Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, Killer Crime Club and Harlequin Trade Publishing.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

A woman tries to leave her escort life behind, but some people will not let her. Secrets do not remain bury as her life to redemption is full of obstacles for failure and even her demise.

An enthralling read as the secrets come to life and how far people will go for revenge and hatred even in their own family.

<b>Note:</b> I received an advanced copy of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley.

One last client: A week at a beautiful chateau in the south of France—it should be a straightforward final job for Dora. She’s a smart, stunning and discreet escort, and Daniel has paid for her services before. This time, all she has to do is to convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. Dora is used to playing roles and being whatever men want her to be. It’s all about putting on a front.

One last chance: It will be a last, luxurious look at how the other half lives before Dora turns her back on the escort world and all its dangers. She has found someone she loves and trusts. With him, she can escape the life she’s trapped in. But when Dora arrives at the chateau, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it seems…

One last secret: Dora finds herself face-to-face with a man she has never forgotten, the one man who really knows her. And as old secrets surface, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that one last secret could cost Dora her life…

This was a very intriguing read. I really liked the beginning and how Dora described her situation straightforward and to the point, with no excuses, no judgments, and no regrets. I even liked when they got to the château, however, I have to really ask myself why she would actually do that when she had such a good thing going for her. It really made me dislike her character and ruined my perception of her. After the first night at the chateau things just went downhill from there, the story got really fuzzy and weird, especially the ending. I was left with a blah feeling when I finally finished the book and not at all the satisfaction I thought I would get when I first read the synopsis.

Dora is high paid escort but she’s giving it all up for marriage. One more gig.. at a chateau in southern France to pretend she’s a client’s girlfriend. When she arrives, nothing is as it seems.

I don’t read many books with an escort protagonist and I loved it! I wish we got more of a look into her career. The backstory was developed well and I loved how everything ended up playing out. One surprise I was expecting and then one was completely out of left field! A very unique and entertaining thriller!

“Sex and life and death and love squashed up together, meshed and inseparable. It’s all so very human.”

One Last Secret comes out 12/27.

There was something about this one that pulled me in right from the start. I think it was the way the story was told, Dora is an unflinchingly honest narrator and at times it read like she was confessing her sins. I loved that aspect, it felt so juicy and gossipy and throw in her fascinating backstory and I was hooked. Dora experiences some confusion throughout the book and there were some times that I was confused as well. Things shift about halfway through and although I was a little lost I just went with it and I’m glad I did because I feel like it all paid off in the end. There were so many surprises in the back half that entertained me. Were they the most shocking and well executed twists ever? No, but they were so fun! I think if you just go along for the ride this was such an addictive popcorn style thriller. Don’t get too caught up in the details and just settle in for a pretty wicked time.

One Last Secret is a compelling thriller with a great main character.

As an escort, Dora has rules in place to keep her safe. However, after one traumatizing encounter, Dora agrees to marry her best friend and leave escorting behind. That is until a client offers her double the going rate to pretend to be his girlfriend in the south of France. Even though she’s looking at a future of financial security, Dora is not quite ready to lose her independence, so she accepts this as her last job.

What could go wrong? Well, a lot, it seems. Almost as soon as she arrives.

This page-turner mainly follows Dora’s pov and alternates timelines.

This was my first time reading an Adele Parks book, and it did not disappoint. Dora’s character was so well done and had me rooting for her the entire time.

I saw the big reveal coming a mile away, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. It is slightly OTT, which I know some readers don’t like, but it worked fine for me.

Usually, when I’m reading, I’m very conscious of what page I’m on and how many pages are left to go in the chapter or the book. But this one captured my complete attention.

I will definitely try this author again in the future.

Thank you to MIRA for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://booksandwheels.com

I enjoyed this book and was hooked from the first page! It is such a fun read and the writing kept me so entertained! The main character was relatable and hilarious, despite some unfortunate circumstances. There is a flashback in the middle of the book, taking you back 11 years and then it all comes together to a shocking ending!!

