Secret Stories
Welcome, Initiates, to the Secret Story Page!
Think Amy “Bugaboo” Haskel has confessed it all? Au contraire! There are gaps in the written record, and now you can read all about them!
Here, you will find stories that fit between the lines of the Secret Society Girl books, when Amy wasn’t present to confess the events. Did you ever wonder what happened when Lydia met Josh? What did Felicity say to Brandon to get him to forgive her? How did that conversation about Amy go between Malcolm and Poe?
An exclusive, original story will appear here every month leading up to the conclusion of the series, TAP & GOWN, which will be released in trade paperback and e-book from Bantam Dell on May 19, 2009. (Order your copy today!)
List of Secret Stories
“Poe in D.C.”
December 2008
Pre-Req: Secret Society Girl
“Banned from the Tomb”
January 2009
Pre-Req: Under the Rose
“My Phi Beta Kappa Valentine”
February 2009
Pre-Req: Under the Rose
“Poe at the Gates”
March 2009
Pre-Req: Under the Rose
“A New Confession”
April 2009
Pre-Req: Rites of Spring (Break)
“Powerless”
May 2009
Pre-Req: Rites of Spring (Break)
To discuss the secret stories, leave a comment here.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Diana!!! Thank you – this is beyond AWESOME! My friend and I pretty much bemoan the fact that we have to wait until May for new SSG material on a daily basis. We are thrilled that not only is there new material out there, but that it will be “unveiled” monthly so that there is always something to look forward to. LOVED the first story – it is quintessential Poe! Again, thank you for sharing – I’m sure all your readers will be as appreciative as I am.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Loved the addition and can’t wait for more! I’m counting down until May already. Thank you for the little tid-bits to make it a little bit easier to make it to that final book.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
This is the best news to hit my computer in…well, forever. I loved Poe in D.C.–he totally has a thing for Amy and he’s trying to so hard to deny it.
This has made me even more excited for Tap and Gown! I can’t wait to read the next ones (especially “My Phi Beta Kappa Valentine”–so cute!)
December 15th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Diana this is fabulous!!!!!!!!!! I was so in the mood for some SSG material and I opened my e-mail ta da! there it is. I love Poe in D.C. it’s just so him in denial. The next ones are going to be just as great.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
these short stories makes me sooooo happy. i can’t wait until the new book comes out! i wish it wasn’t the end of the series…maybe you will reconsider???
December 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Sigh. Any story with Poe in it is inherently awesome. I have the feeling “Poe at the Gates” is going to break my heart. That may be my favorite scene in UNDER THE ROSE.
December 15th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Thank you SO much Diana! This made my day, and now, I have something to be excited about every month!
December 15th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
THANK YOU! That was so great and I can’t wait to read the rest of them and have something to keep me occupied until T&G comes out. I can’t wait to hear more from others and get more info about the series and those involved in it!
December 15th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Thanks for putting these up! Really good idea too. Now we all have something to look forward to.
December 15th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Thanks, Diana! This was a fun surprise and I really enjoyed reading it. I’ll look forward to the others and I can’t wait for Tap & Gown.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Whoa, is it coincidence or fate that my anti-spam word just happens to be the name of a certain Digger? *shifty eyes*
Anyway, I was so thrilled to hear about these secret stories! As has been said by others, the first installment is 100% Poe, and I love it! I’m really looking forward to the others to keep me sated until T&G comes out!
Thanks for these!
December 15th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Karole, thank you so much. I’m so flattered to hear that my books are a topic of conversation for you and your friend.
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thank you, Lauren. It was fun to play around in Poe’s head for a bit.
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Awww, Tiff and Marissa, that’s sweet. I am curious though, that you think Poe likes her here. I mean, all the names he calls her! I think he reluctantly admits she’s cute, but you know, that’s just his libido talking — well, we’ll revisit this later, huh?
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angela, it’s definitely the end. Sorry to disappoint. Amy’s graduating a couple of months after the end of ROSB. I don’t have any more space to write in after T&G, where she DOES graduate, unless I go 24-style. But I plan to be doing this for a long time, so there will be other stories about other people. What are your feelings on unicorns?
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Angie, it’s my favorite, too.
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Thank you, rebecca, Pam,and Mandy. I really have to thank the participants on the spoiler thread, who put the idea into my head.
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Lindsay, hey! Thanks for stopping by! Are you in town for the holidays?
