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The Secrets We Keep
How many secrets and lies can a person take before they crack?
Well, it looked like I was about to find out…
I endured the life I lived for the girl with the blonde hair and blue eyes, the girl I idolised growing up. My sister went missing two years ago and I would not stop my search to find her.
In one night, my life changed forever when the hero of my story saved me from the evil who slept down the hall.
When Lukas Elin came crashing into my life, my world and everything I thought to be true came unravelling at the seams. He was everything I should have tried to avoid but throw electric chemistry and logic in a boxing ring together, and logic loses every time.
Penderal Bay is crawling with liars, and even the heroes hide truths too dark to penetrate the surface.
Some men live in glass houses, their secrets hiding deep beyond the reflection.
How can you really tell though, if the man you have foolishly given your heart to is the hero in your story, or the villain?
Well, it looked like I was about to find out…
I endured the life I lived for the girl with the blonde hair and blue eyes, the girl I idolised growing up. My sister went missing two years ago and I would not stop my search to find her.
In one night, my life changed forever when the hero of my story saved me from the evil who slept down the hall.
When Lukas Elin came crashing into my life, my world and everything I thought to be true came unravelling at the seams. He was everything I should have tried to avoid but throw electric chemistry and logic in a boxing ring together, and logic loses every time.
Penderal Bay is crawling with liars, and even the heroes hide truths too dark to penetrate the surface.
Some men live in glass houses, their secrets hiding deep beyond the reflection.
How can you really tell though, if the man you have foolishly given your heart to is the hero in your story, or the villain?
- GenresDark
Unknown Binding
214 people want to read
About the author
Selina Marie
5 books178 followersAuthor of the Secrets and Revelations Series, Asphyxiate & Six Feet Deep (The Rosendown Boys Trilogy).
Selina Marie is an Author of New Adult & Dark Romance, drinks way too much tea and loves to gently torture her readers with plot twists.
Selina brings you angsty, sexy, dangerous bad boys with a twist, badass heroines, and morally black psychopaths you'll fall in love with. (She hopes!)
Thanks for joining her on this wild ride! I hope you enjoy!
Selina Marie is an Author of New Adult & Dark Romance, drinks way too much tea and loves to gently torture her readers with plot twists.
Selina brings you angsty, sexy, dangerous bad boys with a twist, badass heroines, and morally black psychopaths you'll fall in love with. (She hopes!)
Thanks for joining her on this wild ride! I hope you enjoy!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 24, 2021
The Secrets We Keep was so fascinating that instead of doing the pile of shit that needs to be done for college, I said screw it and concentrate on reading this book. The twists and turns, as well as the angsty romance, are what keeps you reading this book.
Emilia Blake is living with her abusive stepfather when Lukas Elin enters and practically saves the day, and she ends up living with him. But, she assumed, it was only a matter of time before she found her own place. However, Emilia is unaware that Lukas already knows everything there is to know about her, or so he believes. He'll go to any length to gain her trust and get her talking about her sister. He believes she knows everything there is to know about her sister but is that really true? Although when she tells him exactly what he wants, he gets a real slap in the face with the facts. With so much chemistry developing in Penderal Bay and so many lies about to be revealed, something is bound to happen, and boy does it happen.
What will Emilia do when she discovers the truth about her sister? What secrets does Lukas keep hidden? What happened the night Emilia's older sister Alexis vanished? When Emilia had no idea who Lukas was, how did he already know who she was? What happens if you fall in love with a guy who has lied to you? Well, you'll have to read and find that out for yourself!
