Singapore Secrets

By: Irene Onorato

Narrated by: Kathleen Li

Angry because her father, Louisiana Senator Jacob Windsor, has announced his engagement to Hollywood starlet Kara Bordeaux, Julia Windsor decides she’d rather leave home than be subjected to heightened security and a deluge of paparazzi.

She travels to Singapore, severs all communication with those she’s left behind, and chooses to live a life of anonymity.

When Julia meets handsome Gabriel Davenport, she keeps her true purpose for being in Singapore a secret. The friendship that develops quickly evolves into something much deeper.

Julia marvels that she’s traveled halfway around the world to find love with an American man. But will that love endure when she discovers that Gabriel is a former Special Forces sergeant hired by her father to protect her?

©2016, 2021 Irene Onorato (P)2021 Irene Onorato

Great Climax but Not the Best Performance

I had previously read Irene Onorato's Justice for Hattie Mayfair and adored it, so I think I'd try another one by her. Singapore Secrets wasn't nearly as good as Justice for Hattie Mayfair, but maybe only because the latter was exceptional!

One critique I have is that though the main character isn't always this way, sometimes she comes off as overly and rather unrealistically emotional. Crying is okay when it happens once in a while, but Julia cried in nearly every scene that was even only a tiny bit stressful. I also would've liked to have seen her be more proactive when she was in danger (e.g. at the climax!). Ladies, there's not always going to be a handsome guy to come and rescue you, so you gotta rescue yourself sometimes. I just wish this story had portrayed that more instead of sticking to the stereotypes.

However, when I ignored Julia's constant crying, the book felt more normal, and overall the climax was fun to read. I also loved the *plot twist!* I literally gasped, and my mouth dropped open when it was all being unraveled. Here's what happens when you enter a book thinking it will only be a simple romance when it actually has lots more to it. But knowing Justice for Hattie Mayfair, I should've except as much, haha!

With its fast pace, sweet romance, and dashes of action and suspense, Singapore Secrets makes for a great summer read. Both the print/ebook and the audio are great options. I personally listened to the audiobook.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book via StoryOrigin. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Sweet Romance!

I like Irene Onorato's writing! Gabriel (Gabe) and Julia's story is sweet and heartwarming, filled with secrets, and a little suspense. Gabe is handsome, patient, and protective. Julia is lovely, but spoiled, immature, and impetuous. They share an instant attraction. Jacob, Julia's father, and his girlfriend Kara, are great supporting characters, caring and protective. Kathleen Li did a great job narrating this story.

Christian Lit Romance w/intrigue

This was just an okay read for me. I had a hard time liking Julia. Even by her own admission she is a bit of a spoiled brat. I didn't like her petulant behavior. By the end she owns her problem but listening to her whine until she gets there was just not my fav thing. And because I didn't like her, it was hard for me to care about the romance. I found the intrigue part of the book more interesting. I would have liked to have learned what happened to the bad guys in the end. I mean, obviously one of them was more of a decent human than the others. But only to an extent because he did sign on for a kidnapping.

I listened to the audiobook but didn't love the narrator either. It was okay but just not my favorite.

This is pretty heavy on the Christian themes so if you don't care for that, this probably isn't a book for you. Looking at the other ratings I can see that there were many who enjoyed this more than I did. So if you are looking for a romance with intrigue that is a quick read this might be the book for you.

Christian themes
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: kidnapping, threatening situation, attempted rape

Romance and Secrets

The chemistry between Julia and Gabe is undeniable as they set about exploring Singapore after Julia runs away from her father's news of his upcoming nuptials. Julia has no idea what has been set into motion concerning her safety. Will Gabe get to her in time? I will not give away any spoilers but this book is a must listen/read because it is well written and intriguing. The characters development grows perfectly as the plot goes on. Kathleen Li does a wonderful job as narrator giving the characters and story life through her voices that are edged with emotion. I highly recommend this book because it has everything romance, humor, intrigue, lies, and tested loyalty.

Christian Contemporary romance

The premise of this story had promise. Julie is upset with her life with her father the senator and his fiancé. She runs away to Singapore. Have is ex special forces. Her father hires him to go check in her. The develop feelings for each other while there are in Singapore. He has to save her when things go wrong. I found Julia to be extremely whiny. She focuses more on her inner turmoil than her feelings for Gabe. Overall I enjoyed listening to the book.