Thank you NetGalley, MIRA, and Adele Parks for the advanced copy of One Last Secret in exchange for my honest review!

This is (somehow) the first book I've read by Parks but I can confidently say it will not be my last! I love a book with not only unpredictable twists but unexpected ones as well. There were secrets galore and I was so invested on finding out every last one of them.

An unexpected perk was how funny and witty I found our main character to be until a *certain* scene turned the book a little more sinister.

The end was pretty melancholy, but I can appreciate why Parks chose to take it that way.

One Last Secret will be on US bookshelves December 27!

Dora is a high-end escort who has finally decided to give up sex work after being assaulted during a job. Her best friend proposes and offers her a chance at a better life, and she's has enough. But then a regular client contacts her with an offer she can't refuse: a week in a French chateau, no sex or strings attached. With her fiancé out of town, she decides to take the job. But when arrives, things start to go horribly wrong, and Dora quickly realizes she may be in over her head.

I don't want to say too much about the plot, because Adele Parks books are really full of plenty of twists, some really intense (see Just My Luck and Woman Last Seen), so I don't want to give anything away. And this book is no different. So yeah, there's plenty of things coming fast and furious at you as the book's plot continues to unfold. It was actually really good because I didn't see it coming and it was pretty unique.

And the ominous something's not right atmosphere is there right from the beginning.

Dora herself was a bit of a challenge for me. At times I felt for her, other times I didn't like her very much. For example, I couldn't understand why she would agree to go on the job at all. But then as more is revealed about her, I softened toward her. She was definitely a mixed bag for me.

If you like fast-paced thrillers full of twists, you'll love this book. It's really going to knock your socks off!

‘One Last Secret’ by Adele Parks was a read full of suspense and palpable tension. A bit twisty, wild, dark, and very engaging. Definitely recommend!

Thank you Netgalley & HTP Books/MIRA for an eARC of One Last Secret, Adele Park’s latest novel publishing in December!

What’s it about?
Dora is a smart, stunning and discreet escort. A week at a beautiful chateau in France should be a straightforward final job for her, especially because it’s Daniel, a repeat customer. She just needs to pretend to be his girlfriend, and then she can finally escape the escort world and all of its dangers. She’s found someone she loves, someone she trusts, and she’s ready to create a life with him. Unfortunately for Dora, all is not what it seems.

The plot of this novel is quite original which is a breath of fresh air in the thriller world. I found myself wanting to jump into the book and pull Dora out of what was obviously going to be a dangerous situation (the exact thing she was trying to get out of!), which tells me that Parks did a great job in writing this story. Yes, I was definitely biting my nails. I still don’t even know how I feel about this ending - wow. I want more, yet at the same time I am satisfied by how this one ended. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

One last job, what could go wrong? Dora is happy to be out of the high end escort game but is persuaded to take one last job pretending to be a girlfriend of a long time client at a chateau in France. This is suppose to be an easy job relaxing by the pool and impressing her client’s friends. As soon as she arrives though strange things start occurring and nothing is at it seems. Then a surprise person from her pasts arrives and old secrets are revealed.

This book takes a deep dive into the high end escort world and it was so intriguing. The plot was so original and was a breath of fresh air. While the main character, Dora, tells most of the story other character’s perspectives were peppered in which gave the reader more insight into what is going on. Everything came together beautifully at the end and those last few pages had my heart racing.

Dora is a high-end escort who has come face-to-face with the dangers of the business and is ready to get out, but takes on one last job. No! You made a decision to get out, why! Needless to say, things don't go smoothly and the the author does a great job of writing a nerve-wracking, nail-biting, suspenseful tale. She also does a great job providing Dora's background and explaining her blunt, up-front, no-apologies views of her profession.

I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending. I’ll be checking out this authors other books.

Whew! Author @adele_parks newest thriller 𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡 was a wildly insane perfect thriller!

This book is the perfect example of a GOOD psychological thriller, with brilliant twists that were far from predictable. The ending will leave you discombobulated and absolutely shocked. Main character Dora was the perfect character for this dark plot and I loved all her sarcastic, snarky dialogue and how she talks to the readers.

The ending will leave you totally discombobulated. You will be yelling in shock and wanting more, but at the same time you will be almost satisfied.

All the stars for this! So far this absolutely one of the best books I’ve read so far this year! PUB date is December 27 2022- I recommend you preorder this NOW! You won’t be disappointed!

✨Special thanks to @netgalley &
@_mira_books_ for the early arc✨

SYNOPSIS: “ One last client
A week at a beautiful chateau in the south of France—it should be a straightforward final job for Dora. She’s a smart, stunning and discreet escort, and Daniel has paid for her services before. This time, all she has to do is to convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. Dora is used to playing roles and being whatever men want her to be. It’s all about putting on a front.

One last chance
It will be a last, luxurious look at how the other half lives before Dora turns her back on the escort world and all its dangers. She has found someone she loves and trusts. With him, she can escape the life she’s trapped in. But when Dora arrives at the chateau, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it seems…

One last secret
Dora finds herself face-to-face with a man she has never forgotten, the one man who really knows her. And as old secrets surface, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that one last secret could cost Dora her life…

Adele Parks, I tip my hat. You ma'am? Brava!

Holy cow, I loved this book. I was so invested in Dora and I loved her matter-of-fact, unapologetic self assessment. She is a hot mess but also my hero. I cannot believe how much I cared about her and what was happening at that CRAY-ZEE house.

There are times, as you read this, that you may feel as though you don't know what's going on but hang in there because BAM! Like jello, it all comes together and you will be so glad you took the ride.

Love, love, loved it.

Did I mention it's great??

Dora is a high paid escort and this is all about her living that kind of life. I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book and to me, it was just ok.

Dora was supposed to be done with that life, but one last "job" pulls her back in... and it turns out to be anything but what was promised. Dora was a high paid escort, and until one of her last encounters with a client, it was a good way to make a living. But when things go array and she ends up hurt, she decides it's time to say goodbye to that world and embrace a new one with her friend and fiancé Evan. But then she gets a call and a one last favor is called in...

The pages of One Last Secret play out like a suspenseful movie on the big screen, one riddled with many little unexpected twists and turns. Our heroine thought she was doing one more simple job and then she'd be free from the life she no longer wanted to live... but there was nothing simple about her last job. She finds herself stranded in a chateau in the south of France, with people that can't be trusted, and danger lurking around every corner. She never expected to run into him there, and within minutes of seeing him it's apparent he has an agenda for her, one that could cost her everything!

From beginning to end this book kept me completely mesmerized, page after page I was hit with unexpected twists and tidbits that had me second guessing myself at every turn. I quickly grew an attachment to our heroine and I couldn't pry my eyes from the story she had to tell, I had to know if she'd finally find her freedom! This was quite the impressive first read that delighted on all fronts, I will definitely be checking out this author's back list!! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

I've really enjoyed the books I've read from Adele Parks.

The book starts off with Dora talking about being an escort. She's a high end escort, but she still has sex for money. She has a lot of repeat clients and it's mostly been safe. She has a woman who manages everything and Dora makes enough money to be ok. She was very young and poor when she started. Dora promises the man that loves her that she's done. He's rich and goes away. While he's gone, Dora receives a call from one of her clients that she liked. He wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend for a week in France. No sex. Just the fake relationship around his rich friends and the girl he's in love with. Things start to get weird quickly in France. No one knows where Dora is and she thinks she recognizes someone violent from her recent past. And then she comes face to face with someone from her past. Dora isn't sure what is going on and knows she'll likely end up dead. She is still able to keep some of her secrets from her fiancé, even after they bond even more from a tragedy.

This book had a twist that I did see coming. But the last twist wasn't something I expected at all. I liked Dora for the most part. Her life wasn't great, but she was strong and took care of herself. I always hate lies in relationships, but I understand why she kept things to herself.

I gave this book 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my earc.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. The story moves slowly but eventually comes to a resounding end. The characters are not likable but contribute much as the book is character driven. I did not get into the book as I usually do…others might.