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The Secrets We Keep Duet #2
The Truths We Seek
Just when I thought I'd finally found happiness, the nightmare I've been running from finds me, and my world goes dark.
Taking more from me than one person should ever have to lose, I end up on a new path, discovering I'm capable of things I never imagined possible not even in the darkest parts of my imagination.
So much blood.
So much pain.
So. Much. Death.
Now in a world where right is wrong, and the means justify the ends, where my presence brings destruction and devastation, I need to find my way back to the light, to joy.
To love.
I thought when trouble came for me, I'd need the biggest monsters of the city on my side... but it turns out when you come for the people I love, I might be the biggest monster of all.
*18+ Reverse Harem Romance. Warning this book contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering. Along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark romance duet*
Taking more from me than one person should ever have to lose, I end up on a new path, discovering I'm capable of things I never imagined possible not even in the darkest parts of my imagination.
So much blood.
So much pain.
So. Much. Death.
Now in a world where right is wrong, and the means justify the ends, where my presence brings destruction and devastation, I need to find my way back to the light, to joy.
To love.
I thought when trouble came for me, I'd need the biggest monsters of the city on my side... but it turns out when you come for the people I love, I might be the biggest monster of all.
*18+ Reverse Harem Romance. Warning this book contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering. Along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark romance duet*
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2023
402 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Lily Wildhart
23 books743 followersLily is a writer, dreamer and crime documentary addict.
She loves to write dark, reverse harem romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Lily, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.lilywildhart.com
She loves to write dark, reverse harem romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Lily, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.lilywildhart.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 28, 2023
I absolutely loved and devoured book 1. I was so excited for this. And it just fell flat. There was real potential for her exploring her past, parents, etc and left me with so many questions.
*Spoilers*
Who was her dad? Why didn't he ever look for her?
If Tommy was so well informed, how didn't he piece together who she was?
Who else was involved? Why did Harper help Trent? How did they meet?
Didn't the three men think to look into her past?
Just a huge waste of time, especially after how incredible book 1 was.
*Spoilers*
Who was her dad? Why didn't he ever look for her?
If Tommy was so well informed, how didn't he piece together who she was?
Who else was involved? Why did Harper help Trent? How did they meet?
Didn't the three men think to look into her past?
Just a huge waste of time, especially after how incredible book 1 was.
March 24, 2026
Emotion That Lingers Long After the Final Chapter
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💙💚❤️
Steam/Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration – Full Cast
Lily Wildhart returns to her world of secrets, fractured trust, and slow burning emotional tension with a sequel that feels richer, sharper, and more character driven than the first book. The Truths We Seek deepens the relationships at the heart of the series while raising the emotional stakes in ways that feel both intimate and unsettling. I was surprised by the cliffhanger in The Secrets We Keep, as I thought that confrontation would somehow be the climax of this book. Though I was glad that the story went back to the beginning in this book, when Tommy first talked to Meyer about helping Quinn.
Character Background and Plot Impressions
Quinn remains the emotional anchor of the story. She is still carrying the weight of past choices, but this time she steps into a more assertive role as she confronts the truths she has avoided. Her vulnerability feels raw and grounded, and her growth is one of the strongest elements of the book.
Hunter continues to be steady and quietly intense. His loyalty is unwavering, yet his internal conflict adds tension to every scene he shares with Quinn. He is a man who wants to protect the people he loves, even when that protection comes at a personal cost.
Rory brings warmth and humor, but his easygoing exterior begins to crack as deeper layers of his past come forward. He becomes a more complex figure in this installment, and his emotional arc adds depth to the group dynamic.
Meyer remains the most guarded. His sharp intelligence and emotional distance create a compelling contrast to the others. As more of his history comes to light, the story gains a darker, more introspective tone.
Plot wise, this book focuses on the fallout from the lies and omissions that shaped the first installment. The tension builds through shifting alliances, emotional confrontations, and the slow reveal of long buried truths. The pacing is patient but purposeful, allowing the characters to breathe and react in ways that feel authentic.
What Makes This Story Shine
• Deepened character development that gives each member of the core group a meaningful emotional arc.
• A more mature tone that explores trust, forgiveness, and the cost of silence.
• Strong interpersonal tension that keeps the story engaging even in quieter moments.
• A satisfying blend of romance and suspense that never overwhelms the emotional core.
Minor Drawbacks
• The pacing may feel slow for listeners who prefer plot heavy storytelling.
• Some emotional conflicts linger longer than necessary, which can create a sense of repetition.
• A bit too many intimate scenes for my tastes, I like a bit more story and less spice.
Audiobook Performance
The narrators deliver performances that elevate the emotional weight of the story. Quinn’s voice is soft but steady, capturing her vulnerability without making her sound fragile. Hunter’s narrator brings a grounded warmth that suits his character perfectly. Rory and Meyer are voiced with distinct tones that reflect their personalities and inner conflicts.
The emotional delivery is consistent and immersive. Quiet scenes feel intimate, while tense moments carry a subtle edge that keeps the listener engaged. The narration enhances the story without overshadowing it. I also liked that in this book, unlike the first, there were more chapters told from the men’s points of view.
Final Opinion
The Truths We Seek is a thoughtful and emotionally layered continuation of Wildhart’s series. It offers deeper character exploration, stronger emotional stakes, and a narrative that rewards patient listeners. If you enjoy character driven stories with slow building tension, heartfelt connections, and a focus on healing after betrayal, this audiobook is a compelling and satisfying choice.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💙💚❤️
Steam/Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration – Full Cast
Lily Wildhart returns to her world of secrets, fractured trust, and slow burning emotional tension with a sequel that feels richer, sharper, and more character driven than the first book. The Truths We Seek deepens the relationships at the heart of the series while raising the emotional stakes in ways that feel both intimate and unsettling. I was surprised by the cliffhanger in The Secrets We Keep, as I thought that confrontation would somehow be the climax of this book. Though I was glad that the story went back to the beginning in this book, when Tommy first talked to Meyer about helping Quinn.
Character Background and Plot Impressions
Quinn remains the emotional anchor of the story. She is still carrying the weight of past choices, but this time she steps into a more assertive role as she confronts the truths she has avoided. Her vulnerability feels raw and grounded, and her growth is one of the strongest elements of the book.
Hunter continues to be steady and quietly intense. His loyalty is unwavering, yet his internal conflict adds tension to every scene he shares with Quinn. He is a man who wants to protect the people he loves, even when that protection comes at a personal cost.
Rory brings warmth and humor, but his easygoing exterior begins to crack as deeper layers of his past come forward. He becomes a more complex figure in this installment, and his emotional arc adds depth to the group dynamic.
Meyer remains the most guarded. His sharp intelligence and emotional distance create a compelling contrast to the others. As more of his history comes to light, the story gains a darker, more introspective tone.
Plot wise, this book focuses on the fallout from the lies and omissions that shaped the first installment. The tension builds through shifting alliances, emotional confrontations, and the slow reveal of long buried truths. The pacing is patient but purposeful, allowing the characters to breathe and react in ways that feel authentic.
