Shattered Secrets Between Us

Willow Grove #1

by Angela van Liempt

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡.

Francesca Roscoe had no intention of staying in Willow Grove. But after her younger brother’s tragic death, she returned home and never left. Now, despite having a nursing career she adores, Frankie is alone and convinced that a can’t-live-without-each-other love doesn’t exist.

Until a stranger’s quiet charm draws her in.

Rhett Marshall didn’t plan on moving to this small town, but when your mob past hunts you down, you don’t get to make plans. That was before Frankie. The literal girl-next-door. He knows he doesn’t deserve her, but he can’t tear himself away from the woman who makes him feel… alive.

Frankie is unaware of their deeply entwined past. But Rhett will never forget her grief-stricken face the night her brother was murdered. And when she becomes a target, the dangerous man he used to be resurfaces to protect her.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romance

543 pages, ebook

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Angela van Liempt is a small-town girl with big dreams. Music inspires her and she creates a playlist for every book she writes. The Atlas Cliffs series emerged from her curiosity with the paranormal, but along the way, she discovered a passion for weaving romance into her stories.

She lives on the east coast of Canada with her family and her beloved dog, Harley, otherwise known as ‘Pippy’ or ‘Harley-Quinn’. A lover of the ocean, full moons, and sunsets, she’d choose to be barefoot on a beach any day over big city life. Escaping into fictional coastal towns with characters who feel like real people is one of her favorite pastimes.

Reviews

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

พระเอกเปนลูกชายมาเฟียที่วางแผนกับตำรวจทรยศพ่อตัวเอง แต่แผนผิดพลาดเลยทำน้องชายของนางเอกตาย สองปีต่อมาพระเอกย้ายมาอยู่ข้างบ้านนางเอกในเมืองเร้กๆ บ้านเกิดของชีนางเอก

มีโพเทนเช่วมาก พระเอกเปนคน on the run / in the hiding ที่ไม่อมทุกข์ดี มีความเฟลิตความไร ตอนแรกก้ว่าจะอยุ่ห่างจากนางเอกแต่ใจมันต้านบ่ไหว ชอบความชัดเจนของฮีด้วย พอรู้ใจตัวเองก้คือพร้อมจะเคลียร์อดีตตัวเองทุกอย่างเพื่อจะได้อยุ่กะนางเอกอย่างสงบสุข

ปมครอบครัว ปม grief ความ suspense อะไรใดๆ ก้โอเค

แต่ที่ทำให้คะแนนร่วงกราว อึดอัดเกือบทั้งเรื่องคือชีนางเอก5555555
เขาเขียนครต.ดีนะ แบบไม่หลุด มีความลึกความไร แต่ผมรำคาญครต.นังแหละ รำคาญความดื้อ รู้ว่า proud ในความ independence ของตัวเองมาก จัดการชีวิตตัวเองได้มาตลอดโดยไม่ต้องพึ่งใคร แต่ sense of safety ไม่มี รู้ว่ามีคนสะกดรอยตามหรือจ้องจะทำร้ายก้หาเรื่องให้ตัวเองอยู่คนเดียวอยู่นั่น ตัวอย่างซีนที่เจอละงงสุดๆ คือชีโดนตัวร้ายขับรถตาม พอสะบัดหลุดได้รถก้ดันมาเสียกลางทาง ชีโทรหาครอบครัวให้มารับได้แต่ไม่โทร เลือกที่จะเดินกลับบ้านมืดๆ ระยะทางเปนกิโล ก็ปูสถานการณ์ให้พระเอกขับรถมาเจอน่ะแหละ แต่เห้ยขอร้องงงง😭 หลังๆ ก้เหมือนจะมีพัฒนาการมั้ง แต่ไม่ทันละ หงุดหงิดจนจบนั่นล่ะจ้า

spice level: 2.5/5

[Camis.little.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll never not love a mafia romance filled with drama and suspense 🙌🏼

-Morally grey
-Next door neighbor
-Dual POV
-Secret Identity
-Grief & healing ARC’s
-Touch her & di3
-Spice

I absolutely loved this story, and devoured all 500+ pages in a little over a day! The suspense, the spice, the emotions- loved it all!

