Dark Secret tries to be suspense romance, but the suspense was badly written, as there is no palpable danger until the very end, when suddenly the enemy was into kidnapping, beating, and even a gunshot wound just to force someone to comply. There is no escalation. It's like tension is at 2-3, then suddenly it jumped to a 8 for the end.
Mira Swanson believes her boss may be funding black market arms dealers, but she needed help. She went to Jackson Archer... an ex-SEAL now doing cyber security, and Jackson's immediately smitten. When Archer confirmed the info, it was clear Mira is in mortal danger... and Jackson needs to act fast to save her, and his heart.
I have no problem with the chemistry between Jackson and Mira, even though that was somewhat weak. Also, this book fell into the "the MMC acted as if he's a nervous wreck despite being a professional operator, because his girl was kidnapped/held hostage" trope. Jackson was supposed to be the boss but he's about to ruin everything instead of being the pro he was.
Furthermore, the bad guy was being idiotic. If he was always sniffing around Mira, he should know she was no good with computers, so why should he suspect her of sabotage? Wouldn't the obvious assumption be "who do you work for?" And how do you UNDO a computer virus? You don't. You wipe the HD and start over from a known clean install. And if the virus had corrupted everything, how is there a copy for her to decrypt onscreen?
This book got many technical details wrong. The psychology and personality is all wrong. The tension ratcheting is also wrong. All in all, this novel is just wrong.
Category: Romantic Suspense
Primary Plot: Ex-SEAL need to save woman who uncovered a conspiracy
Tropes: SEAL, woman in peril
Overall Rating: 2/5
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