The Secrets That They Keep is a gritty and dark thriller with morally complex characters from debut author T.M. Lore.
Alyx Beck is caught in a nasty web. Driven by her determination to care for her neurodivergent twin brother she navigates a treacherous world where sex and money intertwine. As events spiral, both their lives hang in the balance and survival becomes the ultimate goal. Sometimes for the fly to survive it must kill the spider.
Alyx has to fake it several times a day. Fake the desire, the lust, and the orgasms. What she doesn't have to fake is her love for her neurodivergent twin brother or her allegiance to her employer. She'll do whatever her handler requires of her. They've taken care of her since her parents died tragically, and they've never steered her wrong. They pay her well so she can care for her brother's needs, too. However, when Alyx's driver/bodyguard-and only friend- Sasha, goes missing with $100K, her devotion can no longer shield her from her handler's wrath. As events spiral Alyx realizes-a little too late-that she has been backing the wrong people. She's caught in a sticky web and there is only one way out-but she may have to get a little blood on her hands.
It's Promising Young Woman meets Filthy Rich, with a touch of Haunting Adeline, Gone Girl, and Luckiest Girl Alive.
This dark thriller has a female protagonist, neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ characters.
T.M. Lore is a writer of dark'ish things. A lot of spice that leans on the darker side, too. Please check out her debut thriller novel "The Secrets That They Keep." It's dark and twisty! If you want to know more about her or her writing visit her website https://tmlore.carrd.co
To support herself and her autistic twin brother, Alyx has chosen the life of a high end call girl. She leads a tough life, not necessarily enjoying her role, but she’s a great actor and her skills are well sort after. When her friend turns up dead, Alyx’s life take a turn and those acting skills are put to the test. Realising the company she works for is corrupt, Alyx must be brave and tenacious to keep those she loves safe and infiltrate a twisted ring of deceit.
Ending on a cliffhanger that left me gagging for more.
Check those trigger warnings first.
I was sent this book by the author and all opinions are my own.
This one was a doozy! I am not typically a spicy book reader, so this was a little much for me. I did enjoy the story of the book and became invested in what happens with Alyx and her brother. I am giving it 3 stars because of the spice level of the book. I read it as an ARC, but I don't think it is one I would have picked out on my own to read. If you are into the spicy books and thrillers/suspenseful books this will be a good book for you.
I approached this novel fully aware that it delves into dark and intense territory, blending DARK elements of suspense, thriller, and HEAVY spice. It’s crucial for readers to review the TRIGGER WARNINGS before diving in, as the story explores mature and potentially distressing themes. With that understanding, here is my review:
5⭐️ / 5🌶️ T.M. Lore offers a raw and gripping look into the hidden world of Alyx Beck, a “high-end escort” and the novel’s complex female protagonist. After the sudden death of her parents at a young age, Alyx takes on the responsibility of caring for her neurodivergent twin brother. In doing so, she is drawn—through manipulation and coercion—into a dangerous underworld marked by sex, wealth, corruption, secrets , abuse, and violence.
Conditioned to be obedient and compliant to survive, Alyx abides by five rules: 1. Leave no evidence behind. 2. Never reveal your age. 3. Stay in position until told otherwise. 4. Don’t listen too closely. 5. Always use protection.
When her trusted driver and friend disappears—along with a substantial sum of money—Alyx’s carefully controlled world begins to spiral. As secrets emerge and the stakes rise, she is forced to confront painful truths, lie, and make impossible decisions to protect her brother, reclaiming the life she feels complicit in creating.
T.M. Lore’s writing is outstanding, weaving a gripping narrative and well-paced plot that held my attention from beginning to end. The novel pulls readers into a shadowy and unsettling world that reflects some of the darkest aspects of modern society. Lore tackles sensitive and challenging topics—including kidnapping, grooming, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking—with unflinching honesty and emotional depth, making for a powerful and thought-provoking read.
The story concludes with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me completely invested in Alyx and her brother’s fate. I’m eagerly anticipating reading Book 2—this series has me hooked!
Rated MM for Massively Mature. Adults only read. Like fully developed frontal lobe only read. So very dark, but I couldn’t put it down.
Rape, violence, human trafficking, grooming, murder etc etc etc. If it is morally reprehensible it makes an appearance in this book. Reading this made me think about Epstein. This is a work of “fiction” but is unfortunately a reality for far too many people. And as difficult as the subject matter is, it’s important to know of and be aware about the very real problem of human sex trafficking.
A few moments I felt were a little indulgent for my personal taste, but it was gripping.
There is a line that I won’t quote because it’s definitely rated R, but it made me chuckle with how clever it was. Some snappy writing.
CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! Your mental health matters.
This book is so wonderfully written. This dark mystery thriller dives right into a compelling story of strength, survival and doing everything you can for someone you love. I could not put it down. Watching Alyx come to terms with who she is and why was beautifully heartbreaking especially as a survivor myself.
"The Secrets That They Keep" is the debut dark mystery/thriller from T.M. Lore. It's about Alyx Beck, a sex worker that finds herself thrust into a dark and twisted underworld as everything she thought she knew of her life and her work is flipped upside down on the same night some money goes missing and people show up dead. But when her life, and the life of her younger brother, is threatened, she will stop at nothing to protect what she loves.
This was a rollercoaster of a book, and I had no idea what I was getting in to. This book is very dark and very heavy, and deals with very serious, even taboo, topics. Please check your trigger warnings before reading. This book was written wonderfully, had (sort of?) likeable characters, and the dialogue is great. There is spice; I'd say nothing overly graphic, but it's there.
This is book one in a planned series, so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. A true WTF moment. This book left me feeling angry and upset, while also making me laugh and providing moments of levity when needed. This is not a book for newer readers of dark mysteries or thrillers. But it has a lot to say about the evils of sex kidnapping and trafficking, and the PEOPLE that are FORCED to live this life every day.
Also: this is why we choose the bear. Every single time.
Recommended for fans of dark mystery/thriller books, that don't mind very heavy themes and topics. It releases October 3rd in paperback and ebook.
This book was amazing! I gave it 5 stars but it deserves a lot more than that. Once I started it, I cldnt put it down, read it all in one day. It follows a girl named Alyx who has been sexually assaulted and sold into sex slavery since she was young. Her parents died when her and her twin brother, who has high functioning autism, were younger, forcing Alyx to take care of him and make sure he was safe and had his medications. She finds herself in so many horrible situations, and forces herself to stay calm and say and do what she knows her “uncle” and clients want, no matter the cost. When some of her fellow co-workers are killed, she does everything she can to keep those she cares about safe. This will make you cry and at times will make you so mad, but it depicts the horrible things that actually happen all over the world everyday. Human trafficking is at an all time high and this book gives you an insight on what those who have been trafficked and groomed have to live through. The author even put places and numbers for her readers to have if they need help. I believe every adult should read this book to get a glimpse of what human, sex trafficking does and even sex slavery. T.M Lore did such an amazing job in this book. Kept me on the edge of my seat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A book I physically couldn't put down! I read this super quick and am floored by the writing style, expertise, and execution of the author. This was my first book of hers, and it definitely won't be my last. This Dark Thriller is about a woman named Alyx and follows her day-to-day life in the sex industry. She takes care of her autistic twin brother named Trenton, who is very capable and loves his sister. She does what she does to provide for him and his medication all while trying to keep him safe and protect him.She's put through the ringer as you follow her from client to client, see her daily struggles, and see how her life unfolds. As everything goes like it always does, suddenly Alyx's driver ditches her with all of her hard earned coin and her boss's cut. Starting a string of violence, death's, and trials as the boss's search for their money and seek revenge. With major plot twists you won't see coming, people working undercover, and Alyx getting a promotion she's not ready for, this book will have you on the edge of your seat. As things end on a secret island with a feast, sacrifices, and a new king. Things unfold with the boss's daughter being rescued and taken, multiple arrests, as the FBI invades and brings most of the operation down. Alyx is now their eyes on the inside as she takes her place as Queen next to her King of the sex world. Ending leaving you wanting more info, wanting to know what happens with the rest of the characters and Trenton, as the boss tries to salvage his way of life and livelihood. I can't wait for more!! .... What to Expect .... Dark Thriller, suspense, grooming, betrayal, scandal, sex trafficking, rape, survival, lgbtq, autism, abuse, mention of child abduction and trafficking, murder, plot twists, cannibals, breeding, violence, and much more.
🕸 Dark Psychological Thriller 🕷 Victim/Survivor FMC 🕸 Mystery 🕷 LGBTQ+ Characters 🕸 Morally Complex Characters 🕷 Trigger Warnings 🕸 Your mental health matters
What would you be willing to do to look after the ones you hold near and dear?
Well this exceptional work follows the narrative of Alyx, a sex worker who claims to be supporting her neurodivergent brother since the passing of their parents. However, as the story progresses and her colleagues begin to vanish, the underlying truth is gradually revealed. The author, T.M. Lore, demonstrates remarkable skill and meticulous attention to detail in crafting this narrative that addresses a challenging and prevalent societal issue. Through the eyes of Alyx, an unsuspecting victim, the story unfolds as she uncovers and dismantles a clandestine network on the island. Despite the personal risks involved, Alyx remains steadfast in her mission to protect and liberate others trapped within this exploitative system working alongside the FBI in secret. Alyx embodies resilience and strength, emerging as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
The Secrets That They Keep is available now on Kindle 😍🖤
Very smutty. This book doesn’t hold trigger warnings but sex trafficking, explicit sexual scenes, violence, drugs and etc are in this book. I enjoyed the plot and the story but I feel there could’ve been a book before this one that was a little more on the explanatory side so you wouldn’t have to go back because you were required to remember important information previously told.
I went into this blind and did not know what to expect. I was basically invested from the very beginning to see where this story went and I was truly not disappointed. TM Lore did such an amazing job telling this story. It’s rough. It’s not a glamorous happy ending love story. But it’s a great start to this journey. We follow Alyx Beck as her world starts to drastically change from everything she thought she knew. She finds out secret upon secret and her eyes are opened and a world she didn’t know existed becomes a big part of her moving forward. There was tension and such a diverse and complex list of characters that I hope to see more of! I loved this so much I gave my husband the cliff notes version because I just needed to talk about it! I am very excited to see where Alyx’s story takes us in book two!
Wow...what a roller coaster ride! This story is about a young woman named Alyx and what she goes through just to survive. It is a dark, spicy thriller with several TWs. Be sure to read those TWs because they'll hit you when you aren't paying attention. Sadly, many of the things that happen in the book, happen in real life. This book will have you wondering who are the real bad guys, who are the ones you can trust...or can you trust anyone? It will make you angry and it will make you sad, it will make you want to unalive some characters. This story will keep you reading and wanting more. I can't wait for more from TM Lore.
I really enjoyed this book; it was a super easy read and I loved the way it was written. I haven’t read a book about this topic before so it was very interesting to see the perspective of someone who is a sex worker.
Make sure to read the TW before u read this book! This book isn’t normally what I would read expect the mystery parts of it. Once I started reading it though wow! I couldn’t put it down. It was so good. It’s a very difficult topic she covers in the book and yet one that needs to be talked about. There’s a lot we don’t know about what happens in this world but the topic she covers is definitely one that needs to be explored more. I received this book as an arc from the author herself. She’s an amazing writer that really knows how to cover the topic mentioned in this book. SORRY I’M NOT SPOILING THIS ONE FOR U. You’ll have to read it for yourself. U won’t be disappointed though. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I rated this book 5 stars. It’s a hard and difficult topic to read . Yet, I kept not wanting to put it down due to it feeling so like I was right there with Alex the main character.
I knew it!!!! That ending hit but I knew it! Man so many things to sort through with this book. The injustice and utter disgust of the human trafficking industry, the story this book tells about it is bone chilling and infuriating. This was an interesting read
So flipping good! Sensitive topic that was written beautifully. Finished in 1.5 days and only because of work. Hooked me from the first pages and kept me intrigued throughout. The cliffhanger got me!! Gah can't wait for book 2.
**READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS AND THEN MAYBE READ THEM AGAIN BECAUSE I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU NOT READING YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!**
I could not put this down. I finished this 400-page book in under 24 hours, and to put that into perspective for you, I have two children and a very cute, but very needy husband.
I have so many things to say about this dark story, and I'm not sure how I can do that without giving you spoilers, but I will do my best.
First and foremost, this is a story of survival and strength that will have you proud of our main character and wanting to throw up as you discover what she is going through and all of the things she has already gone through. I feel like this author worked hard to make sure that everything in this book was handled in a way that was thought-provoking and fast-paced. Reading as our main character, Alyx, goes from a sex worker who thinks she is working the system to a woman who is aware of her scars and the scars of those around her, is a truly visceral experience that I think any woman who can stomach this book will come to greatly appreciate.
In Conclusion: This thriller will make you think about the social construct of our society while simultaneously keeping you on the very edge of your seat, waiting for the next blow and wondering if it will be the final one.
**If you'd like to hear more about this book, the #allindiebookclub will be going live on tiktok to discuss it at the end of the month! Feel free to join us!**
Alyx, our FMC really goes through it. Losing her parents from a young age forcing her to take care of her neurodivergent brother. In order to put food on the table and a roof over their heads she takes a job as a high end call girl. After her driver and friend end up unalived and she determines the company is corrupt that’s when things really heat up.
She lives by 5 rules but even those rules can’t keep her and her brother safe it seems. This thrilling ride has twists and turns you don’t see coming and that ending. I can’t wait to dive headlong off that cliffhanger right into book 2!
Overall this book is a 5 ⭐️ read for me and a whopping 4🌶️ definitely check those trigger warnings. One of the things I love most about this book is that it highlights real world issues that I feel don’t get enough highlighting.
The way this book kept me on the edge of my seat… chef’s kiss. The character development made some of the characters so relatable it was scary. The detail put into the world building is phenomenal. The cliffy had me gasping, “oh s—-!”Such an amazing read.
okay. wow. I started reading this book thinking it'll be "just a regular horror book" okay well it wasn't the real-fake horror book I thought it'll be, this was(is) a real world horror book. and looking at literally the world, I think it would be good for anyone and everyone to read this and just spread the word that this happens more than not. Don't go into this book without reading the warnings/the blur. I really loved this book and now I know better about the fucked up side of the world. Terrifying book, but I love it.
The Secrets That They Keep is a dark thriller romance. It is a story about Alyx, a young sex worker, and the things that she does to keep her twin brother safe. There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book, so be sure to check those before you read it, but definitely run and get it because it is absolutely a five-star read. This book will keep you hooked with the storyline and all the twists and turns. There are parts that will pull at your heart strings, and there are parts that will have you wishing that people get what they deserve. Although this book isn't true, parts of it actually happen in the real world, and that will make you sad. It will have you asking yourself why people act they way they do. I'm am definitely looking forward to reading any future books by T.M. Lore
T.M. Lore delivers a gripping, unflinching psychological thriller with The Secrets That They Keep. This is not just a page-turner, it’s a raw and powerful exploration of trauma, survival, and the haunting realities of trafficking and grooming.
From the first chapter, the narrative grips you with its gritty realism and emotional intensity. The author does not shy away from the darker corners of society, and the result is a story that feels disturbingly authentic yet compulsively readable.
Alyx’s character is the standout! She’s strong, resilient, and vividly drawn. Her journey is heartbreaking but inspiring, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
This is a dark read, but a necessary one. The author approaches difficult subject matter with both sensitivity and stark honesty, creating a book that is as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful.
Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers who want more than just twists! This one leaves a lasting impact.
Highly recommend reading the trigger warnings before delving into this book.
This book had me hooked at the first sentence. The way she told the characters stories and how she went into details on some things was just perfect. I was immediately excited to read this book and knew it would be great! the plot was amazing and I didn't expect some of the stuff that was revealed to happen but it was great! the way she went into details on their lives and what all the characters was dealing with was just amazing! This was one of those books that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time not wanting to put it down. I definitely would recommend this book!!!
I really recommend everyone to read. Love the story. I couldn't put it down. I will reread over and over. It really tugged at my heart. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Thank you T.M. Lore for the story that tugged at my heart. The book will always have a place of honor on my bookshelf. Thank you again sweetie 🥰🥰
The Secrets That They Tell is a dark mystery/ thriller, which is outside of my usual genre, however, this was so wonderfully written that I had no choice but to immerse myself in the story and keep reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next. I was so intrigued by this storyline I just could not bring myself to put the book down. I ended up reading the entire book in one night because I just had to know what would happen next, since the more I read on, a new dangerous situation would arise. The story follows Alyx, the main character whose every action is driven by love and protection for her brother, finds herself in a difficult situation that she can’t seem to escape from. The emotional core added so much depth to the narrative. Alyx endures so many triggering and emotionally intense situations, therefore I recommend diving into this book with a good headspace. This book is the definition of a rollercoaster ride, as I endured everything from anxiety to heartbreak, to some hope. The author did a great job in her writing being very vivid and descriptive, making it easy to follow every situation and understand every twist and turn. Overall, I give this book five stars, and am already looking forward to the next book! I am very eager to find out where the story goes and what lies ahead for Alyx, her brother, and the other characters.
Are you a dark romance reader? If you answered yes! Then this is definitely one you need to read. The only reason it took me a week to read it is because I was reading another book as well. Alyx is brought into the world of sex trafficking at a very young age. Her parents died in a car crash and she needed to do whatever she had to do, in order to survive. She also has a brother, Trent, she protects and cares for, pays for all of his needs. I found myself after the 1st segment of Chapter One, staring at the wall for a moment. I can not wait for the 2nd book.
Amazing writing! Check those trigger warnings as this has some dark stuff in it. What woukd you do to save your family? Alyx Beck lost her parents to a tragic accident. the only way to keep her twin autistic brother safe is by being a sex worker. But things aren't always what they seem and soon Alyx must figure out how to save them both.
this book was awesome. very well written. it made me not want to put it down. there were so many parts of the book that kept me wanting more. I love how each of the characters brings different quality and aspects to the story