Secrets and Lies

A Cassie Scot Novel

By: Christine Amsden

Narrated by: Melissa Reizian Frank

Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents' betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn't letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness. Book 2 in the Cassie Scot series.

©2013 Christine Morgan (P)2025 Christine Morgan

Paranormal romance and mystery will love it

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. There's a lot of suspense, humor, and high stakes that keep the listener vying for the main characters

Any additional comments?

Since her parents’ betrayal, Cassie Scot has had a hard time forgiving her parents and picking up the pieces of her life. Owing a life debt to Evan Blackwood hasn’t helped. Not only is the guy really hot, but he’s already proposed marriage and Cassie’s not sure if she wants to get married. Her family that disowned her is falling apart. According to her brother, Nicholas, no one’s powers are working right and their mom has gotten really sick and no one knows why. Asked to take on a case by her brother and Evan, Cassie finds herself heading down to Arkansas to not only try and make some sense of her life, but also to find two girls who are distant cousins and have gone missing from summer camp. When magical foul play is suspected, it will not only take Cassie, Evan, and his family and friends, but also her estranged family members to solve the case and bring the girls back alive. Will Cassie succeed in solving the case? Will she be able to patch up her relationship with her family and get her life in order? Will she accept Evan’s marriage proposal?

The author of the book, despite the seriousness of some of the stuff going on, still manages to have some humor mixed in. The plot is even more well-developed than the first one and the characters all seem to take on more well-rounded, human-like qualities. Masterfully mixed in to all that, listeners will be treated to love, heartbreak, romance, action, intrigue, and all the great makings of a book. Perhaps the best part is when listeners get a chance to look into Cassie’s mother’s past or when Cassie finally makes a decision about Evan. Either way, paranormal mystery and romance fans will be kept on the edge of their seat and have a hard time putting this one down.

Hooked

I am really enjoying the Cassies Scot series. I have gotten sucked into her life and want to know what will happen next. Christine Amsden has created a character that I found I care about. I am also loving Melissa Reizian Franks narration. I can be very picky about narrators and think she does a great job.
The series revolves around Cassie, a non-magical person trying to make her way in a magical family and community. I don't want to give away anything. If you like the Mercy Thompson & Kate Daniels series ( as well as Lorelei King & Renee Raudman) you will enjoy Cassie Scot.

as good as the first book

the story keeps going and it keeps sucking you in it was a very very good book I loved it a lot the narrator was great and wonderful and overall it was very enjoyable

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

This is the second book in the series and it just keeps getting better!

This book has a lot of twists and turns. It is packed with adventure, suspense, intrigue, murder, mystery and romance. I definitely recommend this book!
The narrator does a fabulous job with the characters and voices of each character. I can’t wait to download the next book in the series.

This Unrequited Love is Killing Me!

What made the experience of listening to Secrets and Lies the most enjoyable?

While the mystery and action scenes are most enjoyable in this second book of the series, Ms. Amsden has a unique talent for painting relationships, especially for describing those in turmoil. I must say, there was a great deal of arguing and so much misunderstanding, sometimes I just wanted to knock some sense into Cassie and her dark, mysterious love, Evan. In spite of my impatience with their constant friction and lack of communication, it probably reflects today's society more than I'd like to admit. After all, these are just kids (21). I yelled at them frequently, trying to get them to talk to each other.

And what's with the big family feud between their parents? What really happened in the hospital in that 24 hour period when Cassie and Even were born only one day apart? Could it be true? (no spoilers here)

I also loved the twists and turns and new mysteries that were revealed throughout the story and was VERY relieved with one outcome about two victims who I was really upset about initially, but then Ms. Amsden redeemed herself (just kidding about the redemption, but I'm trying not to spoil the story line here, and when you read or listen to it, you'll know exactly what I mean!).

The fire in the barn was too realistic, made me shudder! Very well done! And the scenes in the haunted cabin felt real/creepy to this listener. Great fun.

Most of all, I felt impatient with Cassie for not forgiving her mother when she was in the hospital. She should have dropped that darned attitude, forgotten about past problems, and just run to her mom's side! (See? I was totally pulled in and the story seemed so real, once again I was yelling at Cassie! LOL) Thankfully, she finally did the right thing and that was most satisfying, especially the scene where she learned more about her mom's history than we'd ever expected!

