The years have been kind to Grae and the physical flaws that haunted her in high school are now non-existent. No longer fat and marred with acne, Grae has become a success within her own right. So going to her high school reunion to face the people who tortured her all those years ago shouldn’t be such a daunting task but old fears and vulnerabilities leave Grae on the verge of panic. Her only friend from high school decides this is the time for Grae to shine, and with some new clothing and cute makeup none of the people from the past will know what hit them. On her way to one of their reunion activities and one wrong turn sends Grae into the arms of the man she’s loved all her life, Ezekiel Chambers. He was part of the group that terrorized her as a teenager and Grae knows she shouldn’t still be pining for him but no one has ever come close to capturing her attention. When she sees he’s still up to his old games Grae is disappointed and intent on ensuring he doesn’t find out who she really is. However Ezekiel is a success because he takes what he wants and letting the gray-eyed beauty escape isn’t an option while he figures out who she is and why he can’t get enough of her.

I, like the next person, love a little excitement, shock and drama in books I read. Secrets, Lies and Family Ties is one big shocking event after another. From the mystery connect between Ezekiel & Grae to how even as far back as high school there were tons of secrets being kept that basically ruined a lot of lives. This is the first story I’ve read from Sylvia Hubbard and after hearing so much about her books I must admit to being slightly disappointed with this particular story. The only two people I connected with were the heroine, who was too good for everyone she surrounded herself with, and her best friend Prince. He was a true gem and I couldn’t help but wish she and he had found love together. Ezekiel, the “hero”, was selfish and ruthless just like his father and didn’t deserve Grae in the least.

I’m still curious to read more from Ms. Hubbard because I really think I would have enjoyed the story more with a more appealing hero and not as much angst before the happily ever after ending.

Reviewed by: Rachelle