Our FMC, Frankie, is dealing with a lot of trauma and emotions after her brother passes; and our MMC, Rhett is the man to help her through it 🫶 However, he’s keeping some big secrets.

The writing flowed so well, the suspense had me trying to figure out the who and the what, and the spice and romance had me swooning!

There are some tougher and darker moments in this story, please check TW’s!

HIGHLY recommend for romance, mafia or dark romance lovers!

[maryann | maryannaugerbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book so much. Suspense is not usually my type of genre, but Angela really drew me in with her amazing characters and writing. Shattered Secrets Between Us was a perfect October read. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Farrah Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one hooked me from the very first chapters, and I couldn’t put it down. It was emotional and suspenseful, and I loved the slow burn between Frankie and Rhett.

[Kendra Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @angela_vanliempt and @rrbooktours for gifting me this e-ARC!!

From the moment I picked this up, the tension between Frankie (our badass ER nurse who’s spent her life saving others) and Rhett (the quiet neighbor with a dark past) had me hooked. The dual POV brings both sides of their story to life, which has made this read feel full and immersive.

This story has everything I love — tension, secrets, and that magnetic pull between two people who were never supposed to fall for each other. Frankie and Rhett’s chemistry is perfection — slow burn, protective energy, and so many layers of emotion that just keep building.

However, the mix of romance and suspense makes it impossible to put down!!! Every chapter left me wanting more, and I’m obsessed with how their connection kept deepening as the truth slowly unraveled.

If you’re into emotion-packed, dangerous love stories with heart, heat, and just the right amount of mystery, this one’s for you 😈💋

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shattered Secrets Between Us was such a solid mafia romance! The pacing was on point and it kept me intrigued the whole way through. Rhett was the perfect blend of touch her and 💀 mixed with "I'll take care of you". I felt so much for both Rhett and Frankie throughout the entire book. The spice was fantastic. It was just one of those books that hooks you, delivers exactly what you want from the genre, and leaves you satisfied. A great, addictive read that I flew through!

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!! IT WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN I EXPECTED!!

I shouldn’t be surprised, Van Liempt is an AMAZING writer and her characters are always easy to become completely invested in!!

Rhett and Frankie ♥️ Frankie and Rhett ♥️ I’m freaking crazy about these two!! Their lives are so entwined before they even meet. Rhett is a protector and Frankie is a dedicated care taker. They fulfill something in each other that is vital to them having a happy and healthy life. It isn’t always easy for them, but it beautiful.

In this story grief is a central part. That overwhelming grief that, even though you continue living, it’s always there wrapped around your heart. Angela did a great job of making that connection with the story come alive in my heart.

“If love could have saved you, you would’ve lived forever.”

The suspense and action-packed scenes had me flipping the pages, needing to know what was going to happen. This was a pretty fast paced story, not too fast, but it sure did keep my interest.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, along with mafia themes, found family and good friends, emotional connection and many tough, emotional moments…you definitely need to check out this book NOW!! I FREAKING LOVED IT AND CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK TWO!!

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela van Liempt's dive in NA romantic suspense won me over! I loved getting this new story from her that is dark, romantic, and entirely satisfying.

Angela does a wonderful job of setting up this almost cinematic plot of a man on the run from his mafia-esque past and a women grieving the loss of her brother and the chaos of her family in the aftermath. How could they not crash into each other and find something good? I loved getting to see Frankie and Rhett really dance around each other before they finally give in. It is important to note that while this book deals with dark themes, the romance between the two MCs is not itself dark. They are a light for each other in an otherwise dark story (that, however, doesn't mean either character is flawless or perfect...they are real and raw).

I am really excited to get more from Angela in this genre!

4.5/5

[Nishell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Secrets Between Us is a gripping mafia romance with the perfect balance of tension, heart, and heat. I was pulled in immediately by Frankie, a trauma nurse coping with the loss of her brother, and Rhett, a reformed bad boy. Their connection felt raw and real, and I loved how their relationship unfolded with both tenderness and high stakes.

The romance takes center stage while weaving in mafia elements, making it an excellent choice for readers new to the subgenre. The spice scenes felt authentic and straightforward without unnecessary fluff, which made them even more impactful. With emotional depth, strong characters, and a story that kept me hooked, this is a book I'll read again and recommend without hesitation.

5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to the author and RR Book Tours for the ARC!

Shattered Secrets Between Us was a wild ride! It was emotional, suspenseful, all that. Rhett and Frankie’s story had me locked in from the start. The chemistry, the tension, the slow burn… chef’s kiss. I loved how real these characters felt. They were messy, flawed, and trying to heal and it made them relatable.

It dragged a little in a few spots, but overall but the writing was solid and the emotion hit deep.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was my first book by this author and it sucked me in right at the beginning. The chemistry between the two characters was chefs kiss. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley & the author for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Steph Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book! Life got in the way so I wasn’t able to read it right away but I couldn’t have asked for a better book to start 2026. Angela’s writing that is one that will keep the reader hooked. I love the plot, the story telling. This book kept me wanting more and I cannot wait to see the development of this new series. Will be forever thinking about Rhett and Frankie! Thank you Angela for letting me be a part of your ARC team!!

[Kayla Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHATTERED SECRETS BETWEEN US

Rhett’s been running from a past written in blood. Frankie’s still haunted by the night her world fell apart. When their paths collide, desire ignites and the secrets between them threaten to shatter everything. Because sometimes… the past doesn’t just follow you. It owns you.

This one hooked me in from the start and with mafia vibes, a sense of foreboding in every page and a slow burn romance with a swoon worthy mmc… I say give this one a shot if you’re in the mood for a seductive romantic suspense.

[Chelsey Fortune · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
4.5⭐️

—————

Thank you to Angela for providing me with an ARC of this book!! Don’t read on if you want to avoid spoilers (but please go read the book!!)








I am a sucker for a really good mob/mafia romance and this was exactly that!! The anticipation at the beginning of the book trying to determine which male character was Rhett just about killed me.

I loved seeing the character development of Frankie from a woman who is constantly taking care of everyone else to allowing herself to be taken care of was such a strong point of this story.

Rhett!! What can I even say about Rhett 😭 he is the embodiment of “touch her and die” but also is a man who just wanted someone to love him. He found that in Frankie.

If I had to find one point to make, I wish we could’ve gotten more of Rhett’s time working for his dad and more details on him meeting Finn and everything that happened after (but maybe we can explore that in book 2 😉😉)

[Amy Alessandri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much more than I expected. 👏👏👏

If you’re looking for a spicy suspense with lot of heart, emotion, healing after loss, and a protective MMC with a “TOUCH HER AND DIE” energy, then I absolutely recommend this.

Worth noting: This author handled grief and healing in such a wonderful and impressive way. ❤️‍🩹

[Mackenzie Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked right from the start. The chemistry between Frankie and Rhett is undeniable—the kind of connection that hits you instantly and only gets stronger as the story unfolds. Rhett’s internal struggle, caught between his need to keep Frankie safe and his desire to have her completely, makes for such an addictive dynamic. Every time he tries to pull away, you can feel how much he’s breaking his own heart in the process. It’s messy, raw, and absolutely fantastic to read.

The backstory is another standout. Angela Van Liempt did such a great job setting it up—it’s layered, emotional, and gives real weight to why these characters are the way they are. I just wish there had been more. There’s so much potential in the past that shaped them, and I found myself wanting a few more chapters to explore it fully. That depth is what makes their relationship and choices so compelling, and a little more time spent there could’ve made it hit even harder.

I especially would’ve loved to see more detail about Rhett’s family dynamics—how exactly he got pulled into the dangerous world his crimeboss family built, and what that looked like for him emotionally. There’s such potential for heartbreak and tension there. And on Frankie’s side, I wanted to see more of those tender, grounding moments with Miles before his death, and more of her friendship with Lena. Those relationships help round out her character and make her grief and strength hit even harder.

What really surprised me, though, was how easy this book was to read. Despite the emotional tension and darker moments, the writing flows so smoothly that I flew through it in no time. It’s paced perfectly, with dialogue and chemistry that feel natural and engaging the entire way through.

