The Secrets We Keep

Baker City Duology #1

by K. M. Martin

I was finally content with my life, until the man I’ve been dodging for months forces me into a nightmare.

Daphne
Life in my small town was peaceful, albeit lonely. But when I meet Brennan, everything changes. I finally feel seen. For once, I’m not just a background character in my own story; I’m his priority. But my world is thrown into a tailspin when my best friend's boyfriend, James, crosses a line, and now I feel like I’m being watched. Hunted.
I need to tell Sarah, but what if she doesn’t believe me?
When James goes too far, will Brennan be the man I thought he was, or will he stand back as everything comes crashing down around me?

Brennan
From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she had to be mine.
But when I get a call in the middle of the night, I know something’s wrong.
She’s being terrorized and there’s only one way to stop it.
And some secrets will be taken to the grave.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I literally couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting! As a plus size girlie I always appreciate a well written plus size rep!! I really felt like one of the group and my jaw actually dropped at the ending - like what!

Thank you so much to the author for a copy and I cannot wait to see what the second part of this duology is going to be!

[Raquel Rolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

This book took me on a wild ride I wasn’t fully prepared for—in the best way. Daphne and Brennan’s connection is instant and intense, and while their relationship develops fast, it feels genuine and sweet with just the right amount of spice. The suspense element added a gripping layer that kept me turning pages, especially as Daphne’s world starts to unravel.

I really connected with Daphne’s insecurities and emotional struggles, and Brennan’s protectiveness made him an easy character to root for. The ending hit hard—emotional, unexpected, and a little chaotic—but it tied everything together in a powerful way.

Definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings, but if you’re looking for a fast-paced romance with tension, heat, and heart, this one’s worth the read.

[Catheryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited to pick this up because its a romantic suspense and written by a local author.

I believe this is a debut novel. There was a lot that I liked about this one. I liked the multiple POVs and the relationship development was quick but very sweet. I also thought the ending was crazy. Unfortunately, the characters felt a little flat for me. They seemed like they were written to check some boxes to make them most appealing.

But overall, I liked the quick pacing to the story and would be interested in reading more from this author.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness!!! If I could give this book a million stars I would immediately. I’m left thinking about every single character and longing to know what happens next!!! This book will do everything to you that you could possibly want it to, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and omg the fear it will instil in you!! If I could read TSWK again for the first time I would in a heartbeat. If you haven’t read it yet, do it and you’ll see what I mean. 10/10

[Madelynn Schow · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
(Rounding up my half star to 4 stars)
CONTAINS SPOILERS: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
-
-
-
What a fun read! This is for the girlies who love twists and turns and romance all in a book you can binge read quick!
I’m giving this book 3.5 stars because it is such an interesting premise with a relatable FMC, but the short chapters left me with wanting more. I felt like I was just getting to know the characters and would’ve loved to see more of their lives. Would also of enjoyed more descriptive language in each POV, that would’ve helped with the feeling of wanting more. I do love a multi-POV, so that boosted my rating!
I love the sweet relationship of Daphne and Brennan, but my personal reading preference was yearning for banter and more build up of their relationship. That being said, good for Daphne for locking her man down QUICK! If you’re a girlie who falls fast, Daphne is the goal of our de-lulu!!
Bonus points for the most important character- Harley. Sweet girl can do no wrong and I love her!

[Rosie | xo.rosiereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Please check trigger warnings before diving in.

The Secrets We Keep by K.M. Martin took me on a wild ride I wasn’t ready for, in the best way. Daphne and Brennan had me hooked from the start. Their connection is instant, intense, and impossible to ignore. Their relationship moves fast, but it’s filled with sweetness, heat, and just the right amount of oh-my-god moments.

The suspense had me on edge, especially as Daphne’s world started unraveling. I really connected with Daphne’s insecurities and emotional struggles, and Brennan? Protective, devoted, and the kind of character you can’t help but root for.

And that ending? Emotional, unexpected, and a little chaotic, but it wrapped everything up in the most satisfying way.

What to Expect:
Plus Size FMC
Protective hero with major lumberjack energy
Quick to fall
Tech Nerd who’s good with his hands 😏
Stalker
Suspense
Pacific Northwest
Highland Cows
Unlikely Friendship

Thank you to K.M Martin, the author, for the ARC opportunity!

[Heather Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was unexpected. When both MCs fall fast, Daphne is taken by surprise with how quickly she falls for Brennan, that when she finds herself at the hands of a familiar stalker, Brennan will stop at nothing to protect her.
I felt this strong kinship with Daphne, from how she feels from losing Poppy, to her insecurities of herself from past relationships to just her feelings of self worth, resonated so deeply.
The ending had me screaming and crying- almost threw my kindle - but needed to finish the book 😂
S&D- the couple that never got a chance will forever live in my mind.
Brendan’s attentiveness to Daphne’s needs is heartwarming, spicy, and just all around perfect!
Looking forward to the next book!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes/Vibes
🌞Dual POV
🌲Found Family
🌞Small town.
🌲 Protective MMC
🌞Plus Size FMC
🌲Lumberjack vibes
🌞 Stalking
🌲 HEA

I read this book in one sitting - it's a sweet, short, and fast-paced page-turner! With action, drama, unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of spice, this story has it all. Daphne, a beautiful, smart, and caring curvy woman, falls for Brennan, the ultimate over-the-top green flag book boyfriend. They meet at a bonfire and are instantly attracted. But when Daphne's best friend's boyfriend starts causing trouble, Brennan's there to support her. If you're looking for a suspenseful, spicy romance with a curvy female main character and an amazing green flag man, look no further!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first spicy book, which took me on a weird ride considering the author is my sister. Daphne and Brennan’s story is simply adorable. She’s a plus-size badass, and he’s a hunky tech nerd, who is also good with his hands. They are quick to fall for each other. Damon, Daphne’s new and unintentional friend, has taken on a protective role for Daphne and her best friend Sarah, as James’ (Sarah’s bf) behavior escalates.
Brennan and Damon team up to protect the women, and the twist at the end will leave with shook. The mix of romance and suspense was a great way for me to be introduced to the world of romance, while also being kept on the edge of my seat to figure things out

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust me, you've got room in your heart for another lumbersnack of a book boyfriend, and Brennan definitely fits the bill! This book was a fast paced, quick read, that follows the quick to fall Brennan & Daphne. There was a suspense subplot that kept the story twisting, and definitely wanting more by the end of the book!

Read if you like -
Protective MMC
Pacific Northwest Vibes
Stalker/Suspense
Plus Size FMC

[Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book, and wow, what a whirlwind! The story moves quickly, following Brennan and Daphne's fast-developing romance. I was hooked by the suspenseful subplot that kept me guessing. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a captivating read that you can devour in a few sittings. The ending was phenomenal, to say the least.

I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR list!

[Megan Key-Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. I wasn’t quite prepared for the ending, but I suppose that is what adds to the impact it makes. I advise you to check TWs before reading. Brennan and Daphne have such a sweet relationship that develops very quickly. It was nice to see it evolve and flow.

[Veronica Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far one of the best ones I’ve read in a long time. I loved the way this whole thing played out, there characters together were amazing and the chemistry between them so so well thought out, I loved the way the ending came together too. So good. I can’t wait to read another one.

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! This book was a fast-paced and quick read. Brennan and Daphne had such a sweet relationship that developed very quickly. It had just the perfect amount of spice and a few unexpected turns I didn't see coming!
This may have been my first read by this author, but trust me, it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book!

[Rane Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect amount of spice and storyline! Add to your TBR!

[Amber Stapleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me interested and I loved that it didn’t contain so much extra fluff making it the perfect length. The spice was good. I can’t wait to get Damon’s story.

[Kayla Berkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story and the characters. It was a fun read with just the amount of spice and a few unexpected turns I didn't see coming!