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London Series #2

Martin's Secret

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As my past resurfaces, I must find the courage to fight.

Martin
I would have remained in hiding if it weren’t for needing money.
I’ve made connections, while ensuring my secret remains hidden. I have a life built on deceit and lies, but it feels so real, and something I’ve always missed.
When a familiar face shows up, bringing danger, I’m forced to rely on a stranger. To protect myself I do what I’m good at - lie.
As the danger around us grows so does our desire for each other. And that feels like the only truth.
Will I have the courage to fight this time, instead of run? I learnt to trust Keegan with my body, but can I trust him with my secret? And my life?
But what if the connection we share is crushed under the weight of lies?

Keegan
I live a double life. A life of lies and secrets.
I have brothers, not by blood but by choice, with which I work to make the world a better place.
Babysitting a politician is not my idea of fun or serving justice. But gathering intel is what we need before we enter, clear, and leave. No one sees, no one talks.
Saving a man from a violent beating sparks my need to protect. Now he's at my place and the closer we get, the hotter the desire burns between us.
I know he’s lying. Everyone has secrets. Including me.
What will happen when mine are exposed?
Will Martin be able to see beyond my actions? Will he want the man I really am?

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

JoJo Stone

12 books44 followers
JoJo Stone is a writer from the U.K. She fell in love with words young, starting with poetry. Life took her on a few detours, but now she's back, ready to share her stories.

JoJo's Italian roots fuel her love for cooking traditional recipes, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her snapping photos or running through the scenic streets of the U.K. and Italy.

For JoJo, every passion tells a story, and she's excited to share hers with readers.

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5 stars
20 (46%)
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16 (37%)
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6 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca Louise.
Author 6 books38 followers
November 23, 2023
5 star review ⭐️
I’ve been waiting for this book since I finished Mark’s Promise and it did not disappoint!
The book was a bit more action filled than I originally anticipated, but that just made it that much more exciting.
The book deals with some darker themes (Murder, abduction and mental health.)

I love everything about Martins character, even after all the trauma with his ex, he still manages to find his true love.

Keegan’s character is interesting, at first he was a bit stand off’ish, but as the book went on, we learn that he has his reasons for being the way he is.
The two characters fit together in such a way that you can’t help being infatuated with them.

I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author!
Profile Image for made you loooook.
196 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2023
Martin and Keegan, the two MCs, were likable and went well together as a couple. Martin, bless his heart, was stuck in a rough and dangerous situation due to being in hiding from his ex and the ex's henchmen. Keegan was ever the protector, and he felt those instincts very strongly from the first time he saw Martin. I do certainly love a protective MC, and Martin definitely needed Keegan's help.

I will say I was confused at the beginning because it seemed like Mark was going to be the second MC along with Martin, yet I know Mark is a MC in book 1. As well, once Martin and Keegan met and Martin was sheltering at Keegan's apartment, it felt like there was a missed opportunity to show more of them growing their connection. I didn't think they'd be able to grow closer whilst Martin was on pain medicine and such, but then by the time Martin left Keegan's place it seemed like they had bonded and Martin trusted Keegan (more than you'd expect an an abuse/stalking survivor to trust someone so quickly). So I feel that the reader missed out on seeing the growth of that trust.

If I had seen an outline of the plot points of this book, I'd say that the author came up with a really good premise; so I can say is the story, as a whole, was interesting. Where it fell flat to me had to do with the writing style. To me, the dialogue and narrative felt a bit wooden, and sometimes the way things were worded confused me and took me out of the story. Admittedly, this is subjective, so I won't say the book isn't worth reading just because of my opinion. But rather, this is just an explanation.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leelah🍁♋️ Orion.
1,444 reviews56 followers
November 19, 2023
Ok so I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t read the first book but from all the reviews I read of the first book it didn’t seem like I shouldn’t understand this book.

That being said I had absolutely no idea what was happening in the first half of the book. Mark was only mentioned a couple of times and none of that had any input of what was happening. I thought for a sec Martins boss was the MC. From there I guess I wasn’t feeling the sudden deeper feelings they claimed they had. I needed more from them for that to happen. I’m a sucker for possessive protect at all cost books but I need a little more couple time from them.