✨ Would I recommend? Definitely. If you’re a fan of emotional tension, protective-but-broken men, and love stories that toe the line between heartbreak and healing, Shattered Secrets Between Us deserves a spot on your TBR.

[TinyVenusAfterDark · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Was the Danger. She Was the Cure
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Tears: 💧💧💧
📚EBOOK📚

This is my first book by Angela van Liempt and her first in this genre—and it will definitely not be my last. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and oh my, this was perfectly balanced romantic suspense. It hits so many of my catnip tropes: forbidden love, slow burn, secret identity, “touch her and die,” and that constant edge-of-danger hum that keeps your shoulders up around your ears in the best way. Publishing day is slated for October 28 and I’m already planning a reread.

It’s been a minute since I’ve sunk into a RS that felt this tight. The action never lets up, the stakes keep stacking, and trust? Yeah, good luck figuring out who deserves it. I couldn’t. Every time I thought I had the plot nailed, the story swerved and I was happily wrong again.

Frankie Roscoe—a nurse who came back to Willow Grove after her brother’s death—has made a life she can stand inside, even if she doesn’t quite believe in the can’t-live-without-you kind of love. Enter Rhett Marshall, a man with a mob-shadowed past and a quiet pull that snags her from the first moment. What Frankie doesn’t know is that Rhett remembers the worst night of her life, and when danger starts circling her, the man he used to be comes roaring back to keep her safe. That push-pull is chef’s kiss: the kind of instant connection that only gets stronger, the kind that makes you whisper, “Okay… maybe real love does exist.”

Favorite Book quote:

“If you want to be with someone, if you really want to deserve their time, their body, their everything… fucking do what it takes to deserve them.”

The only “downside”? I wanted more of them. But since this is Willow Grove #1—we’ll take the win and hope we see these two again. If you’re a romantic-suspense fan, this absolutely delivers: high tension, real heart, and heat that warms without swallowing the story.

Tropes/Vibes I loved:

🖤Forbidden pull
🖤Slow burn
🖤Secret identity
🖤 “Touch her and die” energy
🖤Found safety in the least safe place
🖤Small town with big shadows

Highly recommend.

[Effie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nurse Francesca Roscoe returned home to Willow Grove after her brother's tragic death and lost faith in love, until the quiet charm of her new neighbor, Rhett Marshall, draws her in. Unbeknownst to Frankie, Rhett is on the run from a mob past and is intimately connected to her grief. He was there the night her brother was murdered. When Frankie becomes a target, Rhett's deadly past resurfaces to protect her, forcing them to confront a love that could be their freedom—or their undoing.

This book proved to be an effortlessly enjoyable and highly engaging read. The narrative is built upon a solid, fast-paced plot, anchored by deeply compelling and well-developed characters that immediately draw the reader in.

The central relationship between Frankie and Rhett delivers on every key romantic element. The dynamic is defined by electric banter and a satisfyingly tense slow burn, culminating in intense spice that certainly does not disappoint. The author skillfully navigates the emotional landscape, making the protagonists' respective heartbreak profoundly felt, ensuring their eventual healing and connection feel deeply earned and satisfying.

While the Female Main Character, Frankie, displayed moments of stubbornness that may personally frustrate the reader, her motivations are clearly rooted in her journey, giving her character necessary depth. However, the Male Main Character, Rhett, truly steals the show. He is the quintessential dark, lethal, and possessive hero, perfectly delivering that coveted "touch her and die" aura.

Beyond the main couple, the novel is enriched by a complex family dynamic and a well-integrated supporting cast. These additional characters help build the world effectively without ever distracting from the central focus on the main romance.

Overall, this book is a highly successful and addictive start, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an excellent series. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Very grateful to Dawn Publishing & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[lape.titemortt · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡︎ Book Summary ♡︎

Shattered Secrets Between Us (Willow Grove #1) introduces us to Francesca “Frankie” Roscoe, a nurse returning to her small town after the tragic death of her brother. Meanwhile, Rhett Marshall is beckoned back into life after years on the run from a dangerous, mafia-adjacent past. Their lives collide when Frankie’s grief and family turmoil meet Rhett’s secrets, setting in motion a romance infused with suspense, danger, and emotional rawness.

