Every Single Secret

by Christina Dodd

From New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd comes a twisty emotional thriller about a woman’s perilous quest for revenge, perfect for fans of Sandra Brown, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Lisa Jewell.

Never whisper the truth. Never reveal the past.

In an isolated lighthouse on the California coast, Rowan Winterbourne lives a solitary life with only her secrets for company. For she has a mission that drives her—to avenge herself against Gregory Torval, the powerful drug and arms dealer who murdered her mother and vowed to eliminate everyone in her family.

Then Joe Grantham arrives at her door and, for the first time, Rowan lets her guard down—a dangerous mistake when he blackmails her to go with him to Torval's private island. There Torval’s decadent birthday celebration rages, and while Joe pursues his own agenda, she’ll provide the perfect distraction.

On Raptor Island, Torval’s will is law and Joe, the closest she has to an ally, is an enigma she can’t trust. One false move, one careless word, and Rowan will die. As dark truths are uncovered, one by one, Rowan recognizes her last chance for the revenge has come. But is it worth everything she must sacrifice to get out alive?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense

331 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

Upcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.

(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, romantic suspense novel. It has a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, mystery, intrigue, a sizzling romance, and twists and turns that kept me completely engaged. Ms. Dodd's loyal readers will appreciate the visit to a memorable location and the appearance of an old friend or two. Ms. Dodd never disappoints her readers! I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Vanessa Johansson, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning this is a mystery wrapped within a mystery all inside an enigma with noir vibes. It set up all kinds of suspenseful settings and keeps the reader off balance from the first page. With the noir you get melodrama worthy of a tele-novella and soap opera at its' worst. I wasn't sure from page to page just where this was all going, but it was a most intriguing ride. Christina Dodd has written two of my favorite series, but the last few books have missed the mark for me. This one was a miss too for the most part. The action from the middle to the end was fantastic, if a bit disjointed.

Since the murder of her mother and the scattering of the rest of her family Rowan Winterbourne has lived a life on the run. Her life purpose is to destroy the man who destroyed her family, Gregory Torval, a real nasty piece of work. But to do that she will have to get up close and personal with this monster or she could continue to run and hide.

When Joe Grantham shows up at her secluded lighthouse, she mistakes his purpose and is really ticked when she finally figures out he is there to blackmail her into attending Torval's birthday celebration on his private island as his consort, aka sex partner. Joe has his own agenda and is willing to assist Rowan in hers if she assists him with his. Win-Win. Well, it would be if there wasn't an such a strong sexual attraction and a lot of danger. Now all they have to do is survive and that isn't going to be easy. 3 1/2-Stars

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[NrsKelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think maybe I should have known this book would not be to my taste. I tend to like complex characters. The way this book started was directly into the action. There was no time to see into Helen’s (Rowan) psyche. Literally boom! And the interaction between her and Joe just felt stilted to me.
Overall just not my cup of tea but I’m sure there will be people who love it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Publication date ‏: ‎ March 5, 2024
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

In this story the heroine, Helen or Rowan or whatever her real name was, was supposed to be smart practical and savvy woman who was on the run from the man who had killed her mother and had also wanted to kill her and her little sister. Yet, at the very beginning, we see how this heroine who is in hiding and should be careful, let some strange man into her home, offer him something to eat, and then jumps into bed with that complete stranger. WTF? Then that stranger persuade Rowan to accompany him on the mission to the island where the man lives who killed her mother and want her dead. She meekly agree to go with him. And then there are more weird and silly characters waiting on the island... Huh.

Perhaps it was partly thanks to Vanessa Johansson's performance that made this story and the characters sound kinda comical, silly and superficial. I really looked forward reading this story but it wasn't as enjoyable as e.g. Obsession Falls and somehow I have a feeling that I wouldn't have gotten the same enjoyment from Obsession Falls if Ms. Johansson had performed it...

[Susan Amper · Rating 2 out of 5]

In EVERY LITTLE SECRET, Rowan Winterbourne lives a solitary existence in a lighthouse that she booby-trapped against intruders. She has however, failed to consider what happens when she opens the door to the trap who is Joe Grantham. She asks no questions, assuming he is someone she hired to do a job. She even sleeps with him, and too late realizes she's been had.

Joe wants to take her to the unimaginatively named Raptor Island to face the killer of her family and to help Joe with a few shenanigans of his own.

I was often confused, frequently stunned by the poor story telling, and overall disappointed with this effort by an author I usually like.

I'll hope for better in the future.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I instantly became a fan of Christina Dodd after reading book 1 of her Cape Charade series (Dead Girl Running), and it has been much too long since I read one of her books. When I saw she had a new standalone coming out I knew I had to read it, and here we are as I write my review for Every Single Secret. I have never been a huge fan of romantic suspense, but 2 authors do it so well that I can't help but be obsessed, and those are Dodd along with Jayne Ann Krentz. I initially shook my head at Rowan's choice with Joe (and I mean, so fast!), but as the book went on, they became quite the pair, and their chemistry was off the charts.

The storyline is very tense throughout, and I loved the way Vanessa Johansson infused that into her narration of the audiobook. I fully recommend the audio as the way to go for Every Single Secret, and I promise you will not be disappointed if you listen! There is some sharp and spot-on humor to the story, but it has a pretty serious message as well. Rowan was a great character and she felt so alive that I wouldn't be surprised if I saw her IRL. The suspense/action was top notch and there were so many elements that both surprised and entertained me. If you enjoy the romantic suspense genre and want a wild but grounded standalone, I would thoroughly recommend checking this book out! Bonus points for the cute dog in the story. 🐶😉

[Yolanda Madeline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Omgsh this book was terrible. Not sure if I’m missing a part one and then it would make more sense to me? But I was happy when it was over

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Single Secret (Hardcover)by Christina Dodd
I really enjoyed this edge of your seat romantic suspense! Helen (Rowan) and Joe start off with her thinking he is a paid assassin, and him blackmailing her into helping him retrieve an address book from an evil island. But- is that what he really wants her to do. She has been on her own at a very young age with so much tragedy in her life, she lives in a lighthouse guarding her safety. Joe has his own secrets and baggage. There is murder, torture, blackmail, intrigue, angst, terror, trafficking, danger, some laughs and tears, a visit to Gothic - and a few old friends, romance and steam all get to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters Twisted Page-turner Unpredictable Action-packed Scary Easy-to-read Entertaining Happily Ever After Tear-jerker Great world building Tragic Steamy Witty Romantic.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Dodd has raised the classic definition of a thriller to an all new high with her newest book Every Single Secret. I couldn’t put it down, devouring it in 24 hours and my heart is still pumping. Wow, so many layers to this story, so many unexplained connections and such an incredible ending! Loved it from beginning to end!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

The premise of this book sounded like a thrilling action movie, so I thought it’d be a great beach read. I’ve never read anything by Christina Dodd before, so I didn’t know what to expect. Overall, there were some good points and some mediocre. Definitely worth the read though.

Rowan Winterbourne lives a solitary life. She likes it this way after the trauma of losing both her mother and father to Gregory Torval (an arms dealer). She’s never felt safe in the world, knowing that the man who killed her parents is still alive and could put a bullet into her, as well. She’s made a name for herself by creating a unique one woman business called “The Fixer.” Never did she expect that one of her clients would request for an assassin. However, it’s something that she can manage to do. One night, a man knocks on her door and she thinks he’s the assassin that she hired. Lo and behold, he (Joe Grantham) ends up having other intentions and asks her to accompany him to Raptor Island for a job. This is the island that Gregory Torval resides. Initially, she’s hesitant in going, but ultimately she decides to come. She can finally seek revenge on the man who ruined her life. Meanwhile, Joe has his own reasons to visit Torval’s island. Rowan will provide the perfect distraction for him. Once they arrive, they learn that Torval runs the island with an iron fist. The only way they can move forward is by being a few steps ahead of him. Rowan doesn’t fully trust Joe, but right now he’s as close to an ally as she can get. Will they each succeed in their missions of revenge or will they be outplayed into an early death?

I normally don’t read romance suspense books more because I don’t gravitate towards them. I think that Rowan and Joe have some good chemistry. While I couldn’t entirely figure Joe out, I found him to be intriguing and can understand why Rowan is drawn to him. Rowan is also a layered character with quite a tragic backstory. I can’t imagine losing both of your parents, especially at a young age. The cast of characters in Torval’s world on the island range from terrifying to mysterious. You can’t tell who is trustworthy and who will hang you out to dry. There were a few twists in this book that surprised me and some that I was able to figure out. There’s plenty of action happening, even from the beginning, so that kept me hooked. I wasn’t a huge fan of the structure of the story and then it seemed to drag and peter out towards the end, after Rowan leaves Raptor island. I think had the pacing been more consistent throughout that it’d be a more satisfying tale. Despite this, I enjoyed the writing and the plot. I may check out future works from Christina Dodd, if I see something that catches my eye.

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another best seller for sure!! I love reading the books that Christina Dodd writes because they are always page turners. If you have never read a book written by her now’s the best time to start! Thank you Christina for writing such a fantastic book!

[Janice Bjonfald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed most of Christina Dodd’s there has only been one that I didn’t enjoy. This wasn’t that book so many twists and turns. The main character Helen/Rowan was well developed and once she went to the Lighthouse you knew she was hiding something. Once Joe showed up at the Lighthouse I was sure he was someone else I was very surprised by the end who he actually was just one of those twists.
I love the descriptions of the Lighthouse and of the island. They make me want to visit the area.

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Dodd writes wonderful books. She creates characters who can get in and out of real pickles and emerge strong. This one is a perfect example.

[Diddly Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Christina Dodd has written about phenomenal book.

[Holly Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an edge of your seat, action packed romantic suspense, this is the one for you! This latest novel by Christina Dodd had me thinking I knew what was going to happen next then WHAM! Didn't guess any of what was to come next. If this is the only book you read this year then make it this one! The Queen of suspense has done it again, way to go Christina!

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Little Secret by Christina Dodd @christinadoddbooks.

First off, I am a fan of Christina’s & this book was no different!

So amazing! The twists of this book. Just wow! I freaking loved this book about Joe & Rowan! Preorder this book right now!

I received this #ARCBook early and for my honest review from @netgalley.

[JJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried so hard to want to finish this book but had to DNF at 50%/Chapter 20. DNF's are an automatic 1 ⭐ for me.

I couldn't continue because this story was so severely disjointed and while I liked some passages others were contradictory of other things told in the story and left me scratching my head. The end of Chapter 19 was unexpected and kinda weird out of nowhere with an intensity that didn't feel right for the story. It just got weird. The lines "tasted like the ultimate female" 🤢 and "we could be 100 and still f'ing like rabbits" after 30 hours of meeting was so cringe and not at all spicy in a good way.

This felt very much like it was rush written to be adapted into a TV movie...on Lifetime. I struggled to care about any of the characters and found this super smart woman to make really silly choices that didn't at all fit with her narrative.

There are just too many other great books waiting in my TBR pile to keep going and hope that it would come together (I don't think it will though) so with sadness, DNF it is.

[Janel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. The blurbs got me...."for fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware.". Um....not really. The dialogue was terrible and those authors are not known for their romance. Maybe the ending is fantastic and a total surprise. But I couldn't make it past the main character telling the assassin that she wanted to sleep with him.

[Jennifer Brown-Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discloser: I am on Christina Dodd's review crew and received a free copy of this book for my honest review. In no way did this influence my opinion.

HOLY SMOKES YOU GUYS! This book is a book you will want to run - not walk - out and grab. Christina Dodd did not just hit a home run with this book - the ball went out of the park for a grand slam. I honestly think this is my new favorite book by her. It is intense and an exciting suspense read with some smoldering hot romance thrown in for good measure.

The villains in this book are super villainous that you can just smell the rotten that they betray, and you will love to hate on them. There is not one redeeming quality about them. They are incredibly well written. The main characters in this book are Helen Lamb (later known under her true identity of Rowan Winterbourne) and Joe Grantham. Helen/Rowan is a strong lead heroine that has some major baggage she is carrying through her life. She has spent her entire life on the run just to stay alive from a crazy mobster that would like nothing more than to destroy her because of who her father was. Enter the sexy and blood thirsty, Joe Grantham. Joe is going to turn her life upside, downside, and inside out. He knows Helen/Rowan's real story and forces her hand into helping him on a mission that will surely get one or both or them killed.

This book had me on the edge of my seat and fighting sleep to read one more page. Then one more chapter. Then just one more page until I couldn't fight sleep anymore. It is suspenseful. Full of action. Crazy twists. Did I mention the ghost pepper hot attraction and romance? Every Single Secret has it all. I highly recommend adding this book to your To Be Read pile. Take it on vacation and devour it. You won't be disappointed!

Book synopsis below is from Amazon:

Never whisper the truth. Never reveal the past.

In an isolated lighthouse on the California coast, Rowan Winterbourne lives a solitary life with only her secrets for company. For she has a mission that drives her—to avenge herself against Gregory Torval, the powerful drug and arms dealer who murdered her mother and vowed to eliminate everyone in her family.

Then Joe Grantham arrives at her door and, for the first time, Rowan lets her guard down—a dangerous mistake when he blackmails her to go with him to Torval's private island. There Torval’s decadent birthday celebration rages, and while Joe pursues his own agenda, she’ll provide the perfect distraction.

On Raptor Island, Torval’s will is law and Joe, the closest she has to an ally, is an enigma she can’t trust. One false move, one careless word, and Rowan will die. As dark truths are uncovered, one by one, Rowan recognizes her last chance for the revenge has come. But is it worth everything she must sacrifice to get out alive?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In years past, Christina Dodd was known to me as a favorite historical romance writer. Every Single Secret showcases her appealing writing style in a completely different context. Dodd tells a good story, creates strong heroines, and uses a descriptive style. This contemporary thriller paints vivid pictures of insanity, violence, and cruelty. Rowan is unwittingly drawn into a plot that confronts the crime lord who killed her mother. Escaping from the island of this monster and his grief-deranged wife may be impossible, but Rowan can't turn back time. This novel caused unsettled dreams. It is back to Dodd's romances for me.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on tight – it’s gonna be a wild ride!
Every Single Secret is a nerve-wracking, edge of your seat read.
Rowan, the lead character, is a strong, capable, and intriguing woman whose life has been difficult. And it is about to get even more interesting.
This book dragged me in from the very beginning, and I finished it in 24 hours. Then I spent several more hours thinking about the story.
It's a great book, and you will not be disappointed.

[Susan Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan has lived her life in fear since she was 15 and her mother was murdered. Now living in a small town on the California coast she is finally feeling at home. That is until a stranger knocks at her door and entices her to help slay her enemies.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Lamb is the Fixer, and for a price she can make things happen for her clients including hiring an assassin. Such is the intro to Every Little Secret, CDs latest romantic thriller.

The romance is fast and steamy, surprising even given Helen’s isolated upbringing. The thriller takes a bit more time to figure out. Still, Helen’s secret is her identity. And her future depends on killing the one person who murdered her mother, tortured her father and forced her younger sister into hiding.

I admit there were times it was too confusing and I gave up trying to understand and just went with the entertainment value. Joe is a conundrum, Bebee my favorite character and Helen… well, she’s a bad a—!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christina Dodd and this book was superb. It's entirely re-readable.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan lives life as Helen, she’s always looking over her shoulder and constantly on the move as there has been a hit order on her since she was a teenager.
Joe enters her life with a proposition to enter the lions den for revenge and hopefully to put the “ order” to rest!
Joe and Rowan had so much chemistry ! A fantastic read by this author

[Raven (_birdiesbookclub_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Big thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press for the ARC copy of this one!

I felt very sucked into this book and needed to know exactly what was going to happen. For the most part, I did really enjoy the writing style. However, towards the end I started to notice that the MC seemed to have two sepearet personalities. On the one hand, she was strong & amazing & then on the other hand it seemed like she couldn't really think for herself? It somewhat took away from the story for me because it almost felt like we were tracking two different people at times.

I do have to say that Chapter 19 was a SHOCK! I was definitely not prepared for that one lol

Overall though it did have a couple of great twists that I wasn't prepared for! I like how it ended as well & thought it was a good way to finish everything out!

Be on the lookout for this one starting 3/5!!

[Julia Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan lives in a lighthouse so she can watch everything that happens around her…and anyone who approaches. It quickly becomes clear that Rowan is hiding from someone and will do what she has to do to protect herself. When she is presented with an opportunity to face her fears and her past, she decides she will confront those monsters! The result is a terrifying trip to an island where she will be tested again and again. I enjoyed the secrets, twists, and action of this book!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense,check! Mystery, check! A brief visit to Gothic, check! Romance, check! I struggled a little at the start of the book but it soon became pretty entertaining and had an almost soap opera atmosphere to it. The book kept you guessing about what would happen next and you really feel for Rowan/Helen. Definitely recommend this book

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rowan Winterbourne lives under an alias in Off Beat Bay, a California costal town.
Joe Grantham is a mysterious mercenary who wants Rowan to come with him to Raptor Island, Gregory Torval’s private resort.
A steamy thriller mystery.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Action packed from beginning to end!