What do you think?
Rate this book
Quarry Road #2
All the Secrets We Keep
In the riveting conclusion to Megan Hart’s passionate new family drama, the secrets they keep are no match for the truths their hearts will never let go.
Still stuck in his small Central Pennsylvania hometown, Ilya Stern is used to feeling like a disappointment. After his high school girlfriend, Jennilynn, drowned, he married her sister, Alicia, only to divorce a decade later. The business they started together is threatened by a luxury development—and Alicia has already sold her stake. Now that Babulya, Ilya’s gentle Russian grandmother, has died, there’s no one left who believes in him. Or so he thinks.
Theresa Malone was Ilya’s stepsister for only a year, until his mother threw her pill-popping father out of the house in the middle of the night, forcing teenage Theresa to follow. Now she’s returned for Babulya’s funeral—and to facilitate the quarry-development deal. As she tries to convince Ilya to sell, she realizes her feelings for him have ignited—from sisterly into something more.
Working together closely, Ilya and Theresa struggle to define their intense attraction. When the details of Jennilynn’s death surface, will Ilya and Theresa’s deep connection keep their hope for the future afloat—or submerge them once and forever in their tragic past?
Still stuck in his small Central Pennsylvania hometown, Ilya Stern is used to feeling like a disappointment. After his high school girlfriend, Jennilynn, drowned, he married her sister, Alicia, only to divorce a decade later. The business they started together is threatened by a luxury development—and Alicia has already sold her stake. Now that Babulya, Ilya’s gentle Russian grandmother, has died, there’s no one left who believes in him. Or so he thinks.
Theresa Malone was Ilya’s stepsister for only a year, until his mother threw her pill-popping father out of the house in the middle of the night, forcing teenage Theresa to follow. Now she’s returned for Babulya’s funeral—and to facilitate the quarry-development deal. As she tries to convince Ilya to sell, she realizes her feelings for him have ignited—from sisterly into something more.
Working together closely, Ilya and Theresa struggle to define their intense attraction. When the details of Jennilynn’s death surface, will Ilya and Theresa’s deep connection keep their hope for the future afloat—or submerge them once and forever in their tragic past?
MP3 CD
First published June 13, 2017
282 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Megan Hart
265 books4,057 followersMegan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 13, 2017
I found All the Secrets We Keep quite compelling. I hated to have to stop reading, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the book. I was surprised by my reaction, considering I found the first book a little slow and felt the main characters, Alicia and Niko were likeable, but a bit dull. Ilya and Theresa, especially Theresa, are both much more interesting characters. I found Niko and Alicia to be too passive, spending too much time contemplating past mistakes and decisions (or lack thereof). Theresa and Ilya are more active, even when their decisions aren’t the best, they’re moving forward with direction and concrete goals. I didn’t like Ilya in the first book, and he starts out as the same stubborn man here, but he finally realizes he’s fighting a losing battle. Letting go of the business he and Alicia had owned seemed to open the floodgates to take steps, with Theresa’s help, to move on from the past, and finally, grow up. Ilya was stuck emotionally, and I loved seeing his introspection and his efforts to make better decisions. Ilya’s growth and development are subtle, which makes them more believable and realistic. I did find the obstacle between him and Theresa to be minor, not a true obstacle, but I don’t think this series is a traditional romance, so I can overlook it. There was a shroud of mystery to Theresa in The Lies We Tell, and I was intrigued. As the details emerged, I wasn’t sure I agreed with how she handled her situation, however, I did enjoy this plot thread and where it eventually lead. I had my theory about the death of Jenni, Alicia’s older sister and Ilya’s former love, but I was wrong. Still, I found the conclusion very satisfying, and really liked this book.
ARC provided for a voluntary and honest review.
July 22, 2020
July, 2020
I'd thought I remembered the story in All the Secrets We Keep well... Until I started reading it.
A few impressions from my first read I did remember, and they are still true now. I liked this book better than its predecessor. I loved Ilya. I loved Theresa. I loved Ilya and Theresa. I thought the tone was lighter than in the previous book.
New beginnings. Revelations. Putting the past to rest. Looking to the future. Letting go of the bad, hanging on to the good. It was good reading about the characters in this series doing all that. Great, actually.
May, 2017
4.5 stars.
I liked this book even more than All the Lies We Tell. Was I surprised? Definitely. I was sure Ilya and Theresa's story couldn't match Alicia and Niko's, but I was wrong. It was one of those rare occasions I was glad to be wrong.
All the Secrets We Tell is the continuation of the Harrison-Stern-Malone family drama, and its conclusion. Like its predecessor, it has multiple POVs, but most of it is focused on Ilya and Theresa. Ilya, Alicia's ex-husband who after the first book hadn't left the impression of being a mature man or that he had been an exemplary husband to Alicia, is the reason I expected this book wouldn't be as good as the first one, even though at the end of All the Lies We Tell he was the wisest of them all. I was pleasantly surprised by his character and by how much I enjoyed reading his chapters. There was a lot to like about him. He wormed himself into my heart, as did Theresa. In book one, I found Theresa secretive. I was suspicious of her, and I was wrong about her too. Theresa's secrets were nowhere near as sinister as I had imagined. Her misfortune made me feel sorry for her, but her strength made me admire her. Together they were so cute, Ilya especially. They brought out the good in each other. I smiled a lot while I was reading about them.
I found this book to be lighter than the previous one, most likely because Alicia and Niko had found each other after all those years, so it was two characters less that needed to find their happy new beginning, and they were recovering from the death of Ilya and Niko's grandmother. Not only that, Ilya and Theresa found a way to honor Babulya in their new business endeavor. What was still hanging above them like a dark cloud was Jenni's tragic death, but even that cloud was slowly moving away. Like in the first book, there were flashbacks to the time surrounding her death many years ago, giving some clues as to what was really happening with her at that time. Truth would come from unexpected people, that is if they are to be believed. Her death had affected the lives of all of them in so many bad ways, but Babulya's brought them back together. They finally found their way to where they belonged. They were four people with a complicated past, and they may have been odd couples what with Niko being Alicia's ex-brother-in-law, and Theresa being Ilya's ex-stepsister, but they worked.
A lot had happened over the past year. Loss, renewal, beginnings, endings. Most of all, though, love. They'd all found love.
As always, Megan Hart's storytelling was amazing. I reread a lot of parts because she writes so beautifully. That and the interesting and complex story of the families on Quarry Street make this duology a hit in my book.
***ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
June 11, 2017
I find that I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. I'm sure a lot has to do with not having to get to know all the characters and their backgrounds since this book started where we left off in book 1. I also think it has to do with the change in tone of the story. There was a lot of drama with all the characters in book 1 and there still is in this book, but a lot of had been resolved as well.
At the end of book 1, Alicia and Nikolai finally accept their feelings for each other and we got to see them be happy in this book. Ilya finally shows some growth and behaved less selfishly because of Theresa and her influence on him. He was all wrong for Alicia but with Theresa he was becoming a better man.
Then we began to learn more about what happened between Galina and Barry, Theresa's father, and also what happened to Jennilyn all those years ago.
While this book focuses on Ilya and Theresa, there were 5 other characters that were in it so much that they all felt like main characters. It's based around the two families who were neighbors and grew up together
Jennilynn - popular girl in school who partied too much and was in love with Ilya even though they were never really a couple. She drowns when she is 18 but plays a huge role throughout the book.
Alicia - the less noticeable sister to Jennilyn who had a thing for Nikolai. Nikolai left right after graduation to get away from his family drama. Alicia then leans on Ilya after her sisters death and Nikolai's absence. They get married and built a business together, then later divorce and sell their business. Her and Nikolai finally get together at the end of book 1.
Galena - Mom to Ilya and Nikolai. Galena is the very definition of family drama. She is flaky and had major mood swings that made her sons tip toe around her. She was not a likable character. she seemed very selfish.
Ilya - In love with Jennilyn, but marries Alicia and starts a business with her not long after Jennilyn's death. He seemed very selfish and needed to grow up in book 1.
Nikolai - Leaves right after graduation. He loved Alicia but not enough to stay for her. He and Alicia finally get together at the end of book 1.
Barry - Theresa's father who is also Galina's ex. I did not like his character and you find out what a horrible father he was in this book.
This series is very well written. I may not have liked a lot of the characters but I'll admit I read it very quickly. It kept my attention and I was never bored. ARC provided by NetGalley.
At the end of book 1, Alicia and Nikolai finally accept their feelings for each other and we got to see them be happy in this book. Ilya finally shows some growth and behaved less selfishly because of Theresa and her influence on him. He was all wrong for Alicia but with Theresa he was becoming a better man.
Then we began to learn more about what happened between Galina and Barry, Theresa's father, and also what happened to Jennilyn all those years ago.
While this book focuses on Ilya and Theresa, there were 5 other characters that were in it so much that they all felt like main characters. It's based around the two families who were neighbors and grew up together
Jennilynn - popular girl in school who partied too much and was in love with Ilya even though they were never really a couple. She drowns when she is 18 but plays a huge role throughout the book.
Alicia - the less noticeable sister to Jennilyn who had a thing for Nikolai. Nikolai left right after graduation to get away from his family drama. Alicia then leans on Ilya after her sisters death and Nikolai's absence. They get married and built a business together, then later divorce and sell their business. Her and Nikolai finally get together at the end of book 1.
Galena - Mom to Ilya and Nikolai. Galena is the very definition of family drama. She is flaky and had major mood swings that made her sons tip toe around her. She was not a likable character. she seemed very selfish.
Ilya - In love with Jennilyn, but marries Alicia and starts a business with her not long after Jennilyn's death. He seemed very selfish and needed to grow up in book 1.
Nikolai - Leaves right after graduation. He loved Alicia but not enough to stay for her. He and Alicia finally get together at the end of book 1.
Barry - Theresa's father who is also Galina's ex. I did not like his character and you find out what a horrible father he was in this book.
This series is very well written. I may not have liked a lot of the characters but I'll admit I read it very quickly. It kept my attention and I was never bored. ARC provided by NetGalley.
July 5, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A good conclusion to this series. In this sequel all the secrets, they all kept come out. I enjoyed reading this book slightly more than the first one. What is noticeable here is that Alicia's character and her triangle love story completely take the back seat. Instead, Theresa takes the lead here and we get to know more about her than we knew in the first book. The secrets surrounding the death of Jennilynn are all spilled out.
The pace of the book was steady. This is a decent family drama with some mystery to it and of course some hot scenes too. Though I feel you should read the first book before getting into the sequel. Overall it is a decent book that has a good conclusion to the story.
I won this book by participating in a GoodReads giveaway and this is my honest unbiased review.
A good conclusion to this series. In this sequel all the secrets, they all kept come out. I enjoyed reading this book slightly more than the first one. What is noticeable here is that Alicia's character and her triangle love story completely take the back seat. Instead, Theresa takes the lead here and we get to know more about her than we knew in the first book. The secrets surrounding the death of Jennilynn are all spilled out.
The pace of the book was steady. This is a decent family drama with some mystery to it and of course some hot scenes too. Though I feel you should read the first book before getting into the sequel. Overall it is a decent book that has a good conclusion to the story.
I won this book by participating in a GoodReads giveaway and this is my honest unbiased review.
November 15, 2018
I would say that this is more of a very complicated romance with hidden secrets and mystery in its midsts. Loved the romance part of it and I’m usually not much into romance novels. I think that I liked it because it wasn’t just about the one relationship, it had more going on. I enjoyed it very much.
June 19, 2017
I was waiting for this book to come out anxiously to get closure on the mystery that we found in the first book. Good thing these two were released pretty close together. Another great thing is that each book features a different couple so you actually get an HEA for each. This may just be a great formula for duologies in my opinion. ;)I'll admit I wasn't the biggest Ilya fan in the first book. He seemed like an uncaring idiot half the time, from how he was acting towards his family and towards his ex wife (personal and business wise). The reasons why their marriage hadn't worked. I knew there was a deeper reason to why he was the way he was and a lot of that had to do with Jennilynn's death. But I still wasn't his #1 fan. After this book, I can't say I turned into one, but I could understand him better which is all I wanted to do. He made sense to me. Right or wrong. And I wanted to see him find his happy ending.
Theresa was that perfect missing piece in his life. While her father had married his mother for a short period of time, the fact that at one point they were step-siblings didn't have the taboo impact on me that maybe it should've gone for. But there was a sort of easy chemistry between her and Ilya now that was unique to them. I don't think they had the spark I felt with Alicia and Nikolai in the first book, but I wanted them to find some peace together. Both having gone through a lot in their lives. And this certainly was that.
I was a bit disappointed with Theresa and how she's handled the bad hand life dealt her. I would've acted much differently in her position, but I get it. Overall, though, I liked her character. She was trying to be strong while being good, putting others first and trying to find a balance. The development of her relationship with Ilya felt very organic and I liked that.
I was hoping for more of a twist in the end. I had all these big ideas of what could've happened and it turned out to be a simple answer in the end. While this wasn't the thrilling mystery ride I was looking for, it was an entertaining read that definitely made me care for the characters and kept me reading as fast as I could to get to the end.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
September 16, 2019
If you are thinking of reading this, you should read book one first. Just so you know.
Okay, so All the Secrets we Keep carries on with the story of two brothers, an exwife, and an exstepsister. This one more so focuses on Ilya and Theresa, and they both have a lot of growth during the story. Old wounds start to finally heal for them all, while some family issues linger and might always. That's real life though.
I really enjoyed these books, but the mystery surrounding Alicia's sister still bugs me, so I might have to buy that book to ease my curiosity. The love stories, the family dynamic, the real characters, were flawed and interesting.
Okay, so All the Secrets we Keep carries on with the story of two brothers, an exwife, and an exstepsister. This one more so focuses on Ilya and Theresa, and they both have a lot of growth during the story. Old wounds start to finally heal for them all, while some family issues linger and might always. That's real life though.
I really enjoyed these books, but the mystery surrounding Alicia's sister still bugs me, so I might have to buy that book to ease my curiosity. The love stories, the family dynamic, the real characters, were flawed and interesting.
September 25, 2017
All the Secrets We Keep
Quarry Road #2
Megan Hart
I loved this one just as much as I loved the first book in this series. I have read many books by Megan Hart and this is a more contemporary romance than her usual erotica.
This is a continuation from All the Lies We Tell and should be read in order. I don't feel this book could be read as a standalone.
I'm pretty sure this was the conclusion to the story but I hope she writes some more books similiar to these.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Quarry Road #2
Megan Hart
I loved this one just as much as I loved the first book in this series. I have read many books by Megan Hart and this is a more contemporary romance than her usual erotica.
This is a continuation from All the Lies We Tell and should be read in order. I don't feel this book could be read as a standalone.
I'm pretty sure this was the conclusion to the story but I hope she writes some more books similiar to these.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2018
I enjoyed part #2 as much as the 1st in the series. A lot was discovered and put to rest in this book. Some of it was very surprising!
May 6, 2019
All the Secrets We Keep by Megan Hart is the second book in the Quarry Road series and like the first deals with the Stern family who seem to need to sleep with each other. In the first book, Ilya Stern's long lost brother comes home and falls in love with Ilya's divorced wife. His ex -sister in law and they carry on an affair behind Ilya's back.
Now it's Ilya's turn to get some and who does he fall for. Why his step sister of course!
Ilya Stern is trapped in his small Pennsylvania hometown, trying to hold on to a business that is failing by the day. But that is how much of his life feels right now and he wallows in it. Ilya is use to feeling like a disappointment. He has screwed up most everything for most of his life and allowed his bad boy charm to escape from the responsibility of it.
"...He found a few new words at the last minute, when she was already almost out the door. 'Are you too?'
'Am I what?'
'Disappointed in me.' He was drifting...drifting.
'Why would I be?'
'All...the women in my life...mother, Alicia...they're all disappointed in me. Are you..."
Ilya Stern fell in love with his high school girlfriend Jennilynn, but when she drowned he quickly moved on and married her sister Alicia. Together they started a business but the ghost of his love for Jennilynn hung over them and they were doomed. They divorced and Alicia sold her share of the business but Ilya wants to hold on. When his grandmother Babulya dies, Ilya feels like he has no one left.
Theresa Malone was Ilya's stepsister for a year. That is how long it took Ilya's temperamental mother to throw Theresa's father out of the house in the middle of the night. When Babulya dies, Theresa returns to pay her respects. She is also trying to facilitate the deal to buy out Ilya's share of the business so that her company can begin development.
Working together, Ilya and Theresa build more than a brotherly, sisterly relationship. But can their relationship work? Is Theresa just pretending her feelings to get the sale to go through? Will the past of their family come back to haunt them as well? Can Ilya save the one thing in his life that needs to go right?