✍︎︎ Review ✍︎︎

High emotional stakes & strong premise
The hook is compelling, someone’s death, a hidden past, a small town with big shadows. The suspense had me locked in!!

Well-drawn romantic tension
The chemistry between Frankie and Rhett, combined with the slow-burning danger and secrets, hit a sweet spot for me 💕

Blend of genres (romance + suspense)
The mix of romance with mafia-adjacent threads and a healing journey gives the book layers beyond a standard love-story. It’s raw and messy.

❌ Pacing inconsistency
❌ “open” ending

Overall, Shattered Secrets Between Us is a high recommend. Angela van Liempt delivers a story that tugs at heartstrings while keeping you turning pages thanks to the secrets and suspense. Frankie and Rhett’s journey is messy, real, and charged! While there are familiar elements and some pacing variations, the emotional payoff and the chemistry carry the story well. If you’re ready for tension, heat, and the hope of something better, this book is for you !

✔︎ TL;DR
❥ Overcoming trauma and grief
❥ Slow burn
❥ Suspense + romance
❥ Emotional rollercoaster

Book Information ⇩
Genre: Suspense, romance
POV: Dual, 1st person
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW/CW: death, violence, gang violence, grief, trauma, and explicit scenes


Thank you, Dawn Publishing & NetGalley for my gifted advanced book copy. All my reviews are my own opinion. 💕

IG
Storygraph
Amazon

[Anika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars

Rhett Marshall has been on the run ever since he turned his father and the family's illegal business over to the police. No home, no ties—those are the rules. But when, two years later, he meets Francesca Roscoe, the sister of his buddy who was killed in a shootout when he left the business, the boundaries of his self-imposed rules begin to crumble. But when his past catches up with him, endangering not only him but also Frankie, he must face his old life.

„I wanted to know her, and that never ended well for anyone who got close to me. Francesca Roscoe didn’t know how our pasts linked, or who I was, and she never would.”

Shattered Secrets Between Us is a story about how it's not our past that defines us, but what we do with our future. That it's not too late to change your life. To want something for yourself, to be brave, to go for it. And the author handles these themes quite well.

Frankie was an interesting main character. Strong-willed, but not too artificial or bitchy. It was interesting to see how her family ties worked, and I found her father's alcohol problem particularly well portrayed.

Despite his past as a bad boy, Rhett was still somehow a total green flag for me. The way he took care of Frankie was just adorable.

Nevertheless, I have to say that for me personally, the spark didn't fly. Although objectively there was nothing wrong with the plot, for me, a very romantic person, it was sometimes too cheesy and fast-paced with the insta-love between the two. The plot also only really picks up speed halfway through the book – but regardless, I can recommend this book to fans of lighter mafia romance with lots of romance, a truly devoted MC, and not too dark vibes.

Many thanks to the team at Angela van Liempt, Dawn Publishing, and NetGalley for the free e-ARC.

[Meg Gilman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

So this is the first book in the Willow Grove series, following the interconnected lives of Rhett and Frankie. Rhett has been on the run for the past two years following plans gone awry with his mob family and settles into the small town of Willow Grove, Frankie's hometown where she moved back to following the tragic death of her younger brother. When Rhett moves in next door and they begin to fall for each other, Rhett knows he can't keep her. Especially not with unawares of how their lives were connected in the first place. But when the past catches up to them both, they have no choice but to confront it...together.

Overall, I liked the story. The characters were all great, with complexity and depth. The plot was also very good; it's not a "typical" mafia romance but has some of those elements. I personally enjoy a duel POV and the author did a really nice job of alternating between Rhett and Frankie. This whole family is a hot mess and the author does an excellent job of making you really feel what they are going through, how they are (and aren't) handling their family tragedy, and showing the power of grief and secrets. It was really well done. I adore Frankie; she was the best female lead character I've read in a while.

I thought it was just too long. The story is relatively straightforward, so 477 pages felt like a lot. Some of it felt a little repetitive. I know that you are setting the stage for the rest of the series and that we are really looking at a family that is going through the worst time. And you've got this slow burny, witty banter thing going and that's great (it really was excellently done!). But there were some times that I just wanted to skim because I felt like we had already done this.

Overall, really well written, excellent characters, lots of emotion.

[Havok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I’m just going to admit it right now: I cried, not just once but multiple times. Angela van Liempt didn’t just write a story; she ripped my heart open, hugged it, and then handed it back with a tissue and a whispered “You’ll be okay.” I'm not.

Frankie…. my sweet, stubborn, selfless Frankie, she’s the kind of woman who carries the world on her shoulders and still finds the strength to smile. I felt every ounce of her pain from the loss of her brother which hit so hard I had to pause reading more than once. Having lost my own brother, this story felt deeply personal. It wasn’t just fiction but it was healing disguised as heartbreak.

Then there’s Rhett. The definition of a walking green flag. The kind of man who doesn’t just love you; he sees you. His patience, his gentleness, the quiet way he stands beside Frankie instead of in front of her and it’s everything. Their chemistry? Instant. Their passion? Magnetic but what makes it so beautiful is the restraint, the slow burn built on trust and tenderness. Rhett doesn’t rush her healing.... he protects it.

Angela van Liempt has a way of writing that makes emotions feel alive with every page feels like it’s pulsing with raw feeling; love, grief, healing, and that fragile hope that somehow, someday, we’ll all be okay again.

By the end, I wasn’t just reading a romance. I was reading a story about survival, love after loss, and how broken hearts can still beat in rhythm with someone else’s.

If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost deeply, or needed a reminder that love can rebuild what grief destroyed, this one’s going to stay with you.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shattered Secrets Between Us is a sultry, suspense-laced romance that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. With emotional depth and a simmering undercurrent of danger, this story explores love, loss, and the redemptive power of connection in the unlikeliest of places.

Francesca “Frankie” Roscoe is a beautifully layered heroine—strong, compassionate, and quietly aching from a past she can’t outrun. Enter Rhett Marshall, the brooding stranger with a shadowy history and a heart he didn’t know still worked. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what makes this story sing is the emotional tension: the secrets they carry, the grief they share, and the love that might just save them both.

The writing is evocative and atmospheric, with just the right balance of heat and heart. The small-town setting of Willow Grove adds a sense of intimacy, while the suspense keeps the pages turning. It’s a story about second chances, buried truths, and the kind of love that demands everything—and gives even more in return.

Perfect for fans of romantic suspense with emotional grit and a touch of danger, this one lingers long after the final page.

with thanks to Angela van Liempt, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Please note the publisher has left a note on this book:

A Note From the Publisher
Shattered Secrets Between Us is a spicy, adult romantic suspense and contains mature themes, dark elements, and explicit content that may be triggering for some readers. For more information, please visit:
https://www.dawn-publishing.com/roman...

[Katerina Karavapori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. Frankie and Rhett were both easy to love and root for and I appreciate the fact that themes like grief, loss, dysfunctional families were skilfully intertwined in this dark romance. The way their relationship developed was well paced and I was invested from early on to see how the story ends. The dual POV was executed very well and helped push the narrative and pace whilst allowing us to witness both characters falling in love, it was really sweet. Frankie's arc was one of the strongest points, she really came into her true self during the course of the book. Rhett was so sweet and I loved how he just couldn't stay away and was torn between his blossoming feelings and his need to protect Frankie, even when at times it meant that he had to stay away (at least that's what he thought). Complicated family relationships added layers to the storyline and side characters, especially Lena, were well fleshed out and made the pace feels seamless.

If you are a fan of the genre, you will not be disappointed and the book delivers in what it's set out to give us. I will be looking out for more books by Angela!

[Amelia Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an eARC from the Author.

This book was absolutely amazing. Meeting Rhett and Frankie was such a pleasure.

Frankie is a badass that is about to dominate the new world that she is entering and I’m so here for it. Her passion for helping people is shown throughout the book right until the end of the book. The family drama that she goes through and how she manages it with Rhett at her side was also very touching.

Rhett is a mix of a golden retriever and bloodhound. I was drawn immediately. His charismatic personality and the push and pull of him wanting to be with Frankie and the trust he wants to give to her shows throughout the book.
Both characters have family ties between one another and with Frankie trying figure out of what happened to her brother and trying not to fall for Rhett at the same time was absolutely thrilling.

All in all the book was fantastic. The spice was spicing, the plot was epic and I’m ready to see what in store for the two characters.

The only issue I had was the use of the word Baby a lot in the book but I’m the odd one and don’t like the nickname🫣

[Kelly M · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHATTERED SECRETS BETWEEN US
Angela van Liempt
Willow Grove, book one
Pub date - 10/28/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 stars

Thank you to the author and RR Book Tours for a gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review

“If you want to be with someone, if you really want to deserve their time, their body, their everything… fucking do what it takes to deserve them.”

This was one of my first dips into mob/mafia romance and it was a wild, emotional ride! It hit on a lot of heavy topics including family loss, powerful families and internal conflicts, and murder/assault. I really liked Rhett's character and how much he cared for Frankie; there was also so much growth and healing that these characters all had to do throughout the book. The story was good, but started to drag for me a little bit by the end. There was a lot of internal reflection and narration from both FMC and MMC and it felt a little bit repetitive in the last 3/4 of the book. Overall, I enjoyed this read and would continue the series!

What to expect:
🖤Mob/mafia bosses
🖤Hidden identity
🖤Bad boy turned good
🖤He falls first
🖤Loss/grief
🖤Dual POV

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie is a nurse who loves her job just as much as she loves her family. She puts everything she has into the things she loves. Rhett is new in town and working at a bar owned by Frankie’s friend Lena who is dating Frankie’s police officer brother. She knows that Rhett has a connection to her brother, but doesn’t know the details. Rhett’s checkered mob related past comes crashing into the present despite how hard he tries to keep it away from Frankie.

This story is totally swoon worthy! The bad boy ex-mobster trying to escape his former life falling for the sweet girl who everyone loves is delicious. The protective vibes are totally hot and their connection is oh so steamy. I love that they defy Frankie’s brother and create their own path. There’s a lot of grief and violence in this one, so take note of any trigger warnings. The story has all the elements of a mafia romance and the suspense adds a lot of depth to the story. It’s full of emotion, strong characters, and a great plot! *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Laura Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie is struggling after the tragic death of her brother Miles. She meets a handsome stranger one day while getting coffee, only to find out that he's the new barman in her brother Finn's girlfriends bar.... and sparks fly instantly between them.
Rhett has come to Willow Grove to escape his mob past that Frankie is completely unaware of.Their pasts have been entwined for some time and that past is about to come back to haunt them, as Frankie becomes the target.
I received this book as an arc from Angela, I've been looking forward to reading it for so long and wow, it really didn't disappoint. It's the first mafia romance I've ever read and i was hooked form the first chapter. I loved how fast paced it was, full of suspense and I loved Rhett.... he is such a lovely genuine man who found himself born into a life that he didn't want and felt trapped in. He totally deserved to find a life of happiness 🥰.

[Charlene (pageandplace) · Rating 4 out of 5]

She saves lives. He ends them.

When the MMC, on the run from his mob past, ends up in a small town with the literal girl next door FMC, who is grieving the loss of her brother… turns out you can’t run from your past when it’s connected to your future.

I’m not a run for the mafia romance section gal but I am a fan of Angela’s books so I was absolutely thrilled when she announced a romantic suspense! She writes beautifully and I could picture everything as I read it. Please take a look at her socials for actual character art- it’s gorgeous!!!

I enjoyed watching Rhett and Frankie as their neighbor relationship grew! Both aspects of the grief and romance were well written and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Willow Grove series!

Thank you to the author, Angela Van Liempt, and Dawn Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Angela van Liempt , Dawn Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All information below is based off my own opinion of the book! I also like to keep my reviews short and simple as someone who looks at the short reviews before reading books. 💕⭐️
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Favorite characters: Rhett
I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. I found this book hard to sit down and when I did I found myself thinking about it. I love the touch her you die trope so much. The spice in this was nice and did not overtake the plot. A mafia romance and it was so suspenseful I was wondering what was next. I did have to read this arc in the net galley app as I was unable to send it to kindle but it was pretty easy to do. I wish we would of been able to learn about Finn and Lena first and their love story because I found that I wanted to know them more. Over all this was a good read and I would read more from this author.