December 16th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Diana, this is amazing. Thank you!!! This is will make it a little easier to wait for T&G.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Diana, it just seems that every time a guy starts talking trash about a girl they like them. I don’t know how many times that has happened with me and my friends, I stopped counting after awhile. Anyways, you can see he has a bit of respect for her that he admits to himself. I am curious when he started to like her anyways.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Greatest. thing. ever. You’ve made my month!
December 16th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Oh yay! Thank you Diana and thanks for the idiots guide to signing up post, I would have hated to have missed this!
I can’t wait for next month (or for the March one!). It will ease the time until May
Love seeing things from Poe’s point of view, although it is strange to hear him referred to as Poe again he’s become Jamie in my head!
December 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Thank you Diana! May seems so far away right now. Love the insight into Poe’s mind.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Love the idea of secret bonus stories! The insight into Poe and his summer are great. It’s always so interesting to read about the heroine from the hero’s POV. Thanks!
December 20th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
And nice touch, the name of the website where the stories are posted!
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Loved the short and can’t wait until next month and the month after that and after that. I think these will make the waiting a little less painful will smaller goals to get to until the last book.
Judging by some of the titles are these mostly in Poe/Jamie’s POV?
January 4th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I’m DYING I absolutly loved this, but honestly who doesn’t love some Poe point of view? These secret stories will be a nice way to help the wait for the last book
January 4th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
So, I fanilly made it over to the Secret Stories, I must say that you blowed me away again. I wonder if Amy saw Jamie and was raelly able so say “no, I don’t know him”, or was it that she just didn’t know if name? any way I can’t wait until the last book comes out.
January 4th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I think Amy knew exactly who Poe was and just said she didn’t know him because she was honoring society secrecy. That’s why at the end Poe nearly chokes on his water and is shocked that she said she doesn’t know him, he didn’t think she took it seriously maybe. I think he began taking her seriously when she took the meeting by storm but started respecting her at that moment.
January 4th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
That’s one possibility. Or, given what we see of their first meeting in Under the Rose, there’s also the possibility that Mr. Orcutt was like “Do you know my son James Orcutt?” and Amy quite rightfully says she has no clue who that is.
Either way works. I guess that’s part of the fun, figuring out the puzzle.
January 4th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
To weigh in on the Amy not knowing Jamie theme: I think she genuinely did not who he was. Remember she has to go look at the files in the tomb in UTR in order to find out his name. So I think at this point, she only knows him as Poe.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Diana, thank you so much for these. That was exactly the little fix I needed to get me through a dreary winter day. (And red streaks! I would have thought bright yellow!)
January 16th, 2009 at 9:52 am
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January 16th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Just read “Banned From the Tomb.” So awesome, LOVED how Malcolm immediately knew that something was up with Poe’s feelings for Amy, but didn’t say anything.
I am creeped out by Voldemort under Poe’s shirt. Eww. He really is a Slytherin, isn’t he? I wonder if Amy will grow to like Voldemort in T&G.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:34 am
The banter between Malcolm and Poe – this was hilarious! I’m still laughing. Awesome, Diana, thanks! Why is Poe’s hostility toward Amy so damn endearing?
January 16th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Thank you, Tiff. Yeah, I think Poe is starting to have a few difficulties Amy-ward. As for the snake, LOL. I based that on this snake I took care of one summer as a counselor at a camp. I was in charge of the nature shack, and it was always so cold, this poor snake if you picked him up he crawled right into your shirt and nestled there.
Thank you, Sara. I’m glad you liked it.
January 16th, 2009 at 11:06 am
I loved Banned from the tomb, even though the snake make me shiver me too. I would never have lasted in your summer job! Malcolm and Poe’s banter was excellent.
Thanks for another great story to ease the wait until May
January 16th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I can’t get the next secret story to open. i don’t have the password. I was able to read the first one but can’t get Banned from the tomb.
January 16th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I loved it! Thanks for this little insights into Jamie’s thoughts. It makes waithing for the last book that much easer, away more exciting!
January 16th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
All I can say is I haven’t laughed that hard while reading something in quite sometime. So, thank you for that. And I pretty much love Voldie and his head peaking out of Poe’s collar.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
i know. i was able to read it!! now i am looking forward to the next one!! lol
January 16th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I literally laughed out loud on more then one occusion while reading this newest one – I simply adore Poe
January 17th, 2009 at 12:46 am
Reading Amy and Poe fulfill all my inner girly needs. I adore Poe even when he’s finding every excuse to hate Amy. I definitely need a Poe in my life. Diana, thank you so much for posting these stories. They are a delicious treat to hold me over until Tap & Gown comes out.
January 17th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
This story with the understated sex talk between Malcolm and Poe makes me wonder what type of a lover Poe will be. (I say will because I am very hopeful for Tap & Gown.) Things awkward between him and AMy at first? Or does Poe have some tricks that would surprise us? Personally, I think the latter. All that pent up anger and frustration has to count for something. Thoughts?
January 17th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Jennifer: LOL!
January 17th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Hm, re: “Poe in D.C.”:
Poe’s father would’ve mentioned his son “Jamie,” not Poe…and Amy genuinely wouldn’t have made the connection at the time, would she?
February 10th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I am so pumped about these secret stories! I feel like I hit the JackPot! I am so anxious to read T&G so Amy & Poe can just “do Laundry” already!! Geez I thought I would faint reading the shower scene in Rites of Spring (Break)! Not fair Diana teasing us loyal readers like that. I am sad to see one of my most favorite books end though. I am glad to have found you Diana & look forward to your future stuff
February 12th, 2009 at 3:54 am
How do I get the password? Please help!!!
February 13th, 2009 at 8:51 am
when i could read “My Phi Beta Kappa Valentine” ?
February 13th, 2009 at 10:00 am
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February 16th, 2009 at 9:38 am
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February 16th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I really love these stories. They make the wait fly by because instead of waiting until May your just waiting a month until the next secret story to be reveled.
I feel bad for Lydia because she was very much society material. I am glad that PBK really worked out for her and meeting Josh seems to really compliment her ambitions.
February 16th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Aww, Lydia and Josh are so cute. They both just knew this was it. Squee!
February 16th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
diana, thanks for the reply back in december! because of ‘banned from the tomb’, i reread the series! i love reading in between information on the characters. i work at b&n, and recommend the series all of the time! i can’t wait for ‘tap and gown’. the new tap class could be a new series!!!
February 17th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Well, that was just the cutest thing ever. I have always liked Lydia, but it was fun to get a little more of Josh’s playful side. We don’t get to see much of that and I’m glad Lydia does.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
That was so sweet, I love how Lydia and Josh got together and I loved the line “It was the first time Lydia had been kissed in the sunlight in years.” – aw!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:14 am
what is the password?
February 20th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
How did everyone read the Feb story? I can’t get to it bc I dont have the password… does anyone know what it is?
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 am
argh, can’t wait for the next one. anyway, thank you for writing such excellant stories
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Come on! it’s march already!
where’s “Poe at the Gates” ???
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Melie, the stories are posted in the middle of the month.
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:04 am
Come on! it’s march already!
where’s “Poe at the Gates” ???²
March 7th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Come on! it’s march already!
where’s “Poe at the Gates” ???³
March 8th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Melie/Renata/Allyne,
Cute as it is (I especially like the creative use of the superscript), I don’t like repeating myself. It’s taking time away from stuff I could be writing, such as the story.
The story will be posted at the middle of the month, like all the other stories.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
POE AT THE GATES is going up tomorrow (Friday).
It’s a doozy.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:24 am
OMG! Best secret story yet! I’m so glad that you elaborated on that moment.
March 13th, 2009 at 5:38 am
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March 13th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Right away it had a special spot in my heart as well.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Definitely my favourite secret story so far.
Poor Poe
March 13th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Best one yet! Poe definitely has it bad
March 13th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I can’t believe we only have two more months and two more secret stories yet to tell. I think I fall in love with Poe a little more after each of these stories. This is by far the most telling of his true feelings and these little moments really add up to the impact of RoSB. Loved it…can’t wait until April for the next one!
March 13th, 2009 at 11:47 am
I agree with everyone else. Poe at the Gates had amazing intensity. Definitely the best of the stories so far! It’s nice to see that Poe wasn’t just sitting around all that time. I can’t wait to see the next story!
March 13th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
love love love this new story!! this was definitely my favorite of the secret stories!! my favorite line was poe saying “And once I was positive that no one else would ever suspect the truth, I’d convince myself.” awwwww! he’s got it so bad. that made me sad even though i know better that it turns out ok. i’m so excited for tap and gown you don’t even know! i’ve been rereading all three books in between my studying and it helps me get by. i cannot wait for may!!
March 13th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I’m glad you guys enjoyed the story! I’m here at the castle, packing…
March 13th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Perfect. love Poe.
March 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I am DYING to read Poe at the Gates, I just signed up for the newsletter, but I imagine that you’ve already sent out that password. Do I really have to wait until April??
March 28th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Hi, I’m a huge fan, I found your first book on a little bookstore on Curitiba – Brazil. I told my friends and they fell in love with your books too. I’m really looking forward to read Tap an Gown. The Secret Stories are amazing. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 9th, 2009 at 8:21 am
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April 13th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
when is the new story going to be posted???
Can’t wait 4 it !!!
April 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Vicky – Diana said in one of her blogs that it will be posted on the 15th, to give a little happiness on tax day!
April 14th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I’m dying to read “A New Confession!”, just can’t wait. Pleeease, post it soon!
April 14th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Pam – THankss
April 15th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
oooooo i hate her i hate her i hate her i hate her i hate her……i don’t really like him either but she gives strong women a bad name…..
Great story though!
Note: I wrote this post as to not spoil the new secret story. If you’ve read it you will know who i am talking about.
April 15th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
i must agree with heather…this secret story made me hate her even more. how deceitful can you be? she gives women a bad name.
it was a great addition to the novel.
diana…thanks again for the ARC…i have passed along the whole series to some girls that i work with!
April 15th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I do not agree with heather or angela. This story made me feel sorry for her. Angela, where is she being deceitful?
April 15th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Huh. Really, Angela? That’s…nice for them, I guess.
April 15th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Huh. It made me feel like I understood Felicity more. It would be awful to be in a relationship with someone you thought was hung up on his previous girlfriend. Especially when that girlfriend (as much as I love Amy) treated him pretty badly.
I loved that Felicity called her parents to brag about her society name! Do Amy’s even know she’s in one?
April 15th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
See, I love this one for the same reason I loved Lydia’s story. I get to peek behind the scenes and get some insight into what’s going on in a side character’s head. Felicity has it rough, guys. That’s not to say that I don’t feel for Brandon, poor sweetie. But I think it’s clear Felicity’s in love with him and is trying to make it work the only way she knows how. Can’t knock her too hard for that. He’s a smart guy. He’ll get by.
April 15th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I loved this one. Felicity is great. I loved that she used war language rather than falling part. Although Brandon is totally not worthy of her.
I’m surprised people hated her, personally I disliked Brandon. I can’t dislike Amy, love her too much, but she did behave badly and it wasn’t even as if she really loved him (she loved the idea of him) or she’d wouldn’t have fallen for Jamie a week later. So thank goodness for Felicity, imagine if Amy had wasted spring break thinking of Brandon rather than noticing Poe
Hope Felicity finds a fellow Art of war devotee to rule the world with!
April 15th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I found after reading it that, while I still disliked Felicity, I felt I understood her more. Like above commenters have said, it’s got to be hard thinking your boyfriend is in love with someone else. Especially when you see the examples of your parents who just go for whatever they want, after learning that, what else can you do?
I really enjoyed the story and her POV. I wonder what will happen to her and Brandon in Tap & Gown….
April 15th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I am torn with Felicity. I understand her character more, no matter how much i disagree with her methods. Amy made a mistake with Brandon. We all have made a mistake with someone we cared for. Felicity uses Amy’s mistake with Brandon to make her seem like a bad person. I think that Felicity has a sad life. If i knew that the object of my affection needed to maneuvered to make the choices and say the things I needed them to say. I would feel empty.
I do think that it is good that she knows that she loves Brandon and she is not just winning to win, but because she has genuine feelings for him.
Diana this is a great story and great incite, a treasure to read as always.
Bottom line, I relate to Amy and I feel for her when she makes bad choices. Through the stories I can experience the thoughts and feelings that go behind the choices she makes. Felicity only means as much to me as she does to Amy. So Felicity can have Brandon, I will take Poe.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
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April 16th, 2009 at 12:57 am
Holy crap, Diana! Brilliant use of the war motif! I think you did an amazing job with this secret story. The reactions you’re getting should tell you that.
I have to think about this one some more. I both hate and love Felicity a lot more now, but honestly? I think I’ve come down on the side of feeling sorry for her more than hating her. She’s fighting in a war that she knows she’s already lost, and it’s desperate and yes, a little pathetic, but also really brave. She hopes that if she can fix this mess, everything will go back to the way it was–but that, of course, is the inherent problem with war. No matter what the war is about, people inevitably get hurt, and things inextricably change. So her attempt to fight anyway may seem useless, but I think it had to be rewarded, at least a little. I think Amy knows that, and that’s why she’s cries–because, honestly, had things been reversed, I think Amy would have totally fought, just like Felicity did.
Poor Felicity. Yeah, she’s a strategical bitch, but I’m definitely convinced that she really did love Brandon.