Megan Hart is a very good writer. She is also one of the more prolific writers going right now as well. When you churn our so many titles, then they are not all going to be very good and this one falls under the label of "...not as good as most of her stuff..." The premise of the relationship is shaky as best and there seems to be little in the way of true chemistry. They are two lonely and failing people who hope they stay afloat holding onto each other. But how does one drowning person save another? Ilya is a character, both in this book and the one prior, that you want to see fail. He is a selfish and arrogant ass with little to show for it. Theresa seems to so desperate, in her life and business that she is reaching for any kind of preserver to keep her afloat. You hope that she is not the next woman in Ilya's life that he just uses to feed his need for attention.
Overall not really bad, but not up to Megan Hart's other books.
Now it's Ilya's turn to get some and who does he fall for. Why his step sister of course!
Ilya Stern is trapped in his small Pennsylvania hometown, trying to hold on to a business that is failing by the day. But that is how much of his life feels right now and he wallows in it. Ilya is use to feeling like a disappointment. He has screwed up most everything for most of his life and allowed his bad boy charm to escape from the responsibility of it.
"...He found a few new words at the last minute, when she was already almost out the door. 'Are you too?'
'Am I what?'
'Disappointed in me.' He was drifting...drifting.
'Why would I be?'
'All...the women in my life...mother, Alicia...they're all disappointed in me. Are you..."
Ilya Stern fell in love with his high school girlfriend Jennilynn, but when she drowned he quickly moved on and married her sister Alicia. Together they started a business but the ghost of his love for Jennilynn hung over them and they were doomed. They divorced and Alicia sold her share of the business but Ilya wants to hold on. When his grandmother Babulya dies, Ilya feels like he has no one left.
Theresa Malone was Ilya's stepsister for a year. That is how long it took Ilya's temperamental mother to throw Theresa's father out of the house in the middle of the night. When Babulya dies, Theresa returns to pay her respects. She is also trying to facilitate the deal to buy out Ilya's share of the business so that her company can begin development.
Working together, Ilya and Theresa build more than a brotherly, sisterly relationship. But can their relationship work? Is Theresa just pretending her feelings to get the sale to go through? Will the past of their family come back to haunt them as well? Can Ilya save the one thing in his life that needs to go right?
Megan Hart is a very good writer. She is also one of the more prolific writers going right now as well. When you churn our so many titles, then they are not all going to be very good and this one falls under the label of "...not as good as most of her stuff..." The premise of the relationship is shaky as best and there seems to be little in the way of true chemistry. They are two lonely and failing people who hope they stay afloat holding onto each other. But how does one drowning person save another? Ilya is a character, both in this book and the one prior, that you want to see fail. He is a selfish and arrogant ass with little to show for it. Theresa seems to so desperate, in her life and business that she is reaching for any kind of preserver to keep her afloat. You hope that she is not the next woman in Ilya's life that he just uses to feed his need for attention.
Overall not really bad, but not up to Megan Hart's other books.
June 12, 2017
4.5 Stars
Megan hart finishes her Quarry Road Duo with All the Secrets We Keep and surprisingly, I liked it even more than book one. I was a bit surprised by that because I had no love lost for Ilya in the first book, but Hart worked her magic. In no time at all I was firmly invested in Ilya's story and rooting for him.
Ilya is used to being a disappointment. He lost his wife to a drowning accident clothed in secrecy, he married her sister, but that ending in divorce and the business he started with her is a step away from being lost. Losing his grandmother seems to be last straw to break him until he is reunited his Theresa, his short lived stepsister.
Theresa was Ilya's stepsister for a year, until his mother kicked out her addict father. She returns for his grandmother's funeral and to try and see him through his failing business. She tries to convince him to sell and somewhere along the way her long ago feelings of sibling care turn into something deeper and less familiar. Just when things seem to be turning around for Ilya abs he finally has a glimmer of hope, secrets from the past put his future at risk.
Megan Hart gave this book duo an excellent conclusion. This was a little less heavy than book one, but just as exciting and emotional. Hart always writes stories that wrap around you send refuse to let go and this is another great addition to that list of work.
Megan hart finishes her Quarry Road Duo with All the Secrets We Keep and surprisingly, I liked it even more than book one. I was a bit surprised by that because I had no love lost for Ilya in the first book, but Hart worked her magic. In no time at all I was firmly invested in Ilya's story and rooting for him.
Ilya is used to being a disappointment. He lost his wife to a drowning accident clothed in secrecy, he married her sister, but that ending in divorce and the business he started with her is a step away from being lost. Losing his grandmother seems to be last straw to break him until he is reunited his Theresa, his short lived stepsister.
Theresa was Ilya's stepsister for a year, until his mother kicked out her addict father. She returns for his grandmother's funeral and to try and see him through his failing business. She tries to convince him to sell and somewhere along the way her long ago feelings of sibling care turn into something deeper and less familiar. Just when things seem to be turning around for Ilya abs he finally has a glimmer of hope, secrets from the past put his future at risk.
Megan Hart gave this book duo an excellent conclusion. This was a little less heavy than book one, but just as exciting and emotional. Hart always writes stories that wrap around you send refuse to let go and this is another great addition to that list of work.
June 3, 2017
This book was a bit more upbeat than the last. You could see all the new beginnings happening and quite frankly I found myself rooting for everyone with their new endeavors. You could see the hint of new love in the last book, with this one it fully bloomed and in places you didn't expect, but I loved. Even the new business seemed perfect, Illya seemed to hit his stride, to actually grow up a bit to take on things. Of course it helped that he had Theresa there to push him in the right direction and keep him on track.
The only downer was when the truth about Jenni came out. While I hated the pain that everyone went through, I was glad that they learned the truth. I wasn't too surprised with what happened, had guessed quite a bit of it, but still hated to see how things ended for Jenni.
The ending gave me hope for those left behind, that they could all finally move forward and do so being happy.
The only downer was when the truth about Jenni came out. While I hated the pain that everyone went through, I was glad that they learned the truth. I wasn't too surprised with what happened, had guessed quite a bit of it, but still hated to see how things ended for Jenni.
The ending gave me hope for those left behind, that they could all finally move forward and do so being happy.
June 12, 2017
Review written: June 12, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
All the Secrets We Keep is the interesting, but not so exciting conclusion to the mystery that started in All the Lies We Tell. It's not so very exciting because so much of it was telegraphed before the reveal that the reveal didn't add much.
Having said that, this family drama got a whole lot more dramatic in this conclusion. I really liked Ilya and Theresa in this book. Both of them needed to get out from under their families' expectations and desires and they did so together.
Some parts that were exactly as I expected: Ilya really didn't mind Allie and Niko getting together so much; Galina is a first class bitch, but asshole would do too; Theresa is one hell of a woman. Other parts I was off a bit on my guesses but not by much: the role of Theresa's father, for instance; where Galina fit into all this; and whether Ilya would ever sell.
I liked getting to the bottom of the mystery. I liked seeing Alicia and Niko get on with their lives. I liked how well Theresa and Ilya fit together. But, while that was all good, I really can't say I enjoyed this book. It felt weighted and even the reveal seemed to make everything all the heavier. It didn't help that I hated Galina and Barry when it was all done.
So yes, glad I read it. But it wasn't a pleasure cruise.
This review is ©June 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
All the Secrets We Keep is the interesting, but not so exciting conclusion to the mystery that started in All the Lies We Tell. It's not so very exciting because so much of it was telegraphed before the reveal that the reveal didn't add much.
Having said that, this family drama got a whole lot more dramatic in this conclusion. I really liked Ilya and Theresa in this book. Both of them needed to get out from under their families' expectations and desires and they did so together.
Some parts that were exactly as I expected: Ilya really didn't mind Allie and Niko getting together so much; Galina is a first class bitch, but asshole would do too; Theresa is one hell of a woman. Other parts I was off a bit on my guesses but not by much: the role of Theresa's father, for instance; where Galina fit into all this; and whether Ilya would ever sell.
I liked getting to the bottom of the mystery. I liked seeing Alicia and Niko get on with their lives. I liked how well Theresa and Ilya fit together. But, while that was all good, I really can't say I enjoyed this book. It felt weighted and even the reveal seemed to make everything all the heavier. It didn't help that I hated Galina and Barry when it was all done.
So yes, glad I read it. But it wasn't a pleasure cruise.
This review is ©June 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
June 9, 2017
This book and the first were meant to be read together. They are stories which don't make sense apart and are intrinsically linked. That might have bothered me but it was very obvious upon reading the first book that there was plenty more story to explore. There were so many unanswered questions in regards to what would happen with Ilya and the fact that Theresa had a lot more troubles. And there were all the unanswered questions to be had with Jenni. And what on earth motivated Galina to come home. Basically, this book was both the story of Theresa and Ilya finding their happy, but also about tying up loose ends.
It was a really fast read and whilst it was angstier than my usual books I kind of enjoyed that. I was a bit wary going in, whilst I'd quite liked Theresa in the first book (despite her secretive ways) I was far more wary of Ilya. He came across as a bit of a dick in the first book and also very hung up on a girl he loved as a teenager. I didn't get how I was going to be convinced to like him and especially when he didn't seem willing to grow from the teenager he once was. Thankfully, Megan Hart is a far better author than I gave her credit for because whilst I'd been a fan of Theresa's in the first book it was actually Ilya I was cheering for because he really turned over a new leaf.
I will give this book that, there was plenty of character growth, far more than I experience in the first. I like Nico and Alicia as a couple but they seemed like they were falling back into something which could have happened if given a chance anyway. They were inevitable. Theresa and Ilya, on the other hand, had to grow as people before they were ready to even think about moving forward together. I liked that level of growth they experience, but especially Ilya growing into the adult he should have been long ago.
I was a little disappointed with the mystery surrounding Galina and Barry and what happened to Jenni all those years ago. I predicted back in the first book (not precisely, but I knew bits of what must have happened) and that obviousness about something which was in the background through two books was a bit of a letdown. I know it wasn't the focus of the books so I won't let it affect my rating but it was a bit meh.
As a whole, the book was brilliant and a fantastic close to the story of these characters and I will definitely be visiting Megan Hart's books in the future.
It was a really fast read and whilst it was angstier than my usual books I kind of enjoyed that. I was a bit wary going in, whilst I'd quite liked Theresa in the first book (despite her secretive ways) I was far more wary of Ilya. He came across as a bit of a dick in the first book and also very hung up on a girl he loved as a teenager. I didn't get how I was going to be convinced to like him and especially when he didn't seem willing to grow from the teenager he once was. Thankfully, Megan Hart is a far better author than I gave her credit for because whilst I'd been a fan of Theresa's in the first book it was actually Ilya I was cheering for because he really turned over a new leaf.
I will give this book that, there was plenty of character growth, far more than I experience in the first. I like Nico and Alicia as a couple but they seemed like they were falling back into something which could have happened if given a chance anyway. They were inevitable. Theresa and Ilya, on the other hand, had to grow as people before they were ready to even think about moving forward together. I liked that level of growth they experience, but especially Ilya growing into the adult he should have been long ago.
I was a little disappointed with the mystery surrounding Galina and Barry and what happened to Jenni all those years ago. I predicted back in the first book (not precisely, but I knew bits of what must have happened) and that obviousness about something which was in the background through two books was a bit of a letdown. I know it wasn't the focus of the books so I won't let it affect my rating but it was a bit meh.
As a whole, the book was brilliant and a fantastic close to the story of these characters and I will definitely be visiting Megan Hart's books in the future.
June 21, 2017
I was waiting for this book to come out anxiously to get closure on the mystery that we found in the first book. Good thing these two were released pretty close together. Another great thing is that each book features a different couple so you actually get an HEA for each. This may just be a great formula for duologies in my opinion. 😉
I’ll admit I wasn’t the biggest Ilya fan in the first book. He seemed like an uncaring idiot half the time, from how he was acting towards his family and towards his ex wife (personal and business wise). The reasons why their marriage hadn’t worked. I knew there was a deeper reason to why he was the way he was and a lot of that had to do with Jennilynn’s death. But I still wasn’t his #1 fan. After this book, I can’t say I turned into one, but I could understand him better which is all I wanted to do. He made sense to me. Right or wrong. And I wanted to see him find his happy ending.
Theresa was that perfect missing piece in his life. While her father had married his mother for a short period of time, the fact that at one point they were step-siblings didn’t have the taboo impact on me that maybe it should’ve gone for. But there was a sort of easy chemistry between her and Ilya now that was unique to them. I don’t think they had the spark I felt with Alicia and Nikolai in the first book, but I wanted them to find some peace together. Both having gone through a lot in their lives. And this certainly was that.
I was a bit disappointed with Theresa and how she’s handled the bad hand life dealt her. I would’ve acted much differently in her position, but I get it. Overall, though, I liked her character. She was trying to be strong while being good, putting others first and trying to find a balance. The development of her relationship with Ilya felt very organic and I liked that.
I was hoping for more of a twist in the end. I had all these big ideas of what could’ve happened and it turned out to be a simple answer in the end. While this wasn’t the thrilling mystery ride I was looking for, it was an entertaining read that definitely made me care for the characters and kept me reading as fast as I could to get to the end.
June 26, 2017
I did not read book 1 (All the lies we tell) in the Quarry road series. I think I would have enjoyed this story better if I had. Ilya lives in small town Pennsylvania and feels disappointment in his life. His grandmother was the only one who encouraged and supported him and now she has died. Theresa come back home for the funeral and she and Ilya meet again and wonder what could have been and struggle to decide what can be.
July 29, 2017
Great conclusion! I'm a huge fan of Megan Hart and this book did not disappoint.
I kind of already guessed what the big secret was, however, that didn't take the joy out of the story. In fact, it had me excited to see how it would be revealed. I enjoyed these characters, and their story and how everything was tied up.
I kind of already guessed what the big secret was, however, that didn't take the joy out of the story. In fact, it had me excited to see how it would be revealed. I enjoyed these characters, and their story and how everything was tied up.
August 15, 2020
Great read
What a.great series! Hart has such a gift with world.building and character development. I truly feel as though this could actually be happening and I'm getting to read the experiences as they are happening for Ilya and Nico. I will most definitely be reading book 3!!
What a.great series! Hart has such a gift with world.building and character development. I truly feel as though this could actually be happening and I'm getting to read the experiences as they are happening for Ilya and Nico. I will most definitely be reading book 3!!
July 1, 2018
This was a great follow up to the first book. I was more invested in all the characters and I liked characters I thought I didn’t like. I guessed some of the secrets way early due to hints but still enjoyed the journey.
June 21, 2017
Good read!
May 26, 2017
netgalley
I enjoyed this book. Good follow up/conclusion.
I enjoyed this book. Good follow up/conclusion.
June 29, 2017
I think this story suffered from "too many cooks in the kitchen." Ilya, Niko, Alicia, Theresa, Barry, Galina....then the flash backs from the past to the present. It is information overload and didn't make for good flow as a story. I'm glad to have read the conclusion of this story but the secrets that finally came to light left me feeling bereft and cheated. Oh well. 3*meh*stars
July 16, 2017
boring boring boring
June 13, 2017
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...
Ilya Stern was a failure in his opinion. When Jenni drowned he knew something was wrong but didn’t know what it was. After her death he married her sister as a way to keep Jenni in his life. The dive shop was a way to keep Jenni in both his and Alicia’s lives. After divorcing a decade later Ilya and Alicia finally realized that their marriage should have never happen. I was never what either of them wanted. When Ilya’s brother comes home for their grandmother’s funeral old feelings are uncovered between him and Alicia. Feelings that turn into so much more than either expected. This was hard for Ilya to see however he wanted everyone to be happy.
All Ilya needed was for someone to believe in him. When Teresa Malone waltz’s back into their life so many secrets unfold. Teresa and Ilya’s families were connected for a year while their parents were married. Due to her pill-popping father all of that was taken away one night when they were kicked out of the house they had been living in with Ilya and his family. 10 years later she shows up at Babulya’s funeral. She convinces Alicia to sell her shares of the dive shop to an investor she is working for. Needing the sale to help her out of her own financial issues. As she tries to convince Ilya to sell, she realizes her feelings for him have ignited—from sisterly into something more. She sees potential in Ilya that no one has seen before. When the diner comes up for sale she sees it as a great business opportunity for her and Ilya. As their feelings for each other get stronger they decide to take a chance on the diner and their relationship. When secrets are brought to light their relationship is put to the test. Will they be able to put the past behind them.
Ilya Stern was a failure in his opinion. When Jenni drowned he knew something was wrong but didn’t know what it was. After her death he married her sister as a way to keep Jenni in his life. The dive shop was a way to keep Jenni in both his and Alicia’s lives. After divorcing a decade later Ilya and Alicia finally realized that their marriage should have never happen. I was never what either of them wanted. When Ilya’s brother comes home for their grandmother’s funeral old feelings are uncovered between him and Alicia. Feelings that turn into so much more than either expected. This was hard for Ilya to see however he wanted everyone to be happy.
All Ilya needed was for someone to believe in him. When Teresa Malone waltz’s back into their life so many secrets unfold. Teresa and Ilya’s families were connected for a year while their parents were married. Due to her pill-popping father all of that was taken away one night when they were kicked out of the house they had been living in with Ilya and his family. 10 years later she shows up at Babulya’s funeral. She convinces Alicia to sell her shares of the dive shop to an investor she is working for. Needing the sale to help her out of her own financial issues. As she tries to convince Ilya to sell, she realizes her feelings for him have ignited—from sisterly into something more. She sees potential in Ilya that no one has seen before. When the diner comes up for sale she sees it as a great business opportunity for her and Ilya. As their feelings for each other get stronger they decide to take a chance on the diner and their relationship. When secrets are brought to light their relationship is put to the test. Will they be able to put the past behind them.
June 17, 2017
*Thank you to the publisher, Montlake Romance, and NetGalley, for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
All the Secrets We Keep picks up where Alicia and Niko’s story left off. I’d say I enjoy this one more than the first book. All The Lies We Tell is such an unhappy book for the most part that it affected my mood while reading it. Thank goodness this one is a bit lighter even though the family drama continued. There were few questions left unanswered in the first book that was finally dealt with in this story. Mainly, the mystery revolving around Jenni’s death. There are clues that are thrown along the way so come revelation, it doesn’t really come off as a surprise.
Like the first one, it was told on four different engaging POVs: Ilya, Theresa, Niko, and Alicia, with a few glimpses around the past. Ilya is one disappointing and stubborn character in the first book so I am expecting he’ll be his same jerk self on his own story. But, alas, he mellowed down and changed his ways. Slowly, I warmed on to his character as I get to know him deeper. I like how his character gradually matured and developed from someone you don’t like to someone you root for. Theresa, on the other hand, seemed to be so mysterious in the first book which will make you question her motives. She’s keeping a secret that I actually expected to be something more vicious, like a revenge or something selfish in nature, than what was revealed.
Megan Hart surely knows how to captivate her readers with not only well-written and compelling stories but with realistic characters as well. All The Secrets We Keep sure gives a nice ending for the quartet.
All the Secrets We Keep picks up where Alicia and Niko’s story left off. I’d say I enjoy this one more than the first book. All The Lies We Tell is such an unhappy book for the most part that it affected my mood while reading it. Thank goodness this one is a bit lighter even though the family drama continued. There were few questions left unanswered in the first book that was finally dealt with in this story. Mainly, the mystery revolving around Jenni’s death. There are clues that are thrown along the way so come revelation, it doesn’t really come off as a surprise.
Like the first one, it was told on four different engaging POVs: Ilya, Theresa, Niko, and Alicia, with a few glimpses around the past. Ilya is one disappointing and stubborn character in the first book so I am expecting he’ll be his same jerk self on his own story. But, alas, he mellowed down and changed his ways. Slowly, I warmed on to his character as I get to know him deeper. I like how his character gradually matured and developed from someone you don’t like to someone you root for. Theresa, on the other hand, seemed to be so mysterious in the first book which will make you question her motives. She’s keeping a secret that I actually expected to be something more vicious, like a revenge or something selfish in nature, than what was revealed.
Megan Hart surely knows how to captivate her readers with not only well-written and compelling stories but with realistic characters as well. All The Secrets We Keep sure gives a nice ending for the quartet.
May 25, 2017
I was given the opportunity to read this book via galley in exchange for an honest review. I'll admit that going in, I hadn't read the first one and I was skeptical. I didn't have high expectations but I really liked the summary so I wanted to give it a chance. With that being said, I'm so glad I did because this book is great. I was pleasantly surprised with the flow of the writing, the way everything really pieced together. The characters are engaging, real and raw. Without giving any major spoilers, Ilya is a man who's been tormented too long by his own demons. The struggles he faces, the struggles of each character, come through as something you've gone through yourself or perhaps reminds you of a friend/family. In an almost twisted way, this book reminded me of my own friends and family and the darkest parts of our history.
After believing this would be yet another romance book with triangles, a too pure female protagonist who has never made mistakes or done anything sketchy in her life, and characters without a lot of depth, I was proven wrong. The characters interweave into a rather tragic storyline with heartbreak, death, grieving, and finding a way to live after life has kicked you while you're down. The "then and now" chapters really helped piece together the tragedy without giving away the ending. There are little pieces I didn't like, such as the story with the goldfish as I felt it was just thrown in there and not really necessary but overall this book is a solid read and one I really enjoyed.
After believing this would be yet another romance book with triangles, a too pure female protagonist who has never made mistakes or done anything sketchy in her life, and characters without a lot of depth, I was proven wrong. The characters interweave into a rather tragic storyline with heartbreak, death, grieving, and finding a way to live after life has kicked you while you're down. The "then and now" chapters really helped piece together the tragedy without giving away the ending. There are little pieces I didn't like, such as the story with the goldfish as I felt it was just thrown in there and not really necessary but overall this book is a solid read and one I really enjoyed.
June 11, 2017
In this conclusion to Megan Hart’s Quarry Road duet, “All the Secrets We Keep” hones its focus in on Ilya Stern and Theresa Malone, while keeping us up-to-date on the burgeoning romance between Alicia and Niko, that first sprung to life in book one—“All the Lies We Tell.”
Picking up right where the first book left off, Theresa doubles her effort to convince Ilya to sell his share of the business that he previously co-owned with his ex-wife, Alicia. In the process, the two become closer, and soon they embark upon a new business venture just as romantic feelings begin to develop.
