A grim discovery in Lance Kendall’s home proved one thing—the residents of Blyth Lake had a serial killer in their midst. Now Lance had unintentionally put a target on his back. Worst yet, he’s made the only woman he ever loved known to a murderer.
A trip down memory lane with the man who’d broken Brynn Mercer’s heart wasn’t the smartest thing she’d ever done in her life, but their reunion was a slow burn of temptation that she couldn’t ignore.
Together, they will only have one chance to correct the past. Will the hidden secrets he uncovered threaten their love or solidify it for a future that has always been out of their reach?
Their homecoming wasn’t so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family’s legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren’t prepared for what awaited them—an unforgiveable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.
Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
Reviewed by behalf of http://bookaddict.live, Unlocking Secrets is about Lance’s homecoming. Lance is the baby of the family. After 12 years in Military Service that means is as well trained as his brother, and considering how dangerous his home town is he needs to be. Lance’s high school sweetheart Brynn now owns the town’s only decent bar. It doesn’t take long to realise they still feel the same way, and gradually they work their way back to each other. More evidence is found about the murdered girl, and the community is in uproar, not knowing who to trust. A dangerous slice of life in Blyth Lake for members of the Kendall family. The love story between Brynn and Lance comes to a satisfying conclusion. To find out who the serial killer is we need more clues that hopefully can be found in Unlocking Lies and Jace’s homecoming. This series is becoming addictive with each book pulling me into the community in this small town. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blurb: A grim discovery in Lance Kendall’s home proved one thing—the residents of Blyth Lake had a serial killer in their midst. Now Lance had unintentionally put a target on his back. Worst yet, he’s made the only woman he ever loved known to a murderer.
A trip down memory lane with the man who’d broken Brynn Mercer’s heart wasn’t the smartest thing she’d ever done in her life, but their reunion was a slow burn of temptation that she couldn’t ignore.
Together, they will only have one chance to correct the past. Will the hidden secrets he uncovered threaten their love or solidify it for a future that has always been out of their reach?
Their homecoming wasn’t so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family’s legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren’t prepared for what awaited them—an unforgiveable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.
Lance the youngest of the clan comes home, finding evidence to kept the town in an uproar Brynn now owns the bar, the local spot in town Love soon became evident for them Rumors and emotions are running high Good series
Lance has come home after being in the Marines for the last twelve years. He doesn't know that his Mom left him a home that she purchased before she passed away. It's a fixer-upper, but it's his free and clear. He doesn't realize that there is a big mystery going on in his town. Emma and Sophia disappeared years ago. Sophia's body was just found in the wall of his brother, Noah's house. She went missing eleven years ago. They still haven't found Emma. Lance is checking out his house and finds a tin in the duct work in the cellar. They are pictures of 7 girls and women. Who put them there. The house has been empty for years. But someone put them there. Bryan was his girlfriend in high school. The attraction is still there. She wants to take it one day at a time. With everything that's going on with the disappearance of these women, everyone is under suspicion. Brynn is now the new owner of the Cavern, the towns only bar. She bought it from Tiny and Rose. They were the ones who took her under their wing when her parents died. Bryan and Lance are becoming friends and lovers. He thought of her every day he was in the service. He's glad to be home and finding love again. But the mystery surrounding their town is interfering with their happiness. Whitney disappeared and is the next victim. She was one of the women in the pictures. Now everyone is looking for her and who is behind her disappearance. Will we find out who is behind this? We will have to read the next book by Kennedy Layne
Unlocking Secrets by Kennedy Layne “Rekindled love and murder, 5 stars”
I am about to be completely frank with you. I have a love hate relationship with Layne’s stories. I love her writing and how she can intertwine so many books together but make them individual stories. With that said though I hate that I never know what’s happening next! When I say hate I don’t really mean it. Layne gives you a story about a couple coming together when stuff around them is falling apart but never gives you a clue as to who’s behind it. Brynn and Lance were best friends turned lovers when they were younger. They knew the score and that they weren’t going to have a happily ever after then, but what about now? I love how strong Brynn is and how she handles herself yet knows when to let Lance’s alpha tendencies sway her when its needed. Lance knew when getting ready to come home after 12 years away it would be an adjustment he just didn’t realize how fast things would change, in a good way. So, while these two are falling back in love they have a black cloud hanging over the towns head. There is a serial killer amongst them and they have no idea who it is. I love suspense murder mysteries and I usually pick out who the killer is early on. But with how Layne writes you can’t do that, you’re stuck waiting to find out and it makes for a great read. I can’t wait to see where she takes the rest of the series. Plot-5/5 Characters-5/5 Heat-5/5 Writing style-5/5 Overall-5/5 **SBR Reviews**
I loved every moment of this book and every moment spent with both Brynn and Lance! Both Brynn and Lance are strong characters with their own minds who are fiercely loyal to those they hold dear. Both exhibit kindness and generosity of spirit as well. Their love story is one of love put on hold as each of them went their own way, matured, and gathered experience. However, the moment they came back together, they both recognized that they were home in the truest sense and just had to come to terms with what that meant and how to handle it. The addition of mystery on multiple levels only increases the reader's fall into the book as it keeps the reader guessing and wondering while enjoying every moment of Brynn and Lance's reconnection with one another. I have to know how the mystery ends! The writing style is wonderful as well since it draws you in from the first moment and keeps you interested. Overall, an awesome book that I couldn't put down.