This book was amazing, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC! I can't wait to see what comes next in book 2 and to find answers to all the questions left unanswered. ( because I’m impatient, I’ll give you $20 to tell me everything about what happens next Selina. . . no? ok fine)
Emilia Blake is living with her abusive stepfather when Lukas Elin enters and practically saves the day, and she ends up living with him. But, she assumed, it was only a matter of time before she found her own place. However, Emilia is unaware that Lukas already knows everything there is to know about her, or so he believes. He'll go to any length to gain her trust and get her talking about her sister. He believes she knows everything there is to know about her sister but is that really true? Although when she tells him exactly what he wants, he gets a real slap in the face with the facts. With so much chemistry developing in Penderal Bay and so many lies about to be revealed, something is bound to happen, and boy does it happen.
What will Emilia do when she discovers the truth about her sister? What secrets does Lukas keep hidden? What happened the night Emilia's older sister Alexis vanished? When Emilia had no idea who Lukas was, how did he already know who she was? What happens if you fall in love with a guy who has lied to you? Well, you'll have to read and find that out for yourself!
This book was amazing, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC! I can't wait to see what comes next in book 2 and to find answers to all the questions left unanswered. ( because I’m impatient, I’ll give you $20 to tell me everything about what happens next Selina. . . no? ok fine)
April 23, 2021
OMG, I don’t even know where to begin with this. As the author said this is definitely Fifty shades of fucked up. The story had me on the edge of the seat from the page one with so much going on, the secrets and lies and the mystery of the characters.
Lucas and Emily had their worlds upside down from the beginning and when you finally feel that something good is going to happen there is another curveball thrown your way.
I am very pleased that I was provided with this ARC and I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND this
Lucas and Emily had their worlds upside down from the beginning and when you finally feel that something good is going to happen there is another curveball thrown your way.
I am very pleased that I was provided with this ARC and I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND this
April 14, 2021
What a crazy ride! Wow this had me on the edge of my seat, so many plot twists and things you don't see coming! Love the anticipation that this author builds in and so many layers to keep up with! It's an emotional rollercoaster and such a sexy one! Can't believe this is her first novel, will definitely be keeping an eye out for all her works, one to follow for sure, highly recommend!
April 4, 2021
WOW WOW WOW WOW selina has blown me away with her debut book the secrets we keep I’m still shocked how this is her first outing in the author world because this book was truly a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
Lukas oh sweet lord I can’t even begin to explain how incredible this character is, when you think he’ll be this villain he turns round and does a 1/80 on you I was completely intrigued from the get go by him because of the way he was written and I know many others will love him as much as I did.
If you want a book with angst, intrigue, revelations that will leave you completely stunned then do not hesitate go and pre order this book now...
5 star read
Lukas oh sweet lord I can’t even begin to explain how incredible this character is, when you think he’ll be this villain he turns round and does a 1/80 on you I was completely intrigued from the get go by him because of the way he was written and I know many others will love him as much as I did.
If you want a book with angst, intrigue, revelations that will leave you completely stunned then do not hesitate go and pre order this book now...
5 star read
April 26, 2021
Wow. Speechless...
.
.
.
.
.
Ok, phew had to take a few deep breaths there because Selina just took me on the most insane, thrilling ride of emotions and intrigue.
What the hell is happening in Penderal Bay!? My head is in a haze, still reeling from all the secrets and lies, which is most likely not even all of them!! This town has me gasping at every freaking turn!
Lukas - manipulative, intense, dominating, a-hole
Emilia - naive, trusting, broken, strong
The chemistry between these two is exhilarating, heady, thrilling. I could feel the steam coming off my e-reader!!
Their paths crossing set them both on a journey of growth and truths. It’s quite beautiful to witness their relationship growth as well as their own personal growth. And though there’s beauty, there is a lot of darkness. Because the amounts of secrets and truths revealed, will have your head spinning. And just when you think you can’t handle anymore secrets and you’re pretty sure you’ve finally reached the final revelation, Selina sits at her computer laughing.
Penderal Bay isn’t done with us yet...and I have a feeling that I’m going to have a hard time waiting for book 2.
*Side note, this my first read from this author and I just followed her on IG because I’ve become an instant fan!!
*Side note #2, this is her DEBUT book!!!!!
Holy s***!! Standing ovation Selina Marie!!
.
.
.
.
.
Ok, phew had to take a few deep breaths there because Selina just took me on the most insane, thrilling ride of emotions and intrigue.
What the hell is happening in Penderal Bay!? My head is in a haze, still reeling from all the secrets and lies, which is most likely not even all of them!! This town has me gasping at every freaking turn!
Lukas - manipulative, intense, dominating, a-hole
Emilia - naive, trusting, broken, strong
The chemistry between these two is exhilarating, heady, thrilling. I could feel the steam coming off my e-reader!!
Their paths crossing set them both on a journey of growth and truths. It’s quite beautiful to witness their relationship growth as well as their own personal growth. And though there’s beauty, there is a lot of darkness. Because the amounts of secrets and truths revealed, will have your head spinning. And just when you think you can’t handle anymore secrets and you’re pretty sure you’ve finally reached the final revelation, Selina sits at her computer laughing.
Penderal Bay isn’t done with us yet...and I have a feeling that I’m going to have a hard time waiting for book 2.
*Side note, this my first read from this author and I just followed her on IG because I’ve become an instant fan!!
*Side note #2, this is her DEBUT book!!!!!
Holy s***!! Standing ovation Selina Marie!!
May 4, 2021
The Secrets We Keep is the debut book of the author Selina Marie and it has pleasantly surprised me. Lukas Elin is a young man who had his innocence taken from him at a very young age and was forced to mature too quickly. Years later he is being consumed by his thirst for revenge, in search of it he finds Emilia Blake in a vulnerable situation and rescues her. She is a young woman with emotional trauma and situations of abuse by her stepfather. Now her sister is missing and she's looking for answers. Lukas is darkness, Emilia is light. When fate reunites them, she wreaks havoc on Lukas and begins to rethink his goals. Instead, she who is pure, innocent and kind, in the time she spends with Lukas opens her eyes to reality and realizes that not everything is what it seems and that Penderal Bay hides many secrets.
It is a story that you cannot stop reading. The characters show a remarkable evolution, and the connection between the two is immediate and occurs in a natural way. One complements the other by providing virtues that enhance their personal development. Secrets, intrigue, suspense, action and a good dose of steamy and angst make a good combination. Now it's time to wait for the second book. You cannot miss it!
***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***
It is a story that you cannot stop reading. The characters show a remarkable evolution, and the connection between the two is immediate and occurs in a natural way. One complements the other by providing virtues that enhance their personal development. Secrets, intrigue, suspense, action and a good dose of steamy and angst make a good combination. Now it's time to wait for the second book. You cannot miss it!
***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***
April 27, 2021
Honestly I can’t believe this book is a debut for this author it was outstanding. There is so much mystery, secrets and intrigue that I was bouncing in my seat with anticipation to see what happens next. The twists and turns that you never see coming and will blow your mind. This was definitely an emotional read for me and will have you feeling everything her characters are feeling. This is 100 percent a must read and I will for sure be reading anything and everything this author publishes
April 29, 2021
Dark, Steamy, Suspenseful...
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book and was absolutely blown away. The dark, twisted secrets kept me hanging on for more, and the fire burning between the protagonists had my heart racing from start to finish.
There are so many twists and turns in this book and the characters are so flawed and intriguing you just can’t put it down.
I’m already hungry for more! Can’t wait to see what book two has in store and to see more from this author.
Selina Marie is an absolute force.
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book and was absolutely blown away. The dark, twisted secrets kept me hanging on for more, and the fire burning between the protagonists had my heart racing from start to finish.
There are so many twists and turns in this book and the characters are so flawed and intriguing you just can’t put it down.
I’m already hungry for more! Can’t wait to see what book two has in store and to see more from this author.
Selina Marie is an absolute force.
April 28, 2021
What a story! This book had me glued to the pages I didnt want to put it down afraid I'd miss what happened next.
This is one book that's got more tangled twist and turns than a curvy road and with all the secrets they'll have you asking wth, but hang on there are some revelations just not all to those secrets that you'll be like 😲. I pretty much had this expression throughout the book I didn't know who was telling the truth or who was lying, but that lil surprise ending had me going😱. Well played Selina well played lol.
This does end on a cliffy, hopefully it won't be for very long before BK 2 gets here. It's definitely one to check out.
This is one book that's got more tangled twist and turns than a curvy road and with all the secrets they'll have you asking wth, but hang on there are some revelations just not all to those secrets that you'll be like 😲. I pretty much had this expression throughout the book I didn't know who was telling the truth or who was lying, but that lil surprise ending had me going😱. Well played Selina well played lol.
This does end on a cliffy, hopefully it won't be for very long before BK 2 gets here. It's definitely one to check out.
May 2, 2021
As a Debut author I have to say Selina did a Fab job! I mean the plot and the story was amazing but I believe in reading the description and the Dialogue part as an equal, where the description is necessary for imagination, dialogues are responsible for making the book interesting. This was quite a thing when all I had was just the description or the inner thoughts of their past or other things. The starting with a few chapters without any dialogues was... not soo interesting for me. The dialogues really came after a long time so this was definitely a problem for me. Though overall I would say it was an amazing book.
April 29, 2021
* EDITING CLIENT *
WOW - I am completely impressed and blown away with this debut novel by S Marie!! It is a fresh take on NA mafia, suspense, and angsty romance with all the twists and turns that make it an addictive read.
These characters were so much fun to read with just the right amount of mystery, steam, sexiness and dark pasts. You will not see the twists coming, but you will love every minute of the roller coaster ride. The chemisty between Lukas & Emilia is undeniable - the side characters are fabulous - and the storyline will keep you glued to the pages.
Well done S Marie!! I Can't wait for Book 2 of this amazing series!!
WOW - I am completely impressed and blown away with this debut novel by S Marie!! It is a fresh take on NA mafia, suspense, and angsty romance with all the twists and turns that make it an addictive read.
These characters were so much fun to read with just the right amount of mystery, steam, sexiness and dark pasts. You will not see the twists coming, but you will love every minute of the roller coaster ride. The chemisty between Lukas & Emilia is undeniable - the side characters are fabulous - and the storyline will keep you glued to the pages.
Well done S Marie!! I Can't wait for Book 2 of this amazing series!!
Want to read
November 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/26/2021)! 🎁
December 2, 2021
How does this have such high reviews??? DNF 30%.
All the main characters do is monologue to themselves. It’s written to be deep and gritty, but comes off as childishly contrived. Their monologues consisted of 50% ‘poor me’ attitude and the other 50% ‘i’m so overcome with my attraction to you’ attitude. Girl gets knocked unconscious, wakes up in a stranger’s apartment and automatically assumes the dude saved her life? Do you know what woman would have that reaction? NONE. Also, she is described as 20 years old and having a guardian? Sorry, no. Legal age of majority is 18 in 98% of places across the globe. MMC is a twat with his weird sexist chats with himself and his dumb logic. He just weirdly lumps her in with her sister as this conniving mastermind and then creates an elaborate plan to manipulate the manipulator. His reasoning didn’t line up and ended up making him sound like a child whose favourite toy got taken away. All I could picture was this weird dramatic teeniebopper trying to act ‘gangsta.’ Both characters are idiots. All of it was ridiculous
I don’t know why reading it made me as annoyed as I am right now, but I feel like I’ll never get those 2 hours I wasted on trying to read this. Criminal angsty teenieboppers are not a thing and should not exist fictionally or otherwise.
All the main characters do is monologue to themselves. It’s written to be deep and gritty, but comes off as childishly contrived. Their monologues consisted of 50% ‘poor me’ attitude and the other 50% ‘i’m so overcome with my attraction to you’ attitude. Girl gets knocked unconscious, wakes up in a stranger’s apartment and automatically assumes the dude saved her life? Do you know what woman would have that reaction? NONE. Also, she is described as 20 years old and having a guardian? Sorry, no. Legal age of majority is 18 in 98% of places across the globe. MMC is a twat with his weird sexist chats with himself and his dumb logic. He just weirdly lumps her in with her sister as this conniving mastermind and then creates an elaborate plan to manipulate the manipulator. His reasoning didn’t line up and ended up making him sound like a child whose favourite toy got taken away. All I could picture was this weird dramatic teeniebopper trying to act ‘gangsta.’ Both characters are idiots. All of it was ridiculous
I don’t know why reading it made me as annoyed as I am right now, but I feel like I’ll never get those 2 hours I wasted on trying to read this. Criminal angsty teenieboppers are not a thing and should not exist fictionally or otherwise.
November 8, 2021
Ok this has been on my TBR forever and I recently won a signed paperback of it (the formatting is GORGEOUS!) and seeing as the second one is coming out soon I have finally read it and WOW.
What an intricate story with so many twists and turns. The characters were brilliant, the dialogue was exceptional and the storytelling was just flawless.
It starts off really mysterious with Emilia waking up somewhere and having no memory of how she got there and what follows is such a interesting tale with so many secrets & things revealed as we go. As it got near the end I thought it was all going to be tied up nicely in a bow but then another bomb was dropped and everything changed again!
Emilia & Lukas were amazing characters and their chemistry was palpable. I adored their relationship/hatred of each other and it was the very definition of the line between hate and love. Emilia is such a tough character who has faced a really hard life but continues to be strong and fight for herself. Lukas is a really complex character who had an awful upbringing that has influenced the way he is today.
I can’t wait for the second book to see their character arc and how it’s going to develop, their bond was so special and I’m so excited to see where Selina takes it!
What an intricate story with so many twists and turns. The characters were brilliant, the dialogue was exceptional and the storytelling was just flawless.
It starts off really mysterious with Emilia waking up somewhere and having no memory of how she got there and what follows is such a interesting tale with so many secrets & things revealed as we go. As it got near the end I thought it was all going to be tied up nicely in a bow but then another bomb was dropped and everything changed again!
Emilia & Lukas were amazing characters and their chemistry was palpable. I adored their relationship/hatred of each other and it was the very definition of the line between hate and love. Emilia is such a tough character who has faced a really hard life but continues to be strong and fight for herself. Lukas is a really complex character who had an awful upbringing that has influenced the way he is today.
I can’t wait for the second book to see their character arc and how it’s going to develop, their bond was so special and I’m so excited to see where Selina takes it!
December 10, 2021
What a Suspense and action filled ride this one was 💕
Whew. What a freaking twister this one was. Starts off with suspense as Emilia finds herself in a stranger's bed but not as a one night stand.
She remembers remnants of the previous night and how she was in danger by her stepfather and this stranger had in fact saved her life.
This stranger might have saved her life but she realises he's one arrogant and rude man even if he's one very handsome arrogant man.
Lucas has secrets of his own. He wasn't accidentally there to save Emilia but she is part of his grand plan of revenge.
Also, what Emilia doesn't know is Lucas is the Prince of the Russian Mafia.
It was really intriguing and fascinating watching these two fighting the hot chemistry they feel but also trying to hold themselves in the tangle of secrets and lies.
Lucas needs answers and Emilia will help him get closer to them. But.. Oh my freaking..... THAT FIRST TWISTER. I felt so bad and horrible for Emilia. To find that you were so awfully betrayed by your very own. My heart went out for her.
But she's one strong and remarkable woman. Even Lucas who wanted nothing but revenge gets completely smitten by her. As Lucas and Emilia get closer to finding out the hidden secrets, they never expected what they'll find or will find at the end of it all.
AS THAT FREAKING ENDING AND SECRET OUTED... I CAN'T WAIT TO DIVE INTO BOOK 2. WHAT A CRAZY, AMAZING WILD RIDE THIS ONE. LOVED LOVED THIS ONE. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Whew. What a freaking twister this one was. Starts off with suspense as Emilia finds herself in a stranger's bed but not as a one night stand.
She remembers remnants of the previous night and how she was in danger by her stepfather and this stranger had in fact saved her life.
This stranger might have saved her life but she realises he's one arrogant and rude man even if he's one very handsome arrogant man.
Lucas has secrets of his own. He wasn't accidentally there to save Emilia but she is part of his grand plan of revenge.
Also, what Emilia doesn't know is Lucas is the Prince of the Russian Mafia.
It was really intriguing and fascinating watching these two fighting the hot chemistry they feel but also trying to hold themselves in the tangle of secrets and lies.
Lucas needs answers and Emilia will help him get closer to them. But.. Oh my freaking..... THAT FIRST TWISTER. I felt so bad and horrible for Emilia. To find that you were so awfully betrayed by your very own. My heart went out for her.
But she's one strong and remarkable woman. Even Lucas who wanted nothing but revenge gets completely smitten by her. As Lucas and Emilia get closer to finding out the hidden secrets, they never expected what they'll find or will find at the end of it all.
AS THAT FREAKING ENDING AND SECRET OUTED... I CAN'T WAIT TO DIVE INTO BOOK 2. WHAT A CRAZY, AMAZING WILD RIDE THIS ONE. LOVED LOVED THIS ONE. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
April 25, 2021
This debut absolutely blew me away, I was hooked from page one and I could not put it down. The twists and turns that this author takes us on is a heck of a ride. This book has
Dual POV from the MC’s Lukas and Emilia. I won’t post any spoilers but definitely looking forward to book 2.
Dual POV from the MC’s Lukas and Emilia. I won’t post any spoilers but definitely looking forward to book 2.
May 9, 2021
I NEED THE 2ND BOOK NOW!!!!
April 7, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
For her first novel you would think Selina had been at this for years.
The Angst is through the roof and the suspense is killing. The plot is executed brilliantly.
Emilia is a fighter. Her sister has disappeared and her mother has left. Leaving her with her abusive stepdad. One fatal night when thing take a turn for the worst Emilia is reduced by the mischievous Lukas
Unbeknown to her, Lukas has an Ulterior motive.
Revenge, family and mystery are the foundation that built this book. The only fault, I wish there were more banter between the characters. But it doesn’t take anything away from the brilliant story. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
For her first novel you would think Selina had been at this for years.
The Angst is through the roof and the suspense is killing. The plot is executed brilliantly.
Emilia is a fighter. Her sister has disappeared and her mother has left. Leaving her with her abusive stepdad. One fatal night when thing take a turn for the worst Emilia is reduced by the mischievous Lukas
Unbeknown to her, Lukas has an Ulterior motive.
Revenge, family and mystery are the foundation that built this book. The only fault, I wish there were more banter between the characters. But it doesn’t take anything away from the brilliant story. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
February 3, 2022
The Secrets We Keep by Selina Marie was the first book I have read by her and let me tell you I cant wait to read more. The story had me on the edge of my seat! I couldnt put down the book, even when I had school work to do, and mom chores lol..
It was a dark steamy read and everything they had encountered could never go the way they had planned. Everytime something was getting the universe seemed to throw something at that.
Go and grab this book and enjoy it. [promise you will love it!
It was a dark steamy read and everything they had encountered could never go the way they had planned. Everytime something was getting the universe seemed to throw something at that.
Go and grab this book and enjoy it. [promise you will love it!
December 12, 2021
Brilliant debut of the series. Had me on edge as there’s so many layers to these characters. They’re both having a troubled and difficult childhood, yet they’re finding each other and start managing their lives together. Very well written, I love the style and could really emerge into the story and the characters. Thank you Selina for this brilliant reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews