Shadows Have Secrets

by Nicole Keefer

Shelby is an up and coming attorney in New York City, working for a major firm, and she's about to land her dream position as partner, that is if she can close the newest high profile case. Only this case concerns one of the biggest mafia in NY. The Morilla family. While its not her first Rodeo prosecuting mob members, this one doesn't sit well with her. Just after the first day of the trial, her childhood friend Jon shows up at her office, to let her know of a terrible tragedy. Devastation hits hard, and she cant help but think their deaths were meant to send a message. As Shelby returns to her family's farm, she realizes that she is in more danger than she realized, as her long buried feelings for Jon also come to the surface. But she's no longer the same girl he knew. Will Shelby get justice, or will all the shadows of her life keep their secrets?

274 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2024

About the author

Nicole Keefer is a writer whose military experience and educational background in criminology and forensic psychology provide her with the vast inspiration and insight she needs to create riveting characters. Writing a novel was always on her bucket list, and eventually, with MY SAVIOR, it became a reality. When not reading or writing, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family. Nicole lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. HIS VICTIM’S TORMENT is book one in her first serial killer duology.

Reviews

[Mandy Lehti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows Have Secrets is the kind of dark, emotionally charged romantic suspense that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. From the opening chapters, Shelby stands out as a fiercely driven attorney polished, disciplined, and on the cusp of achieving the partnership she’s sacrificed nearly everything for. But Keefer doesn’t just give us a woman on the rise; she gives us a woman standing toe to toe with the Morilla mafia family… and that is the exact moment the ground gives way.

The novel’s heartbeat is the moment Shelby’s childhood friend Jon shows up with devastating news a tragedy that feels less like fate and more like a warning. As Shelby returns home to the quiet family farm, Keefer masterfully blends danger with longing, threading old wounds and unresolved love through every moment Shelby and Jon share. Their chemistry isn’t loud it simmers, deep and familiar, full of history and ache.

The tension is delicious: a woman who built walls to survive the courtroom now forced to face the shadows she thought she outran grief, buried secrets, and a love she never stopped wanting. Keefer balances legal suspense, mafia intrigue, and small town nostalgia with surprising finesse, delivering a story that is equal parts danger, yearning, and unraveling truth.

For fans of romantic suspense, mafia-tinged mysteries, second chance love, and fierce heroines who won’t break even when the world tries to snap them in half, Shadows Have Secrets is a gripping, emotionally fulfilling ride.

[Shanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I say this mafia romance book was a breath of fresh air! Well this book was just that and in a good way. This book was a slow burn but never really turned into anything spicy. Not saying that is a bad thing but it was different and well refreshing when it comes to the mafia.

Shelby is a well known prosecutor that is working her way up the lawyer train and about to make partner and best known for putting a member of a notorious mob family away. Being an only child, she is the light in her parents eyes. They are proud of her and only want the best. Jon is a childhood friend that works on her parents farm and well pretty much been in love with Shelby since before he could remember.

When a tragic event happens in Shelby's life, she returns to her family farm to try and figure out what happened. With the help of Jon she learns someone has it out for her and assumes it is the mob family taking revenge for what she did. Knowing she and all that she loves might be in danger, a secret from Shelby's past might have to be told.

This book was absolutely fabulous and not what I was expecting. If you are looking for a quick read, a childhood romance, and a little mafia revenge then this is the book for you.

[K. Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story from this author! She keeps turning out the dark and twisty and I can't get enough! Shelby is a terrifying badass and Jon is just the sweetest.

[Jay myrandomspace2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dislike thriller, but I loved this.

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my first book I’ve read by this author and it did not disappoint. It was dark and an absolutely fabulous read. It was a quick read and i enjoyed reading this