I did enjoy the possessive grrr, and I loved the premise of the story, that’s why it’s a 3 for me. I think if I wasn’t so confused for the first part, it would have been a higher rating. If Marks book doesn’t shine a light on what is happening in this book then the first half needs a lot more context.

Once I got passed the first half I enjoyed the book. This was an ARC read for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,864 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2023
One night Keegan rescued a man from his attacker. It happened in an alley where he heard the man beg his abuser to finish him. This request itself is strange, it triggers Keegan’s need to protect.

To protect himself and the people he cares about, Martin is the best liar on earth.
Escaping a killer is one thing, but stay safe is a second.
Keegan works undercover, he and his team wants to keep Martin safe.
Martin is happy to kept safe by Keegan, until he understands what Keegan works involves.

The progress in the first half of the story is a bit slow, rapidly balanced by the second half.
The author did a great job. It’s a read full of hurt comfort, angst, threats, protectiveness, and a sweet romance.
4 reviews
November 22, 2023
This is an amazing love story with moments that will melt your hearts, but that is not enough to describe Martin’s secret. The author was able to fill the story with mistery, action and suspense and to mix all of this brilliantly with love, protection and sweet moments.
I loved both characters. Martin’s vulnerability made me wish I could be his friend to hug him and cheer him up when it looked like his world was falling down. What about Keegan? Loved every bit of his protective being, how he looked after Martin, who he just met, and how their love grows throughout the entire book.
I just want to say that JoJo Stone made an amazing job with this book, I couldn’t stop reading.
I recommend it 100%!
Can’t wait to read more from JoJo Stone.
Profile Image for Becky Aks.
58 reviews
June 27, 2024
Stone’s writing style just does it for me. As with her first book in this series, Mark’s Promise, the brutal honesty of her characters’s introspection is powerful, because at our most basic don’t we all have the same doubts and want the same things? And sometimes it takes reading books like these to remind me of that truth.

Martin is hiding from his past, dreading the day it catches up to him. When that day ultimately arrives, Keegan is serendipitously there to pick up the pieces. We then wait with them for the other shoe to drop—and when it does… It’s a tense ride at times, but this genre’s implied promise of an HEA will get you through it.

The italicized reminisce happened to hit one of my CW areas (which Stone warned about in the front matter—thank you) and so I skimmed through it—if the same holds true for you, rest assured that you will still enjoy the book.

My only regret is a selfish wish that Samuel’s story had been completed at the time I finished this book, as I would have gone straight to it to see how he fares. And I’m hopeful we get Aidan and Felix’s story to answer that open question—it would also mean that we may get to see more of Martin and Keegan.

Sometimes I’m in the mood for a light and fluffy read—and this book is not that. Highly recommend for those other times.
135 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2023
Martin thought he'd found love. But when he saw that man murder another, he ran. He'd been running and hiding for 2 years when he was discovered.
Keegan saves Martin when he finds him being severely beaten. He takes Martin home to care for him. The longer Martin is there, the closer they become.
Both have secrets and lies. Will their growing desire for each other be enough when the secrets and lies come to light?
Loved this book, great characters and story, angst, mystery, suspense, humor, very steamy and a HEA.
Profile Image for Jenni.
92 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 stars

I really enjoyed this! 😊 it had heart, suspense, action, adventure and even though it was so heartbreaking at times, it had so many sweet and fun moments too! 🧡

Martin was such a sweetheart. I felt so bad for him for all he had gone through. 😢 And when he finally started to trust Keegan and opened up to him, I was so happy! 🥰

And Keegan! Who wouldn’t want to be saved by him? Loved him so much. Strong, patient, caring. Yes please🥰

I adored Martins friends! Especially Samuel! He needs to have his own book! 😍
And Keegans “brothers”! Felix was my fave and I desperately need to know the story between him and Aidan! I need to know everything! 🧡

I received an ARC of this book for exchange of my honest review. 🧡
Profile Image for Jem Wendel.
Author 20 books50 followers
November 20, 2023
I have been intrigued about Martin's story since he appeared in Mark's Promise (It is not necessary to have read this to enjoy Martin's Secret) and I am pleased JoJo has written it.
Keegan is wonderful and I love how protective he is towards Martin.
This book has a lot of action and some really sweet moments. I love JoJo's writing.
16.7k reviews156 followers
July 11, 2024
He has hidden from his past but he is about to come face to face with it. He will also meet a stranger who may just be the one who can help him with everything that is going on in his life. Can they help him? How will it all go? Will his life get better for him? See how he gets on
424 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2023
Dangerous Liasons

