Sandy M’s review of The Secret She Keeps (Whitaker Island, Book 2) by HelenKay Dimon
Romantic Suspense published by Avon 30 Dec 19
I think a lot of us, at one time or another in our lives, would really like to get away to Whitaker Island. A place where you know no one, no one knows you so you can relax in anonymity if you so desire. Of course, secrets are a big part of those now calling the island home. And those secrets have a way of being revealed when strange things begin to happen. So maybe we all better stay home.
Connor Rye, brother of the hero in the first book in the series, is sent to Whitaker because his family knows the stress he’s placed himself under over the last few years is coming to a head. The family suffered a horrible tragedy, and when Hansen found his peace and future there, they figure that’s the best place for Connor before all hell breaks loose. So here he is, waiting for his relaxing vacation to start when hell does actually break loose – in the form of an attacker who gives him one heck of a headache by knocking him nearly senseless.
It doesn’t take long for Ben, the local lawman (who is my favorite character so far) to figure out the resident recluse, Maddie, is the culprit. Finding out why she was hiding in Connor’s cabin is a whole other story. She’s scared and tight lipped, harboring secrets like everyone else on the island. Though their initial meeting wasn’t the best, there is a definite attraction between these two. Maddie, however, wants to keep Connor at bay to keep him away from danger, but Connor is stubborn and refuses to be pushed away.
Navigating sudden hidden strangers and their secrets is priority, as Maddie’s past begins to unwind. There are the usual twists and turns that Ms. Dimon does so well in her romantic suspense stories, along with deflection from whom you assume is the villain of the moment. I really like that Connor and Maddie hit the sheets in this book much earlier than the usual in romance. I appreciate not being strung along chapter after chapter before they let their chemistry take over.
I’m going to assume there will be at least one more book in this series, mostly because there are a lot of questions that need to be answered about Whitaker Island and its residents. I sure hope Ben is next, but I’ve not seen anything so far that tells me what’s on the horizon. All I know is I will continue to go back to this beautiful but strange place as often as HelenKay Dimon wants to take me there.
Grade: A
Summary:
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.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
