No matter where you run to… 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.
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I don’t read a ton of romantic suspense, but whenever HelenKay Dimon writes one, I’m here for it.
This one involves a stressed out consummate protector who is just trying to get some vacation time. He doesn’t need anyone bothering him–definitely not a gorgeous woman who isn’t anything like what she seems, and is entirely too much for him.
(Spoiler: She’s exactly as much as he needs!)
This one has a thriller vibe to it — Maddie, the heroine, has been hiding on a small island for years, and now things are coming to a head — she’s being followed, and Connor is having NONE OF IT. I loved this strong hero & badass heroine from, frankly, a badass heroine herself.
A grumpy guy burying his grief under a pile of work. A woman with too many secrets to hold inside. A threat neither of them can ignore or deny. A connection that draws them closer together and makes them willing to put it all on the line. Fast-paced with twists and turns that will have you turning the page to the climactic end.
I really enjoy this series, and can’t wait to see more stories on this quirky, murder-filled island!
Read both books in this sort of series (2 books about some of same characters)
I don’t like characters are do not act rationally.
Dimon’s latest features the snappy dialogue and tense situations that are the hallmark of her writing, and this was a perfect airplane read. Great characters, fun secondary characters, a strong heroine and the hero who gets where she’s coming from. I’ve really enjoyed these connected stories and look forward to the next one.
Workaholic Connor Rye is on Whitaker Island for a little rest and relaxation. His first day on the island is tipped on its side when he’s rudely awakened by a blow to the head. Who knew romance could begin this way!
Maddie Rhine is a quintessential control freak. She has her reasons. She must know who arrives on Whitaker, why they’re here, and where they’re staying. As the voice behind the answering service on the island, she can keep track of the comings and goings, usually.
Connor and Maddie are thrown together by circumstances, and they realize they’re attracted to each other. Boy is that an understatement. They are off the charts H.O.T. With their relationship blossoming, they want to see where it leads. When people from Maddie’s past begin to arrive on the island, and islanders start dying, the mystery and intrigue begin!
Excellent job by Ms. Dimon weaving the inhabitants of the island into the story. Since this is the second book in the series, we get to visit with some old friends and see where their lives are going. We also learn who is the owner of Whitaker! Here’s hoping there is another book in the series…I think I know which couple is next!!
Connor Rye came to Whitaker Island for a little peace and tranquility, but his first night on the island is anything but peaceful… as he was unexpectedly attacked. Coming to the island was supposed to be blissful break, one that would give his overworked and stressed body a break. But the beautiful woman who has just attacked him has him wondering what he just walked in to…
Maddie Rhine came to the island to hide out from her dangerous past, and even went as far as to assume a different identity to stay under the radar. But the agent who helped her hide-out has just informed her that her her whereabouts were just made public, and her past is closing in on her. Now he is telling her she needs to enter WITSEC program to stay safe, but she isn’t so sure she wants to give up her life on the island.
The Secret She Keeps delivers an action-packed and emotional story line that is certain to keep your eyes glued to the pages. Page after page these characters kept me entertained and under their spell, I just had to know how it would all turn out for them. Both had pasts that were weighing them down, and doubts about love, but that didn’t stop it from sneaking it’s way into their lives. I loved watching these to let go and fall for one another, their relationship had a natural progression to it. In one another they found something they never knew they needed, it was quite beautiful to watch it all unfold… in between all the action packed danger of course! I have no doubt romance suspense readers will love this newest installment in the Whitaker Island series, it’s brimming with everything necessary to thrill and put a squeeze on the heart! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
4 1/2 STARS!
In THE SECRET SHE KEEPS danger is lurking from the very start yet the dialogue that is woven with humorous banter keeps a lightheartedness alive for the reader. HelenKay Dimon’s second book in her Whitaker Island series is sure to please fans of romantic suspense!
As we go into the story, we know that Connor is still suffering an overwhelming grief over his sister’s murder and carries a load of emotions with him. He’s seeking to get away from the daily grind to comfort his soul, but finds himself smack dab in the middle of a mystery.
Maddie makes a huge impact on Connor from day one, and as he learns tidbits of her story, he’s more and more intrigued. Can she find a way to let people into the inner sanctuary she’s built around herself when her life just might depend on it again?
I recommend this story to fans of suspense with a generous amount of sexual chemistry, romance and happily ever afters. The story was fast paced, endearing and ultimately satisfying!
THE SECRET SHE KEEPS is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult WHITAKER ISLAND romantic, suspense series. This is businessman Connor Rye, and Maddie Rhine’s story line. THE SECRET SHE KEEPS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from three third person perspectives including Connor and Maddie, THE SECRET SHE KEEPS follows businessman Connor Rye as he escapes to Whitaker Island for some mandatory R&R, the same island where his brother Hansen (Her Other Secret #1) fell in love with his future wife. But from the outset Connor finds himself targeted by a woman who believes she is being stalked for sins of the past, sins that are about to be exposed on Whitaker Island. Enter Maddie Rhine, the woman with whom Connor will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Maddie and Connor, and the potential fall-out as Maddie’s secrets are about to be revealed.
Maddie Rhine is in hiding but someone has found our story line heroine, sending letters that are now threatening the man with whom Maddie is falling in love. An unidentified body, and an assault against an elderly neighbor find Maddie face to face with a man who was once responsible for Maddie’s life. Connor Rye has struggled since the death of his sister months before, a struggle that forced his family to intervene for Connor’s mental health but Whitaker Island, for all of its’ quietude, has found itself on the receiving end of too many murders and questionable happenings.
The relationship between Maggie and Connor begins as a case of mistaken identity when Maggie believes Connor is someone from her past. Connor finds himself attracted to a woman whose secrets are dark, secrets that are about to pull Connor into a web of murder and obsession.The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Whitaker Island’s colorful and eccentric residents including the head of the Whitaker Board and lodge owner Sylvia Sussex, old man Paul, Whitaker’s self-appointed guardian Dom, Jenna Hughland, law enforcement officer Ben Clifford, and Maddie’s former handler Evan Williams.
THE SECRET SHE KEEPS is a story of secrets and lies; obsession and betrayal. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and spirited.