What Makes This Story Shine
• Deepened character development that gives each member of the core group a meaningful emotional arc.
• A more mature tone that explores trust, forgiveness, and the cost of silence.
• Strong interpersonal tension that keeps the story engaging even in quieter moments.
• A satisfying blend of romance and suspense that never overwhelms the emotional core.
Minor Drawbacks
• The pacing may feel slow for listeners who prefer plot heavy storytelling.
• Some emotional conflicts linger longer than necessary, which can create a sense of repetition.
• A bit too many intimate scenes for my tastes, I like a bit more story and less spice.
Audiobook Performance
The narrators deliver performances that elevate the emotional weight of the story. Quinn’s voice is soft but steady, capturing her vulnerability without making her sound fragile. Hunter’s narrator brings a grounded warmth that suits his character perfectly. Rory and Meyer are voiced with distinct tones that reflect their personalities and inner conflicts.
The emotional delivery is consistent and immersive. Quiet scenes feel intimate, while tense moments carry a subtle edge that keeps the listener engaged. The narration enhances the story without overshadowing it. I also liked that in this book, unlike the first, there were more chapters told from the men’s points of view.
Final Opinion
The Truths We Seek is a thoughtful and emotionally layered continuation of Wildhart’s series. It offers deeper character exploration, stronger emotional stakes, and a narrative that rewards patient listeners. If you enjoy character driven stories with slow building tension, heartfelt connections, and a focus on healing after betrayal, this audiobook is a compelling and satisfying choice.
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December 19, 2023
Just awful
I like the premise behind the first book, but all of the action scenes in this book were time skips and then an immediate jump into 2 chapters of intimate scenes. It was boring and there was no real story anymore. I'm not really concerned with spoilers because I don't feel like anyone should be reading this book, but if you do care, *spoilers.*
Trent is caught immediately and gives away Harper. I have no idea what they do with her because the author inserts a time jump over anything they weren't creative enough to describe. Quinn spends the entire book saying life is for the living and whining about not being sure what to do with her life. She never figures it out either. 6+ time jumps later, and now she kills people after spending the entire 1st book upset with the idea of killing people. I guess she doesn't care anymore because she has lovers. More time jumps, and you find out Quinn was kidnapped and her mother died. Who was her mother? Oh, just Tommy's sister. Because of course she was.
This was a poorly written book (ex. Titis) unless you are just looking for smut. The intimate chapters make up a large portion of the book and are very descriptive. Honestly, if any of the story had been written with that level of detail, my review would be much higher. Unfortunately, I will not be giving this writer another chance because this book was really that terrible. It should be pulled and completely rewritten.
I like the premise behind the first book, but all of the action scenes in this book were time skips and then an immediate jump into 2 chapters of intimate scenes. It was boring and there was no real story anymore. I'm not really concerned with spoilers because I don't feel like anyone should be reading this book, but if you do care, *spoilers.*
Trent is caught immediately and gives away Harper. I have no idea what they do with her because the author inserts a time jump over anything they weren't creative enough to describe. Quinn spends the entire book saying life is for the living and whining about not being sure what to do with her life. She never figures it out either. 6+ time jumps later, and now she kills people after spending the entire 1st book upset with the idea of killing people. I guess she doesn't care anymore because she has lovers. More time jumps, and you find out Quinn was kidnapped and her mother died. Who was her mother? Oh, just Tommy's sister. Because of course she was.
This was a poorly written book (ex. Titis) unless you are just looking for smut. The intimate chapters make up a large portion of the book and are very descriptive. Honestly, if any of the story had been written with that level of detail, my review would be much higher. Unfortunately, I will not be giving this writer another chance because this book was really that terrible. It should be pulled and completely rewritten.
November 25, 2024
I enjoyed this just as much as book one and especially appreciated the metamorphosis that Quinn went through here in terms of finally laying her ghosts to bed. She emerged from this so much stronger but still without losing the core of who she is. This was also way spicier and man the heat was rising. The encounters between Quinn and her men were intense and red-hot. I also appreciated the references to The Knights and Echoes Cove that were dropped here as I've also read that series.
This was an easy read that managed to conclude things to my satisfaction whilst still keeping me intrigued regarding any future stories linked to this world. It was a great duet that i enjoyed and recommend reading.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
January 6, 2026
3.75 ⭐
audiobook
audiobook
August 30, 2024
2.25 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Truths We Seek *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶
Stripped of more than anyone should ever have to endure, Quinn Summer's (h) very presence seems to bring destruction and devastation. As she struggles to find her way back to the light, joy, and love, she realizes that while she once thought she’d need the biggest monsters of the city to protect her, it turns out she might be the greatest monster of all when it comes to defending the people she loves.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
[Rory]
Rory managed to find Quinn super quickly after Trent took her, thanks to a tracker implanted in her spine. It’s one of those things Quinn never found out about, but hey, it turned out to be a real lifesaver for her. Rory didn’t just stop there, though—he made sure to take out his frustration on her ex in the most intense way. But here’s the “nice” part: he left the final decision about her ex’s fate up to Quinn. I really liked that Rory gave her the power to decide what happened to the guy who had tormented her for so long. It was a nice touch, allowing her to take control and make the call on something so personal. It felt like a way for her to regain some of her power and agency, which was pretty satisfying to see. Rory made a promise to Quinn that he would come for her every single time, and he definitely didn’t break that promise. He’s like her personal protector, always ready to step in and keep her safe. It’s clear that he’s committed to making sure she’s never in harm’s way again.
[Hunter]
Hunter felt responsible for letting Trent get to her, even though he fought as hard as he could to stop it. He understood that Quinn wasn’t going to run from Trent; she’d face him head-on. What worried him was that she might blame herself and then try to run away to protect them from her perceived danger. Quinn felt responsible again when she realized that Hunter risked his life for her, nearly losing it in the process. But Hunter came to terms with the fact that he would have made that sacrifice repeatedly because he loves her deeply. He’s willing to risk everything for her, showing just how much she means to him. I really wish the scenes that followed this moment in the book weren’t all smut. Hunter was such a charismatic character, and it felt like his depth got overshadowed by the focus on lust. It’s a shame because his charm and the emotional connection he had with Quinn deserved more exploration beyond just the steamy moments.
[Meyer]
One thing you can always count on with Meyer is that he’s going to blame himself for stuff he didn’t even do. He’s that kind of guy who takes charge and feels responsible for everything, so not being able to protect Quinn weighs on him a ton. What makes it even worse is that she lost Tommy, who was like a father figure to her. Meyer’s frustration and guilt about not being able to prevent that loss just make the whole situation feel even more tragic. It’s like he’s carrying the world on his shoulders, and it really adds to the emotional weight of everything happening around them. After Quinn was rescued from her ex and got her revenge, it was tough to connect with any of the characters because the smut was so prevalent. The focus shifted so much to the smut scenes that it overshadowed the emotional aftermath and character development. It felt like the depth of the story and the connections between characters got lost in the explicit content, making it hard to fully engage with their experiences and growth afterward.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
The book turned out to be a bit underwhelming. Trent’s capture felt way too quick and easy, which took away some of the tension. Plus, Tommy’s death introduced a grieving subplot for Quinn, which added emotional depth but also felt a bit rushed. These plot twists didn’t quite land as intended.
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Truths We Seek *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶
Are we in the clear yet?, are we in the clear yet?, are we in the clear yet?, in the clear yet, good🎶
Stripped of more than anyone should ever have to endure, Quinn Summer's (h) very presence seems to bring destruction and devastation. As she struggles to find her way back to the light, joy, and love, she realizes that while she once thought she’d need the biggest monsters of the city to protect her, it turns out she might be the greatest monster of all when it comes to defending the people she loves.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
[Rory]
“You thought you could take my girl and win?” I mutter as his movements slow. “Stupid, little wannabe. You thought you were a monster? You’re about to learn what it’s like to play with the real monsters.”
Rory managed to find Quinn super quickly after Trent took her, thanks to a tracker implanted in her spine. It’s one of those things Quinn never found out about, but hey, it turned out to be a real lifesaver for her. Rory didn’t just stop there, though—he made sure to take out his frustration on her ex in the most intense way. But here’s the “nice” part: he left the final decision about her ex’s fate up to Quinn. I really liked that Rory gave her the power to decide what happened to the guy who had tormented her for so long. It was a nice touch, allowing her to take control and make the call on something so personal. It felt like a way for her to regain some of her power and agency, which was pretty satisfying to see. Rory made a promise to Quinn that he would come for her every single time, and he definitely didn’t break that promise. He’s like her personal protector, always ready to step in and keep her safe. It’s clear that he’s committed to making sure she’s never in harm’s way again.
[Hunter]
“Angel, I am fine. You are the one who’s hurting right now.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No,” she whispers, before gulping and burying her face in my chest again. “Just this.”
Hunter felt responsible for letting Trent get to her, even though he fought as hard as he could to stop it. He understood that Quinn wasn’t going to run from Trent; she’d face him head-on. What worried him was that she might blame herself and then try to run away to protect them from her perceived danger. Quinn felt responsible again when she realized that Hunter risked his life for her, nearly losing it in the process. But Hunter came to terms with the fact that he would have made that sacrifice repeatedly because he loves her deeply. He’s willing to risk everything for her, showing just how much she means to him. I really wish the scenes that followed this moment in the book weren’t all smut. Hunter was such a charismatic character, and it felt like his depth got overshadowed by the focus on lust. It’s a shame because his charm and the emotional connection he had with Quinn deserved more exploration beyond just the steamy moments.
[Meyer]
“You? Why on Earth are you sorry, Meyer?”
“This is all my fault. I should’ve kept better track of Trent. I dropped the ball. All of this, what happened to you and Hunter, is because of me. You will never know how sorry I am, and I’ll understand if you don’t forgive me, but know I’m going to spend as long as you’ll let me trying to earn your trust and forgiveness back.”
One thing you can always count on with Meyer is that he’s going to blame himself for stuff he didn’t even do. He’s that kind of guy who takes charge and feels responsible for everything, so not being able to protect Quinn weighs on him a ton. What makes it even worse is that she lost Tommy, who was like a father figure to her. Meyer’s frustration and guilt about not being able to prevent that loss just make the whole situation feel even more tragic. It’s like he’s carrying the world on his shoulders, and it really adds to the emotional weight of everything happening around them. After Quinn was rescued from her ex and got her revenge, it was tough to connect with any of the characters because the smut was so prevalent. The focus shifted so much to the smut scenes that it overshadowed the emotional aftermath and character development. It felt like the depth of the story and the connections between characters got lost in the explicit content, making it hard to fully engage with their experiences and growth afterward.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
The book turned out to be a bit underwhelming. Trent’s capture felt way too quick and easy, which took away some of the tension. Plus, Tommy’s death introduced a grieving subplot for Quinn, which added emotional depth but also felt a bit rushed. These plot twists didn’t quite land as intended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
Not as good as the first one crime wise, but the smut was A+😮💨 This was a really good duet
November 3, 2023
*RH
*Contemporary
*Multi-PoV
*Mafia
*dark romance
*abused FMC
*secret identities
*forced proximity
*insta-love
*2/2
Emotional ending!
Poor Quinn gets put through the right ringer in this one 🙈
After being taken at the end of the previous book I like that we get insight into this from the men’s PoVs and the worry they feel. 😣 I thought her actual saving might have been had a little more resistance/fanfare but that’s just my personal opinion.
Dealing with the aftermath of her abduction Quinn’s shaken and takes strength from her men to keep going, especially as Hunter is going to need support too! However life can be cruel and after losing the only person who ever looked out for her for nothing grief threatens to swallow her whole 😢 not only that but everyone is on high alert after it’s discovered there’s a traitor amongst the midst who aided her abduction 😬
Rory is as protective as ever, Hunter her supporter and Meyer can’t let fit of that push and pull between them - together they really bring her out of her shell and remind her to live 😍 even if she needs to take vengeance into her own hands 💪💪
There’s a lot of hot heavy scenes within this book 🌶️ however there’s some things that are still left a little open, such as why Teo seems to hate Quinn; who else besides the one they discovered (trying not to give spoilers) was helping Trent as they make reference to there must have been a couple of people? Also it mentions her mom but not her father and what happened to him?
Enjoyed the twists regarding her wider blood family and what that meant for her - especially in her HEA 😊
*Contemporary
*Multi-PoV
*Mafia
*dark romance
*abused FMC
*secret identities
*forced proximity
*insta-love
*2/2
Emotional ending!
Poor Quinn gets put through the right ringer in this one 🙈
After being taken at the end of the previous book I like that we get insight into this from the men’s PoVs and the worry they feel. 😣 I thought her actual saving might have been had a little more resistance/fanfare but that’s just my personal opinion.
Dealing with the aftermath of her abduction Quinn’s shaken and takes strength from her men to keep going, especially as Hunter is going to need support too! However life can be cruel and after losing the only person who ever looked out for her for nothing grief threatens to swallow her whole 😢 not only that but everyone is on high alert after it’s discovered there’s a traitor amongst the midst who aided her abduction 😬
Rory is as protective as ever, Hunter her supporter and Meyer can’t let fit of that push and pull between them - together they really bring her out of her shell and remind her to live 😍 even if she needs to take vengeance into her own hands 💪💪
There’s a lot of hot heavy scenes within this book 🌶️ however there’s some things that are still left a little open, such as why Teo seems to hate Quinn; who else besides the one they discovered (trying not to give spoilers) was helping Trent as they make reference to there must have been a couple of people? Also it mentions her mom but not her father and what happened to him?
Enjoyed the twists regarding her wider blood family and what that meant for her - especially in her HEA 😊
July 17, 2025
Ugh! I feel like a jerk but the first book was WAY better than this one! This one was just fluff. I like these book but I don't like it when the author repeats and repeats or don't elaborate for the reader. I love the smut but that all there was. At least in the first book there was suspense and action and in this one it was all smut, some action and some suspense.
2 Smutty Stars (sorry)
2 Smutty Stars (sorry)
November 13, 2024
The last 250 pages were just nothing but mundane things. No plot no action. Also I don’t understand why the younger brother was so weird about the fmc and why the author brought it up so much if she wasn’t going to do anything with it.
May 2, 2024
From the cliffhanger in the last book, we go straight into the guys POV. A lot happens, our FMC does actually learn self defence, how to wield weapons which is a good thing imo given the guys she’s living with.
However, this book didn’t have the same ooomph! for me as the first one. There were also a few repeats of the same paragraphs from different POV, and introductions of characters that you thought would lead to a storyline but didn’t. These didn’t have an effect on the story as a whole just left you perplexed as to why introduce them.
However, this book didn’t have the same ooomph! for me as the first one. There were also a few repeats of the same paragraphs from different POV, and introductions of characters that you thought would lead to a storyline but didn’t. These didn’t have an effect on the story as a whole just left you perplexed as to why introduce them.
January 9, 2026
2 🌟
Honestly loved the first book but I genuinely think this second book was just so…boring.
There’s a lot of aspects where I was like “thats it?”
For example I feel like the way Trent was defeated was just too easy and so fast. If Tommy could die so quickly than how was Trent just donzo that fast? Yk what I mean super anticlimactic.
After dealing with Trent aftermath it just felt like an extra long epilogue with very boring day to day activities almost like I wasn’t too interested. I wanted to really like this but 🙂 It is what it is
Honestly loved the first book but I genuinely think this second book was just so…boring.
There’s a lot of aspects where I was like “thats it?”
For example I feel like the way Trent was defeated was just too easy and so fast. If Tommy could die so quickly than how was Trent just donzo that fast? Yk what I mean super anticlimactic.
After dealing with Trent aftermath it just felt like an extra long epilogue with very boring day to day activities almost like I wasn’t too interested. I wanted to really like this but 🙂 It is what it is
November 1, 2023
Conclusion to Quinn’s story
I feel like I was waiting extra long time for this release. To finish Quinn story along with her men Hunter, Meyer and Rory.
I loved book one to this duet and I was so excited for book two. It was good but it just wasn’t as good as book one. I felt like it was lacking. It was so many words about her lose with Tommy and her constant getting over her past. LOTS of smut. But the plot and story it was like you would start on something then skip ahead to after it was over and maybe have a flashback or comments on what happened. Most of the things open are finalized but like I said as an after it happened kind of way. The only thing that wasn’t is Meyers brother hating her we don’t know why (it was a big deal so I felt like we should have seen more. We don’t really find out who else betrayed her and the guys. Also this book is only about 85% till it ends and the rest is all for another book. To me that’s annoying. There are also some errors in the book as well that definitely pulled me from the story.
I feel like I was waiting extra long time for this release. To finish Quinn story along with her men Hunter, Meyer and Rory.
I loved book one to this duet and I was so excited for book two. It was good but it just wasn’t as good as book one. I felt like it was lacking. It was so many words about her lose with Tommy and her constant getting over her past. LOTS of smut. But the plot and story it was like you would start on something then skip ahead to after it was over and maybe have a flashback or comments on what happened. Most of the things open are finalized but like I said as an after it happened kind of way. The only thing that wasn’t is Meyers brother hating her we don’t know why (it was a big deal so I felt like we should have seen more. We don’t really find out who else betrayed her and the guys. Also this book is only about 85% till it ends and the rest is all for another book. To me that’s annoying. There are also some errors in the book as well that definitely pulled me from the story.
Read
April 24, 2025DNF at 45 percent
March 1, 2026
Fantastic!
An absolutely brilliant end to a fantastic duet!
Loved this story so much, and beautifully written. Lily is an outstanding author.
I can't wait to jump into Lily's backlist, I have some catching up to do.
An absolutely brilliant end to a fantastic duet!
Loved this story so much, and beautifully written. Lily is an outstanding author.
I can't wait to jump into Lily's backlist, I have some catching up to do.
November 5, 2023
The Truths We Seek
This book starts right where the last book left us as we are thrown into right back into Quinn’s crazy, intense and full of action world. I loved that this book gave us more of the relationship growth between her and the guys. I do wish that we had a little bit more of an epilogue but I’m hopeful that it was left open because we might see more of them in a future book!
This book starts right where the last book left us as we are thrown into right back into Quinn’s crazy, intense and full of action world. I loved that this book gave us more of the relationship growth between her and the guys. I do wish that we had a little bit more of an epilogue but I’m hopeful that it was left open because we might see more of them in a future book!
November 23, 2023
I wanted to love this book so much, I loved book 1 and was eager to find out answers...... which we never got. So many plot holes, unanswered questions and fade to black moments of "walk into a room and the next page is 3 months later"...
Who all betrayed the family? I think the author was eluding to the younger brother at one point but who knows, it was never explained why he hated Quinn so much
There was a girl that worked at the bar that disappeared in the first book that I thought was going to have something to do with it but *shrugs shoulders*
Who was Quinns dad?
How did Tommy find her, did he know he was her (spoiler)
Did everyone in the P.D. in her little town know about her being kidnapped and just didn't care?
Why all the time jumps, when Rory finds out that (spoiler) was one of the betrayers, it seemed like weeks or months before anything was done to them
She never found out about the tracker
Who all betrayed the family? I think the author was eluding to the younger brother at one point but who knows, it was never explained why he hated Quinn so much
There was a girl that worked at the bar that disappeared in the first book that I thought was going to have something to do with it but *shrugs shoulders*
Who was Quinns dad?
How did Tommy find her, did he know he was her (spoiler)
Did everyone in the P.D. in her little town know about her being kidnapped and just didn't care?
Why all the time jumps, when Rory finds out that (spoiler) was one of the betrayers, it seemed like weeks or months before anything was done to them
She never found out about the tracker
November 18, 2023
I loved the first book , this … I liked but it felt very rushed and all over the place.
MASSIVE Spoilers!!!!!
We never found out who all betrayed Quinn and the guys. That was such a huge part that just seemed to be forgotten about. Also on page 237 and 238 when Quinn and Meyer are in the warehouse for her birthday surprise… Author called Trent … Trey??? I went back pages trying to see if I missed something, went back even further to see if I was crazy about the name being Trent. Nope. Trey is Trent and no idea why it said Trey twice.
Never got the details on why Meyer’s younger brother disliked Quinn so much. Maybe he helped betray them?
What exactly happened to Harper? Is she swimming with the fishes or did they relocate her? Kept her locked up?
Did Tommy know she was related to him?
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!
The first book was full of detail. This one felt like the author didn’t have her heart in it and I hate to assume that, but it’s how it reads. It was just really off.
MASSIVE Spoilers!!!!!