April 16th, 2009 at 2:46 am
I think I’ve already taken a page form her book as I read this it rings a little to close to home right now. I’m seeing a guy that I’ve know since 8th gread, the problem is his still alittle to in-love with his ex. I’d like to think that I’m not that despert to “win” him seeing how broken my “rock-a-billy” is right now,and unlike her I’ve already spilled my tears, not saving them for a weppon, but I can see and understand where she’s coming form. All is Fare in love and war, because sometime we have to pull out all stops to get what we need and want. Only differnts between her and me is I put my loved ones first.
April 16th, 2009 at 2:48 am
But then again isn’t that what she did?
April 16th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Now that everyone is talking about the story, I feel better explaining my previous post.
While there were moments that I genuinely felt sorry for her and understood her motives. No one wants to be constantly reminded of someone’s ex but as in the adage that all is fair in love and war, so is the adage that it takes two to tango. She did her fair share of putting Amy in the middle too. I actually sympathized with her as she looked around her room and was itched by the sweater. I even thought at one point, “Wait a minute this is Felicity, why are you sympathizing?”
It was the final conversation with Brandon put me back on the hate wagon. She admitted to using Amy’s role in R&G to her advantage to prove her love for him and “never letting the dragon’s head interfere” but does she have angry patriarchs chasing after her? Also her tears strategy sent in to a tizzy. If you have to cry then cry, don’t use it as a battle tactic. Maybe that’s hypocritical of me because I am sure women have been using it for centuries but I feel that emotions like actions, are one of those things that need to remain honest for a healthy relationship. To “listen” to her mentally debate the best time to use her wiles and tears just caused me to want to go through my computer screen and shake her.
That said, it was well written and really brought a lot of emotion to the surface hence the above rant.
While, if we hear from this dynamic duo in the future I am sure it will be for a good reason, but I really hope that Amy doesn’t have to put up with them again.
April 16th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I read this story yesterday but couldn’t respond to it because I just didn’t know what to think about it. I mean, it’s so well written you almost want to identify with Felicity but on the other hand I still can’t help but want to just walk away slowly from her without making sudden movements and never turning my back.
I know she loves the boy and for that I can understand her, but my overall impression of her is that she’s bat-S*** crazy. I guess this comes from my own personal view- I don’t buy that love is a battlefield. Don’t get me wrong, love is rough and messy sometimes and you have to be tough to survive, but strategic planning? Really?? That strikes me as more emotional manipulation that anything else. And I just see that as wrong.
It’s one thing to plan how to meet a boy, how to get him to ask you out ect.. but Felicity crosses the line when she does all this to Brandon. I know that this is what she has been taught all of her life, and for that I feel bad for her, but it’s still wrong to play someone like that.
As for Brandon- I don’t know if I respect him at all. I feel bad for him, but it bothers me he knows what he’s getting into with these girls (both Amy and Felicity) and aggravates the situation with his actions, like the sleeping over with Amy.
Still, I want to know how this pans out because Diana has done a great job of making us invested in these characters
April 16th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Amen Heather! I couldn’t agree more.
Did anyone else find it interesting that Felicity looks to her parents’ example when her dad married her mom just days after breaking an engagement to her mom’s best friend?!? Wow, waste much time?
I was also very bothered by Felcity’s strategies. This isn’t the war room of the White House, it’s college romance. I think that Brandon was surprised to learn of Felcity’s involvement in the hazing of Amy. Did he ever dream she was capable of such low tactics? It’s hard when we’ve fallen for someone, put them on a pedestal and then see a new side to them. A side of them that is truly shocking. Did Brandon feel responsible for what happened to Amy? Maybe a little bit.
I can’t be upset with Amy. Like it’s been mentioned before,we’ve all screwed up and maybe hurt someone we cared for in the process. I love Amy because she’s not perfect and maybe not the ideal Eli student but she’s just like any one of us! I could have been Amy (at least I wished I was her with the shower scene in ROSB.)
I can’t wait for the Tap and Gown. Diana, great series!!! I’ve recommended it to many friends. Actually, I’ve lent out my copies so many times that I’ve purchased quite a few copies myself. I lend the books out and then think about something and have to get another copy to suffice my curiosity.
April 16th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Wow, cathy, THANK YOU!
I’m really loving this discussion! It’s interesting to see how many different points of view you can have on this situation. I think I have a soft spot for Felicity, myself. Like cathy said, I think we all make mistakes, especially when it comes to love,and we can end up doing bad things for good reasons, believing that the end can justify the means.
I mean, just in Felicity’s parents case, when you look at it from the perspective of a long term marriage, you wonder if maybe the mom actually knew the other girl was wrong for the dad. Like all those movies where the bride runs away from her wedding at the last minute.
Or, maybe she stole her best friend’s husband. Who knows?
April 16th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I think Felicity is really messed-up. Like Nelly, I don’t think that love should be seen as a battlefield, and I think the fact that Felicity’s shining example of marriage is her parents’ screwed up marriage says a lot about her. This is why I feel sorry for her. She’s probably worked her arse off getting everything else in her life, but love is one thing that she can’t control. She’s totally a bitch, and it’s just really sad, but I find her hard to hate.
April 16th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Diana, thank you for the latest story. Wow is it thought (and emotion!) provoking. The reference to the meaning of the girls’ names was perfect. I am completely trapped in all of the follow up discussion as well.
Even taking away loyalty to Amy, I find myself detesting Felicity even more now. The insight made sense, but I just don’t agree with her. I sense that she believes she loves Brandon, but primarily views him as a prize. She has invested a lot of herself in him, and she is too valuable to herself to just let it go. Her ego and competitiveness infuriate me. Her tacticts are manipulative and deceitful; this is deliberate and, in my mind, worse than what Amy did. I can vividly see her smug face outside the library as she touts her win over Amy. ARGHHH!! (Not that I wanted Amy and Brandon together, I just want Felicity to get a little of her own medicine.) It’s all about the victory, not about having a healthy, solid relationship with someone.
I am angry with Brandon for being gullible and for divulging Amy’s membership in R&G to Felicity. He says he still cares for Amy, yet he doesn’t help her by neutralizing the playing field in regards to Felicity’s membership. That single act could have helped Amy tremendously and likely eased his conscience.
Thanks again Diana. I think we’re all “trembling with antici . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pation”.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:40 am
[[Diana's Note: MOVED OVER FROM BLOG]]
I just read this month’s secret story and I must admit I dislike Felicity even more now. She’s so calculating…just the type of girl you hate to go again and yet there is a small part of you that wishes you played as well as she does.
As I’ve re-read the first three books (in a failed attempt to hold me off to T&G’s release) I must say that Amy and Poe have grown on me. I’ll admit though that I was one of those hoping Amy would get back with Brandon. I’m just not sure how I feel now. I do know this though: I hope Felicity gets hers in the last book.
Any more ARC giveaways??
April 19th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Will the last story be posted mid-month still? right before the release of Tap and Gown?
April 20th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
and here i though i couldn’t hate Dragon’s Head anymore… they need to go down! no one messes w/ Bugaboo and gets away with it!!!!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Wow, Diana I cannot get over how relatable your characters are. I know how Felicity feels in this story, and even though I am not a huge fan of her I feel for her. I know I have done some…unsavory actions to try to win a boy back. Ylour characters are so real I often wonder if you are just telling stories of your own college experience. A lot of the stuff Amy is going through is so commonplace for college students and even though I’m not in a secret society I am in a sorority so I connect on a different level. But this recent secret story is so strong. I really feel bad for Felicity. She let herself get “weak” by falling in love with Brandon and now she’s just trying to stand her ground and reestablish her strength through Brandon. She can be in love but she will not be weakened by it…or at least that’s what I got from it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Wow, thanks, Shelly! You totally made my day.
Some of the stories in the SSG books are about my own college experience, but surprisingly, they are never the ones that anyone guesses.
Regarding relating to Felicity, I think that’s something that a lot of people can do, whether they’ve followed through on their actions or just fantasized about the length to which they can go in order to get their heart’s desire
April 28th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I love your novels and I have read all three books!
They are just so cute together! 
I am so excited and anxious about what will happen to Amy and Jamie
I’m from asia and I only get a copy of your books from a specialty bookstore and might have to wait longer than the May release – but still, I am so looking forward to the last book in the series
Although I do hope that there will be more Amy and Jamie 
May 6th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I can’t even wait for the last secret story I have a good feeling I know which one this is about, or at least I hope it’s from Poe’s perspective when Amy was on the other island.
And on another note I’m counting down the days until the release of the fourth and final book. It will be bitter sweet. The culmination of an amazing book series is always a little sad, but the book will be fabulous and I most certainly can’t wait to read it. I’m obviously Team Poe all the way I will probably cry or throw the book if something happen to the two of them. lol
May 6th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
post ‘powerless’, please, i’m daaamn curious!
May 11th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
PLEASE post may! I’m so excited!
May 11th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
when is “Powerless” going to be posted??
i am rereading all three books for like the fifth time waiting to T&G to come out!! Can’t wait!!
May 12th, 2009 at 9:48 am
It will be posted in the middle of the month, just like all the other stories.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:08 am
[...] Secret Stories [...]
May 15th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Gah! And here I thought I couldn’t possibly love Poe anymore
This story was soo awesome! Thanks Diana!
May 15th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
sooooo excited!! tuesday absolutely can’t come soon enough!
May 15th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Diana, I have a question. Why did Jamie refer to himself as James twice in this story? In UTR he made it very clear to Amy that he was never James, he was always Jamie. I find it odd that the person who insisted that he’s Jamie is calling himself James in his head. I’m truly puzzled.
May 16th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Sigh. Poe’s got it ba-ad. This may be my favorite one, Diana.
May 16th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Oh man! I loved powerless! Poe, his dark exterior shattered showing that he is really in love with Amy? Awwwwww! Poe is so endearing, I have to admit I was hoping from the first book that something would eventually happen between him and Amy (Win!). I am also so with Latisha, I’m prone to book throwing when things I don’t like happen (Hint: The dismantling of the Amy+Poe relationship), not that I wouldn’t immediately pick the book back up and continue reading…
Anyway, Powerless is still my favorite secret story
and I am still biding my sweet time till the 19th, at which point I will stalk furiously into the bookstore and grab a copy as the employee puts them on the New Releases shelf! Can’t wait!
May 16th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Virginia, he’s standing outside himself here, analyzing his position from afar, and referring to himself in a more formal manner. So it’s less of a self-address, in which he would use Jamie, (i.e., “Jamie, what are you thinking?”), and more as if he were someone else talking about this person they both know, James Orcutt.
Jamie’s what friends call him. Were he running for office, he’d probably run as James. Does that make sense? (i.e., NOT like Bill Clinton).
And of course, you can read into that all kinds of stuff about the scene in UTR where he yells at her to call him Jamie.
May 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Argh, Powerless ended right at the good stuff! I think I was hoping for more interaction with Malcolm or something – I wanted to see Jamie fly into a rage about the fact that Amy didn’t want to press charges or something…but I guess the angst was good enough. =)
May 18th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I loved this one, I love Jamie’s internal monologue on what’s happening and what has happened. It’s great to see inside his head and see what aflling for Amy has done to him.
I’m with Tiff though I’d have loved to have seen Malcolm and Jamie’s talk. I love their friendship and their conversation in Banned from the Tomb was brilliant. Malcolm knows him well enough to call him on everything.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Best one yet!
May 19th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Congratulations on Tap & Gown
May 19th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
so excited. going to go and buy the book tomorrow after school!!
May 21st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Diana, I know you said that Powerless is the final installment of the secret stories, but I am curious to know what happened when Jamie left for the job only to come back.
May 24th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Diana, let me second the hope for additional secret stories. I loved Tap and Gown, and am so pleased that it ended the way I hoped, but I have to say, I’d absolutely love more on Jamie and Amy. Please, Please think about it!
May 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I loved all of your books! Well written, intoxicating, a verifiable feast of words. I’ve been going crazy because the 4th installment is not offered on kindle! Just finished reading the third book! Please, please, please help me…at work and sad:(
I’m also thinking along the lines of the other readers, maybe we can see them again, older fighting against conspiracy’s and patriarchs on their new careers accompanied by r&g brothers and sisters? we’ll buy it no matter what happens we’re gonna need a fix… Unicorns and Rose & grave kinda go together anyway, right? i know i’m trying a little too hard:)
May 27th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hi, Melissa!
There will be a Kindle edition of Tap & Gown, it just isn’t up yet. Apparently there’s a little bit of a backlog. I don’t know when it will be up, though.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Could someone please e-mail me the passwords if they have them, I just signed up and want to read them right away!
dessenfan13@cableone.net
July 20th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Diana-
I just finished Tap & Gown. I stayed up until 4:30 in the morning reading it (which is no small thing considering I have two small children that wake up at the crack of dawn). All I have to say is that I loved it and am begging you (begging you!) to please write another one. I want to know what happens to Poe and Amy! And Lydia and Josh. And Lucky’s company. I am now officially obsessed.
July 24th, 2009 at 7:42 am
[...] Secret Stories [...]
August 16th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I just stubled across the secret stories for the first time this evening after searching the website hoping for another Peterfreund release. I read every story without pause. I know all good things must come to an end, but I can’t help but hope for another installment in the Amy and Poe saga.
Diana, your stories are so brilliantly written that I read each book in 1 day (actually night). This is difficult to do while working full time and having three small children, but I find the exhaustion worth it. I will look forward to any books you write in the future.
And while I still have some of the stories in my mind, I have to comment on Felicity. I feel so sorry for her. Yes, she’s strong and is willing to fight for what she wants, and is very easy to hate, but we have to remember she is a college GIRL. She still has to face the real world where she will grow up a little (hopefully). I look back on some of my antics in my 20’s and cringe. I feel sorry for anyone who falls in love with a man who is a bit wishy-washy and still has a thing for his ex no matter the age.
August 16th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I meant stumbled, not stubled. I’ll proof if I ever post again!
August 30th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Hey!
I was just wondering if there would be any more secret stories…
Because I absolutly LOVE them. And I miss Amy and Poe and George and Lydia and Josh and everyone.
I really think, Diana, you should write more secret stories for us, your obsessed fans! hahahah
August 30th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Ha ha! Sorry, I think we’re done with them. I think all the gaps are good and filled in.
October 6th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Gosh, I really love these books. They are like totally awesome!
Thank you so much for doing the Secret Stories, Diana. I just wish, like Sophie, we could have more of them. I also miss the characters and the expection of the scenes to come when you are reading for the first time.
Really loved it!
October 12th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I’ve just finished Tap & Gown and I loved it!! But it was bittersweet, I’m already missing Jamie and Amy a lot and because of that I got in here and found Secret Stories!!!
I LOVED Jamie’s stories and I agree with the girls up there, we REALLY could have more of them!! Please please please?
November 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I just wanted to say that Diana’s post on May 16th was interesting. I was wondering when I was reading–even suspecting at that point that they would get together–why Poe kept getting SO upset about Amy calling him James instead of Jamie. His reaction always seemed way disproportionate to the offense (anger, as opposed to the mild irritation a normal person would feel, at being called by a name he didn’t prefer). Innnnnteresting.
These secret stories have been amazing; I always like being able to get more insight into other characters when I read a book that’s in the first person. If only there were such a way to catch a glimpse inside someone else’s mind in my own first-person experience of real life as well….
I just discovered this series by playing a game I like to call “library”–closing my eyes and picking a random book off the shelf to check out. It’s rare, but I do discover the occasional gem this way. This was one of those rare instances. I just started book four, and I’m excited to read it but will be sad to finish. There’s nothing like reading an amazing book for the first time.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
[...] Secret Stories [...]
January 11th, 2010 at 7:43 am
[...] Secret Stories [...]
February 1st, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I discovered these SSG on Tuesday of last week and plowed through all of them by Sunday night (thank goodness for Kindle!!). I love, love, love the series and was so very sad (and yet thrilled at the same time?) to finish the last one. I want more (we’re so demanding). Amy will need help refiguring herself as a patriarch, right? And Jamie can help. Please? There is more storyline there, there is!
February 10th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Olá eu sou uma fã brasileira e provavelmente você já deve saber mas aqui no Brasil muuuuuuuuuita gente ama secrety society só que é uma pena que aqui só lançaram os dois primeiros volumes da série os outros eu consegui ler pelo computador graças ao esforço de muitos outros fãs porém ainda não consegui ler tudo de secret stories e eu mal posso esperar para lançar todos os livros aqui porque é claro que eu vou comprar *.* ah e eu soube que talvez pudesse ter filmes seria incrível,perfeito ver a Amy o Jamie nas telas de cinema!Parabéns mesmo e obrigada por inspirar tantas pessoas como eu (:
February 10th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Thank you for reading my books. I’m sorry all the secret stories are not translated into Portuguese. The third book will be out in Brazil in July.
Obrigado por ler meus livros. Lamento todas as histórias secretas não são traduzidos para o Português. O terceiro livro será lançado no Brasil em julho.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
a não tem problema eu li em inglês as que você colocou aqui *.*
Ah mas queria tanto mais o final de Powerless então é viciante
Thanks you Diana you’re amazing really and your books are perfect!!!I can reed english very well i just get messed at the writte part…But loved every history!
J+A forever (:
February 15th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Love these books, and the secret stories were great! I wish we could get one from Jamie’s perspective when he was gone (CIA?) in the last book!
February 28th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I LOVED the secret stories! Specially the “Poe at the Gate” and “Poe in D.C.”!! Any chance that there will be secret stories that require Tap & Gown?
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:38 am
Hi, Marina. I’m glad you enjoyed the secret stories. As they were something i did to celebrate the release of Tap & Gown, there won’t be any more.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
My friend got me hooked on these books, and I read them all in less than a week. I love Poe and these stories helped me deal with not having any more to read. I soooooo feel you should write a 5th book! I would be really really happy.