Painter
You’re riding my ass about reading Immortals After Dark? Well, I’m gonna have to start getting on your case about this series. LOVE! Unfortunately, it’s not available in audio. Yet.
Haha! I think it’s good to live yourself out through a book every now and then and I’m glad you enjoyed McQueen kicking a. Ha! I always highlight like crazy and I’m so glad that this one managed to be full of highlight-worthy moments and quotes for you, Carmel. And yay for the epic battle being showcased in a great way. Awesome! Great review, girl!
Siiri recently posted…Review: Ricochet by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Sierra Dean’s books are always one big highlight for me. I adore her writing style! Plus, she’s Canadian, eh? 😉
Yay for the abundance of the awesome one-liners
And, that’s only one of the MANY reasons why I <3 this series!
Gah! Another great series I must try!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Return of the Rebel by Jennifer Faye
Don’t get discouraged by the number of installments because they are all made of awesome!
Yay, I’m so glad this was such an amazing read for you, Carmel! It sounds like a series I would really like. I love it when heroines are kicks-ass, and the bad-guys get what’s coming to them. Great review 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Book Review: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper
I’m SO sad that there’s only one book left in this series! Whatever am I going to do with myself??
I just started this series but am excited that each installment just gets better! Can’t wait to get back to Secret’s adventures 🙂
Lori recently posted…Blog Tour | Verity Hart Vs. The Vampyres Omnibus by Jennifer Harlow {Book Spotlight + Giveaway}
You’d better have started this series missy, OR ELSE! 😛
For once I can say I did! LOL
Lori recently posted…Blog Tour: QUEEN OF WANDS by Katee Robert {Guest Post + Giveaway}
I can’t believe that this series is already this far out. I started the first book two years ago and I haven’t gotten back to it! What is wrong with me?? I think that it is awesome that it is still going strong.
I don’t think I’ve rated a single book in this series below 4 stars, and most of them have been 5. So, that pretty much says it all IMO. 🙂
I haven’t read ANY of these but it sounds like I really need to!! I want to meet Secret and watch as she gets her revenge on The Doctor and all the baddies out there who hurt her and hers.
Mary recently posted…Summer TV Season: New Shows
Secret McQueen is a MUST READ!
Please still be basking in post-honeymoon glow when I admit that I haven’t started the series yet *ducks* I know! But I just checked and I already have book 1 *ducks again for not starting it yet* so I’ll move it to the top of the list!
Great review Carmel!
Traci recently posted…Coffee Shop Talks, #60
Haha You’re lucky, I WAS, but now it’s time to start nagging you. Annoying tweet coming your way. 😛
Great thing is that whenever you review UF books I got sudden desire to read one, but bad thing is that each series has so many sequels that it always turns me off. This one sounds really amazing and I’d love to read it but I cannot make myself start it. So glad you enjoyed this one. Great review, Carmel 🙂
Tanja recently posted…ARC: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
So, does that mean that we have a love / hate relationship, Tanja? Hehe 😀
Sweet! Looks like I already the prequel. Maybe I’ll squeeze that in after my next read. Or do you suggest reading the 1st book before it? I know some read better in that order.
Christy recently posted…Midyear Top Ten Favorite Reads of 2014
The prequel is a great place to start. It’s short, and AWESOME!!
I’m glad to hear the emotional moments of this one were just as good as the action. There are way too many fast-paced thrillers with emotion-less characters! Lovely review, Carmel.
Hafsah recently posted…To Die Would be an Awfully Big Adventure: A Review of ALIAS HOOK by Lisa Jensen
Sierra Dean is great at ensuring that there’s balance in her books. Her action and romance are on the same level, so no worries there!
This is one of my most anticipated series to be publish on audio. I have heard nothing but great things about it. Unfortunately I haven’t heard of any plans, so if you hear of any let me know right away 🙂
Lupdilup recently posted…2014 Audiobook Challenge Update
I asked Dean about the possibility of audios, but unfortunately that is out of her control. Fingers crossed!
That “Books in this series” graphic and link area you have up top is that a plugin? I had been meaning to ask you about your paranormal release post as well – is that a plugin or which wordpress feature do you use for that? I was hoping to start including something like that in my mailbox posts so people could quickly see the book description but I didn’t want to make the post so long when scrolling unless they wanted to see it.
You are so dedicated to keeping up on your series reviews…so much more so then I am *sigh*
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
No, they are Amazon Affiliate widgets.
It depends on the series. Whenever a new Secret McQueen ARC lands in my inbox I drop everything immediately!
I actually own the first one in this series, Carmel. Looks like I should get started on it! 😉 I’m thrilled this one was all you were hoping it’d be. Fabulous review!
You’d better get on that before I start harassing you on Twitter! Ask Traci, she knows what I am talking about. LOL
Huh. I don’t remember seeing these! LOVE when the baddies finally get their due. I’ll have to keep a look out for when they’re all out 🙂 Thanks for the heads up!
anna recently posted…Straddling the Line (Play by Play #8) by Jaci Burton
There’s only one installment left, so 8 books is totally do-able!
Oooo.
*sees blog post*
*sees Sierra Dean book info*
*adds to wishlist*
*sees 5 stars*
*is super excited*
*THANKS YOU for the reminder this is coming soon!*
Wendy Darling recently posted…Foodie Tour of NYC + All Four Stars giveaway
Haha love it! I see that you grasped all of the key points in my post. 😛
Oh wow, that’s a lot of books already but I love that she’s keeping up with the cover art theme! As always, I have no idea about this series so thanks for piquing my interest and because my Amazon GC credit has just been replenished, I might one click book 1!
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Suped Up: Revealed: The Missing Years by Aleatha Romig
Do it!!!!
You sold me! I just bought the prequel. Thanks for the recommendation!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Temptation by Fire by Tiffany Allee
YAY! Welcome to the Sierra Dean fan club! I know you haven’t read book 1 yet, but after you do, you’ll understand why I was so quick to add you. Hehe
Oh I just love this series! I’m just so behind, I need to read book 4! Well at last I’ll have many books to read. It’s nice to see it’s always good! So curious!
OMG You haven’t read book 4 yet? What the heck is the matter with you?? 😉
This book made me cry and cry. When the guy Secret didn’t choose talks to her… the things he says to her… *cries* OMG! This book gutted me!!
And that end!! Freaking Sierra Dean is an evil, evil, evil author and I can’t get enough of her books.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Review: The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead
Yes, the conclusion to this series’ love triangle broke my heart. Except, is it really over? I’m not so sure…
To say I’m behind on this series is simply an understatement. I started the first book and have yet to pick it back up. And OMG. How many books are out already?!
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…Hoarders, 117: The One Where I Came Back From the Dead