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Sunken Secrets
A Debut Novel
Layla’s world turns upside down when her online romance takes a dark turn. As the lines between reality and fantasy blur, she finds herself in the clutches of someone with evil intents. With Layla missing, her best friend Christina delves into a sinister web of deceit, uncovering shocking secrets about those closest to them. Tensions rise as hidden agendas come to light, testing friendships and loyalties in ways they never imagined.
Prepare for a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the dangerous depths of hidden truths in Sunken Secrets.
Book one of three.
Layla’s world turns upside down when her online romance takes a dark turn. As the lines between reality and fantasy blur, she finds herself in the clutches of someone with evil intents. With Layla missing, her best friend Christina delves into a sinister web of deceit, uncovering shocking secrets about those closest to them. Tensions rise as hidden agendas come to light, testing friendships and loyalties in ways they never imagined.
Prepare for a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the dangerous depths of hidden truths in Sunken Secrets.
Book one of three.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 21, 2024
5/5 ⭐
1/5 🌶️
Sunken secrets is the debut novel by Keylie Smith and Tia Pickup.
I really loved this book. In the first few chapters you meet the main characters, through multiple pov's. That way I was really immersed in the story. In the beginning I loved the multiple pov's but after a few chapters it got confusing. Halfway through the book the chapters lost their pov specifier, which made it even more confusing. Nevertheless, it's a fun and easy read minus the pov's. The chapters are short and therefore it's fast paced. The ending had me baffled. I really liked the twist in the ending. I can't wait what Keylie and Tia write next.
1/5 🌶️
Sunken secrets is the debut novel by Keylie Smith and Tia Pickup.
I really loved this book. In the first few chapters you meet the main characters, through multiple pov's. That way I was really immersed in the story. In the beginning I loved the multiple pov's but after a few chapters it got confusing. Halfway through the book the chapters lost their pov specifier, which made it even more confusing. Nevertheless, it's a fun and easy read minus the pov's. The chapters are short and therefore it's fast paced. The ending had me baffled. I really liked the twist in the ending. I can't wait what Keylie and Tia write next.
August 20, 2024
This is the first ARC I’ve ever read and it was genuinely so good!!! It wasn’t an overly complex thriller but it still kept you on your toes with unexpected twists & turns! Also love a good HEA and Layla definitely deserved one! I just wish I had more *sigh*…but I’m so excited to see what these authors do next 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Official book release date is Oct. 18, 2024! Get ready!!
August 19, 2024
I adored this book, I could not put it down. From the very beginning it got me hooked.
It had so many twists that you just would not have expected and just made you want to read on to get to the bottom of the story.
It has banter, romance, suspense and all the other good things a book needs. As well as having certain topics represented such as diabetes and Lgtbq+ relationships.
#teamnoah all the way!! I love that man! Don’t get me wrong I do like Mal too but Noah just has to take the crown <3
I was kindly chosen to arc read this and I am unbelievably thankful to the authors for that. It releases 18th October 2024!!!
I enjoyed it soo much that I am eager to see what comes next…
It had so many twists that you just would not have expected and just made you want to read on to get to the bottom of the story.
It has banter, romance, suspense and all the other good things a book needs. As well as having certain topics represented such as diabetes and Lgtbq+ relationships.
#teamnoah all the way!! I love that man! Don’t get me wrong I do like Mal too but Noah just has to take the crown <3
I was kindly chosen to arc read this and I am unbelievably thankful to the authors for that. It releases 18th October 2024!!!
I enjoyed it soo much that I am eager to see what comes next…
August 26, 2024
The authors graciously provided me with an ARC, the book releases in October.
3.5 stars, definitely a solid start for a debut series. The plot was twisty and kept my attention, the characters were fun and I felt like the authors did a great job of letting the reader get to know them. I read it in one sitting and I had a good time.
That being said- it definitely needs some editing. There are a couple of typos throughout, a couple of “your” where there should be “you’re” type deals and the sentence structure could use reformulating, it does come across as very YA, but don’t let that stop you.
Happy to read and looking forward to the sequels.
3.5 stars, definitely a solid start for a debut series. The plot was twisty and kept my attention, the characters were fun and I felt like the authors did a great job of letting the reader get to know them. I read it in one sitting and I had a good time.
That being said- it definitely needs some editing. There are a couple of typos throughout, a couple of “your” where there should be “you’re” type deals and the sentence structure could use reformulating, it does come across as very YA, but don’t let that stop you.
Happy to read and looking forward to the sequels.
August 22, 2024
This being a debut novel I’m so impressed. The right amount of twists and turns. I was hooked from the start and devoured this in just a few hours.
I really enjoyed the writing style as well, super easy to follow and digest. I can’t wait to the next one!!
I really enjoyed the writing style as well, super easy to follow and digest. I can’t wait to the next one!!
August 14, 2024
For a debut novel, the amount of well executed twists and turns were so good and I read it in one sitting. An easy read, no over complicated words and love the characters (except one but I wont spoil). So glad to have read this ARC and I can't wait for the other two books!
August 23, 2024
ARC: Quick and captivating. Not overly complex but had the right amount of twists and turns. Please read this next bit in the most positive way possible:: Sunken Secrets was more like listening to a fast-paced retelling of events from a friend than reading a book but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I needed to know how it ended. A few times, I wished my “friend” had told the story a little quicker because I was so invested, not because I needed it to be “done.” You know how it is — it’s exciting, you want to reach the end for the gasp-factor and - hopefully- the relief.
I do feel like the ending was a tad bit rushed but it wrapped most everything up. 😉
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this.
***Be sure to look for it come October 18th!***
I do feel like the ending was a tad bit rushed but it wrapped most everything up. 😉
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this.
***Be sure to look for it come October 18th!***
February 25, 2025
I just want to start by I’m not usually a fan of 3rd person books, Im dyslexic so I find it hard to concentrate, it was a little confusing in the middle but it soon got back on track.
It’s a very fast paced book which will keep you on your toes.
Honestly I liked that she told them all to get out so she could cry and get everything out her system. Usually in these kind of books the victim comes home & their friends and family are with them not giving them a chance to actually decompress.
I’m so happy with who Layla ended up with.
“It’s okay to cry when there’s too much on your mind, you know that right? Clouds rain too when things get heavy” - Noah
It’s a very fast paced book which will keep you on your toes.
Honestly I liked that she told them all to get out so she could cry and get everything out her system. Usually in these kind of books the victim comes home & their friends and family are with them not giving them a chance to actually decompress.
I’m so happy with who Layla ended up with.
“It’s okay to cry when there’s too much on your mind, you know that right? Clouds rain too when things get heavy” - Noah
April 25, 2025
WHAT A ENDING!!!!
I NEED THE SECOND ONE!
1 MILLION PERCENT RECOMMEND!
I loved this book big props to the amazing authors Keylie and Tia.
The characters, the personalities, the twists, the tears and the worry. I experienced all the emotions and I couldn’t put the book down. For a first book this is amazing. I was captivated by our main girl Layla and I love Noah.
Adding to the long list of book boyfriends, Noah has been added and is staying.
The format of the book was amazing especially with the letter from the psych ward and the records. I loved the different fonts for where there was a letter being read or a thought.
At first I was a fan of Mal but all the stress that happened even though it wasn’t exactly his fault. Noah is just so much more collective. Even in times of need he was caring for Chrissie and helping her through the pain they were both feeling. I loved how Mal and Layla got in contact and how nice he was, but part of me would have felt so overwhelmed with how much he wanted to do for her when she was found. Noah was clam and relaxed, and he’s just more of my vibe.
I NEED THE SECOND ONE!
1 MILLION PERCENT RECOMMEND!
I loved this book big props to the amazing authors Keylie and Tia.
The characters, the personalities, the twists, the tears and the worry. I experienced all the emotions and I couldn’t put the book down. For a first book this is amazing. I was captivated by our main girl Layla and I love Noah.
Adding to the long list of book boyfriends, Noah has been added and is staying.
The format of the book was amazing especially with the letter from the psych ward and the records. I loved the different fonts for where there was a letter being read or a thought.
At first I was a fan of Mal but all the stress that happened even though it wasn’t exactly his fault. Noah is just so much more collective. Even in times of need he was caring for Chrissie and helping her through the pain they were both feeling. I loved how Mal and Layla got in contact and how nice he was, but part of me would have felt so overwhelmed with how much he wanted to do for her when she was found. Noah was clam and relaxed, and he’s just more of my vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2024
Literally loved this book!
Wild turn of events & twists. I enjoy thrillers that are unusual and unpredictable and this one met definitely both of those expectations!
READ IT. You won’t be disappointed
Wild turn of events & twists. I enjoy thrillers that are unusual and unpredictable and this one met definitely both of those expectations!
READ IT. You won’t be disappointed
August 23, 2024
this book was sooo fun to read!! really was hooked from start to finish and i did NOT see the twists coming whatsoever! i lovedddd the ending💜
August 24, 2024
I loved the premise of this book, and overall enjoyed it. There were parts that didn’t flow as well/felt a bit rushed but for a first book I think it was a fabulous job!
September 4, 2024
This was so funny in parts and serious also ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!! 🙂🥰
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!! 🙂🥰
August 25, 2024
Advanced reader copy review:
I've just finished this whole book in a day! I've tried to not give too much away in this review, I've been as honest & thorough as I can...
Firstly I just wanted to say I'm really impressed with the story for two first time writers.
The prologue had me right away, although I did find it slowed down a little & took a while to get going again. I do struggle a little with 3rd person writing but once it hit around 100 or so pages I was certainly drawn back in.
I loved the twist in the middle. A character who I didn't expect to have much of a part in the story was quickly made into the villain.
& again a second twist with another character but I felt her story was left a little unfinished.
I thought the length of the book was perfect at around 280 pages & not too dragged out.
I really liked the addition of the psych ward documents, it was just a fun, quirky little touch that not many books have.
I have listed below a few things I really liked about the book & a few that I didn't so much:-
Liked -
•Gaming theme - loved this but wanted more of this, I thought this would be a lot bigger part of the story with the name of the game being the name of the book.
•Good scene setting - could picture the flat the girls lived in well
•Diabetic representation
•Same sex relationship
•Autism representation
•Mental health representation
•Strong female main characters with great sisterly bond
•The online messages, the texts, the diary entries - mixed up the writing a bit which I enjoyed
Disliked -
•Very little description of the two male main characters - I found it hard to picture Noah & Malakai
•Third person but Last chapter is in first person
Lots of mentions of food - (not bad but unnecessary)
•Slightly too many characters - but I wonder if some may come into other books & we're more necessary than just a side roll in the first book?
•I found myself wanting more of the nitty gritty stuff during the kidnapping.
Overall, a really good book, an easy read & I couldn't put it down & whizzed through it! Thank you so much to both Tia & Keylie for picking me to be an ARC reader & previewing the book months before its release!!
P.s! Pineapple does not belong on pizza haha!
Lou xx
I've just finished this whole book in a day! I've tried to not give too much away in this review, I've been as honest & thorough as I can...
Firstly I just wanted to say I'm really impressed with the story for two first time writers.
The prologue had me right away, although I did find it slowed down a little & took a while to get going again. I do struggle a little with 3rd person writing but once it hit around 100 or so pages I was certainly drawn back in.
I loved the twist in the middle. A character who I didn't expect to have much of a part in the story was quickly made into the villain.
& again a second twist with another character but I felt her story was left a little unfinished.
I thought the length of the book was perfect at around 280 pages & not too dragged out.
I really liked the addition of the psych ward documents, it was just a fun, quirky little touch that not many books have.
I have listed below a few things I really liked about the book & a few that I didn't so much:-
Liked -
•Gaming theme - loved this but wanted more of this, I thought this would be a lot bigger part of the story with the name of the game being the name of the book.
•Good scene setting - could picture the flat the girls lived in well
•Diabetic representation
•Same sex relationship
•Autism representation
•Mental health representation
•Strong female main characters with great sisterly bond
•The online messages, the texts, the diary entries - mixed up the writing a bit which I enjoyed
Disliked -
•Very little description of the two male main characters - I found it hard to picture Noah & Malakai
•Third person but Last chapter is in first person
Lots of mentions of food - (not bad but unnecessary)
•Slightly too many characters - but I wonder if some may come into other books & we're more necessary than just a side roll in the first book?
•I found myself wanting more of the nitty gritty stuff during the kidnapping.
Overall, a really good book, an easy read & I couldn't put it down & whizzed through it! Thank you so much to both Tia & Keylie for picking me to be an ARC reader & previewing the book months before its release!!
P.s! Pineapple does not belong on pizza haha!
Lou xx
September 1, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of Sunken Secrets.
We follow the story of Layla and friends, during a harrowing experience of kidnapping and betrayal. With some found family elements along the way.
There were lots of twists and turns in this book, which were shocking but somewhat predictable. The predictability of the book doesn’t take away from the overall story telling in my opinion.
I enjoyed the characters development and growth throughout. I do feel that parts may have been a little rushed, but all in all this was a good book.
The epilogue made me happy gasp and the open ending of not having everything concluding definitely left me intrigued to find out how this trilogy will progress.
Great work ladies, looking forward to the next.
We follow the story of Layla and friends, during a harrowing experience of kidnapping and betrayal. With some found family elements along the way.
There were lots of twists and turns in this book, which were shocking but somewhat predictable. The predictability of the book doesn’t take away from the overall story telling in my opinion.
I enjoyed the characters development and growth throughout. I do feel that parts may have been a little rushed, but all in all this was a good book.
The epilogue made me happy gasp and the open ending of not having everything concluding definitely left me intrigued to find out how this trilogy will progress.
Great work ladies, looking forward to the next.
October 21, 2024
ARC Review
3.5⭐️: this was a fun read that kept me wanting to know what happened next. I wasn’t expecting “sunken secrets” to start from a video game/ chat room but liked how it developed into “secrets” about some of the characters. I felt that at times the flow of the story and the POVs of the characters made me lose interest at times. Personally, it would have been better if there was more details about some characters, which could have definitely made the story a bit darker. Otherwise, I think this book was a solid read. Looking forward to reading this author’s future work!
3.5⭐️: this was a fun read that kept me wanting to know what happened next. I wasn’t expecting “sunken secrets” to start from a video game/ chat room but liked how it developed into “secrets” about some of the characters. I felt that at times the flow of the story and the POVs of the characters made me lose interest at times. Personally, it would have been better if there was more details about some characters, which could have definitely made the story a bit darker. Otherwise, I think this book was a solid read. Looking forward to reading this author’s future work!
January 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was amazing!! I was hooked the entire way through wanting to know what happened next constantly!
The fact that it’s a debut novel of a trilogy as well has me even more excited for book 2!
The twists in this were bloody crazy I did NOT see coming at all!!!
It’s like a lovely mix of a thriller and contemporary love story- a combo I wouldn’t have ever imagined I’d enjoy but it works really really well!!
Well done Keylie and Tia!!
This was amazing!! I was hooked the entire way through wanting to know what happened next constantly!
The fact that it’s a debut novel of a trilogy as well has me even more excited for book 2!
The twists in this were bloody crazy I did NOT see coming at all!!!
It’s like a lovely mix of a thriller and contemporary love story- a combo I wouldn’t have ever imagined I’d enjoy but it works really really well!!
Well done Keylie and Tia!!
September 4, 2024
If you love Freida (housemaid) this book will not disappoint I promise you.
This book has everything, a perfect thriller with a twist so shocking i jumped OUT of my chair.. And messaged the author immediately because i was SHOOK!
Teaaammmm NOAH so there’s that 🥹
I love how this book kept me captivated, I needed to know everything and therefore this gripping tale was read rather quickly but I have no complaint about that.
This book has everything, a perfect thriller with a twist so shocking i jumped OUT of my chair.. And messaged the author immediately because i was SHOOK!
Teaaammmm NOAH so there’s that 🥹
I love how this book kept me captivated, I needed to know everything and therefore this gripping tale was read rather quickly but I have no complaint about that.
August 22, 2024
Absolutely loved reading this book! I could not put it down and wanted to keep reading as I just had to know what happened next!
Lots of twists, it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Would highly recommend!!
Lots of twists, it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Would highly recommend!!
May 27, 2025
1.5* Just didn’t have me like it should have:/
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews