The Secret Girl by Erika Fair
Perfect for fans of thrilling urban fantasy and feel-good romances alike.
One weakness is enough, and love is the deadliest. — Bertolt Brecht
It’s a sentiment held by many heroes: the lonely story of those blessed with gifts that allow them to save friends and strangers alike, but curse them to a life of solitude. Because what happens when you hold the power to change someone’s future — and still just can’t save them?
This is the fate of poor Fallon Quinn in Erika Fair’s thrilling debut, The Secret Girl, the first installment of The Lonely Raven trilogy. For Fallon, “second sight” has always been more a curse than a blessing, costing her immeasurable loss. But that all starts to change the night she meets Bret, and she begins to question whether love can be a source of strength after all.
A Rock Star, a Raven and a High-Stakes Mystery
For as long as she can remember, Fallon has had the ability to glimpse dangerous events in people’s futures — anything from a lost wallet to kidnapping and torture. These unbidden premonitions allow her to save lives, but they distance her in the process.
When a premonition leads to her saving the rock star Bret James one night in Las Vegas, the two discover an unusual link between them. But true to her MO, Fallon disappears just as quickly as she appeared, leaving Bret wondering: Who was that mystery girl?
When they meet again months later, Fallon is forced to face this man she has an unexplainable bond with, and romance quickly blossoms between the two. Bret is brought further into Fallon’s secretive world, one she shows very few people, while she is brought into his world — going on tour with him and meeting his precocious and lovable young daughter, Bergen.
But as Fallon’s visions worsen, it’s clear that danger still lurks in the shadows for Bret. Where is the threat coming from, and how can Fallon stop it before another person she loves is violently ripped away from her? And the raven that haunts her visions holds no answers, only more questions. Is its presence a warning — or a threat?
As one mystery unfolds, more bubble to the surface. While the mystery of Bret’s future remains at the forefront, the mysteries of Fallon’s abilities continually lurk in the background. What exactly is Fallon, and who — or what — is after her and her loved ones? Only one thing is certain: Their troubles have only just begun.
Tight Suspense and Loveable Characters
The Secret Girl is equal parts love story and paranormal mystery, making it perfect for fans of thrilling urban fantasy and feel-good romances alike. Fair keeps readers hooked with tight suspense from the very first page and pacing that continually draws readers in.
The chapters I found most engaging were those that acted as flashbacks, slowly revealing Fallon’s history through various perspectives. Not only do these moments add incredible suspense and heighten the mystery, but they also provide valuable insight into Fallon as a person.
I really love the depth of Fallon’s character: her loneliness and regret, the coping mechanisms she uses to deal with her continual grief and guilt. Fair doesn’t just rely on the mysterious paranormal aspects of Fallon’s character to carry the story; she develops Fallon into a living, breathing person that will resonate with many readers.
While the supernatural aspects give The Secret Girl a unique twist, it’s the characters that really make this novel shine. Alongside Fallon and Bret, Fair crafts an assortment of well-rounded and engaging side characters who add to the story rather than distract.
I particularly like Bergen and Tayce, and I think Lizbeth’s role is comforting and refreshing, rather than the typical hostile ex. I also think Fallon’s friendship with Selah is complicated and messy, and that makes it feel all the more real.
Thrilling Adventure with a Tender Heart
You know those books that switch POV, and you just have to sigh and work past it to get back to a character you love? That doesn’t happen with this book. Though Fair focuses primarily on Bret and Fallon’s perspectives, there are a few surprising exceptions. (I won’t spoil anything by naming names!). Every one of the POVs reveals fascinating characters and adds extra layers of suspense.
What I didn’t expect was to be so drawn in by Fallon and Bret. A young loner with an aging rock star? It sounds crazy! It reminded me of one of those fantasized age-gap romances that I keep swiping past on TikTok. But what I actually found was an endearing and well-developed romance with believable chemistry. Turns out, Bret was exactly what Fallon needed, and I enjoyed watching her defenses crumble against his onslaught of affection.
The Secret Girl is only the beginning of Bret and Fallon’s adventure, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next. If you’re looking for a thrilling paranormal adventure or a tender-hearted romance with some underlying mystery, I can’t recommend this book enough!
Erika Fair was born and raised in Texas, where she lives with her husband and son. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and stayed in Austin as long as she could. When she is not forcing her favorite music upon her family or writing, she can usually be found hiking or planning future travels. The Secret Girl is her first novel.
Publish Date: 2/11/2025
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance
Author: Erika Fair
Page Count: 416 pages
Publisher: Clay Bridges Press
ISBN: 9781684881239