I was very unhappy with the ending, though, because I am a happy ending guy who wants everything resolved NOW. I guess we will just have to follow these two kids onto books three and four and see if they can finally get together! (can't wait for the next book, seriously)

All in all this was an enjoyable listen with great mysterious and romantic overtones - recommended as the second listen in the series. (best read/listened to in order of release date)

What other book might you compare Secrets and Lies to and why?

This book is the sequel to book one in the Cassie Scot series, and was a consistent, smooth follow-on story.

What about Melissa Reizian Frank’s performance did you like?

Ms. Reizian is a reliable, talented narrator who keeps voices consistent and does so from book to book, which is important. Her deeper tones allow her to do the male voices very believably and also to differentiate all characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, when Cassie finally went to her family in the hospital and then to her mother's side.

Any additional comments?

Ms. Amsden's writing is polished and smooth, without a hitch. It takes years to develop such a skill, to be able to "write like you talk" so that the reader isn't pulled out of the story with artificial snobbery or words characters wouldn't use. I love reading/listening to a story that moves forward so effortlessly, yet tells such a compelling tale! Kudos!

Looking forward to the next in the series!

Amazing Series!!

I love this series!! I am completely invested in the characters and can't wait to see where their journey leads. Cassie is someone I could see being friends with and I feel for her situation. Tha narrator does a fantastic job bringing the story and characters to life. I have a hard tim putting this book down & look forward to the next book

Great book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was a good story line. Plenty of mystery with a perfect amount of romance

Their families manipulations destroy their dreams.

She always felt to be less, the only one out of seven children to not have magic.
Then, to be asked to give up their family, so they would have the power of seven practitioners.
He helped her bear it all, although neither of them trusted the other with their hearts.
Tissues will be most likely needed for those that are emotionally involved in a story.

Gimmie the next book, ASAP!!!

This is book two in the Cassie Scott series and it picks up where the first left off. Cassie is still dealing with the disowning by her family and Evan's power over her.

There are many levels to this book, Cassie's need for independence, the relationship with Evan, a little side romance hint, two mysteries to solve and loads of backstories to reveal. The book really keeps ya hopping, in a good way. It is never really over whelming and the pace is very well done.

I really like the mysteries in these books, they are very involved and keep me on edge. This one is mostly about two missing teens who have connections to both Cassie and Evan's families. Again, a lot going on but not impossible to follow. I prefer the moments when Cassie is being a detective and not wallowing.

I do get a touch annoyed with Cassie and all her self pity and doubts. But I just have to remind myself she is 21, and that is typical of the age. She has to workout all that leftover teen angst. It really plays into her interactions with everybody around her. This isn't a major issue, and not really solvable because it is an age thing. She needs more years to really mature and gain wisdom. So, I will forgive her the growing pains.

I am also torn on the relationship with Evan, they really do love each other, but need to seriously work on communication!! This is another place where age and wisdom come into play. I just have to keep reminding myself they are only Twenty-one.

I am very intrigues by a potential romance between two supporting characters, I really hope we get more of that or a spinoff!! I love me a possessive Alpha wolf, especially when it comes to a mate thing!!

This is more of a clean read, some steamy kisses but not much more. Okay, some steamy groping too but no full on smexy action.

I love the opening and ending on Evan's POV, 90% of the book is Cassie's POV, the switch up really helps give insight into Evan. This is imperative as you might find him cold otherwise.

I listened to the audio book, the narrator Melissa Reizian Frank is terrific!!! She had great voices and characterization a that were easy to identify. She drew you more into the story and had you by the heart at emotional moments! I am definitely putting her on my listen list!!

Warning, this book is going to drop dome serious bombs on you in the end!! I am talking some serious WTF!!! My jaw hit the floor, even though I suspected something. I am on pins and needles waiting on the next book, it can not come fast enough!!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Book Two

I will start with just saying how great Reozian is and I just think she captures Cassie’s likeness perfectly.
Cassie is a cool down to earth ‘normal’ girl. She has shown great character development since early in the first book when she is the rescued damsel, leaving her to owe a debt. She definitely handles the dirty work in this one. Cassie wraps up the major mystery in this book, proving just how much of a bad@$$ normal detective she is. There is plenty left that you will need to read the next books to find out. Two of her friends are coming into their own interesting storylines. I’m not sure what is going to happen with her family and I think she forgave her parents too easy. There is a bomb dropped in the Epilogue that deals with her relationship with Evan so I definitely have to listen to the next one.