T. L. Haddix

DNF - seriously? What the heck did I just read?!

I don't think I've ever witnessed a relationship more abusing than this book's couple seemed to have - and that's saying something! Apart from the fact the plot was obvious as hell, and the sex happened behind closed doors - really now, why would you do that, when the suspense isn't that thrilling, and there's no real reason like there was in the previous book to NOT show the reader the yummy parts?! - the book was nearly traumatizing for me. show more As in "please, dear God, never let me fall for a guy like Ethan, I'm not that much of a sinner to deserve that, right?" kind of traumatizing.

I couldn't care less if Beth ends up with Ethan at this point, too. Truth be told, I hope she doesn't because no woman deserves that kind of treatment! This guy not only ruined it for me, he made me disgusted enough that I don't even want to touch the rest of the books! Verbal abuse, sleeping with someone then re-abusing them, letting them in danger, good Lord, I don't care about his excuses, this was cruel! And before any of you decides to get on my case about it being realistic, well, let me tell you, I don't want THAT much realism in my romance stories. If I wanted realistic, I'd be observing all those fucked up relationships around me to pass the time, I wouldn't be reading books. Even I have a girl's heart, damn it! show less

This is a very unusual read--not your traditional contemporary novel--and that's not a bad thing at all! I found it intriguing that this would be set in the 1950's-1960's era, since I'm accustomed to reading books about wizards, shapeshifters, and paranormal activities in a more modern setting.

The primary reason for the three stars is the sexual content. While the story itself keeps your attention, I could have done without the graphic descriptions. Owen and Sarah make a great couple! I was show more impressed by the unexpected page turners involving Sarah's sister, Kathy, and her terrible losses. I developed a strong dislike for Kathy because she always seemed so snobby and stuck-up and did not really treat her sister with any compassion. But then I felt sorry for her after learning that deep down, this was a woman living a nightmare that she could not escape. show less

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in reading stories about sexy supernatural beings, fairytale endings and demonic monsters, that we push aside the reality that you don't have to have supernatural abilities to be a real life monster. The monsters I am referring are like those found in the book one of the Leroy’s Sins series, Secrets in the Shadows by T. L. Haddix. These monsters can be your best friend, your next door neighbor, the guy who always smiles and says hello as you pass each other show more on the street, or even your closest family member. Living a seemingly normal life by day but lurking in the shadows at night, they leave a trail of emotional destruction where ever they go. In Secrets in the Shadows, such is true for cousins Margie and Lauren, as we follow their shared story and learn why sometimes people have to do the unthinkable just to be able to survive. T. L. Haddix covers some real life issues such as rape and abuse and how hard emotionally it is to overcome such terrible struggles, especially when there are unanswered questions preventing the healing process. The first couple of chapters are a little slow moving, but it quickly found its pace and moves along and keeps the reader intrigued and wanting to know what happens next! One thing that I particularly liked, was that T. L. Haddix doesn’t sugarcoat these issues and have the stereotypical fairytale ending, where everyone goes skipping off happily into the sunset. The reader feels the raw emotions and struggles that they character is facing and not everyone is lucky enough to make it out alive. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two of the Leroy’s Sins series, Under the Moon’s Shadows. show less

I do not recall exactly how I found this book but I am so happy I did! When I opened it I was surprised to find it was set in an area of the country I know well so I was hoping it would be good. The book is set in the 50's in rural southeast Kentucky. In truth I found it reminded me of my childhood memories from the 60's which probably influenced my love of the story. For those who like to know these things before investing in a book, there is sex before marriage, (though there was a show more commitment to it). Other adult themes include birth control used circa 1950 and domestic violence. I thought the author did a great job with writing the adult themes. Neither the sexual situations nor the domestic violence were too graphic, (though in fair warning the DV is horrific...she wrote it so we would know what happened but didn't give blow by blow or dwell unnecessarily on it.).
I love Owen and Sarah. They are not perfect people but they do make a perfect couple. The characters in were very well written. I feel like they are family. I love when an author can write characters that well. Kathy initially was a character that I disliked. Now that the book has ended she is who I would most like to hear from. I am hoping to hear how she gets on in the next book though I am not sure she will be in it. My understanding is the series continues with the next generation. Back to this book. The author did an amazing job capturing the innocence yet worldly knowledge of the times as well as the place. I read this book a bit slowly because I kept falling into daydreaming mixed with some bittersweet memories. It was emotionally satisfying for me. Though the author made up the home place, mountain and took some liberties with Hazard, it was easy for me to see it all. I was transported through time to Beaver Creek and a holler there where I went looking for haints and first fell in love. I now live in Alaska, so far from there. This book will hold a special place in my heart and I will read it again. I am looking forward to reading not only the rest of this series but also other books by this author.
For my bookies in the club, (you know who you are), let me know if you read this one. Until I read a couple more from the series and am certain of the consistency of the writing I will hold off recommending adding it to the club's series. I do, however, believe it will go in that direction. It has a hot shifter in it. Woot! Woot! show less