*This is the second book of the Keys to Love series and I would suggest reading the books in order although it definitely isn't necessary to do so. Unlocking Secrets is a standalone story about Brynn and Lance, but it is helpful to have the background of the first book available to you for the mystery portion of the series since the mystery is ongoing from the first to, I assume, last book.
5 stars I loved every moment of this book and every moment spent with both Brynn and Lance! Both Brynn and Lance are strong characters with their own minds who are fiercely loyal to those they hold dear. Both exhibit kindness and generosity of spirit as well. Their love story is one of love put on hold as each of them went their own way, matured, and gathered experience. However, the moment they came back together, they both recognized that they were home in the truest sense and just had to come to terms with what that meant and how to handle it. The addition of mystery on multiple levels only increases the reader’s fall into the book as it keeps the reader guessing and wondering while enjoying every moment of Brynn and Lance’s reconnection with one another. I have to know how the mystery ends! The writing style is wonderful as well since it draws you in from the first moment and keeps you interested. Overall, an awesome book that I couldn’t put down. *This is the second book of the Keys to Love series and I would suggest reading the books in order although it definitely isn’t necessary to do so. Unlocking Secrets is a standalone story about Brynn and Lance, but it is helpful to have the background of the first book available to you for the mystery portion of the series since the mystery is ongoing from the first to, I assume, last book.
Gosto de séries porque estendem o prazer da leitura e de personagens. Essa série vai satisfazer minha curiosidade e ansiedade porque está completa. Esse é o segundo livro. Achei interessante a autora usar o mistério que desencadeia a série como um fio narrativo que permeia os cinco livros. Há outra série em que ela faz isso, mas aí são 15 livros, o que estende mais a ansiedade, e como disse, ainda não está finalizada. Irritante. Pois bem. Temos o desaparecimento de uma adolescente, ou duas, e a busca que, após 12 anos, não chegou a lugar algum. Aí entram os personagens centrais, uma família de 5 filhos e seu pai, viúvo, numa pequena cidade do estado de Ohio, EUA. Tem mistério, investigação policial, romance, tudo que é capaz de entreter leitoras que querem fugir da realidade. Não sei quanto tempo ainda Layne ou outras/outros autoras/autores conseguirão manter a aura de heroísmo que cerca um veterano ou marine estadunidense, considerando-se a postura imperialista cada vez mais exacerbada dos EUA. Fica muito difícil postular honra e dedicação com a invasão ilegal de países, ou a perseguição a pessoas inocentes.
Book two in the Keys to Love series is finally upon us. Lance is the second Kendall brother to return home from serving his country for the last twelve years and is surprised when his father hands him the keys to a property which has sat vacant for nine months and in need of some repairs and updating! Upon returning to town, Lance can’t help feeling that not everything isn’t as he thought it would be, until he hugs Brynn the woman who holds his heart! Brynn and Lance separated under good circumstances and remained friends but now that Lance is home, he’s hoping to rekindle the flame they feel for each other, but Brynn is hesitant to put herself out there. Unfortunately, Lance discovers evidence which pertain to the mystery surrounding Emma’s disappearance and Sophia’s murder, which puts Brynn at risk!
Jace is the next brother to come home and I can’t wait to find out more about this murder mystery that has everyone in this small town turning on each other with looks, gossip and suspicion!
Lance and Brynn’s story is so good! The mystery of who killed Sophia and where Emma is continues in this book. Lance has been serving in the Marines for 12 years and has moved back to his hometown. Brynn is the woman he left behind all those years ago. She owns the local bar and is determined to resist the pull between her and Lance. Things get weird when Lance finds an old tin of Polaroid pictures in his heating unit while looking through the old house his parents bought for him. These pictures are of a murdered girl, a known missing girl and a few others. The FBI Agent starts questioning the residents of this small town and people are suspecting their neighbor of being a murderer. When one of the women in town (who is also one of the girls in the pictures) is kidnapped the suspicion and tension grows as doe the attraction between Lance and Brynn. This is a great series and I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I love a good murder mystery and boy, does Layne deliver! Usually I can figure out who the killer is pretty early on but not here, we're two books in and still, we have no clue. Don't worry, the characters don't know either!
This is a great coming home story. Guy and girl grew up together, got involved in a "no strings attached" love affair before he goes away to defend his country. Upon his return, things heat up in more ways than one. Brynn is still the girl his heart (and other parts!) craves and she's right there with him! But there's a killer on the loose and he's getting closer all the time. Time is running out to catch him before he strikes again!
The book is suspenseful, intense, sweet, funny and smexy! Can't wait to hopefully learn all the secrets about the killer's identity in book three! Bring it on!
What started with Unlocking Fear, continues with Unlocking Secrets. You absolutely need to read book 1 first or I suspect that you will be a little lost.
You know, considering what is going on in this community, this is a suprisingly drama free read. That might seem odd, but you'll know what I mean when you read it.
It flows so easily that I was just carried along with the story.
I particularly enjoyed how the author was able to sow the seeds of suspicion about the residents. It didn't feel forced at all. What the author has managed to create is a genuine feel of community and family with this series. And to do so within such a limited page count thus far is impressive.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
After serving his country for 12 years Lance has returned to his hometown but what he finds in the house he is renovating puts himself and everyone close to him in danger.
Brynn and Lance were together when he left the town and her 12 years ago. At the time she knew it was inevitable, but it didn’t make it any easier when he left.
As they investigate the suspicious goings on in the town it brings them closer, but will this be their second chance or are they destined to go their separate ways once again?
This author has a talent for writing a mystery with twists that keep you guessing. I am enjoying this series and looking forward to Jace’s story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I think that I should read all the books in one sitting once all of them have been published because we are making a very slow progress for me, I want to know who is the killer now. I have gotten a little too invested in the series and I have become a big fan.
You should read this book. We made some progress when it comes to finding out who killed those poor girls. The mystery is still unraveled, unfortunately. To be honest, the book wasn't as good as the first one, but it was still captivating.I felt like it has less romance and suspence. That doesn't make the book bad though, It was good but not as good as the first book. I liked the main characters and the story, The genre of the book might be second chance romance, but I was still able to enjoy it It was a hit rather than a miss.
Questions answered and more questions created. Lance and Brynn have a second chance romance while the town is dealing with the fallout of one murder form a cold case and still finding answers on who is guilty of that, as well as where are the other bodies.
The writing is engaging and the suspense of who is at fault has me captivated. This is a sweet community and that builds into this idea of who could it be whenever everyone knows everyone. The family dynamic is fun and I love the relationship between the siblings and dad. The take on their mother’s wishes is beautifully poignant and yet also builds into this question of who is the killer and why is it connected to these specific homes.
After being in the military for twelve years, Lance has returned to Blyth Lake. He finds a little tin with pictures of two girls, one was found in the wall of Lance’s brothers house and one is still missing. Several more pictures were in the tin and writing on the back. Brynn has lived in Blyth all her life and now the boy who broke her heart has returned. Brynn owns and runs a bar in town. Another girl goes missing and her picture was in the tin. The police are interviewing everyone and it’s putting neighbors against neighbors.
Ok…let me say this book would have been tons better if it made sense. Some parts I had to reread several times and was still lost. Cliffhanger. Second chance for love.
Wow. What a story from start to finish. I was literally drawn in on page one and could not put this down. The writing keeps you in suspense the entire way. I thought I had figured out "who done it", but nope the author kept me guessing the entire book, and I loved it.
The main characters, Lance and Brynn, have you rooting for them, even with their hang ups and everything that is going on in Blyth Lake. The chemistry between the two leapt off the pages, so you know they are meant to be together.
I am anxious to read the remaining books in this series, as this was definitely a page turner.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Unlocking Secrets is the second book in this series, and you must read both books if haven’t yet. Kennedy Layne is the master of romantic suspense. I’m still guessing what is going to happen next. There will be three more books. So, the readers will be figuring out what is happening until the end (not in a horrid cliffhanger way). There will be plenty of twists and turns to keep us intrigued! The detective has everybody second guessing people that they have known for years. The connections just keep on growing. This is also a second chance love story. It is sexy and swoon worthy! Kennedy Layne’s characters are very relatable. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Lance Kendall has returned home to Blythe Lake after being discharged from the Marines. The 2nd Kendall sibling to return home and receive the gift of a property from his parents. Lance learns that his hs sweetheart, Brynn, is also back and has bought the local watering hole. Homecoming is looking great for Lance...until he discovers a container of photos of the missing girls and others from that summer camp 12 yrs ago. The residents of Blythe Lake are coming to grips with the fact that a serial killer may be in their midst. This series is a great romantic suspense that is engaging and entertaining.
Having read the first one in this had to see how this one would be. It held the ingredients that picks my curiosity. It also delivered what it says. Mystery and death took the characters Lance and Brynn on a ride for lives when they got together. Those things also that some thought were in the dark forever does come to light with why they should watch out for them. This one keeps you on your toes with the romance you crave in a novel. This is also interwoven with others so I will have to hope I catch the next one.
The second book in the Keys to Love series gives us the story of Lance & Brynn, high school sweethearts. Lance returns home to find his hometown is on the search for a serial killer and his family is in the crosshairs. He reunites with Brynn and finds the sparks never went away. Together they work to help find a murderer in their small town. There are surprises at every corner that you will never see coming! Don’t miss this series!
After servicing in the military Lance is coming back to his hometown. The town of the girl he loved and left, Brynn. Not only has he got to deal with that there is a serial killer on the loose. Can he persuade Bryan to give them another chance and keep his girl safe.
A great book, with fab characters. I haven't read the first book in the series and although that didn't detract from the enjoyment of the book it would have been helpful. This book does have a partial cliffhanger.
In true Kennedy Layne fashion, this book takes you on a journey toward solving the mystery of the series! You learn about new characters as the story unravels & yet are no closer to the answers to the mystery of whodunnit! Love it! Romance ✅, Suspense ✅, Book 3, here I come!
I’m usually not a fan of second chance reads but this was actually a good read.
The attack on Brynn was a complete shock; I am invested in all the characters and the stress the citizens of this small town are under is starting to show in ways that are uncharacteristic of what has been portrayed.
I like the introduction of new characters in each story, with the wrap around of the others we've already met. These characters held true for me. But I really love the second chance genre.
I love a good murder mystery and boy, does Layne deliver! Usually I can figure out who the killer is pretty early on but not here, we're two books in and still, we have no clue. Don't worry, the characters don't know either!
This is a great coming home story. Guy and girl grew up together, got involved in a "no strings attached" love affair before he goes away to defend his country. Upon his return, things heat up in more ways than one. Brynn is still the girl his heart (and other parts!) craves and she's right there with him! But there's a killer on the loose and he's getting closer all the time. Time is running out to catch him before he strikes again!
The book is suspenseful, intense, sweet, funny and smexy! Can't wait to hopefully learn all the secrets about the killer's identity in book three! Bring it on!
Good mystery. It’s ongoing and moving into the 3rd book. Each “section” focus on a sibling returning to the hometown they grew up in after serving in the military. And each book adds to the clues.