Book Review: Secrets by Maggie Walsh

Reviewed by Susan65

Title: Secrets
Author: Maggie Walsh
Series: The Angel Pack #2
Heroes: Gabriel/Taylor
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 164 Pages
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Release Date: September 10, 2014
Available at: Siren-Bookstrand, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Secrets from Gabriel’s past haunt him and hold him back from claiming his mate. His internal struggle has always caused him to keep to himself. But this struggle is giving Taylor mixed signals, and a whole lot of pain. Gabriel won’t tell Taylor that they are mates, but he doesn’t know that Taylor already knows.

The pain from his mate’s rejection causes Taylor to spin out of control and in return he lashes out at everyone, including his best friend Jesse.

Taylor holds a big secret that he tries to deal with alone. With new friends, late night parties and a lot of alcohol, he decides to leave the pack, Jesse, and Gabriel behind to keep his secret hidden. But by keeping his secret from the ones he loves, it will cause them to lose him forever.

Can Gabriel face his demons in time to save Taylor? Or will he be too late and spend eternity alone?

Review: Wow…there was a lot going on in this paranormal story. Fast paced, full of action, surprises, twists and turns, and lots of feeling. I am really loving this series and so glad I found this new-to-me author. I’ve already read the book after this one, so that should tell you something.

Anyway, we initially meet Taylor and Gabriel in the first book, Betrayal, which starred Taylor’s best friend, Jesse, and Gabriel’s pack alpha, Micah. I fell instantly in love with Taylor, because he was a complete and total riot…reminded me so much of Eli, from KA Mitchell’s book, Bad Boyfriend. He was an adorable and snarky twink who had some of the craziest things come flying out of his mouth. My favorite was when he called his soon-to-be-but-not-yet-claimed-mate, Gabriel, Ms. Connie Linguist. That forced a chuckle out of me and had me giggling for hours.

Taylor is the life of the party and Gabriel is his complete polar opposite. He is shy and has horrible self esteem caused by years of abuse from his own father. The big bad wolf was really just a small boy inside who felt worthless; he was riddled with guilt too, because he hadn’t claimed his fated mate, Taylor, all because of his feelings of worthlessness. Taylor, of course, thinks he is being rejected which brings us to the entire plot of the story.

Taylor goes completely overboard trying to first get Gabe to acknowledge their bond, and then second, to completely rejecting him in return. It was really quite sad because you understand both sides and want them to both finally get on the same page.

So, here I was thinking, okay this is simple, and I know what’s going to happen…but oh no, Maggie Walsh throws a whole monkey wrench into the story, and then there’s one of the twists and turns I mentioned earlier…and then a second one. This story has it all, including a nice set up for the next (and future) books.

I highly recommend this series to those looking for a fun, fast-paced, and never a dull moment paranormal romance. The guys are hot, the sex is hotter, and the dialogue will have you laughing out loud. Loved it and can’t wait for more.

Overall Impression: I really liked it

*I purchased my own, personal copy of this book for review.*