Title: The Secret She Keeps
Series: Whitaker Island bk 2
Author: Helenkay Dimon
Genre: Romantic Suspense
No matter where you run to…
Connor Rye seeks solace on remote Whitaker Island. When his first quiet evening ends with a blow to the head, it’s clear that nothing—and no one—is as it seems. Still haunted by his sister’s murder, he’s buried himself in work while trying to hold his family together. Now, when he has a minute to breathe, he knows better than to get involved with a stranger, but it might be too late to keep his distance.
Desire will find you…
For years she’s pretended to be someone else, but Maddie Rhine is done living in the shadows. Old habits are hard to kick however, and when her past follows her to Whitaker she’s forced to hide once more. Except with Connor. Effortlessly sexy Connor makes it difficult to ignore him. He sees right through her…and senses her fear.
Someone is watching her. And waiting for the right moment to strike. This time Connor vows to be ready.
Thoughts: I’m a HUGE Helenkay fan. I love all of her books. Some more than others. Some heroes more than others, can I just say Eli from her Holton Woods is my all time favorite of her heroes. Some heroines drive me batty and others I’m like yeah I see you. I get you.
For me this book ticked all of my boxes. It had a hero who was flawed and knew it. A heroine who was flawed and knew it. But also mutual respect between them. Connor never made Maddie feel stupid because of her actions. He listened and then supported her. Even when he didn’t agree with her.
For her part Maddie was the same with Connor. She never tried to change him. In fact she was so flustered the first time she sees him well I’ll let you discover that for yourself. Maddie knows who she is, she also knows that the life she’s living is killing her. So when Connor comes on the scene she takes the opportunity in front of her and reaches for it. She also makes Connor face things he doesn’t want to.
There is a lot going on with these two for a multitude of reasons. Some of them had me grinning, and some of them had me trying to figure out what was going on.
One of the very many things I love about Helenkay’s storytelling is how real the characters and what they are going through comes off the pages. In a few words she has you both cheering for and cursing the characters. You’re invested in them, and their journey to a HEA.
If you love complex characters, and twisty road to HEA then you won’t want to miss this book. Plus I mean LOOK at that cover.
Grade: A
