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The Secret
Please note, this book has been rewritten and renamed as Behind Closed Doors. The cover remains the same.
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B017EYGBPM
The Secret
New Adult Romantic Suspense
Dear Diary,
Kerry O’Brien has a hot new boyfriend! Yay!
His name is Tommy. He’s a biker and he’s gorgeous. He seems to like me too. He makes me feel good about myself and it’s been a long time since anyone has paid me that much attention. I also have a monster for a stepfather.
But I’m scared. I'm scared Bill will find out about Tommy and scared Tommy will find out about Bill. Tommy has a temper and he’s very protective of me. If he ever found out my secret, I think he would kill Bill.
He started again last night. Jodie and I hid under the bed. I don’t want him to ever touch her. Secrets like mine are only whispered about. But the bruises are getting harder to cover and I know once Tommy finds out the truth, I'll lose him. I just can’t let that happen.
Everyone needs a guy like Tommy in their life.
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B017EYGBPM
The Secret
New Adult Romantic Suspense
Dear Diary,
Kerry O’Brien has a hot new boyfriend! Yay!
His name is Tommy. He’s a biker and he’s gorgeous. He seems to like me too. He makes me feel good about myself and it’s been a long time since anyone has paid me that much attention. I also have a monster for a stepfather.
But I’m scared. I'm scared Bill will find out about Tommy and scared Tommy will find out about Bill. Tommy has a temper and he’s very protective of me. If he ever found out my secret, I think he would kill Bill.
He started again last night. Jodie and I hid under the bed. I don’t want him to ever touch her. Secrets like mine are only whispered about. But the bruises are getting harder to cover and I know once Tommy finds out the truth, I'll lose him. I just can’t let that happen.
Everyone needs a guy like Tommy in their life.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Karen J. Mossman
48 books207 followersKaren J. Mossman is an author with Norns Triad Publications. She is also:
* Proofreader
* Avid Reader
* Book Reviewer
* Book Blogger
* Promoter
* Graphic Artist
* Editor
She lives in Anglesey, a small island off north Wales with her husband and two dogs.
Find our more about her and her books here - https://nornstriad.com/authors/karen-...
* Proofreader
* Avid Reader
* Book Reviewer
* Book Blogger
* Promoter
* Graphic Artist
* Editor
She lives in Anglesey, a small island off north Wales with her husband and two dogs.
Find our more about her and her books here - https://nornstriad.com/authors/karen-...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 6, 2017
I don't think I'm going to be able to find the words to say how much I enjoyed this book. Not sure what to expect, as it was recommended to me by a friend, from the very first page, I was hooked. For a start, it's based in the UK, which is a nice change from the US or an alternative, dystopian world, and furthermore was set in the seventies, an era I have rosy, childhood memories of, so the whole tone, language and music which featured throughout felt nostalgically familiar.
This book is by an independent author, and I'm always a little concerned as to what the quality of the writing is going to be, to say nothing of the spelling, punctuation, grammar and even formatting. Having suffered through books that should have been written in crayon, they were so full of childish spelling mistakes, to books where the author clearly didn't have the first clue about how to format, I really have seen it all. I needn't have worried. The formatting was exactly as it should be, the punctuation was all present and correct, and there wasn't a single spelling mistake to be found.
So, technically it's perfect, but what about the writing itself? I'm happy to report that this too was top rate. Using a crisp and pacy style, the writer is clearly one very talented lady, and her skill shines through each and every word. Her characters are instantly believable and three dimensional, and you really suffer along with her main character, Kerry. Guessing what her terrible Secret is fairly early on in the book, you'd have to have a heart made of stone, not to sympathise with her predicament.
I became so caught up in the story, I found myself becoming angry with the mother character, talking out loud and even slamming down my kindle in exasperated fury at one point - this is always a sign of a truly gripping book with me.
Overall, a gripping and extremely well-written novel which I thoroughly recommend, and I will certainly be looking to read some more from this author.
This book is by an independent author, and I'm always a little concerned as to what the quality of the writing is going to be, to say nothing of the spelling, punctuation, grammar and even formatting. Having suffered through books that should have been written in crayon, they were so full of childish spelling mistakes, to books where the author clearly didn't have the first clue about how to format, I really have seen it all. I needn't have worried. The formatting was exactly as it should be, the punctuation was all present and correct, and there wasn't a single spelling mistake to be found.
So, technically it's perfect, but what about the writing itself? I'm happy to report that this too was top rate. Using a crisp and pacy style, the writer is clearly one very talented lady, and her skill shines through each and every word. Her characters are instantly believable and three dimensional, and you really suffer along with her main character, Kerry. Guessing what her terrible Secret is fairly early on in the book, you'd have to have a heart made of stone, not to sympathise with her predicament.
I became so caught up in the story, I found myself becoming angry with the mother character, talking out loud and even slamming down my kindle in exasperated fury at one point - this is always a sign of a truly gripping book with me.
Overall, a gripping and extremely well-written novel which I thoroughly recommend, and I will certainly be looking to read some more from this author.
December 24, 2017
What a truly great read this was, I was drawn in from the very first page. I loved getting to know the main character of Kerry which was very well portrayed. In fact all of the characters were brilliantly written.
I also couldn't help but fall in love with Tommy, he sounded like a great guy and I certainly wouldn't have minded riding on the back of his motorbike that's for sure.
The whole book was brilliantly written and thought out. The story dealt with some very difficult situations of a sensitive nature which I thought the author weaved into the story perfectly.
This is my second book I've read of this author and I'm already looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I also couldn't help but fall in love with Tommy, he sounded like a great guy and I certainly wouldn't have minded riding on the back of his motorbike that's for sure.
The whole book was brilliantly written and thought out. The story dealt with some very difficult situations of a sensitive nature which I thought the author weaved into the story perfectly.
This is my second book I've read of this author and I'm already looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
September 13, 2020
This was a great and quick read. I had to keep reminding myself of the ages, because Kerry and Tommy were young. It is a tense read with Kerry, a typical 17 year old, unable to stay silent at home and unable to speak in the arms of her love. With the stresses of home, and her need to protect her mother and sister, Kerry is really a hero. Tommy is a loyal and dedicated love. I suggest this book to lovers of romance.
April 7, 2017
I enjoyed reading this story and I loved the flashbacks to the 70's - it had a great ending!
March 28, 2020
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Behind Closed Doors
Subtitle:
Author: Karen J. Mossman
Genre: Adult romantic suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Kerry, a young woman living with her mother, sister and stepfather. Behind closed doors, her life is far from idyllic. Her alcoholic stepfather and his best friend subject the family to emotional, financial and physical abuse. Kerry does her best to hide this from those she is close to outside her home. Will she find lasting love or will her secret life behind closed doors spoil this for her?
What I liked about the book:
I liked the budding and developing relationship between Kerry and Tommy and how loving he and his family were to Kerry.
The author was very good at weaving suspicions of more underneath the surface into the story without actually making it apparent until close to the end of the book.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The only thing not to like was the situation Kerry found herself in. No one would envy her this situation.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Tommy and his family accepted Kerry even when they found out the truth.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Only the situation Kerry found herself in. The writing was very good.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written several other short books and stories.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is again one of its kind. Karen J Mossman appears to enjoy attacking several subjects and genres.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like reading about things happening in real life which often remain closed to the outside world this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Kerry tries to protect her sister but she can't protect her mum or herself from Bill, her stepfather. He's mean and volatile and likes to drink.
When she meets Tommy, they fall in love and she finds out his last girlfriend brought trouble to his nice normal family. Not wanting to jeopardise their relationship and do the same, Kerry tries to keep her secrets behind closed doors.
Eventually, the bruises and the lies tell their own story. She can't hide the fact Bill is wrecking their family and deeper family issues threaten to destroy the best thing that ever happened to her – Tommy.
A coming of age story set to a backdrop of seventies music and fashion.
About the Author:
Karen is a multi-genre author and says she is working her way through as many different types as she can. "I've written two romantic/suspense novels and my last book was a thriller, but it is in my short story collections that I'm able to play with the different genres."
However, as an avid reader, she admits to not being as adventurous. I prefer my stories to have a little romance in them, but then romance on its own is not enough. "Throw in some crime, thriller or something interesting into the plot, I will jump on it!"
Besides reading and writing, Karen is an avid book blogger. She reviews every book she reads, both on her website as well as Goodreads and Amazon and you will often find her browsing the shelves of Goodreads to see what other people are reading and doing.
Apart from books, she loves cross stitching and the fact she is 'retired' now and can do whatever she wants!
Karen lives on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey off the North Wales coast. She makes time to walk every day enjoying both the countryside and the ocean.
Basic Details:
Book Title: Behind Closed Doors
Subtitle:
Author: Karen J. Mossman
Genre: Adult romantic suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Kerry, a young woman living with her mother, sister and stepfather. Behind closed doors, her life is far from idyllic. Her alcoholic stepfather and his best friend subject the family to emotional, financial and physical abuse. Kerry does her best to hide this from those she is close to outside her home. Will she find lasting love or will her secret life behind closed doors spoil this for her?
What I liked about the book:
I liked the budding and developing relationship between Kerry and Tommy and how loving he and his family were to Kerry.
The author was very good at weaving suspicions of more underneath the surface into the story without actually making it apparent until close to the end of the book.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The only thing not to like was the situation Kerry found herself in. No one would envy her this situation.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Tommy and his family accepted Kerry even when they found out the truth.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Only the situation Kerry found herself in. The writing was very good.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written several other short books and stories.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is again one of its kind. Karen J Mossman appears to enjoy attacking several subjects and genres.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like reading about things happening in real life which often remain closed to the outside world this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Kerry tries to protect her sister but she can't protect her mum or herself from Bill, her stepfather. He's mean and volatile and likes to drink.
When she meets Tommy, they fall in love and she finds out his last girlfriend brought trouble to his nice normal family. Not wanting to jeopardise their relationship and do the same, Kerry tries to keep her secrets behind closed doors.
Eventually, the bruises and the lies tell their own story. She can't hide the fact Bill is wrecking their family and deeper family issues threaten to destroy the best thing that ever happened to her – Tommy.
A coming of age story set to a backdrop of seventies music and fashion.
About the Author:
Karen is a multi-genre author and says she is working her way through as many different types as she can. "I've written two romantic/suspense novels and my last book was a thriller, but it is in my short story collections that I'm able to play with the different genres."
However, as an avid reader, she admits to not being as adventurous. I prefer my stories to have a little romance in them, but then romance on its own is not enough. "Throw in some crime, thriller or something interesting into the plot, I will jump on it!"
Besides reading and writing, Karen is an avid book blogger. She reviews every book she reads, both on her website as well as Goodreads and Amazon and you will often find her browsing the shelves of Goodreads to see what other people are reading and doing.
Apart from books, she loves cross stitching and the fact she is 'retired' now and can do whatever she wants!
Karen lives on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey off the North Wales coast. She makes time to walk every day enjoying both the countryside and the ocean.
June 18, 2020
Teenage life is hard enough without adding the problems Kerry must face on a daily basis. She loves her mother and sister and will do anything to try to protect them. But Kerry has big secrets, dark secrets, and she doesn’t want them to ruin her chances with Tommy, a boy she meets from a nice, normal family, not one dysfunctional, like her own. How long can she hide her secrets behind closed doors? How long can she mask the bruises, and the darker story behind them? Will she ever learn to trust Tommy with her secrets?
This author is new to me. I thought she did an excellent job of showing Kerry in a realistic light, her pain, her fear, but also her hope for a better future. In a perfect world, no child would be abused, but we all know this is not a perfect world. The bottom message being given is one of hope for a brighter tomorrow, of taking charge of your own destiny. Karen J. Mossman is a talented author writing about a taboo subject. Potential triggers involved, though nothing in graphic detail. A definite five-star read. I plan to read more by this author.
This author is new to me. I thought she did an excellent job of showing Kerry in a realistic light, her pain, her fear, but also her hope for a better future. In a perfect world, no child would be abused, but we all know this is not a perfect world. The bottom message being given is one of hope for a brighter tomorrow, of taking charge of your own destiny. Karen J. Mossman is a talented author writing about a taboo subject. Potential triggers involved, though nothing in graphic detail. A definite five-star read. I plan to read more by this author.
June 12, 2020
What a story. All Kerry wants is to protect his Mom and brother. Unbelievable how strong she is and what she has to deal with.
June 11, 2020
I liked this one. Good characters. It was an intriguing book. And a new author for me. I received an arc of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 22, 2020
An enjoyable and emotional read.
Kerry wants to be a normal teenager with a normal family, but since the death of her father and her mum’s marriage to Bill, it hasn’t been possible.
Kerry has a secret that she’s hiding from everyone!
As she gets closer to new boyfriend, Tommy, and his family, that secret is harder to keep.
This well-written, character-driven tale kept me gripped from start to finish, as I rooted for Kerry to come clean and enjoy what remained of her teenage years!
Kerry wants to be a normal teenager with a normal family, but since the death of her father and her mum’s marriage to Bill, it hasn’t been possible.
Kerry has a secret that she’s hiding from everyone!
As she gets closer to new boyfriend, Tommy, and his family, that secret is harder to keep.
This well-written, character-driven tale kept me gripped from start to finish, as I rooted for Kerry to come clean and enjoy what remained of her teenage years!
May 8, 2018
Really enjoyed this story and felt an immediate warmth with the main characters. The author managed to create a love story in difficult and often harrowing circumstances
May 30, 2020
This was my first read from this author so I had no idea what to expect. I picked up this book on a whim because it's been a while since I've read that kind of genre. I would have loved the story more if it was written in the first person instead of third. Also I haven't read a book that has the time line of the '70's at least at the beginning of the story, so that was a little weird giving how we're in the 2020 and how the timeline wasn't mentioned before the chapter started. Also I felt Kerry as though she was a little mundane, one dimensional character. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2016
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and I am giving my honest review of this title. The Secret by author Karen Mossman is spectacular in it's simplicity. I was instantly surprised at how this book captured me. I was pulled into the story. Kerry is an ordinary girl with a boring life, and a tool for a boyfriend. The story starts out in turmoil and quickly develops into a full fledged drama of Kerry's life. She has a mother that seems to be blind to everything, a young sister who she loves and protects, and a stepfather, Bill who together with his slimy friend make Kerry's life miserable. Keeping the truth from everyone in her life about her home life, both past and present was an inner turmoil that Kerry had to face. Combine the home life with the want and need for true love, something she has never experienced until Tommy walks through the door, and you have every element for a great story.
I believe that in true life situations most "victims" would keep these things to themselves as Kerry did. Most victims find themselves alone and scared, not knowing what "they" did to deserve such things to happen to them.
I felt for Kerry instantly, the descriptions and characterizations are wonderfully done. Karen Mossman took a difficult subject and delicately wove the story together beautifully. I read this book in one sitting. Yes it is a story of under 150 pages but it is the way it is written that takes you away. I have read many books, short and long. Some I wanted to throw out after the first 10 pages, and some were torturous to get through at all. This book was a pleasure to read. I would give it a 5+ review!
I would recommend this title to 16 and up. Yes, there are some touchy areas within the book but I personally feel that these "touchy" areas should be openly discussed at a young age with young men and woman.
I believe that in true life situations most "victims" would keep these things to themselves as Kerry did. Most victims find themselves alone and scared, not knowing what "they" did to deserve such things to happen to them.
I felt for Kerry instantly, the descriptions and characterizations are wonderfully done. Karen Mossman took a difficult subject and delicately wove the story together beautifully. I read this book in one sitting. Yes it is a story of under 150 pages but it is the way it is written that takes you away. I have read many books, short and long. Some I wanted to throw out after the first 10 pages, and some were torturous to get through at all. This book was a pleasure to read. I would give it a 5+ review!
I would recommend this title to 16 and up. Yes, there are some touchy areas within the book but I personally feel that these "touchy" areas should be openly discussed at a young age with young men and woman.
January 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and I was automatically drawn into the characters world, from the very first page. Tommy treats Kerry like a queen and it's so refreshing to read a story where the man respects and truly loves the girl that he's dating. I'm from the US, so once I got past the british terminology, it was a wonderful read. As a hopeless romantic at heart, this book was all I'd hoped it would be and more. I picked up this book at midnight and stayed up until I finished reading it, I just couldn't put it down! The way Karen wrote about the stepdad and creepy colin, invoked fear in me and I was feeling everything that Kerry was feeling. I feared for her and I felt every blow that she felt. I was able to feel the love that Tommy had for her and the fierce protectiveness that he carried. Since the moment he met Kerry, her needs became priority. I truly feel like there could definitely be a sequel to this, I'd love to see where Kerry and Tommy's story would go.
Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!
Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!
February 9, 2016
Kerry was part of an ordinary, happy family until her father died. Struggling on her own and with few choices left, Kerry's mother eventually accepted the shelter of another man's home, a man who loved her until things turned sour. In hindsight, it was probably the wrong move, but sometimes you have to live through these circumstances before you realize it's not what you want. It certainly wasn't what Kerry wanted.
The way this author wrote about one family's life in 1970 Manchester was authentic and enjoyable. It was an easy read but somewhat short for me because I prefer a longer read. Nonetheless, I enjoyed being lost in nostalgia for a short time and wallowing in the memories of that era's music and singers. The well-developed characters seemed realistic and the places were vividly described. I based my star award system on editing, book length, flow, maintaining interest, reading enjoyment, and whether it invokes strong reading responses like fear, suspense, happiness, sadness,
The way this author wrote about one family's life in 1970 Manchester was authentic and enjoyable. It was an easy read but somewhat short for me because I prefer a longer read. Nonetheless, I enjoyed being lost in nostalgia for a short time and wallowing in the memories of that era's music and singers. The well-developed characters seemed realistic and the places were vividly described. I based my star award system on editing, book length, flow, maintaining interest, reading enjoyment, and whether it invokes strong reading responses like fear, suspense, happiness, sadness,
March 5, 2016
I won this book in a good reads giveaway, from the start it was hard to put down. Kerry just wanted to be part of a normal loving family but on a day to day basis had to witness the violence towards her mother by step father Bill. Trying to protect her half sister as much as she could she hid a terrible secret but soon all would be revealed when she fell for biker Tommy who called her his little Snow White just like her father used to. In the meantime Kerry's mother has to suddenly leave to attend a family funeral in Ireland leaving Kerry alone with stepfather Bill and his creepy friend Colin , a decision she would later regret. Kerry's secret is revealed to Tommy and his family leaving her feeling ashamed and dirty but all they want to do is protect her. Tommy and Kerry's love grows stronger each day and even when Kerry moves back to Ireland where she grew up until her father died nothing can keep them apart.
September 29, 2016
I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review
I would first like to say that this author brings to light a lot of issues young people go thru. I will not give any spoilers though :-)
It would be best for mature readers not that its erotic but because of the situations that Kerry goes thru.
This book did have a few grammar issues but nothing major to take away from the value of the story.
This is the first book I've read from this author but I'm happy to say it won't be the last.
Karen Mossman I applaud you on this one, you've written it with the up most respect and didn't make it sleazy
I would first like to say that this author brings to light a lot of issues young people go thru. I will not give any spoilers though :-)
It would be best for mature readers not that its erotic but because of the situations that Kerry goes thru.
This book did have a few grammar issues but nothing major to take away from the value of the story.
This is the first book I've read from this author but I'm happy to say it won't be the last.
Karen Mossman I applaud you on this one, you've written it with the up most respect and didn't make it sleazy
August 9, 2020
Mossman’s story highlighted the age old tale of family secrets. Kerry’s will to have a normal looking life couldn’t out weigh the reality. The author tackled a relevant topic in this romance read. I was so sucked in that I couldn’t put it down.
January 3, 2016
As I knew I would, I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the first page and I felt as though Kerry was a friend of mine, some parts of the book you really feel Kerry's pain. I really like how Karen writes, she can make it so you love certain characters and also hate others, this book is well written and a brilliant read - highly recommended :)
February 20, 2018
Sad but hopeful
A story of abuse and the safety and strength required to overcome shame. The author tells the truth unflinching but with enough compassion that it's not painful. Definitely worth a read if you'd like to be one of the helpers for children who face too much ugliness too early in life.
A story of abuse and the safety and strength required to overcome shame. The author tells the truth unflinching but with enough compassion that it's not painful. Definitely worth a read if you'd like to be one of the helpers for children who face too much ugliness too early in life.
November 25, 2016
The Secret was an interesting story. I didn't know it had sensitive contents in it, but I still read the whole book.
What Kerry went through was horrible and I'm glad Tommy & his Dad "took care of it."
Overall, I did enjoy the story and it had a wonderful ending!
What Kerry went through was horrible and I'm glad Tommy & his Dad "took care of it."
Overall, I did enjoy the story and it had a wonderful ending!
January 13, 2017
this book was brilliant enjoyed it
March 28, 2020
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Secret
Subtitle:
Author: Karen J. Mossman
Genre: Adult romantic suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Kerry, a young woman living with her mother, sister and stepfather. Behind closed doors, her life is far from idyllic. Her alcoholic stepfather and his best friend subject the family to emotional, financial and physical abuse. Kerry does her best to hide this from those she is close to outside her home. Will she find lasting love or will her secret life behind closed doors spoil this for her?
What I liked about the book:
I liked the budding and developing relationship between Kerry and Tommy and how loving he and his family were to Kerry.
The author was very good at weaving suspicions of more underneath the surface into the story without actually making it apparent until close to the end of the book.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The only thing not to like was the situation Kerry found herself in. No one would envy her this situation.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Tommy and his family accepted Kerry even when they found out the truth.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Only the situation Kerry found herself in. The writing was very good.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written several other short books and stories.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is again one of its kind. Karen J Mossman appears to enjoy attacking several subjects and genres.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like reading about things happening in real life which often remain closed to the outside world this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The Secret
New Adult Romantic Suspense
Dear Diary,
Kerry O’Brien has a hot new boyfriend! Yay!
His name is Tommy. He’s a biker and he’s gorgeous. He seems to like me too. He makes me feel good about myself and it’s been a long time since anyone has paid me that much attention. I also have a monster for a stepfather.
But I’m scared. I'm scared Bill will find out about Tommy and scared Tommy will find out about Bill. Tommy has a temper and he’s very protective of me. If he ever found out my secret, I think he would kill Bill.
He started again last night. Jodie and I hid under the bed. I don’t want him to ever touch her. Secrets like mine are only whispered about. But the bruises are getting harder to cover and I know once Tommy finds out the truth, I'll lose him. I just can’t let that happen.
Everyone needs a guy like Tommy in their life.
About the Author:
Karen is a multi-genre author and says she is working her way through as many different types as she can. "I've written two romantic/suspense novels and my last book was a thriller, but it is in my short story collections that I'm able to play with the different genres."
However, as an avid reader, she admits to not being as adventurous. I prefer my stories to have a little romance in them, but then romance on its own is not enough. "Throw in some crime, thriller or something interesting into the plot, I will jump on it!"
Besides reading and writing, Karen is an avid book blogger. She reviews every book she reads, both on her website as well as Goodreads and Amazon and you will often find her browsing the shelves of Goodreads to see what other people are reading and doing.
Apart from books, she loves cross stitching and the fact she is 'retired' now and can do whatever she wants!
Karen lives on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey off the North Wales coast. She makes time to walk every day enjoying both the countryside and the ocean.
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Secret
Subtitle:
Author: Karen J. Mossman
Genre: Adult romantic suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Kerry, a young woman living with her mother, sister and stepfather. Behind closed doors, her life is far from idyllic. Her alcoholic stepfather and his best friend subject the family to emotional, financial and physical abuse. Kerry does her best to hide this from those she is close to outside her home. Will she find lasting love or will her secret life behind closed doors spoil this for her?
What I liked about the book:
I liked the budding and developing relationship between Kerry and Tommy and how loving he and his family were to Kerry.
The author was very good at weaving suspicions of more underneath the surface into the story without actually making it apparent until close to the end of the book.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The only thing not to like was the situation Kerry found herself in. No one would envy her this situation.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Tommy and his family accepted Kerry even when they found out the truth.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Only the situation Kerry found herself in. The writing was very good.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written several other short books and stories.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is again one of its kind. Karen J Mossman appears to enjoy attacking several subjects and genres.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like reading about things happening in real life which often remain closed to the outside world this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The Secret
New Adult Romantic Suspense
Dear Diary,
Kerry O’Brien has a hot new boyfriend! Yay!
His name is Tommy. He’s a biker and he’s gorgeous. He seems to like me too. He makes me feel good about myself and it’s been a long time since anyone has paid me that much attention. I also have a monster for a stepfather.
But I’m scared. I'm scared Bill will find out about Tommy and scared Tommy will find out about Bill. Tommy has a temper and he’s very protective of me. If he ever found out my secret, I think he would kill Bill.
He started again last night. Jodie and I hid under the bed. I don’t want him to ever touch her. Secrets like mine are only whispered about. But the bruises are getting harder to cover and I know once Tommy finds out the truth, I'll lose him. I just can’t let that happen.
Everyone needs a guy like Tommy in their life.
About the Author:
Karen is a multi-genre author and says she is working her way through as many different types as she can. "I've written two romantic/suspense novels and my last book was a thriller, but it is in my short story collections that I'm able to play with the different genres."
However, as an avid reader, she admits to not being as adventurous. I prefer my stories to have a little romance in them, but then romance on its own is not enough. "Throw in some crime, thriller or something interesting into the plot, I will jump on it!"
Besides reading and writing, Karen is an avid book blogger. She reviews every book she reads, both on her website as well as Goodreads and Amazon and you will often find her browsing the shelves of Goodreads to see what other people are reading and doing.
Apart from books, she loves cross stitching and the fact she is 'retired' now and can do whatever she wants!
Karen lives on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey off the North Wales coast. She makes time to walk every day enjoying both the countryside and the ocean.
May 21, 2020
No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. Happiness? Pain? Abuse?
Kerry hid her family life from the outside world as well as a secret she carried that weighed heavily on her shoulders. Her mother who seemed to turn a blind eye to reality even the abuse she endured. Her young step sister who she tried to protect from the violence. An abusive alcoholic step father who couldn't seem to hold a job down.
Tommy fell for Kerry almost instantly. He knew she was holding secrets back.
Kerry wanted a normal life. Tommy was protective of Kerry as well as his loving family, Chris and Brian.
Behind Closed Doors is heartbreaking. I could feel so much of Kerry's pain as well as the love Tommy had for her.
I definitely recommend this story.
Thank you Booksprout and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Kerry hid her family life from the outside world as well as a secret she carried that weighed heavily on her shoulders. Her mother who seemed to turn a blind eye to reality even the abuse she endured. Her young step sister who she tried to protect from the violence. An abusive alcoholic step father who couldn't seem to hold a job down.
Tommy fell for Kerry almost instantly. He knew she was holding secrets back.
Kerry wanted a normal life. Tommy was protective of Kerry as well as his loving family, Chris and Brian.
Behind Closed Doors is heartbreaking. I could feel so much of Kerry's pain as well as the love Tommy had for her.
I definitely recommend this story.
Thank you Booksprout and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 30, 2020
This is my first time reading this author. I found this book to be filled with emotion as Kerry shows just how strong of a character she is. It’s wonderfully written and highlights the fact that we don’t always know what is happening behind closed doors. This is an amazing read and I recommend it to everyone, but there are some possible triggers for some readers due to the subject matter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2020
The book is a good inspirational romance read. The story has a good story line, and the story is a well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable emotional romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2016
Growing up and falling in love is never easy. For Kerry, it is even more difficult because she has a secret that she is too frightened to share.
When she meets biker Tommy, her secret because more difficult to hide. She just wants to be a normal girl with a normal family, but with Bill as a stepfather, this will never happen.
Kerry loves her mum but feels that she turns a blind eye to the truth and what is really going on. Her sister Jodie is too young to understand and she must shield her from the truth and make sure nothing bad happens to her.
Tommy loves her and his family are so welcoming and good. Are they going to hate her when they discover the truth?
Secrets have a habit of coming out, but lies can easily trip you up. Kerry finds her secret harder to keep.
Set in 1970s Manchester with the fashion and music of the day that will transport you back to an era of dark innocence and unspoken secrets.
When she meets biker Tommy, her secret because more difficult to hide. She just wants to be a normal girl with a normal family, but with Bill as a stepfather, this will never happen.
Kerry loves her mum but feels that she turns a blind eye to the truth and what is really going on. Her sister Jodie is too young to understand and she must shield her from the truth and make sure nothing bad happens to her.
Tommy loves her and his family are so welcoming and good. Are they going to hate her when they discover the truth?
Secrets have a habit of coming out, but lies can easily trip you up. Kerry finds her secret harder to keep.
Set in 1970s Manchester with the fashion and music of the day that will transport you back to an era of dark innocence and unspoken secrets.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews