Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:
Synopsis for The Secret of Ella and Micha (from Goodreads):
Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.
Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it’s summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.
Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.
Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.
Series: The Secret
Author: Jessica Sorensen
# of Books: 4 (Full Reading Order Here)
There are 2 novellas.
Book Order: Chronological & Connected (Lila & Ethan)
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult / Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: October 2012 – December 2013
Source & Format: Own–eBook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
This series caught my eye when I was just discovering the world of New Adult romances. This was an emerging genre when I started book blogging in 2013 and this series always seemed to be mentioned when browsing recommendation lists.
My Thoughts on The Secrets of Ella and Micha (#1):
I think if I read this book 5 years ago, my thoughts would be different. But that fact of the matter is, I’ve read a lot of NA and this one just came up short compared to others in the genre. It felt tiresome, like I was repeating the same old tropes and situations that I had read before. (Honestly, I thought I was reading a slightly modified version of Bully by Penelope Douglas because they are very similar).
Add to the fact that I just didn’t see the connection/romance between Ella and Micha. They have fallen in love with each other before the book even starts (which is fine, it is a second chance romance in a way after all) yet the story failed to convey “why” to me. Sure, they talk and seem to know everything about each other but besides Micha appreciating Ella’s ass in jeans (and vice versa), what did these two see in each other.
I felt like all I did was read make out scene after make out scene sprinkled in with some of Ella’s guilt from her past (which is intriguing don’t get me wrong) and watch these two avoid talking about the obvious feelings between the two of them. Basically, it’s angst upon angst.
And I didn’t even mention Ella’s apathetic brother!
Why I Didn’t Continue Their Story/Sequels:
I couldn’t imagine reading 2 more books with a similar delivery of angst and avoiding necessary conversations.
Series Rating: DNF
The Secret of Ella and Micha 2/5| The Forever of Ella and Micha N/A | The Temptation of Lila and Ethan | The Ever After of Ella and Micha N/A
This just didn’t work for me!
Read if You Like: angst, make out scenes
Avoid if You: want more substance
- One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy (Drew + Fable Series #1)
- Fallen too Far by Abbi Glines (Rosemary Beach Series #1)
