Synopsis

Celeste Donovan, a high-powered finance executive, seems to have it all–the penthouse apartment, the supermodel physique with a mathematician mind, and a trail of beautiful men she has loved and left behind.

But when her boyfriend Theodore is killed in a mysterious accident, she discovers Omar, her abusive ex she had hoped would never resurface, is behind his death.

Now she’s caught in a game of cat and mouse, trying to anticipate Omar’s next move, as she realizes he will stop at nothing to get to her. She sets out alone on a whirlwind journey to entrap him, determined to put an end to Omar’s destruction.

Soon Celeste is thrust in the middle of the largest financial scandal in decades. This time, however, powerful government officials are in bed with some of the world’s most dangerous men.

When she discovers that those she thought she knew best are involved in a secret society warring with Omar and his coconspirators, she must decide how far she will go to avenge Theodore’s death and whether she is willing to risk her own life to save everyone she loves.

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Praise

“Eckles engages readers from beginning to end with this tale of betrayal, love, and international intrigue…” – The US Review

“Reminiscent of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Eckles’s complex thriller grips the reader from the opening prologue. A tale of high-stakes Wall Street espionage and manipulation, the hunt for the ultimate evil opponent, an around-the-world, whirlwind adventure and a journey into the heart and soul of an extraordinary woman. Trading Secrets is, at once, a spellbinding, heart-stopping thriller and an exploration of the complex nature and vulnerability of the human heart.” -Traci Medford-Rosow, USAToday bestselling author of Unblinded and Inflection Point.

Review

Who knew the financial world could be so mercenary and dangerous?

Celeste is the Ice Queen of New York. Rising to the top with a friend, they have created a top-notch investment firm through hard work and a little bit of manipulation. This group of friends has lived hard and fast but as they have gotten older, they are starting to mellow and settle down. However, forces beyond their control are coming fast and furious, and will they be able to survive?

This book took me on a fast and furious ride through the financial world of New York. Having worked in this field, I was familiar with some of the actions and attitudes of the characters, but some surprised me. The language in the book is rough (a lot of f* bombs), there is drug use, heavy drinking, and little concern for what might come next. But that changes for Celeste after a disastrous trip with her man of the moment, Omar. Fair warning, there is rape and abuse and it is amazing Celeste comes out of this alive. She is scarred emotionally but meeting Theodore changes everything for her. Until he is killed by Omar. That event sends Celeste spiraling and she is now a woman on a mission to take Omar down once and for all.

I have to admit, while Celeste was with Theodore, I honestly thought he was behind some things that were happening in her world. I didn’t read the synopsis to know what was going to happen. It is amazing what money can buy and that includes loyalties and can turn even the most loyal friend against you.

The book does start off slow but builds steam as events unfold and while Celeste is not a very likable character, at least in the beginning, I came to admire her spirit and her pluck. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it, even at the risk of her own life. Many times she was reckless in her pursuits and she was lucky to be alive at the end of the book.

Overall, this book kept me engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next. I also marveled at the various locations and can only dream of visiting some of them since I am not part of the super elite.

We give this book 4 paws up.

Trigger warnings – explicit sex, rape, abuse, foul language

About the Author

Rachael Eckles grew up in the Midwest. After graduating from law school, she followed her heart and moved to the east coast. Trading Secrets is her first novel. She currently lives in Manhattan with her puppy, where she is working on her next novel.

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