K.L. Docter

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Killing Secrets is a romantic suspense and the first in a series. In it, Rachel James, on the run from her abusive ex, finds help with the Thorne Family of Denver. More specifically, Patrick Thorne. Despite Patrick's intentions, he finds himself drawn to Rachel and her child. He soon becomes entangled in her drama, as well as drama of his own.

There was plenty of suspense in this novel. This pair had enemies coming at them from like 4 or 5 different directions. In light of all that, I think there might have been a bit too much going on. Because as soon as one problem was solved, another issue reared its ugly head. It was nonstop and got to be a bit exhausting. Each problem was compelling on their own. But more than two of the problems together was just too much. Some of the problems they faced were pretty cliched and kind of predictable. I had figured out who the killer was when the person was first introduced in the story.

I actually loved Patrick. He's a great hero. But he took on a lot of guilt and blame for things not necessarily his fault. Rachel, although she's been through so much and I understand all her issues, I didn't care for as much. For some reason, I couldn't connect with her and she got on my nerves after awhile.

But overall, I enjoyed the story. I stayed up late a couple of nights reading it. It had its ups and downs. On the one hand, there were parts that were almost to much and might disturb more sensitive readers (horrific abuse and rapes), but they were necessary parts of the story and not overdone. There were some disgusting threats to little girls that were pretty disturbing as well. There was a loose thread or two that never really got tied up. On the other hand, as a first in a series, it gave a compelling reason for a reader to continue on to the next story. Perhaps those loose threads will be wrapped up in later stories. I give this story a solid 3 stars and eagerly look forward to stories to follow.… (mehr)

No shortage of villains in this suspense. From the start we know there is a sadistic ex husband just released from prison, a serial killer and a vandal who is escalating and may be more.

The series is about the Thorne family. Momma Thorne likes to take in those that need to be rescued. She had one biological son and adopted the rest. This series will be about all those sons. First up is Patrick who runs his own construction business and has been having a run of bad luck lately with someone vandalizing his sites. Patrick is also still emotionally recovering from the loss of his wife and unborn child. The last thing he needs is a woman and her child staying at his parent house on the run from an ex who wants to do her harm. But when the ex shows up he wastes no time in stepping up to protect her and they both fight the attraction they feel for the other.

Rachel James’ barely survived her ex-husband and her daughter hasn't spoken since that last beating. She thought he was going away for a long time but when he is released from prison just 6 months later she knows he is coming for her and her daughter.


There are lots of twist and turns through out like the real reason Rachel's ex wants her back, the reasons behind the serial killer and saboteur. Through out we meet the other brothers and see the set up for the next book at the end of this one.… (mehr)

Rachel James thought she was free and clear until her abusive husband manages to get out of jail LONG before expected. She hears of his release, heads to a “safe place” while trying to keep herself and her traumatized daughter (Amanda) safe and when confronted by her ex has Patrick Thorne step in to defend her. This is not the run of the mill hunk defending a damsel in distress but a book filled with twists and turns, more than one bad guy, a serial killer that is mean and deadly, hunks aplenty and a resolution that is satisfying. A great stand alone book that left me wondering what the rest of Thorne’s Thorns will get up to as the series progresses?… (mehr)