Gwen Kendall spent ten years in the Navy and used the last four to create a life for herself she could be proud of away from the confines of her overprotective family. Being the only woman in the Kendall clan tended to be a bit overwhelming at times.
Chad Schaeffer had been hired on to help restore an old farmhouse for one of the returning Kendall siblings. He’d heard about the trouble the family had encountered and honestly didn’t want to go anywhere near their properties. He had a change of heart when he saw the most recently returned Kendall sibling stepping out of her car with a key in her hand.
Gwen had waited a very long time to have a place to call her own, just as she had waited for the right man to share her life. One night of seduction convinces her she’s found both, but someone wants to take it all away. It’s been said that old houses retain a piece of each person who has lived there, but she never counted on the dark shadows wanting a piece of her.
Series Blurb: Their homecoming wasn't so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family's legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren't prepared for what awaited them--an unforgivable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.
Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
Reviewed on behalf http://bookaddict.live, In this exciting instalment of the Keys to Love Series as we are getting closer to the killer. This time its super-efficient Gwen Kendall that comes home to Bythe Lake, and gets the keys to her homestead. The difference with Gwen is that she left the Navy four .years previously, and has a successful business in the city which she is now opening her in Blythe Lake now she is home. Now her brother Noah is in construction, they have been using Chad Schaeffer to work on Gwen’s new house. Immediately the attraction is there, Gwen can’t believe how Chad is changed from the skinny teenager she remembers. The FBI has taken over the investigation, after 15 bodies of young women were found in the lake. There is a lot going on in the book in every way. I still don’t know who the killer is, and the residents of Blythe Lake are coming to the conclusion that it someone they trust or maybe a friend. Time is running out for the killer, as the FBI swarm the tiny community, you can't miss Gwen finding her soul mate in an unlikely place. I thoroughly enjoy visiting Blythe Lake and catching up with the Kendalls.
Aaaand my book funk continues with the penultimate book in the Keys to love series. I am a big fan of the series and I am not happy that I couldn't muster enough excitement for this book. I read the story easily, but I wasn't invested in it and I felt like nothing exciting happened like it did with the other books. There were some revelations about the past and the victims and I wasn't shaken. The book wasn't bad and the main characters had a good romance going on, but I just wasn't in the mood to read a book like this. I will re-read it close to the release of the fifth and final book in the series and see if I missed anything important and if my opinion of the book will change. If you have made it this far in the series, there is no reason not to read the book.
I loved Unlocking Shadows, the fourth installment in the Keys to Love series. While I would recommend reading the books in order, you could easily jump into the series and pick up here (but why would you?!)
After her military service ends and she's spent time building her thriving business, the prodigal daughter has returned. Gwen Kendall has finally returned, just like her mother always wanted. Nothing would've pleased get mother more than having all her kids living, and loving, nearby in Blythe Lake. Sadly Gwen's return comes after her mother's passing and she wears the guilt like a blanket. But Blythe Lake isn't the small idyllic town she grew up in. A serial killer lurks in the shadows and seems to be intrigued by Gwen's return. Even building her business, renovating the lovely home her parents bought her and flirting with her contractor can't keep her busy enough to stay off the radar of the Blythe Lake Killer.
Chad Schaefer grew up in Blythe Lake, just a couple years behind the Kendall siblings. He and his own brothers have known them their entire lives but he's not prepared for Gwen's return. No longer the skinny, best girl from school, she's an accomplished veteran, a business owner and beautiful. With the awkwardness between the families, due to the actions of his idiotic brother, it should be easy enough to ignore his attraction to her but as endless days go by working on her house, he's intrigued more and more. This is one woman he might want to fight for, even if he finds himself fighting to save her from a serial killer terrorizing their once quiet, quaint little town.
I loved this book and it was a great addition to the series. I've been intrigued by the Kendall's since the first book and have enjoyed seeing all the siblings pair off. Gwen, as the only girl, deals with the over protective brothers vibe, which I can totally relate to. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn between Chad and Gwen and found them easy to identify with. Beautiful love story and another really great book by Kennedy Layne!
Unlocking Shadows by Kennedy Layne “Victim or survivor? 5 stars”
Gwen is finally coming home after years of being away. She left her hometown without a backwards glance and made a name for herself. Now she’s moving home and wishes she had done it a little sooner. What Gwen isn’t excited about is a serial killer among the towns people with no idea who it is. But there’s something you need to know about Gwen, she will never be anyone’s victim. Chad wishes he could avoid the Kendall’s, not because they are bad people but because they have crap luck when it comes to the serial killer. The last thing he wants to do is work on Gwen’s house, then he re-meets Gwen, gets to know her and things start to change. What starts out as friendship quickly turns into more, but will he be able to handle it when someone puts Gwen’s life in danger? Unlocking Shadows is probably the most action-packed book in the series so far. We get closer to finding out who the killer is but still have no idea. We meet some new characters, spend time with old, and get to know others more. I was sucked in from the first page and couldn’t put down the mystery until the last page. Then I cursed Layne for making me wait for one more book when I want answers now. If you love murder, suspense, and romance then this is a story for you. Plot-5/5 Characters-5/5 Heat-5/5 Writing style-5/5 Overall-5/5
I’m so hooked on this series! The story revolves around the 5 Kendall siblings and some missing girls from 12 yrs ago, in the small mid-west town of Blythe Lake. Over the course of a few months, the people of Blythe Lake have acknowledged that there is a serial killer in their midst. It started 12 yrs ago when a teen girl disappeared and their worst fears were realized when 15 bodies were recovered from the bottom of the lake. The 4th Kendall sibling, Gwen, has returned home just as her mother had always hoped. With keys to her own property in hand, Gwen is ready to start her own business and renovate her house. She is NOT ready for the attraction to contractor Chad Shaeffer. Chad is trying to deal with the stigma of his eldest brother almost committing arson at one of the Kendall brothers property...he has no intention of giving in to his attraction to Gwen. The heart wants what it wants and soon Gwen and Chad are dating. We expect an HEA...but the serial killer has other plans. Will Sheriff Mitch Kendall finally catch this killer before anyone else is hurt? You’ll have to read/listen to find out! The narrator does a fabulous job and I’m hooked on the series and his voice!
Our author starts us right off the bat with some suspense. So all you can do is buckle up for a bumpy ride.
Gwen Kendall has come home. So you may want to start with book one to understand her family. Another is because of the mystery that filters from one story to the next. Chad Schaeffer has an attitude but it’s all a misunderstanding. Just like our mystery, their relationship takes time.
There are hooks that writers use to get us to watch series on television and the same can be said here. With this author’s books it’s all about the mystery. She reveals just enough in each book that you have no choice but wait until the next one to come out to see how much more we’re going to find out. I’m terrible at solving mysteries so by having things revealed slowly makes me a happy camper. I don’t get lost and can’t wait for more. My disappointment is all good things must come to an end. And the ending is a reminder of that. But I’m glad that I don’t have to wait as long as I did for this one before Unlocking Darkness comes out.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Gwen is the last Kendall sibling to come back home. Having four brothers hasn't always been easy. But they all love and protect each other. Her mother left her a house and property just like her brothers. It was her legacy to her children. It needs some work, so she hires Chad to do the work. Chad Schaffer is redoing her wood floors and the remodeling. They have started a friendship, and he worries about the Serial Killer coming after her. The Killer has attempted or left evidence on each one of the Kendall properties. The FBI has come to town after all the bodies were found in the middle of the lake. A gruesome burial ground for all these women for the past twelve years. Chad is worried that she is in danger and possibly the next victim. Gwen was in the Navy and knows how to protect herself. Chad is falling for Gwen and wants to protect her. Gwen finally gives into their attraction and realizes he is the one for her. Great story with a lot of suspense and family support. The family comes together to help her and protect her. Another great story by Kennedy Layne
Even though this is the first book in this series that I've read, I wasn't lost and I want to read the rest now. Gwen finally moves home after her years in the service and starting her own company. Her family wants to coddle her and have her stay at the homestead instead of move to her own house. She's a strong, independent woman and doesn't take any crap from her family.
Her house is under renovation by Chad and boy has he changed from what she remembers from school. Even though he's 2 years younger than her, you'd never know it. They start out as friends and it starts to become more. Will they have a chance to see where this goes or will the killer cut it short?
There's a murderer in their small town and neighbors are looking at each other as if they're the murderer. Mitch, the oldest brother is the sheriff but the FBI is now on the case. Will he still be in the loop?
Gwen is the last of the Kendall siblings to return to her hometown. She now has a home which is a fix-er-upper and a business which opens shortly on the Main Street of their little town. Gwen is hoping to keep herself as uninvolved with the current homicide investigations as she can, but the serial killer had other plans for her! Chad is the contractor hired to help Gwen fix up her new home but after a few weeks of getting to know each other, they submit to the attraction and chemistry between them:)
What a fantastic read and it definitely gives you an insight into small towns and their mentality with regards to trust. Although it looks like they might trust someone they shouldn’t! If you haven’t already bought this series I would strongly recommend to do so, as this conclusion coming in the final book will be epic and most likely blow our minds when the killer is revealed!
Only one book left and I am still as engaged with the story and more engaged the. Ever with the characters since the first book. The questions and hints are more prevalent and the clues are everywhere but I am still flummoxed about who the killer is. I have a few thoughts based on the towns perceptions of people, but then I feel like those are red herrings...and that makes me love this series even more.
Gwen has been talked about in the previous books, but now she is home and doesn’t want to be part of this investigation. However the town and killer had a different plan. The romance and the suspense are blended and flow together very well in this book. I am reading these books in order and I love the depth that the community, crimes and characters have.
Can’t wait for the next book and to see who the killer is!
Gostei da série, e tem a vantagem de já estar fechada - dois pontos positivos, a gente não perde de vista alguns personagens (claro, isso porque gostou deles, ou não continuaria a ler os livros seguintes); e ter o desfecho que era necessário desde o primeiro livro. A autora tem outras séries interessantes, mas infelizmente duas delas ainda não estão concluídas. A trama é basicamente a história de cinco irmãos que serviram na Marinha e estão voltando para casa. Naturalmente, o fio condutor é o desaparecimento de uma adolescente da cidade deles, e de alguma forma eles acabam se conectando às investigações. E, também, obviamente, se engajando em relacionamentos amorosos. Este quarto livro é a história da única mulher dentre os irmãos, e é interessante ver uma mulher ser a protagonista em torna de quem giram os acontecimentos.
Unlocking Shadows by Kennedy Layne is book four in her Keys to Love Series. Every book in the series can easily be read as standalone. The previous books are Unlocking Fear; Unlocking Secrtes; Unlocking Lies.
Unlocking Shadows is Gwen and Chad´s story. Gwen is ex-military, now she´s home for good and tries to build a new life. ´She and her siblings are all together back in her hometown in Ohio. When dead girls show up, Gwen becomes prey and gets haunted. But by whom? Seems a serial killer is on the lose in the small town and danger and drama follows.
Unlocking Shadows is a nailbiting thriller/ romance with dark elements, well written and captivating. I read the book in one sitting and can´t wait for the last installment in this series, Unlocking Darkness.
Public Service Announcement (again) - I strongly suggest that you read the previous books in the series before getting started with this - you may be confused by the cast of characters and and the plot references otherwise.
So, what does this chapter in the story give us? Still no answers. Tension ramping up. Suspects galore. Another sibling finding love. This time, Gwen.
As with all the tales in this series, the romance doesn't play second fiddle to the overarching plot arc, yet the character and relationship development are not neglected.
This was one of my favourites in the series thus far.
There's still a lot to wrap up. I for one, look forward to learning the identity of the killer.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
The suspense is KILLING me!!! Unlocking Shadows is the 4th book in the Keys to Love series. This book is centered around Gwen and Chad. Their chemistry is instant and you can feel the tension between the two leap off the page. Gwen's character is written as a strong woman who takes charge, but also doesn't have a problem when asking for help, if needed.
So many reveals in this book and yet so many questions as well. It seems the entire town of Blythe Lake is under suspicion for the murders of these young girls. Everything and everyone is connected. I am anxiously awaiting to find out who the murderer is.
This is the fourth instalment in the Key to Love series but I read it as a stand-alone. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the story and the way it was written, I was never left feeling I had missed out on anything. I want to go back and read one to three entirely for my own pleasure and can only imagine the extra depth it will give the story.
Although there are a few very minor continuity points, the whole book left me just wanting more of the Kendall clan. Seeing the book list at the end has added a heck load of more books to my TBR! If you like a good romantic thriller pick up this series by Kennedy Layne.
All of the kids are back in town. Poor Gwen is still being watched over by her brothers and dealing with coming home to a small town and all that involves. Chad is renovating her house and has to deal with his brothers too. There is instant chemistry between these two. This book had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the bad guy to attack (we all know something is going to happen) and when he does, it’s big. The description of small town life and an only girl in a family of overprotective brothers is spot on.
The Keys to Love series continues with Unlocking Shadows. The FBI has taken over the investigation, but Mitch is holding his own. I love that the family is all home now. Gwen is a kick butt heroine, and she finds love with a boy from her childhood. More secrets are revealed, and I am dying to know how the series is going to end! Unlocking Shadows is sexy and suspenseful. You are going to fly right through this book.
Only girl in the family, Gwen Kendall finally comes home in book 4 in the Keys to Love series. She looks to Chad Schaeffer to help remodel her new home and sparks fly right away. The Kendall’s seem to have been drawn into the crosshairs of a murderer but Gwen refuses to let that stop her from going on with her life. The killer is still out there… lurking in the shadows… an action packed book that gives us more of the Kendall family. I can’t wait for the conclusion of this series.
The Keys to Love series is really hotting up. All the Kendall family is now back home and there’ve been some really close calls for the family. Every one is suspicious of each other as the FBI has been brought in to help solve the case and Mitch has tried to explain to no avail how small towns work . The characters within the series are so realistic. I love the series and even though book 5 will expose the killer, I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the townsfolk of Blythe Lake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This books gives you love, secrets and intrigue it's the fourth book in the series and I'd suggest that you read them in order as it's help with knowing what's going on and I can't wait to see who the killer is it's driving me crazy. Gwen comes home after 12 years where she meets Chad at her house (he's doing the renovation for her, but also, works with her brother), one thing leads to another and the attraction they both feel grows.
Looking forward to book 5 & the conclusion to this Romantic Suspense series of novels! Book 4 had action, romance, passion & a love for family that makes me wish I had more siblings & lived in Small Town USA - sans serial killer, of course! Kennedy Layne has a real knack for story telling!
Another good installment although it lacked some of the tension the other books had. I was also distracted by errors. Twice the name Grace was used instead of Gwen. The other error was saying 5 brothers instead of 4.
Gwen returns, as part of her family, now has a house to restore Juggling with setting up her business and transferring those she had A stalker has his eye on her after moving in, his attempt to kill her Did not like the cuss language with Gwen and Chad.
Gwen was raised in a family of overprotective brothers so after she left her career in the Navy four years ago she decided to remain in the city and has built a successful business for herself. She is now returning to her hometown and is looking forward to renovating her new home.
Chad is not sure he wants to work on Gwen’s house as whenever the Kendall’s need to renovate a house surprises seem to arise, and they aren’t necessarily good. When he sees Gwen, he changes his mind, and is more than happy to spend time with her any way he can.
Gwen and Chad knew each other when they were younger, but they are both pleasantly surprised by the more mature version of each other and their friendship evolves into much more. Will they be able to find out the truth about who is behind the murders before the culprit finds them?
The suspense and twists continue. We learn more about the mystery surrounding the town but there is still more to be revealed. I look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This family is amazing. I love having them get a happy ending. To work a mystery into this many books and still have me riveted is awesome. Can't wait to read the last one.