A friend sent me this book in a box of books.

The action starts very quickly.

The "I can't love her because she's a client" theme is used often in these types of books--enough to be wearying, though I do like both main characters: Katie and Daniel. Another common thread is that it usually takes a life or death situation for the characters to admit they love each other to each other.

And of course, my usual comment that the relationship between the two main characters (much as I like both of them) develops way too quickly for me to be convinced that if it were real life, their relationship would make it long-term. But at least they are only engaged at the end of the 280 or so pages instead of married.

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD: READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

*****

There's so much deception, it's hard to know what the truth of the matter is/was. Was Evangelina's testimony the truth or was it fabricated as Anthony claimed? Or does he just truly believe it was fabricated, unable to admit, even to himself, what he'd done--or maybe his son did without his knowledge and pinned it on him? Anthony seemed to have had a relationship with Priscilla that produced Giovanni that predated his marriage to Evangelina--so how did all that come about? I can't believe that Priscilla was happy about being cast aside for another woman, yet she continued to stay and still seemed to hope that Anthony would love her again--I guess she really loved him to do that. Did the locket really contain account numbers to a secret account that held big money? And if so, was the account set up by Anthony prior to Evangelina leaving? If not, if it was set up by Evangelina, how did Anthony know of its existence?

It was also hard to know whose side everyone was on. Lorenzo, Isaac, Zach, etc.--were they just on the side of whoever paid them the most? Edward--I think he was loyal to Anthony. Priscilla--how do you decide between the man you love and your son?

More questions than answers. ( )

Sharee Stover’s debut novel is one not easily forgotten. With high-octane action from the first pages and lingering questions regarding motivations of the bad guys (or are they?), Secret Past was a book I flew through.

In an effort to honor her mother, Katie Tribani’s one act of rebellion opens the floodgates and a race for her life begins. She learns she has a brother and father she never knew about. As Katie’s handler, Daniel Knight’s mission is to protect the petite woman. But she’s much more than he bargained for.

Stover masterfully plants seeds of doubt regarding the motives of several members of the Marino household. The intensity is eased only for a page or two before more questions, subterfuge, and attempts on Katie’s life occur.

From car chases to foot races, Secret Past carries readers from the plains of Nebraska to the mountains of Colorado and on to the oceanic views of Florida. The scenery sets the backdrop for the race of Katie and Daniel’s lives.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )