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Sins Duet #2
Sacred Sins
You know what they say about family.
Blood is thicker than water.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
A house divided cannot stand.
Margie is the keeper of her family’s secrets.
Six sisters and one brother.
Billions in assets.
Generations of malfeasance.
And one heartbreaking secret three people keep.
Margie.
Her father, Declan.
And Drew—the man she loves.
You know what they say about secrets.
Three can keep them if two are Drazens.
There's never been a Drazen who went down without a fight.
And there's never been one who didn't fight for love.
Blood is thicker than water.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
A house divided cannot stand.
Margie is the keeper of her family’s secrets.
Six sisters and one brother.
Billions in assets.
Generations of malfeasance.
And one heartbreaking secret three people keep.
Margie.
Her father, Declan.
And Drew—the man she loves.
You know what they say about secrets.
Three can keep them if two are Drazens.
There's never been a Drazen who went down without a fight.
And there's never been one who didn't fight for love.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2018
About the author
C.D. Reiss
108 books9,399 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 18, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Margaret “Margie” Drazen is the fixer, ever logical and unemotional, she holds her family together. However, there once was a time when Margie was known as Cinnamon, a young woman who was reckless and embraced emotion. With such a juxtaposition of warring personalities, Margie is complex and her life is complicated yet she doesn’t waver until the unthinkable happens. Covering key periods from her past and up to the present, Margie’s full story is told and secrets are revealed.
Knowing Margie is capable of taking legal or less than legitimate measures without consequence when necessary, it is equally just as important for her character to show her weaknesses. Of course, when she does something, she always goes big. Going back to a time when Margie was happily in love Indy/Drew, the decision she’s forced to make is based on the biggest secret of all. As time lapses, she makes the best of what remains locked in her heart, but when it all comes crashing down, the pieces seem to come together in unexpected ways.
Told from Margie’s POV, she exudes power, confidence and intelligence but seeing her vulnerabilities makes her whole. The time she spends with Indy/Drew in the past and present is tender, passionate and heartbreaking at times. But when it all comes down to a certain time, Margie is able to rely on the one man who completes her.
How it all comes together in Margie’s duet is remarkable. For so many years, Margie has been my favorite Drazen sister and reading about her struggles and successes is truly satisfying. Her interactions with Declan had me glued to the pages due to the intensity of their interchanges and the possible implications. When it came to Indy/Drew, he exceeded my expectations with him having separate frailties and yet he is still able to give all he can. Lastly, the connection Margie shares with Jonathan is like a steady heartbeat.
While reading, I was a bundle of nerves wondering how it would all end for Margie, but I absolutely loved it! The narration is peppered with weighty emphasis and the plot cadence is swift resulting in the recognizably pithy and clever prose of CD Reiss. For those who are fans of the Drazens and know the journey, this duet will certainly resonate. I’m still smiling like an idiot after finishing. Lol!
Sacred Sins is about obligation, sacrifice and ultimately taking a chance on love.
Sins Duet:
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Margaret “Margie” Drazen is the fixer, ever logical and unemotional, she holds her family together. However, there once was a time when Margie was known as Cinnamon, a young woman who was reckless and embraced emotion. With such a juxtaposition of warring personalities, Margie is complex and her life is complicated yet she doesn’t waver until the unthinkable happens. Covering key periods from her past and up to the present, Margie’s full story is told and secrets are revealed.
”I wasn’t sure if I’d avoided being manipulated or if I’d walked into a trap.”
Knowing Margie is capable of taking legal or less than legitimate measures without consequence when necessary, it is equally just as important for her character to show her weaknesses. Of course, when she does something, she always goes big. Going back to a time when Margie was happily in love Indy/Drew, the decision she’s forced to make is based on the biggest secret of all. As time lapses, she makes the best of what remains locked in her heart, but when it all comes crashing down, the pieces seem to come together in unexpected ways.
”The kiss was perfect. It listened. It responded. It wasn’t stolen in a moment of passion, but an equal exchange of affection that turned rejection into acceptance and transformed a calculated debated into a heated exchange.”
Told from Margie’s POV, she exudes power, confidence and intelligence but seeing her vulnerabilities makes her whole. The time she spends with Indy/Drew in the past and present is tender, passionate and heartbreaking at times. But when it all comes down to a certain time, Margie is able to rely on the one man who completes her.
”I wasn’t worthy of you. Now I am. I’m sorry I took so long, but I had a long way to go.”
How it all comes together in Margie’s duet is remarkable. For so many years, Margie has been my favorite Drazen sister and reading about her struggles and successes is truly satisfying. Her interactions with Declan had me glued to the pages due to the intensity of their interchanges and the possible implications. When it came to Indy/Drew, he exceeded my expectations with him having separate frailties and yet he is still able to give all he can. Lastly, the connection Margie shares with Jonathan is like a steady heartbeat.
While reading, I was a bundle of nerves wondering how it would all end for Margie, but I absolutely loved it! The narration is peppered with weighty emphasis and the plot cadence is swift resulting in the recognizably pithy and clever prose of CD Reiss. For those who are fans of the Drazens and know the journey, this duet will certainly resonate. I’m still smiling like an idiot after finishing. Lol!
Sacred Sins is about obligation, sacrifice and ultimately taking a chance on love.
Sins Duet:
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Read
June 3, 2019Hey - I thought it was great but that's because I wrote it, and I love Margie :)
November 20, 2018
5 #CinIndyForever Stars
This book is not a standalone. You must read Secret Sins before Sacred Sins. This review though, will be spoiler free.
Margie Drazen is the oldest of seven. She’s passionate, she’s loyal, she’s smart, she’s confident, she’s her family’s fixer and she has a secret. Her inner turmoil and constant guilt are what drives her to be the fixer. She has loved and she has lost. She’s complex and has many layers. I understand her plight and her stoic nature because how could you not. Her inner conflicts, her inner wants and desires are all at odds with her reality and she must muddle through the brackish water in order to stay afloat.
Indiana Andrew McCaffrey, aka Indy and Drew, is the man who hold all the cards and holds Margie’s heart as well. He knows Margie’s secret and is her champion, but he can’t take Margie out of her family. He knows the lengths Margie’s father, Declan, would go to in order to manipulate any situation to go his way. And as in life, sometimes timing doesn’t work in your favor and much needed living and maturity are what brings clarity to view.
The Drazen Family is not for the faint of heart. The sins of the father have ripple effects on all his children. They are all off the charts but the siblings have an abiding love for one another no matter what. When this author writes about the Drazen Family, there is cadence of passion, intense feelings, dastardly deeds and poetic and lyrical words that touch the essence of love and desire. The brilliance of the author to weave simultaneous stories sings of the dedication and magical mind that CD Reiss possesses.
I can’t say enough how much I loved Margie’s story and of the ending of her story. Margie’s story will grab your heart and hold it hostage. I held my breath a time or two but the pure euphoria of the epilogue was total perfection. Bravo to CD on being true to Margie. You made me smile, cry, hold my breath and love beyond reason. You made me want to go back and reread Jonathan, Fiona and Theresa’s stories. I look forward to Carrie and Leanna’s stories where once again you will transport us into Drazen Land.
A Definite Favorite of 2018❤️❤️
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book is not a standalone. You must read Secret Sins before Sacred Sins. This review though, will be spoiler free.
Margie Drazen is the oldest of seven. She’s passionate, she’s loyal, she’s smart, she’s confident, she’s her family’s fixer and she has a secret. Her inner turmoil and constant guilt are what drives her to be the fixer. She has loved and she has lost. She’s complex and has many layers. I understand her plight and her stoic nature because how could you not. Her inner conflicts, her inner wants and desires are all at odds with her reality and she must muddle through the brackish water in order to stay afloat.
Indiana Andrew McCaffrey, aka Indy and Drew, is the man who hold all the cards and holds Margie’s heart as well. He knows Margie’s secret and is her champion, but he can’t take Margie out of her family. He knows the lengths Margie’s father, Declan, would go to in order to manipulate any situation to go his way. And as in life, sometimes timing doesn’t work in your favor and much needed living and maturity are what brings clarity to view.
The Drazen Family is not for the faint of heart. The sins of the father have ripple effects on all his children. They are all off the charts but the siblings have an abiding love for one another no matter what. When this author writes about the Drazen Family, there is cadence of passion, intense feelings, dastardly deeds and poetic and lyrical words that touch the essence of love and desire. The brilliance of the author to weave simultaneous stories sings of the dedication and magical mind that CD Reiss possesses.
I can’t say enough how much I loved Margie’s story and of the ending of her story. Margie’s story will grab your heart and hold it hostage. I held my breath a time or two but the pure euphoria of the epilogue was total perfection. Bravo to CD on being true to Margie. You made me smile, cry, hold my breath and love beyond reason. You made me want to go back and reread Jonathan, Fiona and Theresa’s stories. I look forward to Carrie and Leanna’s stories where once again you will transport us into Drazen Land.
A Definite Favorite of 2018❤️❤️
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
January 7, 2019
“I wasn’t worthy of you. Now I am.
Reading this second book in the “Sin” duet was like tasting the finest in vintages of wine. I tasted the sweetness of life and the dryness of a life without love that has lost its sweetness. I had the decided pleasure of reading for the first time both books of the duet back to back. The first book was hot, somewhat frenetic, almost like a drug. Just like young Margie was …filled with youthful optimism and all the possibilities life has to offer lovers.
Sacred Sins is about hard choices, hard experiences and while Margie lived her life purposefully guarding her family and protecting her own. Her youthful secrets did indeed become “sacred” …guarded …. untouchable… inviolate. She lived her life sacrificing a part of herself…the love of her love life …to stay with her family and protect the only person who could warrant more of her love.
The story is once again told entirely from Margie’s POV, first-person. Her words as she moved through her feelings upon seeing Drew again had me transfixed...spellbound. The writing was close-in, intimate and inspired. I felt as if time had been suspended. It was meaningless. Normally, it is difficult to stay with a character who is revealing so much as they move through their feelings. This writing illuminated for me yet another facet of the brilliance that is C. D. Reiss.
I do not mean for you get the idea that this book was all the staid contemplations of Margie, because there are some surefire surprises in the plot movement with life or death consequences at stake for some of the characters. Not to mention the dramatic return of Drew ready to do battle for the heart of his love. Their dance around each other is always so hot and erotic. And…who is there that writes erotic better? No. one. else.
I love the fact that this duet is about one strong, sexy, beautiful woman. It is somehow appropriate with all that is in the world right now. And that Margie's love, Drew, awoke to the fact that he may have dropped the ball in his youth by leaving her and finally realized he never stopped loving her. He is back and he is up to the challenge of this beautiful girl, Cinnamon turned magnificent woman. It is a formula for a happy ending. Question is…will she have to choose again?
Two favorite quotes of many:
“Look at you,” he said, giving me the look he wanted me to turn on myself. “You’re still everything. Line up a million perfect women and I’d still choose you. Do you see what you do to a room when you walk into it? No, of course you don’t. Now even more than when we met the first two times, you bend the space around you. Look at you.” He repeated the phrase with his eyes locked on mine. “You own yourself and everything around you. You were a princess. Now you’re a queen.”
“I loved him and I had no reason to. If I knew why, I could argue against it and win. But without a cause, I couldn’t shoo it away. I couldn’t pat it on the head, tell it I understood, and open the exits. Reason was love’s egress, but love didn’t have the sense to leave when logic opened the door. It bumped around the walls like a blind child in a silent room. Uncomfortable. Unhappy. Unable to get out.”
Reading this second book in the “Sin” duet was like tasting the finest in vintages of wine. I tasted the sweetness of life and the dryness of a life without love that has lost its sweetness. I had the decided pleasure of reading for the first time both books of the duet back to back. The first book was hot, somewhat frenetic, almost like a drug. Just like young Margie was …filled with youthful optimism and all the possibilities life has to offer lovers.
Sacred Sins is about hard choices, hard experiences and while Margie lived her life purposefully guarding her family and protecting her own. Her youthful secrets did indeed become “sacred” …guarded …. untouchable… inviolate. She lived her life sacrificing a part of herself…the love of her love life …to stay with her family and protect the only person who could warrant more of her love.
The story is once again told entirely from Margie’s POV, first-person. Her words as she moved through her feelings upon seeing Drew again had me transfixed...spellbound. The writing was close-in, intimate and inspired. I felt as if time had been suspended. It was meaningless. Normally, it is difficult to stay with a character who is revealing so much as they move through their feelings. This writing illuminated for me yet another facet of the brilliance that is C. D. Reiss.
I do not mean for you get the idea that this book was all the staid contemplations of Margie, because there are some surefire surprises in the plot movement with life or death consequences at stake for some of the characters. Not to mention the dramatic return of Drew ready to do battle for the heart of his love. Their dance around each other is always so hot and erotic. And…who is there that writes erotic better? No. one. else.
I love the fact that this duet is about one strong, sexy, beautiful woman. It is somehow appropriate with all that is in the world right now. And that Margie's love, Drew, awoke to the fact that he may have dropped the ball in his youth by leaving her and finally realized he never stopped loving her. He is back and he is up to the challenge of this beautiful girl, Cinnamon turned magnificent woman. It is a formula for a happy ending. Question is…will she have to choose again?
Two favorite quotes of many:
“Look at you,” he said, giving me the look he wanted me to turn on myself. “You’re still everything. Line up a million perfect women and I’d still choose you. Do you see what you do to a room when you walk into it? No, of course you don’t. Now even more than when we met the first two times, you bend the space around you. Look at you.” He repeated the phrase with his eyes locked on mine. “You own yourself and everything around you. You were a princess. Now you’re a queen.”
“I loved him and I had no reason to. If I knew why, I could argue against it and win. But without a cause, I couldn’t shoo it away. I couldn’t pat it on the head, tell it I understood, and open the exits. Reason was love’s egress, but love didn’t have the sense to leave when logic opened the door. It bumped around the walls like a blind child in a silent room. Uncomfortable. Unhappy. Unable to get out.”
November 28, 2018
Reading, 'Sacred Sins,' was like visiting old friends, dear friends whom I love and couldn't wait to catch up with. I read the first breath-taking part of this story when it was released and longed to know how Margie's story would play out. It's a story of family, lies, love, hope, and one huge deep, dark secret.
A heart wrenching, evocative story weaved with the history of the Drazen family, crafted so the series can be enjoyed solely as a STANDALONE duet providing the perfect example of the penmanship and vivid story telling of CD Reiss. I've read and loved every single interconnected novel but firmly believe this duet can be read in isolation and become a starting point to the incredible world of this family dynasty. Those who are familiar with the Drazen family will garner so much from this story… The first part of the duet reveals a secret, a secret that blew my mind and the second part continues to peel away the layers of Margie's story, showing the reader the development of her life with a good dose of CD Reiss storytelling flare. Do not miss this story!
Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xIP4xA
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2MTavGO
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SacredSins
Nook: http://bit.ly/2QRTXgD
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Crzk81
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2MT9cHW
Start the duet today with Secret Sins
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OKm3sM
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2zo9tKj
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SecretSins
Advance copy provided
A heart wrenching, evocative story weaved with the history of the Drazen family, crafted so the series can be enjoyed solely as a STANDALONE duet providing the perfect example of the penmanship and vivid story telling of CD Reiss. I've read and loved every single interconnected novel but firmly believe this duet can be read in isolation and become a starting point to the incredible world of this family dynasty. Those who are familiar with the Drazen family will garner so much from this story… The first part of the duet reveals a secret, a secret that blew my mind and the second part continues to peel away the layers of Margie's story, showing the reader the development of her life with a good dose of CD Reiss storytelling flare. Do not miss this story!
Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xIP4xA
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2MTavGO
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SacredSins
Nook: http://bit.ly/2QRTXgD
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Crzk81
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2MT9cHW
Start the duet today with Secret Sins
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OKm3sM
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2zo9tKj
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SecretSins
Advance copy provided
December 17, 2018
Outstanding.
April 6, 2021
Ever since I read Secret Sins I knew I happened upon something special. What I didn't know, until like yesterday, was that it was part of a duet.
I was afraid to read part two, oh how I was afraid. In my mind you could never even attempt to match the perfection that was Secret Sins.
And I was partially right on that count because Sacred Sins was a totally different creature. But perfect just the same. Gripping. Magnetic. Thrilling.
My heart was going overdrive the whole time I was reading and I was legit prepared to have a heart attack at some point. I made a mistake when I started to read this before bed - for the life of me I couldn't sleep.
It got bad there for a while, as in I had to skip forward a bit just to see if I was right and the meltdown was coming in my direction. I NEVER do that, so this should tell you how freaking effected I was by the story. No joke!
I loved Cinnamon when she was a girl in Secret Sins, I loved Margie in Sacred Sins, with all her ups and downs, her best and her worst and all that love and life made of her.
And I love Indy and that they had to find themselves before they found each other again.
And also, forever, my heart breaks for Strat. Because he was undeniably a big part of this whole thing.
What a mess this story made out of me.
It's the best fucking feeling!
Over and out
I was afraid to read part two, oh how I was afraid. In my mind you could never even attempt to match the perfection that was Secret Sins.
And I was partially right on that count because Sacred Sins was a totally different creature. But perfect just the same. Gripping. Magnetic. Thrilling.
My heart was going overdrive the whole time I was reading and I was legit prepared to have a heart attack at some point. I made a mistake when I started to read this before bed - for the life of me I couldn't sleep.
It got bad there for a while, as in I had to skip forward a bit just to see if I was right and the meltdown was coming in my direction. I NEVER do that, so this should tell you how freaking effected I was by the story. No joke!
I loved Cinnamon when she was a girl in Secret Sins, I loved Margie in Sacred Sins, with all her ups and downs, her best and her worst and all that love and life made of her.
And I love Indy and that they had to find themselves before they found each other again.
And also, forever, my heart breaks for Strat. Because he was undeniably a big part of this whole thing.
What a mess this story made out of me.
It's the best fucking feeling!
Over and out
November 21, 2018
First, this is some of CD Reiss's best fucking work. At about 90%, I was ugly crying, but as always, she threw us a curve ball plot twist!
Margie Drazen is fierce. She is a lioness. She is the glue of the Drazen family. Until she doesn't want to be anymore.
One thing I loved about this story is that our couple isn't your typical 20 or 30somethings. It's like a 3rd chance for Margie and her rock star Drew McCaffery.
From beginning to end, Reiss took us through an emotional rollercoaster but did justice for Margie and the Drazen siblings. 5 stars for the queen...
Margie Drazen is fierce. She is a lioness. She is the glue of the Drazen family. Until she doesn't want to be anymore.
One thing I loved about this story is that our couple isn't your typical 20 or 30somethings. It's like a 3rd chance for Margie and her rock star Drew McCaffery.
From beginning to end, Reiss took us through an emotional rollercoaster but did justice for Margie and the Drazen siblings. 5 stars for the queen...
November 29, 2022
I enjoyed this but this gave a new adult romance vibe even though the characters were in their 40s &50s. Their antics weren’t that of “oldies”.
I think my favorite thing about this was Margie choosing her son & family over love. You don’t see that in everyday romance books. Although I would’ve appreciated it more if f it didn’t take them 16 years to even be in each other’s orbit again.
I think my favorite thing about this was Margie choosing her son & family over love. You don’t see that in everyday romance books. Although I would’ve appreciated it more if f it didn’t take them 16 years to even be in each other’s orbit again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2018
Wow! I am overwhelmed by C.D. Reiss’ highly emotional Sacred Sins. Since the conclusion of the author’s Submission series, fans have been clamoring for more of the Drazen family. She delivers tenfold with her Saint Margie duet. Sacred Sins is the duet’s dramatic, twisty conclusion. Margie’s story is tortured, beautiful and emotional.
Sacred Sins is told primarily in the present; however, it does start in the past and make a couple time leaps to give readers some needed backstory. The majority of the novel takes place in parallel to Monica and Jonathan’s story in C.D. Reiss’ Submission series, and it is told from the tortured perspective of Margie Drazen. Margie’s life is filled with secrets, regrets, and longing. Her long ago wild fling with rockers Stratford Giliam and Indiana Andrew McCaffrey is a secret she is struggling to keep buried.
I loved the insight into the nefarious patriarch, Declan Drazen. He is still amoral, but you see his attachment to his long-suffering wife and children in a different light. Ms. Reiss made him just empathetic enough for readers to like him a little (and then feel guilty for doing so).
More standout secondary characters are Will Stanton and his adorable daughter, Hannah. I have enjoyed Will’s cameo appearances in other books, and it was a delight to get to know this character better.
All that I can say about the plot is that it is fast paced and chockfull of action. Without ruining the experience, it is safe to say that Margie has her hands full! The woman’s intelligence and gamesmanship has taken her to the top, and her big heart is going to keep her there.
To enjoy Sacred Sins, it is essential to read book one, Secret Sins. This duet is a great place for new-to-the-author readers to jump in. I loved every word of both books in this duet. Brava Ms. Reiss—you’ve created characters that readers care about and a scintillating story line to keep them up all night reading.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Sacred Sins is told primarily in the present; however, it does start in the past and make a couple time leaps to give readers some needed backstory. The majority of the novel takes place in parallel to Monica and Jonathan’s story in C.D. Reiss’ Submission series, and it is told from the tortured perspective of Margie Drazen. Margie’s life is filled with secrets, regrets, and longing. Her long ago wild fling with rockers Stratford Giliam and Indiana Andrew McCaffrey is a secret she is struggling to keep buried.
I loved the insight into the nefarious patriarch, Declan Drazen. He is still amoral, but you see his attachment to his long-suffering wife and children in a different light. Ms. Reiss made him just empathetic enough for readers to like him a little (and then feel guilty for doing so).
More standout secondary characters are Will Stanton and his adorable daughter, Hannah. I have enjoyed Will’s cameo appearances in other books, and it was a delight to get to know this character better.
All that I can say about the plot is that it is fast paced and chockfull of action. Without ruining the experience, it is safe to say that Margie has her hands full! The woman’s intelligence and gamesmanship has taken her to the top, and her big heart is going to keep her there.
To enjoy Sacred Sins, it is essential to read book one, Secret Sins. This duet is a great place for new-to-the-author readers to jump in. I loved every word of both books in this duet. Brava Ms. Reiss—you’ve created characters that readers care about and a scintillating story line to keep them up all night reading.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
November 17, 2018
When you wait for a story like your life depends on it, you are bound to be a bit scared and anxious. So was I when it came to Sacred Sins by C.D.Reiss. Margie's story was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. And from the first chapter I knew it will not disappoint me even a single bit. It will be a stunning read. And I stand by the opinion after finishing the book.
Margaret Drazen is one of the most fascinating and admirable character of Drazen universe. She is a complete bad ass,fiercely protective and loyal to persons she loves. She is like an anchor for the dynasty. But she was not always this practical and controlled woman. So what happened? Or WHO happened? Who will be there for her if the fixer needs fixing? Aren't you morbidly curious to know why the ever calm, composed and strong Margie we know will need fixing? Sacred Sins are about all the answers.
Drazens bring out the extremes of human emotions with beauty and ugliness. Sacred Sins was no exception. Trying to tell you about the plot is like navigating a mine field. Every word, every line and every chapter had purpose and consequences. The shocking revelations and dizzying turns did not stop until the very end of the book. The story sucked me right in and I couldn't stop reading. Well except at a very crucial and traumatic breaking point when I felt someone is tearing my heart right out from my chest. C.D.Reiss gave us a perfect happy ending with more tears. She did the story full justice and Margie got the life she deserved. The story was layered with love, passion, deception, mystery, chaos, heartbreak and family bonding. The puzzle pieces all clicked together to form the grand finale that is worthy of a standing ovation. And erotic doesn't always mean sex. The psychological intimacy and emotional connection between Drew and Margie was so stimulating. I felt aroused by their shared moments. I felt like a voyeur. So real. So deep.
The book has the distinguished C.D.Reiss writing style. It has a certain cadence that I can't describe with words. It's the kind of writing that infiltrates the deepest and darkest corners of your mind. I feel hypnotized. This book showcases raw passionate writing with finesse . There are good books and there are great books. A book like Sacred Sins makes you see the difference. Unpredictable. Explosive. Heartbreaking. Deeply captivating. Another brilliant and mind blowing C.D.Reiss creation.
(Received ARC for honest review from Social Butterfly PR)
Margaret Drazen is one of the most fascinating and admirable character of Drazen universe. She is a complete bad ass,fiercely protective and loyal to persons she loves. She is like an anchor for the dynasty. But she was not always this practical and controlled woman. So what happened? Or WHO happened? Who will be there for her if the fixer needs fixing? Aren't you morbidly curious to know why the ever calm, composed and strong Margie we know will need fixing? Sacred Sins are about all the answers.
Drazens bring out the extremes of human emotions with beauty and ugliness. Sacred Sins was no exception. Trying to tell you about the plot is like navigating a mine field. Every word, every line and every chapter had purpose and consequences. The shocking revelations and dizzying turns did not stop until the very end of the book. The story sucked me right in and I couldn't stop reading. Well except at a very crucial and traumatic breaking point when I felt someone is tearing my heart right out from my chest. C.D.Reiss gave us a perfect happy ending with more tears. She did the story full justice and Margie got the life she deserved. The story was layered with love, passion, deception, mystery, chaos, heartbreak and family bonding. The puzzle pieces all clicked together to form the grand finale that is worthy of a standing ovation. And erotic doesn't always mean sex. The psychological intimacy and emotional connection between Drew and Margie was so stimulating. I felt aroused by their shared moments. I felt like a voyeur. So real. So deep.
The book has the distinguished C.D.Reiss writing style. It has a certain cadence that I can't describe with words. It's the kind of writing that infiltrates the deepest and darkest corners of your mind. I feel hypnotized. This book showcases raw passionate writing with finesse . There are good books and there are great books. A book like Sacred Sins makes you see the difference. Unpredictable. Explosive. Heartbreaking. Deeply captivating. Another brilliant and mind blowing C.D.Reiss creation.
(Received ARC for honest review from Social Butterfly PR)
November 19, 2018
“You’re killing me.”
“You’re not dead yet.”
“I’m practically a doornail.”
Well I'm effing Dodo CD!! #$%&@
This book is a gigantic Heart shredder. Prepare to be annhilated! No other words. this book is a punch in the throat, a chokehold of emotions. It will smash you, scrunch you under the boot, stomp on your heart and then start afresh!! I was emotionally exhausted and drained. There's a limit to what a human heart can endure and CD just kept pushing the limits. A giant exhale at the end is all I'm gonna tell you.
The story of one woman -Margaret Drazen and two men. One she lets go & one who comes back. She chose a car which was needed but she left the car which she wanted.
I was falling down a rabbit hole and only Drew could catch me. He was the North Star. The skies spun, but he was still and steady. The point of connection between myself and the rest of the world.
She faced a fork and her life was pushed in a new direction so far away, her old music is just a faint memory now.
What Ifs and Could'ves pockmark Margie's thoughts nowadays like battle scars. A love lost, a life on automation and a barely beating mechanical heart. What happens when the past is needed and required NOW ? Her bunkered soul which was buried under concrete, threatens to blast open and old ghosts have to stumble out.
Once a person hits bottom, Margie, nothing’s scary.
Not death.
Not prison.
Nothing.”
Several heart stopping moments, numerous cursing overlook points and some downright curl-up-and-die twists had me so pissed at CD, I almost had a coronary just reading it.
At the end if book 1, a phone call was an alarm to signal the beginning of the end and that's where the book picks up from.
While I’d been shacking up with my lover in New York, building a career and a life, my family had been twisting in on itself. Eating its tail. Collapsing in slow motion.
Forget everything you know about the Drazens, esp Margie with a spine of Steele. She's badass fire extinguisher of the Drazen's empire, handling things, warding enemies, stomping fires. Now it's her turn to be in the spotlight or crosshairs. I think she needs constant movement to escape the memories. If mind is busy it won't stop to rest, the riffs wouldn't catch her..yanno!!
Her Sin which was a secret for 30 odd years is now sacred to her. She's holding it close to her heart like a prayer, because she's virtually down on her knees, scrambling for scraps to put together a Heart!
“Have you ever cared about something besides yourself,Cared so much you gave your life to it ? Ever had it threatened from all sides by people who didn’t understand what you’d sacrificed or what you’d continue to sacrifice?"
Moment of truth ladies...
I cried. Bucketloads !
I cursed. Shitloads !
I begged. Tearloads !
All to no avail. CD just sits on her throne & laughs, watching her readers writhing in pain.
Never expected from a Drazen but a propelling and scintillating story. Dazzles you with larger than life sentiments and magnetic love. Pushes you to keep reading despite running on fumes. It just will realign your perceptions you had about the Mighty Drazens!!
Indy-Cin: once a star, always a star
5 chickens that come home to roost!!
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“You’re not dead yet.”
“I’m practically a doornail.”
Well I'm effing Dodo CD!! #$%&@
This book is a gigantic Heart shredder. Prepare to be annhilated! No other words. this book is a punch in the throat, a chokehold of emotions. It will smash you, scrunch you under the boot, stomp on your heart and then start afresh!! I was emotionally exhausted and drained. There's a limit to what a human heart can endure and CD just kept pushing the limits. A giant exhale at the end is all I'm gonna tell you.
The story of one woman -Margaret Drazen and two men. One she lets go & one who comes back. She chose a car which was needed but she left the car which she wanted.
I was falling down a rabbit hole and only Drew could catch me. He was the North Star. The skies spun, but he was still and steady. The point of connection between myself and the rest of the world.
She faced a fork and her life was pushed in a new direction so far away, her old music is just a faint memory now.
What Ifs and Could'ves pockmark Margie's thoughts nowadays like battle scars. A love lost, a life on automation and a barely beating mechanical heart. What happens when the past is needed and required NOW ? Her bunkered soul which was buried under concrete, threatens to blast open and old ghosts have to stumble out.
Once a person hits bottom, Margie, nothing’s scary.
Not death.
Not prison.
Nothing.”
Several heart stopping moments, numerous cursing overlook points and some downright curl-up-and-die twists had me so pissed at CD, I almost had a coronary just reading it.
At the end if book 1, a phone call was an alarm to signal the beginning of the end and that's where the book picks up from.
While I’d been shacking up with my lover in New York, building a career and a life, my family had been twisting in on itself. Eating its tail. Collapsing in slow motion.
Forget everything you know about the Drazens, esp Margie with a spine of Steele. She's badass fire extinguisher of the Drazen's empire, handling things, warding enemies, stomping fires. Now it's her turn to be in the spotlight or crosshairs. I think she needs constant movement to escape the memories. If mind is busy it won't stop to rest, the riffs wouldn't catch her..yanno!!
Her Sin which was a secret for 30 odd years is now sacred to her. She's holding it close to her heart like a prayer, because she's virtually down on her knees, scrambling for scraps to put together a Heart!
“Have you ever cared about something besides yourself,Cared so much you gave your life to it ? Ever had it threatened from all sides by people who didn’t understand what you’d sacrificed or what you’d continue to sacrifice?"
Moment of truth ladies...
I cried. Bucketloads !
I cursed. Shitloads !
I begged. Tearloads !
All to no avail. CD just sits on her throne & laughs, watching her readers writhing in pain.
Never expected from a Drazen but a propelling and scintillating story. Dazzles you with larger than life sentiments and magnetic love. Pushes you to keep reading despite running on fumes. It just will realign your perceptions you had about the Mighty Drazens!!
Indy-Cin: once a star, always a star
5 chickens that come home to roost!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
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November 20, 2018
Sometimes it’s such a struggle to put your feelings into words.
This is one of those times
So, after a half dozen false starts, including a dubious sonnet to the Shakespeare of Smut, I’ve come to the conclusion that, occasionally, feelings are best in their raw, natural state.
Something I’m sure Margie Drazen might actually agree with now.
Sacred Sins is the story that speaks to my heart because of Margie Drazen . I GET HER.
Her complications and contradictions.
Her almost irrational rationality.
Her self destructive loyalty.
I am unabashedly in love with Margie Drazen.
She locks up her hopes and dreams and heart in a box, hiding it from the world and, more importantly, herself, on a highest shelf. She becomes the Drazen warrior queen, battling for everyone else’s happiness. The struggles she faced and sacrifices she made will break you.
But then she’s faced with the moment of truth, and the only weapon left to her is that box up on the shelf. And it’s the most effective weapon of all.
Trust me.
You want to be there when she unleashes it.
In short, CD Reiss ripped my beating heart out of my chest. Stomped on it. Kicked it around in the dirt. Then smothered it in in the swooniest love ever. No character deserves a happy ending more than Margie Drazen. But, damn. She really has to work for it.
And it’s all because of the magical storytelling of CD Reiss. This is the total package created by the Mistress of Romance. My heart is so full of nuclear grade feels, they'll be lingering for decades.
5000 stars
#TopReadof2018
#SendalltheBourbon
#HallOfFameHEA
#GoddessApproved
This is one of those times
So, after a half dozen false starts, including a dubious sonnet to the Shakespeare of Smut, I’ve come to the conclusion that, occasionally, feelings are best in their raw, natural state.
Something I’m sure Margie Drazen might actually agree with now.
Sacred Sins is the story that speaks to my heart because of Margie Drazen . I GET HER.
Her complications and contradictions.
Her almost irrational rationality.
Her self destructive loyalty.
I am unabashedly in love with Margie Drazen.
She locks up her hopes and dreams and heart in a box, hiding it from the world and, more importantly, herself, on a highest shelf. She becomes the Drazen warrior queen, battling for everyone else’s happiness. The struggles she faced and sacrifices she made will break you.
But then she’s faced with the moment of truth, and the only weapon left to her is that box up on the shelf. And it’s the most effective weapon of all.
Trust me.
You want to be there when she unleashes it.
In short, CD Reiss ripped my beating heart out of my chest. Stomped on it. Kicked it around in the dirt. Then smothered it in in the swooniest love ever. No character deserves a happy ending more than Margie Drazen. But, damn. She really has to work for it.
And it’s all because of the magical storytelling of CD Reiss. This is the total package created by the Mistress of Romance. My heart is so full of nuclear grade feels, they'll be lingering for decades.
5000 stars
#TopReadof2018
#SendalltheBourbon
#HallOfFameHEA
#GoddessApproved
November 20, 2018
Sometimes it’s such a struggle to put your feelings into words.
This is one of those times
So, after a half dozen false starts, including a dubious sonnet to the Shakespeare of Smut, I’ve come to the conclusion that, occasionally, feelings are best in their raw, natural state.
Something I’m sure Margie Drazen might actually agree with now.
Sacred Sins is the story that speaks to my heart because of Margie Drazen . I GET HER.
Her complications and contradictions.
Her almost irrational rationality.
Her self destructive loyalty.
I am unabashedly in love with Margie Drazen.
She locks up her hopes and dreams and heart in a box, hiding it from the world and, more importantly, herself, on a highest shelf. She becomes the Drazen warrior queen, battling for everyone else’s happiness. The struggles she faced and sacrifices she made will break you.
But then she’s faced with the moment of truth, and the only weapon left to her is that box up on the shelf. And it’s the most effective weapon of all.
Trust me.
You want to be there when she unleashes it.
In short, CD Reiss ripped my beating heart out of my chest. Stomped on it. Kicked it around in the dirt. Then smothered it in in the swooniest love ever. No character deserves a happy ending more than Margie Drazen. But, damn. She really has to work for it.
And it’s all because of the magical storytelling of CD Reiss. This is the total package created by the Mistress of Romance.
#TopReadof2018
#SendalltheBourbon
#HallOfFameHEA
#goddessapproved
5000 stars
This is one of those times
So, after a half dozen false starts, including a dubious sonnet to the Shakespeare of Smut, I’ve come to the conclusion that, occasionally, feelings are best in their raw, natural state.
Something I’m sure Margie Drazen might actually agree with now.
Sacred Sins is the story that speaks to my heart because of Margie Drazen . I GET HER.
Her complications and contradictions.
Her almost irrational rationality.
Her self destructive loyalty.
I am unabashedly in love with Margie Drazen.
She locks up her hopes and dreams and heart in a box, hiding it from the world and, more importantly, herself, on a highest shelf. She becomes the Drazen warrior queen, battling for everyone else’s happiness. The struggles she faced and sacrifices she made will break you.
But then she’s faced with the moment of truth, and the only weapon left to her is that box up on the shelf. And it’s the most effective weapon of all.
Trust me.
You want to be there when she unleashes it.
In short, CD Reiss ripped my beating heart out of my chest. Stomped on it. Kicked it around in the dirt. Then smothered it in in the swooniest love ever. No character deserves a happy ending more than Margie Drazen. But, damn. She really has to work for it.
And it’s all because of the magical storytelling of CD Reiss. This is the total package created by the Mistress of Romance.
#TopReadof2018
#SendalltheBourbon
#HallOfFameHEA
#goddessapproved
5000 stars
Want to read
July 10, 2019🎁 Sins Duet (Sins Duet #1-2) is FREE on Amazon today (7/10/2019)! 🎁
Want to read
December 5, 2017Omg I’m catching feelings over here 😭
Finally ! I’ve been waiting for this since I’ve read the first one
Finally ! I’ve been waiting for this since I’ve read the first one
November 21, 2018
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There wasn't a pretty young girl in the world who made me feel insecure or threatened. Drew was mine. I was his. Neither time nor distance could change that.
This duet is a whirlwind of emotions and secrets, which is not a bad thing. CD Reiss is an amazing storyteller, her characters flawed but real. It’s a testament to her talent that she can make the members of a billionaire family so unbelievably relatable. But then again, let’s be honest- emotions are universal. Regret, especially; regret is so deeply ingrained in the human experience that it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you have, you’ve felt the suffocating weight of it. That’s what this duet is about- making mistakes, and then dealing with the consequences in the best way you know how at the time, which usually isn't what you would do if you knew what you know now.
I was falling down a rabbit hole and only Drew could catch me. He was the North Star. The skies spun, but he was still and steady. The point of connection between myself and the rest of the world.
I did like Margie, just not as much in the second book as I did the first. Which makes sense, because I liked the first book more than the second. I understand why the author did what she did- intertwining multiple stories from different series can’t be easy- but I loved Indy so much, and I wish things could've been different for him. Strat too, but for the most part, I had come to terms with his story. Not Indy, though. That scab continued being picked raw. I wanted more for him, because he deserved more than being a life-long pawn in Declan Drazen's game. Even Margie continually put him on the back burner, even if she didn't mean to. Even if her actions were understandable. I wanted what Indy wanted, for them to just have each other. At least Margie's choices in the first book were made in the heat of the moment with adolescent hormones as an excuse. For not being a fan of feelings, she sure let herself be emotionally blackmailed and manipulated by her father. I finally realized why it all bothered me so much: it never really felt like Indy was the priority in anyone's life, and for a man who sacrificed so much, it didn't always seem fair to me. Indy lost someone he loved, and then he lost someone else he loved, and when he found one of them, he found a piece of the other as well. It felt like he left bits and pieces of himself everywhere along the way, and that no one ever took the time to put him back together. Because when it came down to it, he lost as much as- if not more- than Margie did.
Secrets had a life of their own. When called, they grew and swelled, pushing the limits of their shell.
This book did a great job with telling a story, and all the twists knocked me on my ass. The resolution was great, even if it was too little too late for my tastes. I read Submission only before this, and it ended up being a fantastic reading order. I was surprised by every twist, even if I didn’t particularly like the revelation (I thought one particular detail should’ve stayed the way it was. I liked Strat’s story better the original way). My complaints are all personal preference, though. Truthfully, a lot of the reason I liked book 1 better was because, I mean, it was the 80s. Can’t beat that! The story was still beautiful and well-written, and the characters imperfect and unbreakable. I recommend this duet to anyone that wants to read about a love that eventually conquers all.
There wasn't a pretty young girl in the world who made me feel insecure or threatened. Drew was mine. I was his. Neither time nor distance could change that.
This duet is a whirlwind of emotions and secrets, which is not a bad thing. CD Reiss is an amazing storyteller, her characters flawed but real. It’s a testament to her talent that she can make the members of a billionaire family so unbelievably relatable. But then again, let’s be honest- emotions are universal. Regret, especially; regret is so deeply ingrained in the human experience that it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you have, you’ve felt the suffocating weight of it. That’s what this duet is about- making mistakes, and then dealing with the consequences in the best way you know how at the time, which usually isn't what you would do if you knew what you know now.
I was falling down a rabbit hole and only Drew could catch me. He was the North Star. The skies spun, but he was still and steady. The point of connection between myself and the rest of the world.
I did like Margie, just not as much in the second book as I did the first. Which makes sense, because I liked the first book more than the second. I understand why the author did what she did- intertwining multiple stories from different series can’t be easy- but I loved Indy so much, and I wish things could've been different for him. Strat too, but for the most part, I had come to terms with his story. Not Indy, though. That scab continued being picked raw. I wanted more for him, because he deserved more than being a life-long pawn in Declan Drazen's game. Even Margie continually put him on the back burner, even if she didn't mean to. Even if her actions were understandable. I wanted what Indy wanted, for them to just have each other. At least Margie's choices in the first book were made in the heat of the moment with adolescent hormones as an excuse. For not being a fan of feelings, she sure let herself be emotionally blackmailed and manipulated by her father. I finally realized why it all bothered me so much: it never really felt like Indy was the priority in anyone's life, and for a man who sacrificed so much, it didn't always seem fair to me. Indy lost someone he loved, and then he lost someone else he loved, and when he found one of them, he found a piece of the other as well. It felt like he left bits and pieces of himself everywhere along the way, and that no one ever took the time to put him back together. Because when it came down to it, he lost as much as- if not more- than Margie did.
Secrets had a life of their own. When called, they grew and swelled, pushing the limits of their shell.
This book did a great job with telling a story, and all the twists knocked me on my ass. The resolution was great, even if it was too little too late for my tastes. I read Submission only before this, and it ended up being a fantastic reading order. I was surprised by every twist, even if I didn’t particularly like the revelation (I thought one particular detail should’ve stayed the way it was. I liked Strat’s story better the original way). My complaints are all personal preference, though. Truthfully, a lot of the reason I liked book 1 better was because, I mean, it was the 80s. Can’t beat that! The story was still beautiful and well-written, and the characters imperfect and unbreakable. I recommend this duet to anyone that wants to read about a love that eventually conquers all.
November 18, 2018
When last we left Margie Drazen in
Secret Sins
, she allowed the love of her life to leave her, believing that she had to do so for her family. It's been almost two years since that book was published, and in that time, I have worried for Margie. I have worried mightily.
CD Reiss puts you squarely back in the Drazen world, bringing all of the family together to help Jonathan. Of course, you cannot have eight siblings together - plus their parents - and not have all manner of emotional trauma and angst ensue. But when it's the Drazens, you turn that trauma and angst up to twelve.
Sacred Sins is part of CD Reiss's Drazen series, but the only book you absolutely must read before this one is Secret Sins. That's the only one I read. Yes, there are times when reading Sacred Sins that you realize that there is more information to be had about some of the Drazens, but that lack of knowledge will not hinder your appreciation of Margie's story in any way. All it will do is stoke a flame that drives you to go purchase the Submission series. You will want to fill in those gaps, but even more importantly, you will want to spend more time with the Drazens, particularly Jonathan.
But the focus here is on Margie, and as you discovered in Secret Sins, Margie merits that attention most completely. She is tenacious, determined, forceful, and loyal. She loves deeply and completely, even when she's been hurt. She rejects her own happiness if it means Jonathan will be happier because of it. And yet hers is a life of loneliness, regardless of how many siblings she has. That loneliness is her choice, mind you. She has neither wanted nor needed to fill the void left by Indiana Andrew McCaffrey sixteen years ago. It's almost as if she believes that she is only entitled to one love more than believing that no one else could take his place.
I won't say more about the plot of this book because you need to savor it. You need to wrap yourself in CD Reiss's storytelling and revel in the way she draws Margie, the way she develops this complicated, conflicted woman. Margie wants to feel love, even as she has tried to close herself off from it: "My heart was encased in a steel fist. It pounded against the crushing pressure, expanding as the first tightened, pushing against my lungs." Do you feel the want, the need? "My feelings picked the lock. Stormed into the room and overturned the tables, wrote on the walls, marred the floor." Oh, Margie. Your feelings deserve to be free, and so do you.
There is hope for Margie. There is possibility.
This is her time, and, thanks to CD Reiss, she gets it.
CD Reiss puts you squarely back in the Drazen world, bringing all of the family together to help Jonathan. Of course, you cannot have eight siblings together - plus their parents - and not have all manner of emotional trauma and angst ensue. But when it's the Drazens, you turn that trauma and angst up to twelve.
Sacred Sins is part of CD Reiss's Drazen series, but the only book you absolutely must read before this one is Secret Sins. That's the only one I read. Yes, there are times when reading Sacred Sins that you realize that there is more information to be had about some of the Drazens, but that lack of knowledge will not hinder your appreciation of Margie's story in any way. All it will do is stoke a flame that drives you to go purchase the Submission series. You will want to fill in those gaps, but even more importantly, you will want to spend more time with the Drazens, particularly Jonathan.
But the focus here is on Margie, and as you discovered in Secret Sins, Margie merits that attention most completely. She is tenacious, determined, forceful, and loyal. She loves deeply and completely, even when she's been hurt. She rejects her own happiness if it means Jonathan will be happier because of it. And yet hers is a life of loneliness, regardless of how many siblings she has. That loneliness is her choice, mind you. She has neither wanted nor needed to fill the void left by Indiana Andrew McCaffrey sixteen years ago. It's almost as if she believes that she is only entitled to one love more than believing that no one else could take his place.
I won't say more about the plot of this book because you need to savor it. You need to wrap yourself in CD Reiss's storytelling and revel in the way she draws Margie, the way she develops this complicated, conflicted woman. Margie wants to feel love, even as she has tried to close herself off from it: "My heart was encased in a steel fist. It pounded against the crushing pressure, expanding as the first tightened, pushing against my lungs." Do you feel the want, the need? "My feelings picked the lock. Stormed into the room and overturned the tables, wrote on the walls, marred the floor." Oh, Margie. Your feelings deserve to be free, and so do you.
There is hope for Margie. There is possibility.
This is her time, and, thanks to CD Reiss, she gets it.
November 26, 2018
Margie Drazen finally gets her due and it was well worth the wait. Some secrets are sacred enough to keep hidden forever. Margie knows this better than anyone. As the glue that holds the Drazen family together, she is one who has sacrificed all along the way. Margie is steadfast and true but her heart can only take so much.
When love comes around not once, not twice but three times she finally decides to take a long look at her life and recognizes that at last it is her turn to love and be loved. This love does not come easily. Margie makes tough choices for what she believes is for the greater good of the entire Drazen Clan.
As a fan of the Drazen world there are twists and turns regarding Declan and Johnathan that made me audibly gasp. Truths are revealed and betrayals uncovered.
Christine Reiss is a brilliant story teller, these characters are my heart and under my skin. Margie is the soul of this family and her essence of being a strong, powerful woman resonates throughout.
When love comes around not once, not twice but three times she finally decides to take a long look at her life and recognizes that at last it is her turn to love and be loved. This love does not come easily. Margie makes tough choices for what she believes is for the greater good of the entire Drazen Clan.
As a fan of the Drazen world there are twists and turns regarding Declan and Johnathan that made me audibly gasp. Truths are revealed and betrayals uncovered.
Christine Reiss is a brilliant story teller, these characters are my heart and under my skin. Margie is the soul of this family and her essence of being a strong, powerful woman resonates throughout.
November 24, 2018
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars!
January 26, 2019
Soooo frustrating. I loved Secret Sins and want to dive into this RIGHT NOW!!! But, alas, I have to wait. Just one chapter a month. I have read the first three.
1/27/29 having just re-read Secret Sins, I am loving this. The whole book was issued so I could read it all at once. So wonderful. So gifted. Sigh
1/27/29 having just re-read Secret Sins, I am loving this. The whole book was issued so I could read it all at once. So wonderful. So gifted. Sigh
November 21, 2018
I have been "patiently" waiting for Scared Sins for quite some time. And when you are left waiting for what feels like a lifetime, you are praying that the wait is worth it. And my damn, it was so worth it and more!!
Margie is the anchor of the Drazen family and it's about damn time she got her spotlight. Sacred Sins is part of a duet (Secret Sins is the first) but it's within the Drazen world (Submission series). You only need to read Secret Sins first in order to follow this duet. However, I will warn you that once you read this, you will want to read the other books after your interests are piqued.
Scared Sins is Margie's story; a story that is way more complicated and intricate than I anticipated. Margie is the family pillar - she fights hard but loves harder. However, she is seen as the unemotional one, the Drazen who's heart is surrounded by steel and rules with a strong fist. But little does anyone know, underneath that steel shell, is a woman who once was softer.
Margie is a force to be reckon with. She goes to battle for everyone and puts everyone's happiness before her own. Until she is forces to face the one truth - the one where everything is put on the line. Oh, I have chills all over my body just thinking about how all this played out - and no, I am not telling you.
I really do not want to say much more about this one. If you know Christine and her writing talent - she is a mastermind of story telling and character building. She wraps you up so tight, it's impossible to pull yourself out of it.
Do yourself a favor this holiday season - sit down and binge this duet. You will not be disappointed and I won't apologize for getting you caught up in the world of the Drazen family.
Margie is the anchor of the Drazen family and it's about damn time she got her spotlight. Sacred Sins is part of a duet (Secret Sins is the first) but it's within the Drazen world (Submission series). You only need to read Secret Sins first in order to follow this duet. However, I will warn you that once you read this, you will want to read the other books after your interests are piqued.
Scared Sins is Margie's story; a story that is way more complicated and intricate than I anticipated. Margie is the family pillar - she fights hard but loves harder. However, she is seen as the unemotional one, the Drazen who's heart is surrounded by steel and rules with a strong fist. But little does anyone know, underneath that steel shell, is a woman who once was softer.
Margie is a force to be reckon with. She goes to battle for everyone and puts everyone's happiness before her own. Until she is forces to face the one truth - the one where everything is put on the line. Oh, I have chills all over my body just thinking about how all this played out - and no, I am not telling you.
I really do not want to say much more about this one. If you know Christine and her writing talent - she is a mastermind of story telling and character building. She wraps you up so tight, it's impossible to pull yourself out of it.
Do yourself a favor this holiday season - sit down and binge this duet. You will not be disappointed and I won't apologize for getting you caught up in the world of the Drazen family.
November 26, 2018
4.5 Stars~ Jess
Sacred Sins is a book two and you must read Secret Sins first. While I think this would also be enjoyable to have read the other Drazen books, they are not necessary. This is the first time I have met this completely messed up and complicated family. I didn't feel lost, but I now have a burning desire to go back and read about the other siblings.
Margret, Margie is the fixer of the family. Just as the title implies, she fixes things for the family to make them "right." She is cold, calculating and has zero emotions. While she looks out for herself and family, she doesn't do attachment or feelings. Except with Indiana Andrew McCaffrey. And talk about complicated story. We first start this story with Drew and Margie in one place in their lives, only to fast forward 16 years and things be completely different.
These two books are Margie's story. From her crazy youth to where she is now and all of the secrets that she holds. The book was heartbreaking, fascinating and downright addictive. The Drazen family is quite something and this book only touched the very surface of the intricate lives the other members live. Written in perfect Reiss form, a whole messy world is revealed that left me wanting to know more about the others.
Sacred Sins is a book two and you must read Secret Sins first. While I think this would also be enjoyable to have read the other Drazen books, they are not necessary. This is the first time I have met this completely messed up and complicated family. I didn't feel lost, but I now have a burning desire to go back and read about the other siblings.
Margret, Margie is the fixer of the family. Just as the title implies, she fixes things for the family to make them "right." She is cold, calculating and has zero emotions. While she looks out for herself and family, she doesn't do attachment or feelings. Except with Indiana Andrew McCaffrey. And talk about complicated story. We first start this story with Drew and Margie in one place in their lives, only to fast forward 16 years and things be completely different.
These two books are Margie's story. From her crazy youth to where she is now and all of the secrets that she holds. The book was heartbreaking, fascinating and downright addictive. The Drazen family is quite something and this book only touched the very surface of the intricate lives the other members live. Written in perfect Reiss form, a whole messy world is revealed that left me wanting to know more about the others.
November 28, 2018
Bullets and Blood #letsgetthebandbacktogether
I now see the beauty of the name of Indy and Strats band! But I digress.
Margie has always, ALWAYS, been my hero. And I just did not know how she could ever get free to live her own life on her own terms with her one true love. I followed her down this rabbit hole, no matter how gut-wretchjng, just hoping there would be something real for her on the other side. It was a hella trip. And a most satisfying conclusion indeed.
How this author can continue giving us high-quality, twisty tales that not only span decades, jumping between timelines and plot arcs of greed, lust, and avarice, meshed beautifully throughout Jonathon, Fiona, and Theresa's own HEA books...and beautifully written, did I mention that? Because the wordsmithing is what keeps me coming back, people.
Margie deserved no less in the end.
So did Indy, IMHO.
Very satisfying indeed.
I now see the beauty of the name of Indy and Strats band! But I digress.
Margie has always, ALWAYS, been my hero. And I just did not know how she could ever get free to live her own life on her own terms with her one true love. I followed her down this rabbit hole, no matter how gut-wretchjng, just hoping there would be something real for her on the other side. It was a hella trip. And a most satisfying conclusion indeed.
How this author can continue giving us high-quality, twisty tales that not only span decades, jumping between timelines and plot arcs of greed, lust, and avarice, meshed beautifully throughout Jonathon, Fiona, and Theresa's own HEA books...and beautifully written, did I mention that? Because the wordsmithing is what keeps me coming back, people.
Margie deserved no less in the end.
So did Indy, IMHO.
Very satisfying indeed.
November 18, 2018
What an epic conclusion of a story filled with hard truths, lies, secrets, betrayals and true love. This duet brought us every feeling imaginable while delivering it in a way that will leave you hooked for more. I can not express how much I loved this book, despite how heartbreaking it could be at times.
When we got left hanging in the first book, we were faced with a phone call that would change everything, and it did, although we had to wait until this book, to find out the ramifications.
We learned that it was just another obstacle standing in the way of Margie and Drew’s HEA, but this hurdle was a bit much for them to survive. Now years have past and there is unfinished business to attend to.
Will it pave the way for their HEA or will there be to many secrets standing in their way?
When we got left hanging in the first book, we were faced with a phone call that would change everything, and it did, although we had to wait until this book, to find out the ramifications.
We learned that it was just another obstacle standing in the way of Margie and Drew’s HEA, but this hurdle was a bit much for them to survive. Now years have past and there is unfinished business to attend to.
Will it pave the way for their HEA or will there be to many secrets standing in their way?
November 18, 2018
Scared SINS by CD Reiss is the second book in the Saint Margie Duet. This continues the story of Margaret 'Margie "Cinnamon- Cin"'Drazen, Stratford 'Strat' Gilliam and Indiana Andrew 'Indy 'McCaffrey. You really should read the previous book 'Secret Sins' first before reading this one.
Margie is a strong tough women that keeps her family's secrets and those of her own. This book closes in on how she struggled with those secrets, her feelings and what she is now. Indy and Strat are still working toward their feelings and what they need to do to make it happen along with what they can do to help Margie.
I really wanted this book to see how things were going to play out with them...just makes me want more books by Ms. Reiss.
Margie is a strong tough women that keeps her family's secrets and those of her own. This book closes in on how she struggled with those secrets, her feelings and what she is now. Indy and Strat are still working toward their feelings and what they need to do to make it happen along with what they can do to help Margie.
I really wanted this book to see how things were going to play out with them...just makes me want more books by Ms. Reiss.
February 3, 2019
I feel as if I have wasted 3 days reading this complete cluster but i couldn’t put it down. I’m so disappointed in this series that I can’t even form words. I honestly thought this was gonna push me out of my slump but it’s just put in more of one. I don’t know. I feel like this started out as one thing and ended up being something totally different. I’m not saying that I won’t read anything else from this author but I can assure you that this Duet will not make it in my reread stack...
#disappointedaf
#disappointedaf
December 15, 2018
The 5 stars is for giving Margie a happy-ever-after.
This book is everything.
I miss the old CD Reiss.
Also, I really wanted her to tell Jonathan who’s his real parents are.
This book is everything.
I miss the old CD Reiss.
Also, I really wanted her to tell Jonathan who’s his real parents are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2018
4.8* I loved it. But I am mad about Daddy Drazen. I pray to the canary God we get his book next. Fingers crossed.
June 7, 2019
What a high! Absolutely fantastic. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.
For hardcore fans of CD Reiss, the ones that got hooked on Jonathan Drazen when his story first got released in a series of novellas in 2013, this book is monumental. It goes full circle on Songs of Submission (Complete Submission), and now we finally know the truth of everything else that was unfolding at the end of that series.
This author is so amazingly talented. How she spins these webs of people and twisted events and destructive secrets in the Drazen family, with incredibly convoluted plots from different points of view, is nothing short of masterful.
I have been a fan for years since Jonathan and Monica in Songs of Submission (Complete Submission), Teresa and Antonio in Songs of Corruption (Spin; Ruin; Rule), and Fiona’s deadly triangle between her Master and her therapist in Songs of Perdition (later retitled Forbidden). Pure gold.
Then, Margie. The eldest. The sister every fan was waiting for. The first book in this duo followed the most intriguing and compelling Drazen sister from her wild teens to her sober 20s and beyond, and revealed a cataclysmic secret in the family. Getting more and more pieces in the bigger puzzle, and revealing hidden depths of her psychology. I was on a reading high for weeks after I finished that book. And now this one.
I’ve read it practically at the edge of my seat, bitting my nails in suspense to discover whether the astonishing secret would be revealed at least to the person that deserved to know it the most. Sadly, my hopes in this respect were not realised, but the book was still immensely satisfying.
Despite that glaring omission I was waiting for, the book is meticulously planed and successfully constructed. It is full of misguided explanations about reality, lies that ruin lives, different people in denial of past events, and many eternally wanting to escape the pain of the truth without taking any responsibility in it. Hypocrisy and double standards are everywhere. Screwed moral values and an evil patriarch that is not only a narcissist, but possibly a true psychopath too, with hidden links with organised mafia. Most dysfunctional family I’ve ever encountered, their stories are completely addictive. I’ve been rewatching the Sopranos for a few weeks, and it reminded me a little bit of that world.
This book also retells the heartbreaking, utterly traumatic events from the end of Songs of Submission (from the novella Sing), from Margie’s point of view. That was the most difficult book I’ve read by CD Reiss. Most likely the most difficult book I’ve ever read at all. It completely crushed me, and destroyed me. I experienced the highest amount of emotional pain provoked from a fictitious story, and even after having read it about 5 times now, what goes on in this part of the saga still hurts like my heart is constricted in a fist.
Revisiting those events and that anguish from Margie’s eyes, bruised my heart and I shed a few tears, but this time not for Jonathan and Monica, but for Margie and Drew.
And I could say that Margie was very forgiving in 2015 and Drew very wrong in 1999. That leaving the love of your life simply because it will not be possible for them to keep you as top priority in their lives 100% of the time, is wrong. Love has to allow a degree of flexibility, a breathing space. It needs to be a safe haven when luck turns on you and everything else in life collapses by the wayside.. It is like staking a young tree. You have to hold it firmly to prevent wind damage. But if you tie it too tightly, you can damage the bark. You need to do the first without getting to the second.
It was definitely not an easy read emotionally. But those are without doubt the books that I enjoy the most, the ones that provoke raw emotion, the ones that provoke intense reflection. Good or bad, but full of the feels.
It seems possible to enjoy these two books without needing to have the previous Drazen stories as background, but I know for sure the tremendous enjoyment I got out of it had not been the same if I did not know about Jonathan, Theresa and Fiona’s stories and Margie’s role in them before reading these books.
Around The Year In Books Reading Challenge 2019 #42. A book with a monster or a monstrous character. Declan Drazen, the patriarch of this most dysfunctional family is a manipulative narcissist and sociopath with several murders to his name.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019. # 4. A book you think should be made into a movie. I actually think that the whole story of the Drazen family should be made into a TV series. Starting from the beginning and following the format she has created in her books. Each season following a sibling and like in the books, having the rug pulled from under you from time to time, realising that all you thought you knew about these characters up to a given point, you actually didn’t.
It is so good!
For hardcore fans of CD Reiss, the ones that got hooked on Jonathan Drazen when his story first got released in a series of novellas in 2013, this book is monumental. It goes full circle on Songs of Submission (Complete Submission), and now we finally know the truth of everything else that was unfolding at the end of that series.
This author is so amazingly talented. How she spins these webs of people and twisted events and destructive secrets in the Drazen family, with incredibly convoluted plots from different points of view, is nothing short of masterful.
I have been a fan for years since Jonathan and Monica in Songs of Submission (Complete Submission), Teresa and Antonio in Songs of Corruption (Spin; Ruin; Rule), and Fiona’s deadly triangle between her Master and her therapist in Songs of Perdition (later retitled Forbidden). Pure gold.
Then, Margie. The eldest. The sister every fan was waiting for. The first book in this duo followed the most intriguing and compelling Drazen sister from her wild teens to her sober 20s and beyond, and revealed a cataclysmic secret in the family. Getting more and more pieces in the bigger puzzle, and revealing hidden depths of her psychology. I was on a reading high for weeks after I finished that book. And now this one.
I’ve read it practically at the edge of my seat, bitting my nails in suspense to discover whether the astonishing secret would be revealed at least to the person that deserved to know it the most. Sadly, my hopes in this respect were not realised, but the book was still immensely satisfying.
Despite that glaring omission I was waiting for, the book is meticulously planed and successfully constructed. It is full of misguided explanations about reality, lies that ruin lives, different people in denial of past events, and many eternally wanting to escape the pain of the truth without taking any responsibility in it. Hypocrisy and double standards are everywhere. Screwed moral values and an evil patriarch that is not only a narcissist, but possibly a true psychopath too, with hidden links with organised mafia. Most dysfunctional family I’ve ever encountered, their stories are completely addictive. I’ve been rewatching the Sopranos for a few weeks, and it reminded me a little bit of that world.
This book also retells the heartbreaking, utterly traumatic events from the end of Songs of Submission (from the novella Sing), from Margie’s point of view. That was the most difficult book I’ve read by CD Reiss. Most likely the most difficult book I’ve ever read at all. It completely crushed me, and destroyed me. I experienced the highest amount of emotional pain provoked from a fictitious story, and even after having read it about 5 times now, what goes on in this part of the saga still hurts like my heart is constricted in a fist.
Revisiting those events and that anguish from Margie’s eyes, bruised my heart and I shed a few tears, but this time not for Jonathan and Monica, but for Margie and Drew.
And I could say that Margie was very forgiving in 2015 and Drew very wrong in 1999. That leaving the love of your life simply because it will not be possible for them to keep you as top priority in their lives 100% of the time, is wrong. Love has to allow a degree of flexibility, a breathing space. It needs to be a safe haven when luck turns on you and everything else in life collapses by the wayside.. It is like staking a young tree. You have to hold it firmly to prevent wind damage. But if you tie it too tightly, you can damage the bark. You need to do the first without getting to the second.
It was definitely not an easy read emotionally. But those are without doubt the books that I enjoy the most, the ones that provoke raw emotion, the ones that provoke intense reflection. Good or bad, but full of the feels.
It seems possible to enjoy these two books without needing to have the previous Drazen stories as background, but I know for sure the tremendous enjoyment I got out of it had not been the same if I did not know about Jonathan, Theresa and Fiona’s stories and Margie’s role in them before reading these books.
Around The Year In Books Reading Challenge 2019 #42. A book with a monster or a monstrous character. Declan Drazen, the patriarch of this most dysfunctional family is a manipulative narcissist and sociopath with several murders to his name.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019. # 4. A book you think should be made into a movie. I actually think that the whole story of the Drazen family should be made into a TV series. Starting from the beginning and following the format she has created in her books. Each season following a sibling and like in the books, having the rug pulled from under you from time to time, realising that all you thought you knew about these characters up to a given point, you actually didn’t.
It is so good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews