30 reviews for:

Finding Secrets

Ivy Darling

4.42 AVERAGE


I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book in a series, and I set it all up beautifully. I was hooked from the start, and I loved how we got to follow Elliot/Eden from the age of 10. It made me appreciate the story so much more, and I can’t wait to see how the series continues.

The emotions were high, and I felt so much towards her. This is a book with a lot of tough subjects, and I recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in. I had some twists and turns, and the ending shocked me. The cliffhanger was brutal. Great storytelling and character development. Can’t wait for the next book to come out!

When I started reading this book, I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I wasn't expecting this dark world to trap me and never let go. There are a lot of heavy topics in this story, so please check the trigger warnings.

I love that Ivy presents the story and the main characters since they were children, so you get to experience the whole plot and understand what's going on later on. Samuel is such a sinister character; I was literally afraid of him, and at the same time, I hated him so much. The FMC, Elliot (I refuse to call her by her other name), is strong and clever; even though she is submerged in this cult-like life, she knows she deserves better.

When Kameron shows up I'm confident I know where this book is going, but NO! The story's ending is fast approaching, and nothing I expected is happening. The ending is heartbreaking, and I just needed more, so now I will have to wait (impatiently) for book 2.

Thank you for the advanced copy!
sammis_bookshelf's profile picture

sammis_bookshelf's review

4.75
dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
nightshadowitch's profile picture

nightshadowitch's review

5.0

OMG. I’m still reeling from this book. The amount of emotions this book has created. I just finished this and I’m at a loss. It was over to soon. Well not over it just stopped to soon lol. 10/10 this is so entrancing the story is so amazing a young girl saved from foster home and loved but was she really saved. Her journey and the men in her life just hold you on every word. I’m so afraid to spoil this cause there is so much to talk about. I’m in this for the long haul !!!!
allyb_readsbooks's profile picture

allyb_readsbooks's review

5.0

This book chewed me up and spat me back out as an emotional mess. I kid you not. At the beginning it did seem a little slow paced and I do wanna say to keep the triggers in mind but after you get into you can’t out it down. The deeper you dive into the small town secrets and Elliot’s life the more you become obsessed until you’re crushed with the cliffhanger. BUT one can breathe knowing there will be more by Ivy who made a fantastic debut. She’s gonna leave y’all craving more by the end of this first book.
morallydray's profile picture

morallydray's review

5.0

This book is incredible.

The story, the pacing, the ending. It doesn’t miss. Kameron is the kind of guy everyone needs. A humble hero, as it were.

The story felt unique and fresh and the pacing was beautiful. I never got bored or wanted to put it down. The setting was well researched and felt like one of a kind as well. This is going to be one I suggest to everyone!

I absolutely ate it up and can’t wait to read the next part!

dtdragons's review

5.0
dark mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I literally started this book at 10:30pm and finished at 3:30am. Could not put it down. 
I need to know what happens next!!!! I ate it up. 

It’s giving “keep sweet” vibes for sure. 

marissabreading's review

4.0

W. T. F. Did I just read…. And I. NEED. CLOSURE!
challenging dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
⚠️ check your TWs 

Holy crap! This book had so many twists and turns and I couldn't look away. I don't even know how to write this review in fear of giving something away! Let's just say if you like plot twists, who did this to you, fast-paced, innocent FMC, this book is for you! Elliot is a broken foster kid who is saved by thr Donovan family. When she finds a friend in Leanne she starts the realize the world is bigger than it seems. Then she meets Kameron and he turns her world upside down. But don't be fooled Ivy is going to leave you on the biggest cliffhanger ever!! 

shedevilreads's review

4.0

Finding Secrets by Ivy Darling is a dark religious cult romance. This is the first book in the Hidden Desires Trilogy. 

This is the first book of Ivy's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the chemistry between Elliott and Kameron. I really enjoyed getting Elliott, Eden, Kameron, and Marcus's points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life. 

The book ended on a great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for Ivy to announce the release of the next book in the series Hiding Secrets. 

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a dark romance, religious cult romance, why choose romance, or a MMMF romance.