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Castaways #3

Keeping Secrets

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The truth can cost you everything.

Twenty-six-year-old Beck Medina is convinced of that. He’s been abandoned by so many people over the course of his life, including most of his adopted family. Now he’s created a new family for himself at the resort he manages on Catalina Island. But they don’t know the whole truth about him.

As much as he hates keeping secrets from the people he loves, he knows revealing the truth is a gamble. What if they all walk away from him, like so many others have before?

Then there’s gorgeous, mysterious Lee Speros. The tall, handsome Greek is harboring secrets too, and some of his are deadly. Just as Beck and Lee take the first tentative steps toward becoming a couple, Lee’s dark past finally catches up to him. The fallout threatens to destroy not only the two of them, but everyone they hold dear.

With impossible odds stacked against them, can two stubborn, fiercely independent men learn to accept help not only from each other, but from the people who care about them? And once they reveal all, will the truth set them free? Or will it cost them everything, just like Beck always feared?

This gay romance is book three in Alexa Land’s Castaways Series, but it may be read as a stand-alone. It is intended for a mature audience.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2019

75 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Land

58 books787 followers
Independent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/

Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.

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5 stars
238 (57%)
4 stars
128 (30%)
3 stars
42 (10%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,242 reviews259 followers
July 9, 2019
Another fun and sexy story from Alexa Land. Beck and Lee were sweet and hot together as two men still haunted by their pasts. They had good chemistry and brought out the emotions. Beck has such a huge heart and will really sacrifice to make sure those he loves are taken care of and Lee is determined to be the one who takes care of Beck.

The story reminded me a bit of some of the first Alexa Land books I read so I went back to skim through them and have to say I could see how far she has come with her writing and storytelling. There are a few cameos from the Firsts and Forever books and I will never say no to seeing Dante back in action.

While Ren and Colt's story Starting Over is still my favorite of the series so far, I really enjoyed Beck and Lee's story. Looking forward to more stories about this cobbled-together family of friends and the new life that has been breathed into the Seahorse Ranch.
165 reviews
June 29, 2019
I love Alexa Land's books, I've read them all and I'm never disappointed. I like the characters, the bonds that are between them, the meaning of a family not only with blood ties but, even more importantly, by the love that unites people. Beck is a wonderful person with a very difficult past, Lee as Dante is a strong person who has had to sacrifice his feelings and his life for things that are even bigger than himself ... Not surprisingly, the two men, after a disastrous start , they ally and not only but they become friends, or rather BFF. So far one of my favorite author
Profile Image for Tracy Perry.
1,536 reviews46 followers
June 26, 2019
Wow... I loved this book, it was so exciting & intense & sweet. I may have cried once it twice though. I loved Beck always & I fell for Lee reading this book. What a fantastic story for them, loved the ending! Can't wait to see who's story is next.
Profile Image for Courtney Bassett.
801 reviews195 followers
July 3, 2019
Secrets, excitement, and romance

I’d been wondering about Beck’s mysterious weekend trips, and I was so far off! This was a great combination of the sweetness, sexiness, and romance you expect from Alexa with some edge-of-the-seat excitement and humor. I loved it, and I can’t wait to see more in this series!
63 reviews
June 27, 2021
Cute story and cast of characters

This was a cute story about Beck, manager of a resort on Catalina Island, where several friends lived and worked. He is in love with Lee, whose work is mysterious and he suspects dangerous but their original arrangement kept him from confronting Lee for more information. But as their relationship moved to the next level, Beck became a true couple with Lee who didn't want any secrets.
Both men have detailed backgrounds, and the author let each facet unfold in a great story. Like peeling an onion, layer after layer reveals an important piece of each other's puzzle. I read this in a day and a half, just kept telling myself "just one more chapter" .....
An enjoyable read, and touches on many other characters from the series. Really like this one.
Profile Image for Rachel.
3,973 reviews62 followers
July 30, 2025
12 reviews
September 15, 2025
Love in extraordinary circumstances

Beck a guy who had made some mistakes in his life falls in love with his employer. What he doesn't know is that those feelings are reciprocated. Leonidus a stoic man with a sordid life falls for his client Beck. What you come to discover is that they need each other more than even they know. Filled with action and suspense, Alexa Land delivers another amazing book.
Profile Image for Danielle.
738 reviews
March 12, 2020
Big Secrets

Beck had some very big sercrets going on in his life. One thing it took him some time to learn and understand was the family you make stays with you. Lee found the right guy in Beck.
Profile Image for Josie.
139 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2021
loved the book

I truly enjoyed the story. The characters were well written. It had a few cast of characters that I was happy to learn more about. The series is great and I can’t wait to read next book in the “Nana” series. I say that as she has sub series in her world.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,551 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2020
Keeping Secrets

I’m so happy to read Beck’s story! I hope more books will come from the other occupants of the ranch.
Profile Image for Barbara Baglee.
193 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2020
I lo v e Alexa Land, good to see Nana Dombrusco is still going strong. I like the development of a the Now and Forever series of into the Castaways. Looking forward to the second Chance Series.
2 reviews
December 3, 2023
I love Alexa Land. And this book was really good. I did feel like it was rushed in some parts though.
80 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2019
Sorry not my kind of story..

I admit I quit reading once I saw what the weekend in LA was all about. I don't want to read a Pretty Woman type story no matter how romantic you try to make it.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews139 followers
July 3, 2019
Keeping Secrets is another superb book by Alexa Land. The third in her Castaways series, it has everything I love about her writing. Most importantly however, we finally get Beck's story, which is full of heart and emotion.

Beck's been keeping secrets from his uncle, and it's hurting his ability to move forward with his life. And, damn, his handsome Greek lover, Lee, certainly has some secrets of his own. What starts as a business arrangement gently turns into more for these two. I love how the lines start to blur and both men are falling in love secretly. Yes, more secrets.

As with every one of Alexa Land's couples, Beck and Lee are perfect together. Their sexual relationship is hot, and emotionally satisfying, as both men get the control and submission they desire. Simply put, they may be from two different worlds but they are amazing together, both in and out of bed.

Beck is so damn loveable. His sacrifices for the ranch gut me. He's an amazing young man. The way Lee treats him from the get go had me falling for him immediately.

My favorite scene has to be when Lee switches things up. Not wanting to give things away, just know this scene is tender, sweet, and extremely emotional.

What I love most about Alexa's books are the continued sense of family. Every book has appearances from past characters, from the Castaways series as well as the First and Forever series. And, damn, the appearance of Dante and Vincent made me so damn giddy. It just doesn't get any better than this, and the way everything ties together.

Keeping Secrets is a beautiful story of two men trying to make their different worlds mesh. This story of forgiveness and understanding is full of love, romance, and heart. It's classic Alexa Land and I love it!
Profile Image for Rachel .
2,250 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2019
AMAZING add to the series. All these new characters are amazing and reading Beck's story only made me want more. We've known Beck for awhile, mysteries surrounding him had me guessing and knowing that whatever it was made Beck who he was. He's has had to deal with struggles his whole life and its a heartbreaking road. In the end it led him to Sea Horse Ranch and a built family who love him exactly how he is. With him keeping secrets from them he's torn and doesn't want to loose everything again; Lee being one of those secrets that he can't give up. Lee is a mystery all his own with secrets he doesn't want to touch Beck. He's tall, dark and handsome for sure. We see many sides of him and how he opens up more and more. Beck is beautiful in his found confidence with Lee being intense in his love and adding these two together is hot chemistry that can't be matched. Loved their desire for each other, always pulling them together like a magnet. With twist and turns, action and romance this book is instantly one of my favorites. I don't want to say too much because I think it would be a spoiler, I enjoyed discovering that as I read the story and with each piece we know more about Beck and Lee. With new characters to love like Will and Rus, mixed in with old favorites I can't wait for more on this awesome series.
631 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2019
I’m so conflicted!

I’ve never read books with such entertaining characters that get totally ruined by the dialogue. It’s bizarre.

I loved Beck in the first two books but when he got his own book he was mostly a totally different guy. There were some good moments in here, and there are still some good characters I’d like to know more about but I’m more afraid they’ll suck when they get their turn.

The dialogue 🙄

I don’t understand why all three books in this series wait until after the halfway point to have any action. There’s not enough time left to have things work out and then finish nicely so it ends up being sloooooow build of boring stuff, drama drama, pat ending. It doesn’t do justice to the characters and it’s kind of a rip-off for any reader who actually has to pay to read it.

Plus there’s stuff that seems like ‘oh I read about bdsm once I bet I could do that’ and LOTS of cliche LGBTQ+ tossed in for good measure, like we’re gonna forget we specifically picked that kind of book.

Despite all that I still like the quirky characters so I’m praying the author gets better at this. But honestly, why does EVERYONE have to have unusual names? This is not a sci-fi/fantasy novel. Sure throw in a couple but geez....
Profile Image for Jamilla Geter.
19 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2019
Worth The Wait

I have been waiting for Beck’s story ever since his introduction in The Rest Of Forever, and Keeping Secrets definitely delivers. There is so much heart in Beck’s story and a lot of heat. This is the story of two lonely souls who came together in such an unconventional way. Their story is full of heartache, passion and love. There is also some laughter, which you come to expect from Alexa Land. I love revisiting this world and these characters and my only complaint is that the book came to an end. Beck and Lee’s journey is gorgeous and it’s well worth the read!
Profile Image for Autumn Sluder.
61 reviews
July 4, 2019
Alexa Land is one of those authors I one-click buy from without even reading what the book is about. I fell in love with her First and Forever series and have read through it multiple (and by multiple I mean like 4+ ) times.
The Castaway series is becoming another fav of mine. This is #3 in this series and these characters are becoming near and dear to my heart. This story is Becks. A foster kid who only ever wanted a family, so he built his own and protects it with his heart and soul. His secrets feel like they will rip away what matters most to him, but instead bring him and equally broken, beautiful soul. Leonidas.
Profile Image for Dana.
Author 6 books23 followers
November 7, 2019
I really liked this book. It kind of took us back to the beginning of the Firsts and Forever series with the mob ties and life of illegal crimes. And it cemented the relationship between the owners of the Seahorse Ranch with the Dombrusos, instead of them feeling like guests with a stake in the ranch, now they are all really together and the ranch finds it's niche. Everything is looking up and there are so many characters that need their stories told. With the influx of new guests, I can imagine there will be a lot more chaos and funny moments to be enjoyed. This series and the one it spun off from are amazing and among my favorite books ever.
83 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2019
Another fabulous read from Alexa Land.

Keeping Secrets is the third book in the fabulous The Castaways series. It could be read as a stand-alone but since the first two books are equally great reads I recommend starting from book one.
I’ve loved Beck’s character in the previous books and couldn’t wait to find out about his secret life. His story was surprising, uplifting, funny, sad and riveting. I couldn’t put this book down until it’s highly satisfying conclusion.
High Recommended.
Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2019
Awesome , as usual.

As always, a brilliant 5 star read from Alexa Land. This branch off series is equally as awesome as the Firsts and Forever series. I have always loved Beck and knew he was hiding something big and had lots of issues stemming from his past. I loved the way this story started and continued to unfold. The changes with Leonidas was wonderful to see. The danger and intrigue had me on the edge of my seat. It all came together for a truly wonderful ending. Am looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Leci Forde.
376 reviews
September 21, 2019
Every book is unique and wonderful

If you are looking for an unbiased review, this is not it! I love every book in this series and the First and Forever series.
Beck and Lee were beautifully written! Beck managed his Uncle Ren’s failing resort and kept it afloat by maintaining a secret life...Lee was a man with secrets of his own. They fell in love but soon trouble came...I love rent boy stories and this was a great variation. Nana, Dante and Vincent Dombruso made appearances...it was just a wonderful story! Alexa Land is a phenomenally gifted writer!
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,275 reviews20 followers
July 10, 2019
Beautiful

Keeping secrets was such a beautiful story i loved it

Beck and Lee stole my heart from beginning to end

I.laughed i cried and fell even more in love with every moving word

Beck and lees journey was moving powerful meaningful incredible intense and had me on the edge of my seat at times

My heart felt so full by the time I finished keeping secrets in looking forward to what Alexa Land has for us next
260 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2019
Keeping Secrets

I’ve got to be honest, I love ALL of Alexa Land’s books!
We have all been waiting a long time for Becks story, and this was a gorgeous surprise. Beck and Lee were a perfect match - Beck with his caring love and Lee with his hard edges. Both grew up with huge challenges, so they both had a deep respect and love for one another. A truly wonderful addition to The Castaway Series.😍📚❤️
Profile Image for ML.
1,613 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2019
Finally the completed backstory on Beck..

First off this review will contain NO spoilers.
Beck is a complicated character. I feel like I really know him now. This is a story about love and acceptance. It was beautiful. I look forward to spending more time at Seaside Ranch in the future!
Profile Image for Viki.
Author 8 books39 followers
October 22, 2019
This shouldn't have been as enjoyable as it was. I swallowed it on my way to school, which means, yes, that this book is short and my commute long (2 h 14 min).

But I am starting to really respect this author, even with those covers (shallow, I know) and the genre (contemporary romance) so this is actually me giving a compliment.
12 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2019
Amazing

Just as amazing as the other books from this series and the one before. It’s exciting, beautifully written and has enough romance and sexy times in it without losing the story line.
48 reviews
June 26, 2019
Oh boy

This was incredible Beck and Lee left you cheering for them the whole time. Alexa Land sucked me in again. Cannot wait for more! I loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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