Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Keys to Love #3

Unlocking Lies

Rate this book
Secrets and lies have a way of weaving a deadly web. Returning home from his last deployment shouldn’t have been complicated, but Jace Kendall was immediately drawn into a murder investigation that hits a little too close to home. The last thing he should be doing was reigniting old passions that should have been kept buried, but he’s never been a guy who plays by the rules.

Shae has suffered for twelve years without knowing why her sister disappeared. The long-awaited answers are now within reach, and she’ll have no choice but to trust the one man who knows more than he’s telling.

It isn’t long before Jace and Shae are lost in the mystery of solving a case that’s long gone cold. When they find the answers they’ve been looking for, a darkness is unveiled that will leave one of them in the crosshairs of a psychopath.

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.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2018

68 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy Layne

246 books675 followers
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.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3qrizgV
Facebook: http://bit.ly/3qwLzUz
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ceSHQ9

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
93 (55%)
4 stars
61 (36%)
3 stars
13 (7%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews90 followers
June 11, 2018
3 serial-killer stars for UNLOCKING LIES.

When Marine Corps veteran Jace Kendall returns to his family in Blyth Lake, he's ready to pursue his own dreams, especially since he's now got his own home thanks to a bequeath from his mother. He's surprised to see his old friend Shae Irwin back in town, but when he finds out she's looking for clues on her sister's disappearance 12 years ago, he's not surprised. After all, it seems like a serial killer has reemerged from the shadows, so it's only natural that she'd be asking questions about the past, too. Soon, it's clear that Shae's stirred up a hornet's nest, and the protector in Jace wants to keep his old friend, and the beautiful woman she's turned into, safe. But this killer has been successful for so long because they're patient. They just needs to wait for everyone to blink, then they can strike.

UNLOCKING LIES, book 3 in the Keys To Love series, drove me a little crazy in the beginning. It felt like whole sections were missing from the story (despite being familiar with the overall series arc), and I had to deep-dive back several times to see if I missed something or if it was truly just missing. As the book went on, that evened out, but unfortunately, nothing about this story captured my attention, and I found myself really having to focus in order to get through it. The bulk of the book was just conversations between Jace and Shae…her wanting to investigate, him wanting to protect her. Same story, different days. There was very little excitement or suspense other than the obvious underlying threat, until the end when it finally got good. If you're a fan of this series, I'd say this is a must-read, but as a stand-alone, I'd skip this one.

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; violence/murder.

The Romance Review
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews219 followers
May 28, 2018
5 Star Review Unlocking Lies by Kennedy Layne (Keys To Love #3)
This has fast become one of my favourite series for 2018. Kennedy Layne had me riveted from the first to the last chapter as I tried to second guess what was going to happen.
After finishing his military service after sustaining an injury, Jace Kendall returns to Blyth Lake to settle down. Thanks to an inheritance he knew nothing about he becomes the proud owner of a not to run-down property and decides to renovate it himself.
When an old friend, Shae Irwin returns home hoping to find answers regarding her sisters disappearance he is attracted to her and wants to see if there could be more. However Shae is only in town for a limited time and wants to concentrate on doing whatever she can to bring the person who she believes murdered her sister to justice, even if that means endangering herself.
As Jace and Shae’s feelings develop, he becomes more and more concerned with the danger Shae is putting herself in. In fact, she ruffles feathers so much an attempt is made on her life. Will Jace be able to save Shae in time or will she too be destined to become another victim?
I love the romantic suspense genre and this was an great example; well written with characters who were easy to relate too.
Be prepared that not all your questions will be answered in Unlocking Lies and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
903 reviews14 followers
May 25, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
Another visit to Blyth Lake to visit with Kendall family, and this time we meet Jace the next sibling home, who is overwhelmed with the key from his father.
On his first day in town, when he realises that Shea Erwin has arrived in town. Shea has lived with guilt every day since her little sister disappeared.
Shea has come back to town to get answers, and to tempt the killer. Jace can’t believe Shea, who now is psychiatrist in a town miles away is here in Blyth Lake. Jace wastes no time in taking the opportunity to get to know the beautiful woman she has turned into.
This had a slow start, but was setting the scene, and introducing most of the town, as Shea was questioning everyone. After leaving plenty of opportunity for the killer to catch the bait. Things definitely livens up.
You must read the first two books in the series, otherwise you will be lost. Things are in Blyth Lake are getting exciting, but now I have wait read the next book. I want to know who the serial killer is. I have a clue, but I’m not telling.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
7,789 reviews50 followers
January 13, 2022
Jace has returned and busy setting to remodeled the home he was given
Same day Shae also returned wanting answers of her missing sister
The middle dragged seemed to repeat. The latter part when she was
abducted and the lake was to be her grave. A lake they often swam in when growing up. Now to find it has been a graveyard for many years
Will Shae stay and and open a practice in her home town.
Profile Image for Suey_Library.
365 reviews19 followers
May 24, 2018
***Received an Advanced Readers Copy for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review***