I loved Martin in the last book and was desperate to find out his story. Keegan was such a protector from the word go. I absolutely loved how drawn together they were. Watching Martin's walls come down was beautiful, but man did the truth behind them hurt. I love how important Keegan's famly is and how willingly they accept his desire to protect Martin. Friends that are family are one of my favorite things and this story had that in spades. Now I am dying to see a story for Felix and Aiden.
Profile Image for Robin T.
206 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2023
So started and finished this book same day. There was quite a bit of mystery trying to figure out what was going on with martin. And it kept me hooked, I liked how Martin didn't trust right away, his emotions felt real. I wouldn't say it's super spicy, maybe mid level. But what is there is HOT. I cant wait to read more from This series. I did recieve this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for S.S. Genesee.
Author 5 books56 followers
October 10, 2024
This was an interesting story, lots of mystery and dark themes. I liked how Martin's fear felt very real, and so did his trauma. How hard it was to open up to anyone about what had happened in his past, and rightly so. I also thought the connection between Martin and Keegan felt genuine and sweet!
1,913 reviews7 followers
July 12, 2024
Needed more connection between Martin and Keegan

After meeting Martin in the first book, Mark's Promise, I wanted to know what he was hiding. His story tells me what happened to him and explained his jumpy behaviour, and also gave him his own HEA.
I wanted Martin to find his happiness but I thought it was all a bit unrealistic for him to get so close to Keegan so quickly, after what he'd been through, because there wasn't enough of them spending time together on page. They were sweet together and I love that Keegan felt an instant attraction to the man he saved.
I liked Martin's friends, coming round to make sure he's okay, even though they're in the dark about his past.
I liked Keegan's colleagues too, and you know how you sometimes fixate on one side character? Jake. That's all I'm saying.
If I hadn't read Mark's Promise, I would have been confused by the first chapter because it actually happened in that book and this is just a retelling from Martin's POV. Then, the next chapter introduced Keegan in the middle of a bodyguard assignment, which implied that it carried weight for their story but it was just one great big red herring, unless it will factor in later books but it seemed so out of place here.
Profile Image for Angel.
580 reviews8 followers
May 2, 2025
I got invested in Martin's story since I met him in Mark's Promise (also highly recommend). And I'm so glad the author heard my wishes and delivered this highly emotional story that I devoured in one sitting.
Martin's story broke my heart. He was in so much emotional pain, not really living, but putting up a charade. Until that illusion is shattered when his past finds him in a very painful way. Keegan is at the right place and time, exactly what Martin needs, a stubborn, over protective guy with a big heart with plenty of brothers for support. They are instantly drawn to each but the danger surrounding Martin cannot be ignored. Martin's instincts tell him that he can trust Keegan but is so scared. Keegan does not give up (remember, stubborn, lol), protecting Martin any way he knows. And he knows a lot of ways. Finally Martin cannot ignore his past and takes a chance. And that chance pays off. Martin and Keegan sizzling chemistry explodes and their hearts allow the love to blossom.
There was also suspense, action, sweet moments, and humor to balance the angst and hurt.
The secondary characters from both sides of the MCs caught my interest so I keeping my fingers crossed that the author once again answers my pleas for their stories, especially Felix and Aidan.
Profile Image for Rian Durant.
Author 8 books68 followers
November 20, 2023
This was an interesting read and I enjoyed it the way I’d enjoy a light action/romance movie- waiting to see what happens next, how the romance will evolve and how the bad guys will get caught :)

Keegan was a nice character (also a bit morally grey, which is always a deal maker for me) and I love what he does, but unfortunately I couldn’t connect to or like Martin. Even when I considered everything he’s been through, he still had me shaking my head. But hey, I’m still glad he got his happy ending!

Martin’s Secret definitely can be read as a standalone - I haven’t read the first book of the London Series and everything was perfectly clear.

Some of the secondary characters are pretty cool and the author hinted at (I think) a quite intriguing couple-in-the-making so I’m curious what happens next.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,458 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2024
I absolutely loved Mark’s Promise jumped at the chance to get an arc copy of this book. Another exceptionally emotional storyline with plenty of action. Do be warned though it does cover some dark themes such as murder and abduction!
Martin was such a great character and I loved the fact that even with his traumatic past relationship he still manages to let it go for his new love. Keegan on the other hand took a while to endear himself to me but the further into the book I understood him more and could relate to why he was the way he was!
A brilliant relationship development with them both eventually realising how well they fitted together. Loved it and so looking forward to the next book.
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Wren Vale.
450 reviews24 followers
December 3, 2023
🌟🌟🌟

Everyone deserves a Keegan in their life, especially Martin!

I really wanted to give this story 4 stars, but I struggled with a few things. I wanted to see the connection grow between Keegan and Martin, but it just happened, and given Martin’s history, I would have expected him to be a lot more cautious.
I got a little confused with side characters and I wasn’t sure why Carl was so hell bent on tracking Martin down. Surely if Martin had told people about Carl, Carl would have known about it by now.

But it’s a good story. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I absolutely love Keegan.

This is my honest review in exchange for an ARC
818 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2024
Angels of Death, like a flower on a sunny day, feel for the bump

What a thrilling and satisfying book! As violent as it is, this is surprisingly cute and sweet. But be warned: the violence is graphic. There are some threads left hanging, but I'm sure it'll be continued in the next book.

It gets frightening and tense at times because of the author's expert and clever writing. She also depicts her imagery and characters very well. Martin's overwhelming fear and Keegan's frustration and anger are palpable. I don't want to say anything more, because I might give something away. But, I highly recommend this!
Profile Image for Mandee.
560 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2023
Martin is an interesting character. I wasn’t sure what to make of him at first, as I hadn’t read Mark’s Promise beforehand. He's clearly hiding something, and was scared from the start. I also wasn't sure what to make of the dynamic between Mark and Martin at the start. Enter Keegan, assigned to protect a politician at the start of the book.

There was some mystery and suspense, a bit of spice, and I would recommend reading book one before diving into book two.

I received this as ARC.
4,903 reviews19 followers
July 12, 2024
Can you ever be prepared to stop running? Martin and Keegan each are dragging a bit of luggage. Martin is keeping secrets, hiding. Will he let his fear rule him? Once they team up, Keegan is caring and protective of Martin. The author took us close to Hitchcock level fear. I like a story that pulls you in and shakes you up a bit. Great characters, nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,544 reviews48 followers
July 12, 2024
I enjoyed the fact that both Martin and Keegan are keeping secrets from each other here. They are instantly attracted to each other but both are on uncertain footing trying to decide how much if any of the truth they can share with each other. It's clear as a reader these two are going to have to at some point be honest to survive but I loved the tension of waiting to see how that would happen and what the motivator forcing that honesty would be.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,941 reviews15 followers
November 20, 2023
3.5 stars. I liked the storyline but got a bit confused upon occasion with the other characters involved. I felt like I missed important bits of the history of Martin before Carl and Keegan before hia current job. There was plenty of action and Keegan being so protective was very sweet.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
2,325 reviews16 followers
July 12, 2024
I enjoyed this story it was an emotional read with romance, mystery and suspense that kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Martin and Keegan are both great characters but both have secrets, to succeed together they must be honest with each other first, this story is has some darkness to it so please check trigger warnings. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
1,580 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2024
Martin's secret is one that he keeps so his friends and indeed he himself can be safe. His ex is a real piece of work. Keegan sort of stumbles across Martin when he is facing the danger of said ex catching up. Keegan is smitten and their story is far from Roses and carousels, it's edgy and well written. A very good read for me! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,259 reviews26 followers
November 20, 2023
Martin & Keegan

This book helped me to appreciate book one more and Martin's appearance in it. This story started off a bit slow but it was absolutely worth reading by the end.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Duffette.
321 reviews62 followers
November 20, 2023
Nice story

With the secrets & lies, the story keeps your drawn in. I like how immediate Keegan felt protective towards Martin. They were perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Natasha Lynn Harris.
1,976 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2024
Wow

I loved this book, it has great characters and storyline, with angst, mystery, suspense, humor, and very steamy. Martin just broke my heart, the emotions were real
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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