We never found out who all betrayed Quinn and the guys. That was such a huge part that just seemed to be forgotten about. Also on page 237 and 238 when Quinn and Meyer are in the warehouse for her birthday surprise… Author called Trent … Trey??? I went back pages trying to see if I missed something, went back even further to see if I was crazy about the name being Trent. Nope. Trey is Trent and no idea why it said Trey twice.
Never got the details on why Meyer’s younger brother disliked Quinn so much. Maybe he helped betray them?
What exactly happened to Harper? Is she swimming with the fishes or did they relocate her? Kept her locked up?
Did Tommy know she was related to him?
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!
The first book was full of detail. This one felt like the author didn’t have her heart in it and I hate to assume that, but it’s how it reads. It was just really off.
November 29, 2023
I’m a little disappointed here. I really enjoyed the first book, but I kind of feel let down by this one. Firstly, I think there needs to be some editing done as there are quite a few details that are either out of place or just wrong. She’s blonde, but suddenly she has “long dark hair.” Trent was Trey at one point, Meyer was Meyers. Just things like that, that are not too serious but definitely end up making me pause and taking me out of the scene.
Warning: lots of spoilers below.
There were also some bigger things like plot lines that were seemingly dropped and details mentioned that lead nowhere. I still have so many questions and feel like I was left hanging. Like, what was Matteo’s issue with Quinn? Why was he so shady? What about that guy Reed that seemed super suspicious in the first book? Who were the other people that betrayed them to Trent? Why, if Angela was so close to Tommy, did we not really get any scenes with her, especially after his death? Why mention these things and not give a resolution? And I’m still not done with the questions. Where was the discussion about the tracker that they put in her? She never questioned how Rory got to her so fast after being taken? Why the sex club? It was so unimportant to the plot in both of the books but it was made to seem important. It could really have just been a normal bar/club for all we saw of it. Also, did Tommy know who she was to him since he was this hub of information and connections? Who was her father and did he ever search for her? I could really go on and on with the list of unanswered questions here.
There was a lot of jumping around and it really felt in-cohesive and rushed. There’s a general theme of a lack of detail. Something seemingly urgent or important would happen and then suddenly it jumps to months later and the urgent/ important thing has not been addressed (like finding out about Harper’s betrayal).
Also, I just need to mention this. I can suspend my disbelief for a lot of things, but the story about her “parents” kidnapping her, leading to her real mom falling and dying (pretty sure that would be involuntary manslaughter at the VERY least) and then the Sheriff just being like, “nah it’s fine, you two drug-addled criminals who just literally kidnapped a child for ransom will not only face no repercussions, but can keep the baby.” Truly one of the most ridiculous things I’ve probably ever read, and I read A LOT lol.
And this is no hate whatsoever. This author is obviously talented, based on how well done the first installment was. I just wish more effort went into this one. I know it’s not uncommon, so I really hope the author (and an editor) take another look through this book and make some updates/ fill in the many gaps. Because this could have been SO GOOD, but it totally fell flat.
Warning: lots of spoilers below.
There were also some bigger things like plot lines that were seemingly dropped and details mentioned that lead nowhere. I still have so many questions and feel like I was left hanging. Like, what was Matteo’s issue with Quinn? Why was he so shady? What about that guy Reed that seemed super suspicious in the first book? Who were the other people that betrayed them to Trent? Why, if Angela was so close to Tommy, did we not really get any scenes with her, especially after his death? Why mention these things and not give a resolution? And I’m still not done with the questions. Where was the discussion about the tracker that they put in her? She never questioned how Rory got to her so fast after being taken? Why the sex club? It was so unimportant to the plot in both of the books but it was made to seem important. It could really have just been a normal bar/club for all we saw of it. Also, did Tommy know who she was to him since he was this hub of information and connections? Who was her father and did he ever search for her? I could really go on and on with the list of unanswered questions here.
There was a lot of jumping around and it really felt in-cohesive and rushed. There’s a general theme of a lack of detail. Something seemingly urgent or important would happen and then suddenly it jumps to months later and the urgent/ important thing has not been addressed (like finding out about Harper’s betrayal).
Also, I just need to mention this. I can suspend my disbelief for a lot of things, but the story about her “parents” kidnapping her, leading to her real mom falling and dying (pretty sure that would be involuntary manslaughter at the VERY least) and then the Sheriff just being like, “nah it’s fine, you two drug-addled criminals who just literally kidnapped a child for ransom will not only face no repercussions, but can keep the baby.” Truly one of the most ridiculous things I’ve probably ever read, and I read A LOT lol.
And this is no hate whatsoever. This author is obviously talented, based on how well done the first installment was. I just wish more effort went into this one. I know it’s not uncommon, so I really hope the author (and an editor) take another look through this book and make some updates/ fill in the many gaps. Because this could have been SO GOOD, but it totally fell flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
Ugh, where to begin with my issues with this book...
1. Insta-love. The guys are in love with Quinn before ever even truly meeting her or speaking to her. Wild move, especially considering this is not a standalone, so you have time to build out the relationships.
But as the duet continues, I don't think we ever really get any real relationship growth. A lot of the interactions feel surface level, and I'm sort of confused as to how they're so in-love when I can't actually see their relationships deepening on the page.
2. The time jumps & overall pacing. There are so many time jumps throughout this book that it's exhausting. And I'm not just talking about the blatant time jumps that are labeled for us at the start of a chapter, letting us know if what we're about to read is from the past, or if we've moved forward in time.
I'm talking about the little hidden time jumps where you're reading a chapter and the sentence ends on a note about how they're discussing Thanksgiving, then you get a break in the chapter, and then the next sentence is immediately talking about how it's Christmas.
So... We've just missed an entire month in the span of a chapter break and for what?
This happens constantly throughout the duet, and it just genuinely does not work, especially when you consider that years will pass over the course of the duet, and that's all time that we're missing in character growth and relationship development.
3. The trauma treatment. At the start of the first book, our FMC is traumatized from her abusive relationship and being on the run for years, with her abusive ex always managing to find her.
The way that this series doesn't show our FMC's growth and the way she works to overcome her trauma is a sore point for me. Once she's in the guys' house, being held captive, she gives in way too easily for someone who has been through what she's been through. It didn't work.
4. Loose ends. JFC, the amount of loose ends by the end of this duet? What's Mateo's issue with our FMC? Who actually betrayed the guys other than just Harper? What was Tommy's deal with the Knights? Now that the guys have just given over control of the city (also wtf), are they no longer rescuing trafficking victims? And holy hell, what in the fuck is up with that absolutely unhinged backstory of our FMC's childhood with absolutely no real explanation of it at all?
This duet unfortunately follows too many tropes without giving us solid structure with the writing and the plot, so everything falls so flat.
1. Insta-love. The guys are in love with Quinn before ever even truly meeting her or speaking to her. Wild move, especially considering this is not a standalone, so you have time to build out the relationships.
But as the duet continues, I don't think we ever really get any real relationship growth. A lot of the interactions feel surface level, and I'm sort of confused as to how they're so in-love when I can't actually see their relationships deepening on the page.
2. The time jumps & overall pacing. There are so many time jumps throughout this book that it's exhausting. And I'm not just talking about the blatant time jumps that are labeled for us at the start of a chapter, letting us know if what we're about to read is from the past, or if we've moved forward in time.
I'm talking about the little hidden time jumps where you're reading a chapter and the sentence ends on a note about how they're discussing Thanksgiving, then you get a break in the chapter, and then the next sentence is immediately talking about how it's Christmas.
So... We've just missed an entire month in the span of a chapter break and for what?
This happens constantly throughout the duet, and it just genuinely does not work, especially when you consider that years will pass over the course of the duet, and that's all time that we're missing in character growth and relationship development.
3. The trauma treatment. At the start of the first book, our FMC is traumatized from her abusive relationship and being on the run for years, with her abusive ex always managing to find her.
The way that this series doesn't show our FMC's growth and the way she works to overcome her trauma is a sore point for me. Once she's in the guys' house, being held captive, she gives in way too easily for someone who has been through what she's been through. It didn't work.
4. Loose ends. JFC, the amount of loose ends by the end of this duet? What's Mateo's issue with our FMC? Who actually betrayed the guys other than just Harper? What was Tommy's deal with the Knights? Now that the guys have just given over control of the city (also wtf), are they no longer rescuing trafficking victims? And holy hell, what in the fuck is up with that absolutely unhinged backstory of our FMC's childhood with absolutely no real explanation of it at all?
This duet unfortunately follows too many tropes without giving us solid structure with the writing and the plot, so everything falls so flat.
July 14, 2024
So I really loved the first book to this duet The Secrets We Keep and was hoping for more from this one.
I was really bummed about Tommy dying and felt the story would of progressed better if Quinn used her inheritance from him to fund her own self stability and revenge.
Hunter drives me absolutely mad.. the biggest simp of them all.. like seriously.. it's his dumb "wait in the bathroom" game that gets Quinn kidnapped by Trevor in the first place and him ultimately almost getting stabbed to death ..
Quinn comes to visit Hunter in his hospital room after Rory saves her from Trent ..
All this apparently lines up for a steamy ER scene.. sorry , but reading that sounded about as fun as getting a catheter.
Him and those fuzzy socks though, such a redeemable feature to his absolute wisconsin swiss cheese personality.
Rory is suppose to be the strong arm but can't get Trent to talk for almost nothing..honestly after the knife scene with him and Quinn, I feel he's more of a sadist than a so called enforcer .. and what ever did happen to Harper ??
There was a lot of filler going on in this book with the Tina incident and planning parties and shopping with Shae.
Quinn didn't come of as a "monster" at all in this story because Trent honestly didn't suffer enough before her and Meyer had there little morbid scene and the "end it" line to Hunter in her so called patents house felt a bit rushed. But of course Hunter had to get another scene in of him and Quinn losing control on each other on the way back home.
I love the power move Quinn made for "Bruno" and his Lil ones though. My favorite part of the story to be quite frank cause hey sometimes it's the little things that help you really appreciate a character and their development.
All the Taylor Swift Music references though... yuck!!
I'd rather read about spit play and listen to my stomach turn.
2 for every 1 when there's 3 on Quinns big 29+1.. just know it's about time they all act as if they like each other, but that was a bit of an over zealous goal there Meyer..lol
I recommend this book and duet for those interested in reading a why choose romance that dances a bit on the darker side of morality. Don't fall surprised if it leaves you feeling like you want more as it's very well written from multiple perspectives.
I was really bummed about Tommy dying and felt the story would of progressed better if Quinn used her inheritance from him to fund her own self stability and revenge.
Hunter drives me absolutely mad.. the biggest simp of them all.. like seriously.. it's his dumb "wait in the bathroom" game that gets Quinn kidnapped by Trevor in the first place and him ultimately almost getting stabbed to death ..
Quinn comes to visit Hunter in his hospital room after Rory saves her from Trent ..
All this apparently lines up for a steamy ER scene.. sorry , but reading that sounded about as fun as getting a catheter.
Him and those fuzzy socks though, such a redeemable feature to his absolute wisconsin swiss cheese personality.
Rory is suppose to be the strong arm but can't get Trent to talk for almost nothing..honestly after the knife scene with him and Quinn, I feel he's more of a sadist than a so called enforcer .. and what ever did happen to Harper ??
There was a lot of filler going on in this book with the Tina incident and planning parties and shopping with Shae.
Quinn didn't come of as a "monster" at all in this story because Trent honestly didn't suffer enough before her and Meyer had there little morbid scene and the "end it" line to Hunter in her so called patents house felt a bit rushed. But of course Hunter had to get another scene in of him and Quinn losing control on each other on the way back home.
I love the power move Quinn made for "Bruno" and his Lil ones though. My favorite part of the story to be quite frank cause hey sometimes it's the little things that help you really appreciate a character and their development.
All the Taylor Swift Music references though... yuck!!
I'd rather read about spit play and listen to my stomach turn.
2 for every 1 when there's 3 on Quinns big 29+1.. just know it's about time they all act as if they like each other, but that was a bit of an over zealous goal there Meyer..lol
I recommend this book and duet for those interested in reading a why choose romance that dances a bit on the darker side of morality. Don't fall surprised if it leaves you feeling like you want more as it's very well written from multiple perspectives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
3 ⭐️ for the conclusion of Quinn’s story!
This is the second book & the conclusion to The Secrets We Keep Duet by Lily Wildhart. I really enjoyed the first book and easily gave it 4 ⭐️! The cliffhanger at the end of Book 1 was so stressful that I immediately jumped right into the second book. However, in my opinion, the second book did not meet the same standards as the first. I was left with some unanswered questions & found the book to be lacking some excitement. Here’s my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I enjoyed reading this book & would recommend.
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ Good plot/spice balance! The boys are just as kinky in the second book.
Check your triggers ‼️
This review will definitely contain spoilers for Book 1 - The Secrets We Keep. Start there before reading this book!
The Truths We Seek starts with a flashback but then quickly picks right up where the cliffhanger from book 1 left off. The book is told in multiple POV (same as book 1) with Quinn telling the majority of the story. My heart really broke for Quinn in the book. But we get to see her grow from her trauma and come out stronger! The boys are very patient with Quinn and give her the time and space she needs to heal and grow.
The story felt very rushed and I think that’s because time moves very fast in this story. It kind of bothered me. I felt that a lot of the scenes left off without finishing and then time would jump forward by months or weeks. It left me questioning a lot of what was happening in between time jumps.
In Book 2 the reader learns a little bit more about Tommy’s connections with the boys, but not much more about the boys past or how they came to be so close to one another. Most of the loose ends are wrapped up. There were some revelations that really surprise me! Quinn’s backstory was definitely not expected but really began to make sense. It fit really nicely into the story & makes me wonder if Tommy knew. I still have a lot of questions about Meyers’ brother, Mateo, and why he holds such animosity towards Quinn. Nothing was revealed in this duet that would explain his behavior but his standoffish attitude has to come from somewhere. Maybe there’s a new spinoff in the works.
Overall, The Truths We Seek wraps up Quinn’s story pretty nicely. Quinn definitely gets the closure she needs and she’s able to move on from her past trauma. There’s a HEA for all involved!
This is the second book & the conclusion to The Secrets We Keep Duet by Lily Wildhart. I really enjoyed the first book and easily gave it 4 ⭐️! The cliffhanger at the end of Book 1 was so stressful that I immediately jumped right into the second book. However, in my opinion, the second book did not meet the same standards as the first. I was left with some unanswered questions & found the book to be lacking some excitement. Here’s my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I enjoyed reading this book & would recommend.
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ Good plot/spice balance! The boys are just as kinky in the second book.
Check your triggers ‼️
This review will definitely contain spoilers for Book 1 - The Secrets We Keep. Start there before reading this book!
The Truths We Seek starts with a flashback but then quickly picks right up where the cliffhanger from book 1 left off. The book is told in multiple POV (same as book 1) with Quinn telling the majority of the story. My heart really broke for Quinn in the book. But we get to see her grow from her trauma and come out stronger! The boys are very patient with Quinn and give her the time and space she needs to heal and grow.
The story felt very rushed and I think that’s because time moves very fast in this story. It kind of bothered me. I felt that a lot of the scenes left off without finishing and then time would jump forward by months or weeks. It left me questioning a lot of what was happening in between time jumps.
In Book 2 the reader learns a little bit more about Tommy’s connections with the boys, but not much more about the boys past or how they came to be so close to one another. Most of the loose ends are wrapped up. There were some revelations that really surprise me! Quinn’s backstory was definitely not expected but really began to make sense. It fit really nicely into the story & makes me wonder if Tommy knew. I still have a lot of questions about Meyers’ brother, Mateo, and why he holds such animosity towards Quinn. Nothing was revealed in this duet that would explain his behavior but his standoffish attitude has to come from somewhere. Maybe there’s a new spinoff in the works.
Overall, The Truths We Seek wraps up Quinn’s story pretty nicely. Quinn definitely gets the closure she needs and she’s able to move on from her past trauma. There’s a HEA for all involved!
October 16, 2025
WHY. I have more questions than answers. UGH.
Im mad and I never wrote reviews but I need to vent right now. I ended up having more questions than answers!!!! The ending was so rushed I was confused and tried to remain hopeful that we’d get answers, but do we? NO instead we get a chapter long sex scene which was useless and an epilogue on someone else’s baby shower which the MMCs were barely even mentioned in- adding NOTHING to the plot or character development. Now I’m about to add spoilers so stop reading now or read with caution…………………………………………
Mateo was mentioned like 4 times in total, the 2 interactions he has with Quinn were short and they made note that he was spiteful to her….. other characters take note and say “mmm why does he act that way with her?” Here I am thinking it’s foreshadowing… ITS NOT. BC WE DONT GET ANSWERS. She gets fucking kidnapped by her abusive Ex. She’s saved within half a chapter, then the MMCs take the ex to torture and see how he found her. He tells them it’s multiple people that helped him but only gives us 1 name to start. So at 75-80% in they’re on a hunt for answers on who else betrayed them… do u think we got those answers? NO WE DIDNT. I’m so mad cuz I just finished but also sad bc this book was set up as 5 stars from me and I ended up giving it 3 generous stars. Useless ending. Useless epilogue. No character background on the MMCs. Just way more questions than answers. On a brighter note, book 1 was 5 stars at least.
Im mad and I never wrote reviews but I need to vent right now. I ended up having more questions than answers!!!! The ending was so rushed I was confused and tried to remain hopeful that we’d get answers, but do we? NO instead we get a chapter long sex scene which was useless and an epilogue on someone else’s baby shower which the MMCs were barely even mentioned in- adding NOTHING to the plot or character development. Now I’m about to add spoilers so stop reading now or read with caution…………………………………………
Mateo was mentioned like 4 times in total, the 2 interactions he has with Quinn were short and they made note that he was spiteful to her….. other characters take note and say “mmm why does he act that way with her?” Here I am thinking it’s foreshadowing… ITS NOT. BC WE DONT GET ANSWERS. She gets fucking kidnapped by her abusive Ex. She’s saved within half a chapter, then the MMCs take the ex to torture and see how he found her. He tells them it’s multiple people that helped him but only gives us 1 name to start. So at 75-80% in they’re on a hunt for answers on who else betrayed them… do u think we got those answers? NO WE DIDNT. I’m so mad cuz I just finished but also sad bc this book was set up as 5 stars from me and I ended up giving it 3 generous stars. Useless ending. Useless epilogue. No character background on the MMCs. Just way more questions than answers. On a brighter note, book 1 was 5 stars at least.
August 27, 2025
Okay!!!! This is the second book of this series and it honestly was a pleasant surprise. As a woman who doesn’t always believe in all conventual ways I really enjoyed this book. This was a series I downloaded without reading the synopsis so I went into this one blind and it turned out to be fabulous. Essentially Quinn runs away from her abusive POS ex who finds her multiple times. She has a guardian angel Tommy who helps her find new identity and start over and protected by three beautiful men who have enormous wealth, and are essentially the head of a mob. Insert their love and desire to keep her protected at all times. She find herself, her strength and even able to face her fears, overcome them and help others that were in a similar situation. Oh and There was a ton of unexpected and sexy smut- each men have very different styles but oh so fun! Let’s just say “good girl” which I completely understand how hearing those words melt the soul! In the end she is in a relationship with all three of the equally and it somehow works out well- I think this is a fin notion - can this actually happen in real life!?!
Anyway- enjoy and happy reading!!!
Anyway- enjoy and happy reading!!!
February 19, 2026
The first book was mediocre, but I am annoyed by how bad this second one is. Beyond just my personal pet peeves with how unrealistic and unsafe the depictions of kink here are, both the plot and the romance fall incredibly flat.
There is no real or satisfactory conclusion - the guys give up the life but not completely, they find a mole but not all of them, they deal with Trent but not really, they introduce more conflict with her parental storyline as an afterthought… it’s just messy.
Now I am aware that this is a dark romance, but I personally did not enjoy how often the fmc had to gaslight herself into believing that these men weren’t manipulating or abusing her just because it wasn’t the same kind of abuse she got from her ex. It felt very much like “oh it’s ok that they’re violating and controlling you because their intentions are better than that other asshole.” Not to mention that every single female character had a backstory that included either abuse, rape, trafficking, or all of the above.
There is no real or satisfactory conclusion - the guys give up the life but not completely, they find a mole but not all of them, they deal with Trent but not really, they introduce more conflict with her parental storyline as an afterthought… it’s just messy.
Now I am aware that this is a dark romance, but I personally did not enjoy how often the fmc had to gaslight herself into believing that these men weren’t manipulating or abusing her just because it wasn’t the same kind of abuse she got from her ex. It felt very much like “oh it’s ok that they’re violating and controlling you because their intentions are better than that other asshole.” Not to mention that every single female character had a backstory that included either abuse, rape, trafficking, or all of the above.
November 12, 2023
Quinn is back!
This book spans several months were we see how the events of the previous book play out in Quinn's life and how she deals with them. She's stronger than ever and her guys just as protective. The scene where she runs into her old apartment (if you're wondering, you need to GO READ THE BOOK!) gave me life!
Really enjoyed the final book for this story and how it interlinked with other series within the same world. Definitely left me wanted to know more about how everything connects!
There were definitely a couple of points I wish had mode details when things were discovered and resolved, like her past and her parents as well as the final decision by the guys in regards to their business. I also almost wish that Quinn had been a bit more involved with things instead of staying home so we could fully see how far she'd come but it made sense for the characters and she got to have a say in the important events that related to her
This book spans several months were we see how the events of the previous book play out in Quinn's life and how she deals with them. She's stronger than ever and her guys just as protective. The scene where she runs into her old apartment (if you're wondering, you need to GO READ THE BOOK!) gave me life!
Really enjoyed the final book for this story and how it interlinked with other series within the same world. Definitely left me wanted to know more about how everything connects!
There were definitely a couple of points I wish had mode details when things were discovered and resolved, like her past and her parents as well as the final decision by the guys in regards to their business. I also almost wish that Quinn had been a bit more involved with things instead of staying home so we could fully see how far she'd come but it made sense for the characters and she got to have a say in the important events that related to her
March 17, 2024
🔪 🩸 🍹
⭐️ BOOK REVIEW ⭐️
The Truths We Seek by Lily Wildhart
🎶 PAINT IT BLACK - Arankai
Book two picks up straight after book one and we Rory out to find Quinn and Meyer taking care of Hunter. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait long to get Quinn back with her men, and finally the threat against her is taken care of.
We have some deep concepts here, including past traumas which Quinn begins to conquer here. I loved how Quinn was still confident, and I just wish her men would give her more responsibility. Her men treated her as a queen and they gave her everything.
This book gets a little spicier a lot quicker than book one. It was good and addictive and that group scene we FINALLY got at the end…. Whew that was hot.
The book itself was good and over all the duet was addictive to write. However, I will say that this book could have been a happy end if it was around 75%.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
⭐️ BOOK REVIEW ⭐️
The Truths We Seek by Lily Wildhart
🎶 PAINT IT BLACK - Arankai
Book two picks up straight after book one and we Rory out to find Quinn and Meyer taking care of Hunter. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait long to get Quinn back with her men, and finally the threat against her is taken care of.
We have some deep concepts here, including past traumas which Quinn begins to conquer here. I loved how Quinn was still confident, and I just wish her men would give her more responsibility. Her men treated her as a queen and they gave her everything.
This book gets a little spicier a lot quicker than book one. It was good and addictive and that group scene we FINALLY got at the end…. Whew that was hot.
The book itself was good and over all the duet was addictive to write. However, I will say that this book could have been a happy end if it was around 75%.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
October 24, 2025
Half baked at best. Triggers here are no joke, there’s an access of dark kink, and an abundance of bloody smut.
But if you want questions answered, you’ll be as disappointed as I was. There’s a multitude of threads that are either abandoned or left hanging, which was bad enough.
Worst is Quinn’s backstory which poured out in roughly a page and is the most ridiculous, lazy, useless piece writing in both books, this would ruin this series for me alone. 🎬Drug addicts try to kidnap child, accidentally kill single mom, get caught dumping child by sheriff who blackmails them to raise said child, they hate and abuse child. Father remains unknown, mother turns out to be sister of her savior with mafia ties and nobody looked her kid. 🤯
Second most irritating idiot plot burp, Meyer and family surrender their territory, and are left under the thumb of guy claiming what they built. Again this is told in a single text.
But if you want questions answered, you’ll be as disappointed as I was. There’s a multitude of threads that are either abandoned or left hanging, which was bad enough.
Worst is Quinn’s backstory which poured out in roughly a page and is the most ridiculous, lazy, useless piece writing in both books, this would ruin this series for me alone. 🎬Drug addicts try to kidnap child, accidentally kill single mom, get caught dumping child by sheriff who blackmails them to raise said child, they hate and abuse child. Father remains unknown, mother turns out to be sister of her savior with mafia ties and nobody looked her kid. 🤯
Second most irritating idiot plot burp, Meyer and family surrender their territory, and are left under the thumb of guy claiming what they built. Again this is told in a single text.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
“Live big, live loud, love wild and relentlessly.”
This is book two in The Secrets We Keep duet by Lily Wildhart. The book starts right where book one left us hanging and is action-packed at the start. I was surprised with how quickly several of the issues were resolved and the lack of action from the middle to the end of the book. I still enjoyed the book and the focus on Quinn and her relationships with the guys.
I loved the strength that Quinn showed in this book. She showed that she can take care of herself! I loved the guys. They were so protective of Quinn and created some really steamy scenes. I was so happy that Quinn was able to find the love she always desired even though she had to face some true heartbreak!
The book does give Quinn her HEA but I would love an extended epilogue to see them in the future. I also think there is enough of an opening that we could see more of them in the future; at least I hope so!
This is book two in The Secrets We Keep duet by Lily Wildhart. The book starts right where book one left us hanging and is action-packed at the start. I was surprised with how quickly several of the issues were resolved and the lack of action from the middle to the end of the book. I still enjoyed the book and the focus on Quinn and her relationships with the guys.
I loved the strength that Quinn showed in this book. She showed that she can take care of herself! I loved the guys. They were so protective of Quinn and created some really steamy scenes. I was so happy that Quinn was able to find the love she always desired even though she had to face some true heartbreak!
The book does give Quinn her HEA but I would love an extended epilogue to see them in the future. I also think there is enough of an opening that we could see more of them in the future; at least I hope so!
November 5, 2023
I wanted to love this so much..
I was so excited for this book. I finished The Secrets We Keep at the beginning of October so as soon as I realized that this had released, I dropped my current read and ran! I feel like halfway through writing the book the author was just ready to be done. We are left with a bunch of questions surrounding who else helped Trent, how the guys transitioned to being above the board, how did mama Angela handle the death of *you know who*, Where was Teo and why was he never around and why did he hate Quinn so much... There was a lot unresolved and for this being a completed duet, I just dont understand. I loved what was there... It was great getting to see the holidays and birthdays and how Quinn transitioned and allowed herself to take up space, but the gaps just left too much, unfortunately.
I was so excited for this book. I finished The Secrets We Keep at the beginning of October so as soon as I realized that this had released, I dropped my current read and ran! I feel like halfway through writing the book the author was just ready to be done. We are left with a bunch of questions surrounding who else helped Trent, how the guys transitioned to being above the board, how did mama Angela handle the death of *you know who*, Where was Teo and why was he never around and why did he hate Quinn so much... There was a lot unresolved and for this being a completed duet, I just dont understand. I loved what was there... It was great getting to see the holidays and birthdays and how Quinn transitioned and allowed herself to take up space, but the gaps just left too much, unfortunately.
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