Is it wrong to love a good suspenseful romance? They are always some of the most thrilling reads; always great character building with cunning dynamics that makes the read more realistic plus the hovering backbone of the mystery twisting and turning the plot into more webs of storyline - this is suspense romance and why I enjoy it!

This is my first Kennedy Layne book, well technically, I did read books one and two before cocooning myself into Unlocking Lies. But nonetheless, this is the first series I have ever picked up by this author and I am glad this happened. I love finding new romance authors in the suspense world. Many romance novels are just about the romance, swoon, kiss yummy, drama and then HEA. Suspense just gives more additive to the drama that I enjoy finding authors writing in that genre. And honestly, Layne really set a bar for me on her series; it was nothing short of gut wrenching page turning, choked up fear or breath taking swoon moments that capitalized the romance...

With that being said... before I really get into the nitty gritty of the review rambling, I will like to say a slight disclaimer, or rather just some beefy tidbits for a recommendation. This is part of a series. Unlocking Lies is book three, though it only surrounds Jace and Shae perspective, it still occurs in the incredibly suspenseful town of Blyth Lake. Though you can in fact read this book without touching Unlocking Fear and Unlocking Secrets, I highly recommend reading them first. I personally think the connection between novels is great, if you don't read them first you might have some questionable conflicts with the plot because they follow one after the other just with different characters. So some aspects might make the novel a little confusing if you do not take the time.

Again, you do not HAVE to go back and read one or two, but I personally recommend doing so! I actually snagged books one and two and literally inhaled all three, so you know where I am!

Whew, red tape cut! Lets move on...

Unlocking Lies starts right where Unlocking Secrets stopped. Told from the perspective of Jace, who is returning home from the military and Shae who is returning to the town after twelve years from her younger sister's (Emma) abduction. Both in a weird place in life, both returning to a home that they were not familiar with anymore. 

Neither character had any defining quality that makes me love nor hate them, I say this because both personalities were strong characters, this is something I really enjoyed. But there were some other qualities that more or less irked me. Jace was returning after years of being away, serving in the Marine Corp, not fully prepared to return home. For starters, Jace has to conform back into civilian lifestyle but more importantly a body was found which means the investigation for Emma's disappearance is back in action. He is head first into the investigation, really asserting himself; at times I liked his possessive personality but on other angles he came across as this macho beef man who thinks he can do anything and everything. 

On top of this, we have Shae. Again, I liked her character, but I didn't love her. She lost her sister, Emma twelve years ago and she is wanting closure, she wants to find her sisters body to give her the peaceful rest she deserved. I liked that she was so passionate to make things right, but at what costs? She seemed to hover this grudge about herself and about Jace, believing they were to blame for Emma's disappearance. Which makes sense, they went to a party, but this hovering what if seemed rather back and forth.

As for the chemistry between Shae and Jace really helped me invest more with their characters. I am not saying that my pet peeves above didn't weigh the factor, but honestly when they were together, between the arguing, the helping, the closure, and their actual chemistry, it was easier to imagine their characters. This being a small town, Jace and Shae's story had history, and though Layne did not go balls deep in a back story, as a reader there was still this essence and moments of build that flash-backed to what they were to who they were now. This just made their dynamic more believable in the scenario they were put in, at least for me. Bottom line it was more that they were able to lean on one another, they were each others strength. 

Something else I really enjoyed was the secondary characters. They were definitely something that aided in the building of the plot. Plus I had an idea on who the killer really was, but I honestly did not see it coming. It wasn't who I thought, and the ending was no where near what I had expected - it really exceeded my thrilling expectations. 

Overall, everything was absolutely phenomenal. The romantic chemistry was sweet, I loved the childhood link between Shae and Jace, it made them see more believable as fictional characters. The drama that aided on the suspense was enough to keep my heart pounding and me on the edge of the seat waiting to figure the mystery out! Where are the Scooby gang when you need them...

Seriously though, there were several elements of the character dynamics, the plot twists, and the heightened drama factors that really made this a true page turner. I definitely cannot wait to dive into book four! 
396 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2022
Tragedy brings two people together

Jace comes home after being in the Marines for twelve years. Shae comes in town the same day. She's come to town to see if she can help find her missing sister, Emma.
The last time she saw her sister, they were fighting over who was going to drive her mother car. Emma had told her she hated her. Shae hadn't gone to the same party that Emma had gone to. She went to a going away party for Jace and never really got a chance to say goodbye.
Now twelve years later, she's a psychiatrist in Michigan. She only plans on being in Blyth Lake to get some answers on her sisters disappearance.
But there is someone playing with her mind. She finds her sisters boots in the loft apartment above the bar.
Jace wants to keep her safe and protected. He was worried. Crazy things happened to his two brothers' properties, with evidence being left behind.
Nothing was found on Jace's property.
The former sheriff didn't do his job. There were more missing women and unsolved cases.
Jace called his brother, Wyatt, to come home asap. He was supposed to be released from the service in a couple of weeks, but he knew he was needed.
Shae and Jace finally give into their attraction after all these years. It's a great story, but the mystery of the serial killer has still not been found.
Shae is drawn to the cottages on the lake to meet up with Brynn, but it's the killer waiting to make her another victim.
Jace and Lance are looking for her through a terrible rain storm. They find out that she received a text telling her to meet Brynn at one of the cottage. In the meantime, she has been injured and is ready to die. She moves into survival mode and almost drowns. But Jace and Lance find her in time. But the killer alludes everyone again. What will happen next. Great story by Kennedy Layne
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,183 reviews35 followers
May 24, 2018
Unlocking Lies is the third book in the Keys to Love series and despite not having read all the others, I was easily brought to date. We're in the middle of the investigation of a cold case in tiny Blyth Lake. The body count has a new number and no answers so far.

Jace Kendall returns to his hometown after completing his service in the Marines and finds his family mired in the middle of a cold case. Someone is trying to implicate his family in the disappearance of several area girls. Everyone knows they aren't involved but someone is painting a target on their backs.

Shae Irwin returns to the very last place she wants to be, her hometown and the place where her sister disappeared many years ago, determined to find answers. Another local girl has been taken and Shae's convinced, now more than ever, that someone they all trust is a vicious killer. She didn't anticipate running into Jace Kendall, the object of her teenage crush. Despite still having off the charts chemistry with him, she can't look at him without feeling guilty for reasons all her own. In the wake of new developments, he's intent on keeping her safe and she's intent on luring a killer out of the shadows. Together they're on a collusion course with danger.

This book does a great job of catching you up on the happenings of Blyth Lake and the case of the missing girls. Just like a case ripped directly out of Law & Order, the writing is compelling and intense. Something usually missing from Law & Order, a healthy dose of romance, is found within these pages Jace are Shae are great characters that carry the story well and leave you warm and fuzzy, despite being no closer to the killer's identity. Maybe in book four? 
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,723 reviews100 followers
May 25, 2018
4stars

Unlocking Lies is the third book in the Keys to Love series and despite not having read all the others, I was easily brought to date. We're in the middle of the investigation of a cold case in tiny Blyth Lake. The body count has a new number and no answers so far.

Jace Kendall returns to his hometown after completing his service in the Marines and finds his family mired in the middle of a cold case. Someone is trying to implicate his family in the disappearance of several area girls. Everyone knows they aren't involved but someone is painting a target on their backs.

Shae Irwin returns to the very last place she wants to be, her hometown and the place where her sister disappeared many years ago, determined to find answers. Another local girl has been taken and Shae's convinced, now more than ever, that someone they all trust is a vicious killer. She didn't anticipate running into Jace Kendall, the object of her teenage crush. Despite still having off the charts chemistry with him, she can't look at him without feeling guilty for reasons all her own. In the wake of new developments, he's intent on keeping her safe and she's intent on luring a killer out of the shadows. Together they're on a collusion course with danger.

This book does a great job of catching you up on the happenings of Blyth Lake and the case of the missing girls. Just like a case ripped directly out of Law & Order, the writing is compelling and intense. Something usually missing from Law & Order, a healthy dose of romance, is found within these pages Jace are Shae are great characters that carry the story well and leave you warm and fuzzy, despite being no closer to the killer's identity. Maybe in book four?

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,698 reviews39 followers
May 28, 2018
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Just a little warning. Don’t read the beginning of this story before going to bed because it may just give you nightmares. Another possibility is that it will get you hooked and you’ll end up reading instead of sleeping. Bit it will certainly have you sit up and take notice.

Jace Kendall gives us a gentle reminder of the mystery that surrounds this series. Shae Irwin feels responsible for things that happened in the past. What’s nice about this story is seeing friends learning to reconnect after years apart. The sad part is what precipitates this reunion. But it’s also the reason why I couldn’t put this book down. Another reason is because of a character that doesn’t really say anything but that won’t stop you from wanting to know more about her.

The mystery continues from the previous books in the series so in order to thoroughly enjoy the mystery it must unfold from the beginning. So you do not want to skip around but read the books in order. It’s also a way to get to know Jace’s family. I won’t lie, there are times where I get frustrated with mysteries but that’s because I’m terrible at solving them. But this is a series where I don’t mind that. I like the fact that things get revealed slowly. It’s one reason why I keep going back for more. The ending had me raising my eyebrows. One reason is the most obvious but the second, and more important reason is that the author isn’t finished with this series yet – and that made me very happy. The bad part is, I’ll have to wait until September – summer is going to drag on forever.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,158 reviews16 followers
May 11, 2018
Unlocking Lies by Kennedy Layne
“Will we finally find some answers? 5 stars”

Unlocking Lies is the third book in the Keys to Love series and it does not disappoint. If you’ve read the previous two books you know we are trying to solve a cold case and more and more information keeps coming forward. Someone is trying to insert the Kendall family at every turn, but no one falls for it. It’s definitely a mystery that’s keeping us on our toes.
Jace didn’t expect his homecoming to start the way it did after serving years to his country, but honestly, he should have seen it coming a mile away. What he didn’t expect was for Shae to walk back into his life. Jace much like his brothers upon their homecoming finds something he can’t turn away from, love.
Shae never planned on coming back to her hometown. Especially with the mystery of her sister’s disappearance back in the spot light. But maybe just maybe she can find peace for her sister. What she didn’t expect was to find Jace, the one she used to crush on. Will she finally be able to put her sister to rest or will the killer set their sights on her?
I honestly love this series. Usually in these stories that are synced together like this you can guess who the killer is early on, but not with this series. I have no clue who the killer is just like the town folks and I love it. It keeps me engaged and constantly waiting for the next book. I totally recommend this series.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
**SBR**
Profile Image for Amy M.
10 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2018
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kennedy has found a way to keep you guessing throughout all of the twists and turns and then leaves you waiting for more. The Kendall brothers are finally all finishing their service to our country and are coming back home. Jace is the middle brother, who left for the Marines right in the middle of one of the worse moments in Blythe Lake's history, Emma Irwin had gone missing.

Shae Irwin hasn't been back to Blythe Lake, since her sister was abducted. Her family has constantly lived with not knowing what happened to the youngest Irwin. It's time to go back and find out what happened to Emma. Shae coming back into town has stirred up lots of memories, especially for Jace. Her homecoming puts her right in the face of danger, while Jace has the need to protect the girl he once knew and the woman he can't leave alone.

Racing against the clock, Shae and Jace are trying to figure out who killed Emma so long ago before another woman becomes the victim. This is a wonderful story that combines the right amount of suspense with the right amount of romance. Once picked up it's impossible to put down. September can't come soon enough for the next book!
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews135 followers
August 11, 2018
I don't want much from my life atm, just for this semester to end and to get the final two books in this series. Just when I thought that this was going to be the most boring book from both the romantic and the suspenseful perspective the last few chapters came and we got not exactly answers, but something even better and sicker. Well played dear author, well played. I don't know how anyone could stop reading the series. We are getting close to finding what is going on and who is the killer and I cannot wait! I will admit that I wasn't a big fan of the romance in this book and I found it lacking and that's the reason this book doesn't have 5 stars from me. As for the suspence, the ending made everything work, so the book got some extra points for that. The book was balanced and I had a good time reading it, which is why I am recommending it. If you haven't read the series you can pick book one right now and share my pain on waiting for the 4rth and 5th book. The fourth book will be the story of the only female sibling which will make the last single brother (whom we met in this book) as the one who will solve the mystery. I am sure the sister will be a great person and I want to see how the killer will include her in his twisted game.
Profile Image for Crazy~Chaotic Book~Babes.
215 reviews28 followers
September 29, 2018
I have not been on the edge of my seat for a series like the Key to Love Series. The siblings continue to find out things about their houses and the place all loved and grew up. Now that Gwen is back in town, things don't seem to change and there is still a mystery.

Being the only female sibling, Gwen has her hands full with her brothers and he dad. She started a business after leaving the military and stayed away but now she has come back and she's in for a surprise. There are so many deaths and the questions are not answered. With everything going on she should not move into her home by herself but she's a strong women and there's nothing that can scare her...or is it?

Chad is a catch and Gwen sees that but working on her house and the things that come with it may run him off. I don't want to say Chad is scared but he just doesn't want to work on it. There has been an attraction and to watch it blossom is so great for these two. I knew we would be getting closer to who the killer is but nope..you will be on edge of your seat.

Kennedy Layne is a great suspenseful writer and she knows just how to pull you in and make you crave more. Will we find out in book 5 who the killer is? Unlocking Darkness will definitely give us more answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leila Mota.
690 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2026
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 terceiro livro da série. 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.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
May 22, 2018
Jace has left the Marines to return to his hometown and is adjusting to civilian life. The last person he expected to see on his first day back was Shea who is the sister of the girl who has been missing for the last 12 years.

With the recent developments in town Shea has returned to find out what she can about her sister’s disappearance and hopefully find the closure she so desperately needs. She doesn’t need the distraction of Jace, the object of her teenage dreams to deter her from her goals.

Jace wants to protect her but will searching for the truth make Shea the next victim?

The suspense, action and twists keep coming with this installment. I liked both these characters as Shea has an inner strength because of what happened and is driven to find the truth while Jace will do anything to protect her even if it is from herself. The writer is peeling the layers of the mystery one layer at a time and I look forward to seeing what Gwen’s story will reveal. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Profile Image for Shelley C.
3,013 reviews66 followers
August 22, 2021
Secrets and Lies, but who’s lying?

Wow, the next book in this amazing series is finally here and I’m suspicious of everyone except the Kendall family! Jace has just arrived home after serving his country for twelve years and sees Shae in their little home town diner. He’s not sure why she’s avoiding him as he hasn’t done anything to her and been out of contact for the last twelve years too. Shae had a crush on Jace when they were younger and feels immense guilt every time she looks at him, because of her actions her sister didn’t have the car they shared and ended up going missing! She also feels like this because that night she took the car it was to go say goodbye to Jace as he was leaving for boot camp the next day.

So many secrets and lies but finally we have some resolution to one part of it! Mitch, the eldest Kendall, has returned home and taken over temporarily as the Sheriff and is working hard to solve this cold case:) Looking forward to the final Kendall coming home and more clues as I have no idea who done it!
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2018
Public Service Announcement - I strongly suggest that you read the previous two books in the series before getting started with this - you will be horribly confused otherwise.  

So, this picks up right where the last one left off, this time with Jace coming home to settle into civilian life and Shae is coming back for answers too.

This is the first time that I have been aware of the restricted page count of the book.  It felt to me that this story was split into 2 halves, and the first part where Jace and Shae reconnect felt perhaps a little like I was missing something.

However, that settled and then I got the suspense and action I was expecting.

There is a tantalising glimpse of our bad guy, and a further, incremental reveal of secrets.  And with this, the author manages to keep the tension and momentum gained over the course of the previous two books. 

I look forward to reading more with Unlocking Shadows.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Felice Foster.
895 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2018
It's time to head back to Blythe Lake. The 3rd book in the Keys to Love series, picks up shortly after book 2 ends. This story features Jace and Shea. Jace of course is one of the Kendall siblings, newly discharged from the marines, and Shea Irwin, sister of missing (feared dead) Emma.

It's great if you've read the 1st 2 books in the series, but not really necessary. Ms Layne give good background to those not familiar with the series, so that you can read each book independently.

The action heats up in this book, and the suspense is off the charts. The relationship between Shea and Jace starts a little slow, but quickly heats up. Again, the family aspect of these books is what I like. No matter what is needed, every member of the family steps up.

The ending is fast and furious and had me turning pages quicker than I could read them. It definitely left me anxiously waiting for the next book. This series is a keeper.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cathy.
677 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2018
As we read book 3 we are still trying to solve a cold case...and while with most series you have some sort of idea, this one sure keeps you in the dark. Yes, we may get more of amazing characters but we are still trying to solve this mystery and I LOVE IT.

Jace is coming back to town and of course gets sucked right on into what is going on in Blythe Lake. And while we have this great romance story between him and Shae and both are very strong great characters, and yet, I love their flaws and the fact that they aren't trying to be perfect. And honestly those are some of the best types of characters.

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, and this one did not disappoint. While technically this could be a standalone, I feel like you would enjoy this more by reading the first two in the series...especially as this one comes right after Unlocking Secrets.

If you are a lover of romantic suspense, this is a book you should be adding to your TBR today.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,955 reviews16 followers
June 1, 2018
And the mystery continues in Unlocking Lies. This book is number three in the Keys to Love series. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series first. There are so many characters in the small town of Blyth Lake as everyone tries to figure out who killed the young girls 12 years ago and who is still killing to keep the secret.
The three stories focus manly on the Kendall family as each of the siblings return home after serving in the military.
This is Jace’s story. He is back and thrown right into the investigation going on in his hometown. He certainly didn’t expect to see Shae, the older sister of Emma (the first girl who went missing). Shae is back in town and trying to finally find the answers about what happened to her sister and Jace’s need to keep Shae safe brings them together in ways neither of them expected.
76 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2018
This series just goes from strength to strength. We continue to pursue the mystery of Emma`s disappearance 12 years prior and by this book it is very clear a serial killer lives in the midst of the very close knit Blythe Lake community. But just when you think you have an idea who the killer is the story takes a different turn. I love Kennedy Layne’s style of writing. Both Jace and Shea are strong characters and the main and secondary characters from the previous book continue to grow.

This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order and the story does not end with this book. I would normally find this frustrating but the story is too good to want it to end. We have two more books to go in September and November. Just enough time to elapse for me to justify a reread each time the next one is published. Loved it.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,457 reviews8 followers
April 1, 2020
The suspense in this installment of the series was off the chart! I have no clue who it is...every time I do, something happens and then that person is cleared. It is so fun to be reading this books back to back and trying to figure out the culprit as I learn and love this community.

The romance in this book is equally as entertaining as the suspense because we have missed connections, guilty feelings, new romance and working to solve a cold case..all in a months timeline.

The family dynamic of the Keller’s is becoming even more clear and endearing. I just want to hug Gus and I love all of the siblings.

The writing is engaging and the story has me captivated. I could not put this story down and I have not stopped thinking about who it could be since I finished the book. The stakes were upped in this story so I can’t wait to see what happens in Gwen and Mitch’s stories!
132 reviews10 followers
June 13, 2018
Jace Kendall - a Marine coming home and adjusting to being a civilian again - and Shae Irwin - the sister of Emma, who's been missing for more than 12 years.

This is the 3rd installment of the Keys to Love Series and it's just as good as the first 2! Kennedy's writing allows you to feel a part of the story - the ups, downs, suspense, mystery, passion and a love that seems to transcend whatever is happening around the Kendall family and the rest of Blythe Lake, CO.

This series is soooooo good! And it drives me crazy that I can't figure out who the 'bad person' is!! Kennedy is a mistress at weaving together a series that gives us a HEA-for-now, but still waiting for the final 'truth' of the entire story.

Keys to Love is spot on and keeps you hooked all the way through.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2018
I really love this series. I’m usually good at figuring out who the bad guy is in books, but here I am after the third one still unsure! I love this author! A little about what happens in this one...Jace has just returned to town from his 12 year stint in the service. On his first day back he meets Shae, a good friend from childhood, who has returned to her hometown after 12 years to find out what happened to her sister, Emma. Her return doesn’t go unnoticed by the killer everyone is looking for either. In fact, she becomes a target. Jace get very protective and emotions sparks between the two as he tries to keep her safe.
Profile Image for Leah Keys.
136 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2018
The third book in the Keys to Love series brings Jace Kendall home amidst the search for a serial killer. The same day he comes home he runs into Shea Irwin, sister to the missing and presumed dead, Emma. She is back home to search for answers on her sister’s disappearance and bring closure to the family once and for all. Shea is willing to do whatever it takes to find the killer and Jace is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure Shea is not the next victim. Another suspense-filled book in the series! I love the mystery and the love story all mixed together.
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,891 reviews
January 22, 2019
If you’re following the series this far, then you know that Blythe Lake has a serial killer on the loose. Shea, sister of the first missing girl, is in town temporarily to get some closure for her family. She runs into Jace Kendall, who’s just returned from the military. Sparks fly and the pair begin to spend time together. The townspeople are suspicious of each other and are pointing fingers. Jace’s eldest brother, Mitch, returns to take over the sheriff’s office. Will they catch the killer before yet another woman is killed?
92 reviews
June 30, 2019
Book 3 did not disappoint!

Kennedy Layne did it again by keeping the storyline interesting & exciting while real while also keeping the reader on the hook since the mystery has not been solved! The main characters have the heat & attraction that makes the romance sizzle throughout while the supporting cast is intertwined in the story! Now to read about Gwen & her homecoming in book 4!
203 reviews
May 30, 2018
Shae is returning to Blyth lake after 12 years away. She left after her sisters disappearance but now the case has come back to life again.

What she didn't anticipate is returning to town on the same day as Jace Kendall and her growing feelings for him.

I loved this book and I can't wait for the next two books to find the murderer!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
2,944 reviews88 followers
June 2, 2018
I can tell you I never saw this series coming. I'm so worried for the characters even as I see them healing and beginning their lives together. The arcing story holding them together has got me on the edge of my seat. At one point I think I might know who's behind this, and at others I'm completely lost in the mystery of it. Gwen's story is going to be GREAT!
Profile Image for Alayna.
70 reviews
May 22, 2018
Love it

I love this book it’s a great addiction to this series!! The mystery is awesome and I love how I can’t figure out who the bad guy is
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.