As the story unfolds, the reader gains a greater insight into Ilya’s state of mind, as well as a greater understanding as to his feelings of inadequacy--especially as it pertains to the women in his life. Theresa’s own problems with her father rise to the surface, shedding light on her dire financial situation. But even more importantly, disturbing information surrounding the mysterious death of Jennilynn (Ilya’s girlfriend and Alicia’s sister) is finally revealed, giving them much needed closure to an open wound that was left to fester for far too many years.
While the strange dynamics between all the key players in book one was quite intriguing, it’s this second part of their story that truly held me captive. The many revelations that followed in “All the Secrets We Keep” definitely immersed me even further into the story, but it’s the deeper understanding I gained about Ilya that made this story go from good to great.
Picking up right where the first book left off, Theresa doubles her effort to convince Ilya to sell his share of the business that he previously co-owned with his ex-wife, Alicia. In the process, the two become closer, and soon they embark upon a new business venture just as romantic feelings begin to develop.
As the story unfolds, the reader gains a greater insight into Ilya’s state of mind, as well as a greater understanding as to his feelings of inadequacy--especially as it pertains to the women in his life. Theresa’s own problems with her father rise to the surface, shedding light on her dire financial situation. But even more importantly, disturbing information surrounding the mysterious death of Jennilynn (Ilya’s girlfriend and Alicia’s sister) is finally revealed, giving them much needed closure to an open wound that was left to fester for far too many years.
While the strange dynamics between all the key players in book one was quite intriguing, it’s this second part of their story that truly held me captive. The many revelations that followed in “All the Secrets We Keep” definitely immersed me even further into the story, but it’s the deeper understanding I gained about Ilya that made this story go from good to great.
November 27, 2017
All the Secrets We Keep starts off after the first book ended. Ilya and Theresa take center stage in this installment and proved to be more interesting than Alicia and Niko. Ilya's teenage girlfriend died and he married her sister on the rebound. While the marriage did not work out, the two remained business partners until Alicia sold her stake in the company to a development company. Ilya feels betrayed and it trying to hold onto his business, which is the only thing he believes in. Theresa lived with Ilya and Niko for 6 months as a teenager before being kicked out in the middle of the night with her drug addict father. She's in a precarious financial situation and needs Ilya to sell desperately.
I really liked Theresa as a character. I felt for her financial situation and how she was working to get out of it. I also completely understand her desire to keep things under wraps. Ilya was a frustrating, as he is someone who needs external feedback to boost his self esteem. I didn't initially buy into them as a couple, but as the book progressed Hart handled their relationship well. I could have done without the chapters from Alicia and Niko's perspectives, it didn't add anything to this book.
Overall, I Liked it.
Grade: 3/5
I really liked Theresa as a character. I felt for her financial situation and how she was working to get out of it. I also completely understand her desire to keep things under wraps. Ilya was a frustrating, as he is someone who needs external feedback to boost his self esteem. I didn't initially buy into them as a couple, but as the book progressed Hart handled their relationship well. I could have done without the chapters from Alicia and Niko's perspectives, it didn't add anything to this book.
Overall, I Liked it.
Grade: 3/5
August 9, 2017
This book is the conclusion of the story of Ilya, Nikolai, Alicia and Theresa started in all the Lies We Tell.
Alicia has sold her half of the business and is wanting to travel with Nikolai. Ilya doesn't want to sell his half, but starts realizing that it's pointless for him to try to keep it going. Theresa is homeless and trying to hide it from everyone.
As the story starts to unfold, secrets are revealed little by little and the mystery of what happened to Jennilyn so long ago is finally revealed. Well, sort of. Enough to be satisfying.
Ilya is also much more likeable in this book, mostly because we get his point of view and get some insight as to why he does what he does. The book is mostly told from Ilya's and Theresa's alternating POV, but we do get a few chapters in Nikolai and Alicia's POV also.
Disturbing revelations about the past seem to bring all four of them closer together as they each learn to navigate the new dynamic of Alicia and Niko and Ilya and Theresa as couples.
I don't want to reveal too much of the story, because I think it needs to be experienced as you read, but I will say I found the conclusion satisfying and I think everything turned out the way it was supposed to and everyone was with the right person for them. I'm sorry to see the series end.
Alicia has sold her half of the business and is wanting to travel with Nikolai. Ilya doesn't want to sell his half, but starts realizing that it's pointless for him to try to keep it going. Theresa is homeless and trying to hide it from everyone.
As the story starts to unfold, secrets are revealed little by little and the mystery of what happened to Jennilyn so long ago is finally revealed. Well, sort of. Enough to be satisfying.
Ilya is also much more likeable in this book, mostly because we get his point of view and get some insight as to why he does what he does. The book is mostly told from Ilya's and Theresa's alternating POV, but we do get a few chapters in Nikolai and Alicia's POV also.
Disturbing revelations about the past seem to bring all four of them closer together as they each learn to navigate the new dynamic of Alicia and Niko and Ilya and Theresa as couples.
I don't want to reveal too much of the story, because I think it needs to be experienced as you read, but I will say I found the conclusion satisfying and I think everything turned out the way it was supposed to and everyone was with the right person for them. I'm sorry to see the series end.
July 8, 2017
This is one series where it may actually be better to read the first book first... I didn't, and was very thoroughly confused at the beginning of it. Eventually, everything was cleared up, and it was a pretty good, though complicated, love story, so I'm glad I stuck with it, but if you're looking at this one and haven't read the first one, I'd suggest it (though I can't speak on how the first one is). The relationships between the characters are definitely unusual, and the book kind of seemed to go back and forth on a lot of things, making it seem more complicated than it needed to be... Perhaps this was on purpose, but either way, I liked it.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews