Customer Reviews

Nina's Got A Secret

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nina Arceneaux and Larry Dennison were different in every way. Nina, who grew up on her own in New Orleans, dreamed of a life like the rich and famous. Larry, who is a talented attorney, worked hard to care for his daughter. Larry and Nina had one thing in common - both lost a loved one on the same day. In Nina's got a Secret, Brian Smith tells a story that will have readers talking long after they have finished reading.

Larry met Nina in a strip club and instantly fell in love with her. Nina liked Larry and the money he showered on her. When Larry asked her to marry him, Nina only saw what he could give her and her daughter. Shortly, after they married, Nina was involved in an accident that leads to a secret that would haunt her for days. To make matters worse, there was a witness. Should Nina tell Larry what happened and risk losing everything?

Smith writes a very interesting thriller that leaves readers asking themselves questions, many questions. It has a bit of mystery along with urban flare. As much as I hated Nina and the decisions she made, I sympathized with her dilemma. This is the first novel I have read by Smith and I will probably read others.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

Larry Dennison and Nina Arcenaux have substantial things in common. Both lost the loves of their lives on the exact same date and they both have 8-year-old daughters in need of additional parents. More importantly, Larry is very successful with finances that can offer Nina the plush lifestyle she's always wanted to live. Admittedly, Larry knows that Nina doesn't love him, but it's his hope that she would learn to love him. At least she's appreciative for all that he's offered her. However, is that enough on which to build a foundation?

Too many games and people will seriously get hurt. Greed, envy, manipulation, and selfishness seep in infecting the hearts and souls. A contemptuous struggle, then black mail, murderous plots, jail and could there be a chance for forgiveness?

NINA'S GOT A SECRET is a nippy, suspenseful read that offers plenty of laughter, compassion and love. Brian W. Smith has delivered a tragic, heart wrenching tale that is sure to hold your attention from start to finish.

Reviewed by: Crystal
4.5 stars

Brian W. Smith is definitely the new author to support. Not to be compared to any other author, Smith has a unique way of presenting realistic and emotional dilemmas in a manner that have readers analyzing their own moral views about a situation. Nina's Got A Secret was nothing short of Brian's style to capture and maintain readers' attention throughout the entire book. I literally read this book in approximately 5 hours. Nina's Got A Secret was a book that we could all relate to on some level. At times, life circumstances put people in positions to make choices that are not always viewed as socially acceptable. In Nina's case, she had to choose between saving her daughter or her stepdaughter. Can we really judge Nina for choosing her own daughter's life over the life of her stepdaughter? I don't know! We may not have a daughter to save but we all can relate to having to make difficult decisions that may not appease everyone around us. Nina's Got A Secret is definitely a page turner and a great book to add to your library. You will not be disappointed. Everyone wants to know what was really going on with Larry in the end of the book. I just can't wait to know his secret in the Sequel to Nina's Got A Secret, "Larry's Got A Secret Too" 2011.

Nina, the novel's main character finds herself a single mom; strip dancing for a living after her man "Flip" is shot and dies in a drug deal. After meeting Larry Dennison a successful sports agent Nina's life change for the better. She trades in her pole for a house in the suburbs of California and her new role as stay at home mom caring for her daughter Precious and her autistic step daughter Chrissy. The challenge for Nina was not being a mom or a step mom, its being selfless learning to share herself.

While on their way home from a botched audition for Precious, Nina, her best friend Val and her step daughter Chrissy are involved in a car accident that will forever change their lives. Friendships are tested; relationships strained and fractured and what was once clear is no longer. I absolutely loved the characters in this book because I was able to relate to them as someone I know or have met. The storyline was innovative; one I had not read before. I was very intrigued from the beginning of the book to the end.

The choice Nina had to make was such a wow factor for me that I had no choice but to discuss it with many of my friends. For them the line is not crystal clear in what choice to make. But the lie..oh the lie was absolutely unforgivable.

Nina's got a Secret is a rich contribution to readers who are ready to read a story about hard decisions and the consequences of those decisions. This novel is worthy of all the accolades it has received including Literary mention in EKG Literary Magazine and listed on Oprah's "What to Read at Your Next Book club Meeting list". I recommend this as your next read if you are looking for a story that will stir your soul and make you think "would I"

Missy
Reader's Paradise

Nina finds herself stripping for a living after her boyfriend is murdered. At the moment, this is the best way for her to make a living to provide for her and her daughter, Precious.

Larry is a sports agent. He lost his wife to cancer and now it's just him and Chrissy, his Autistic daughter. While frequenting the strip club he finds himself drawn to Nina. After Nina is involved in an altercation, Larry comes to the rescue.

`Nina's Got A Secret' opens with the wedding of Larry and Nina. While he knows she's not right now in love with him, he's certain that introducing her to the finer things in life will definitely make the transition a lot smoother. Barbara, Larry's sister, and Terry, his best friend, are totally against him marrying Nina; but his mind is set.

Val, Nina's best friend, is envious of her best friend's extravagant life. Val is aware that Nina doesn't love her husband. She's also witnessed the impatience that she shows Chrissy.

A tragic car accident leads to Nina's greatest challenge ever. On the brink of losing it all, her husband and the bountiful lifestyle he's provided for her and her daughter, Nina may have to follow the lead of others. Can you make a hooker a housewife?

`Nina's Got A Secret' written by Brain Smith is powerful. As I was reading I couldn't help thinking, `I wish I could find someone that loved me half as much as Larry loved Nina.' Very good book that I highly recommend it!!!

OOSA Book Of The Month

Once again I enjoyed a book by New Orleans' very own Brian W. Smith. It was a very good book from beginning to end I read it in 4 hrs all in the same day ! I couldn't put it down ! It makes you think about relationships between parents and their kids, man and woman and friends. How far would one go to keep something from someone? AND is it worth hiding? I didn't like Nina at all she was out for self, what she could gain from the situation? The ending was a big surprise. I expected a different outcome, BUT that is what makes Brian's books stand out. You never know what to expect from one page to the next.

I recommend this and all of Brian W. Smith's books. They are MUST reads.

Nina's Got a Secret is another on point novel by Brian Smith. He takes you on an eventful roller coaster, while giving you the opportunity to ask yourself life-altering questions. The decisions that we make in life are often hard and unable to be taken back and this novel brings numerous possibilities to you front and center. In fact, this is a must read for all of us who enjoy life, family and friends.

This was the first book I read by Brian W. Smith and I been a fan since. I did not like the character Nina but she is what made the book good. This book do not end the way you think and thats make this author better then others because you can not perdict how his book will end. Cant wait to read Larry got a secret too. Hope he have some spicy sceens in it as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed Nina's Got a Secret! I loved the way the writer dove right into the story and kept my interest all the way through! This was my first book by Mr. Smith but I am now anticipating reading others. I would appreciate a follow up to Nina's Got a Secret because Nina didnt get what she deserved!

I loved this book! I seriously could not put it down! This storyline pulled me and held my attention from beginning to end. It was very suspenseful and entertaining. This was my first book by Brian W. Smith but definately will not be my last. Brian has a very creative, intriging writing style. Can't wait for the sequel.