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The Secrets Between Us
CEO Hayes Rutherford has an image problem. A new name, and a cabin in the middle of Nowhere, North Dakota, will allow him to lay low, but Hayes has doubts it will take his mind off his problem…until he meets the camp’s grumpy proprietor.
Mercy Denfield appreciates the anonymity Cashmere Camp offers. The men who stay in her cabins are there to fish and hunt, not stick their noses in her business. That’s how she likes it…until Hayes Rutherford arrives on her doorstep.
Electricity crackles between Mercy and Hayes in personality and sexuality, but the secrets between them are many and great. A one-night stand leads to more, and by the time Hayes returns to the city, neither trusts what they’ve become. When unexpected circumstances complicate their lives, Mercy must face a journey of healing, self-discovery, and forgiveness, while Hayes must confront his past to cement his future.
Mercy Denfield appreciates the anonymity Cashmere Camp offers. The men who stay in her cabins are there to fish and hunt, not stick their noses in her business. That’s how she likes it…until Hayes Rutherford arrives on her doorstep.
Electricity crackles between Mercy and Hayes in personality and sexuality, but the secrets between them are many and great. A one-night stand leads to more, and by the time Hayes returns to the city, neither trusts what they’ve become. When unexpected circumstances complicate their lives, Mercy must face a journey of healing, self-discovery, and forgiveness, while Hayes must confront his past to cement his future.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2019
About the author
Katie Mettner
131 books1,715 followersKatie Mettner writes inclusive romance and romantic suspense novels featuring characters with disabilities, keeping readers turning pages long past their bedtime.
Her love of books began in childhood when her father took her to the library every Saturday. At seven years old, she discovered The Boxcar Children and immediately fell in love with character-driven stories. She couldn't get enough of books that pulled her into the lives of unforgettable characters, making them feel like lifelong friends.
After losing her leg at age thirty-five, Katie searched for romance novels featuring characters with disabilities, only to find stories that were often inaccurate, rooted in pity, or focused on "fixing" disability through love. Determined to change that narrative, she wrote Sugar’s Dance. When readers embraced Sugar and her story, Katie discovered her passion: writing novels that portray the disability community as loving, capable, complicated, and beautifully human. Whether she's writing a heartwarming Christmas romance or a gritty romantic suspense novel, every story is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in a love story.
When she isn't writing, Katie can often be found along the shores of Lake Superior with her husband searching for agates, baking something sweet, visiting her children, or being lovingly bossed around by her quirky miniature dachshund service dog, Lilibet Linn.
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemettner/
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
https://www.pinterest.com/katie_mettner/
Her love of books began in childhood when her father took her to the library every Saturday. At seven years old, she discovered The Boxcar Children and immediately fell in love with character-driven stories. She couldn't get enough of books that pulled her into the lives of unforgettable characters, making them feel like lifelong friends.
After losing her leg at age thirty-five, Katie searched for romance novels featuring characters with disabilities, only to find stories that were often inaccurate, rooted in pity, or focused on "fixing" disability through love. Determined to change that narrative, she wrote Sugar’s Dance. When readers embraced Sugar and her story, Katie discovered her passion: writing novels that portray the disability community as loving, capable, complicated, and beautifully human. Whether she's writing a heartwarming Christmas romance or a gritty romantic suspense novel, every story is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in a love story.
When she isn't writing, Katie can often be found along the shores of Lake Superior with her husband searching for agates, baking something sweet, visiting her children, or being lovingly bossed around by her quirky miniature dachshund service dog, Lilibet Linn.
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemettner/
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
https://www.pinterest.com/katie_mettner/
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 25, 2020
Good romance
The lead characters are opposites in many aspects, but they both have baggage about their past which they are unwilling to let go. How they learn to accept and love each other with all their faults and their love story forms the story.
Lovely characters and interesting narration. Liked it.
The lead characters are opposites in many aspects, but they both have baggage about their past which they are unwilling to let go. How they learn to accept and love each other with all their faults and their love story forms the story.
Lovely characters and interesting narration. Liked it.
August 22, 2019
I just love a great Katie Mettner book and this one did not disappoint. If you love the enemy to lovers trope (with billionaires to boot!), you’ll love this book. Hayes and Mercy begin on a very rocky start but sparks fly almost immediately.
They both learn to do a little less judging and a little more listening, but that’s after many unfriendly altercations. I loved the character development and the way Katie used that to bring them together. Hayes starts out as a stuffed suit with an attitude, ready to fight everyone in his life—even the people helping to keep his secrets kept.
Hayes has a past he can’t seem to outrun and it’s affecting everything in his life—this is what brings him to Cashmere Camp.
Out of his element, he comes face to face with a woman who’s essentially his exact opposite, but not so opposite that it keeps her from doing the same thing he did, prejudging him based on the way he looks.
Mercy has her own secrets, but she doesn’t run, she hides, and Cashmere Camp is the perfect hiding spot—at least until Hayes shows up.
I flat tire, Beastly husky, and a trimmed Christmas tree later and this story turns HOTTER than any other Katie Mettner book I’ve read.
After spending some valuable time heating the sheets, they part ways, but neither can stop thinking about the other. Hayes stays away in hopes that his secrets don’t affect Mercy. Mercy sticks to her hiding spot hoping he’ll eventually come back. She’s got some unexpected news she needs to share with him, but when he does appear after two months of radio silence, he doesn’t seem ready to receive her news.
Yep, right when you think these two are ready to reunite and stop running, hiding, and holding back, all hell breaks loose again and… well… Katie doesn’t disappoint on the happily ever after either.
This is a well-plotted 5-star love story you don’t want to miss! I loved every minute of it and I might just turn back to page one and start from the beginning again!
They both learn to do a little less judging and a little more listening, but that’s after many unfriendly altercations. I loved the character development and the way Katie used that to bring them together. Hayes starts out as a stuffed suit with an attitude, ready to fight everyone in his life—even the people helping to keep his secrets kept.
Hayes has a past he can’t seem to outrun and it’s affecting everything in his life—this is what brings him to Cashmere Camp.
Out of his element, he comes face to face with a woman who’s essentially his exact opposite, but not so opposite that it keeps her from doing the same thing he did, prejudging him based on the way he looks.
Mercy has her own secrets, but she doesn’t run, she hides, and Cashmere Camp is the perfect hiding spot—at least until Hayes shows up.
I flat tire, Beastly husky, and a trimmed Christmas tree later and this story turns HOTTER than any other Katie Mettner book I’ve read.
After spending some valuable time heating the sheets, they part ways, but neither can stop thinking about the other. Hayes stays away in hopes that his secrets don’t affect Mercy. Mercy sticks to her hiding spot hoping he’ll eventually come back. She’s got some unexpected news she needs to share with him, but when he does appear after two months of radio silence, he doesn’t seem ready to receive her news.
Yep, right when you think these two are ready to reunite and stop running, hiding, and holding back, all hell breaks loose again and… well… Katie doesn’t disappoint on the happily ever after either.
This is a well-plotted 5-star love story you don’t want to miss! I loved every minute of it and I might just turn back to page one and start from the beginning again!
October 23, 2021
Thank you to Katie Mettner for an ARC of The Secrets Between Us. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
This is the first book of Katie Mettner's that I've read. I became aware of Katie on Facebook because she writes books that have disabled characters. Being disabled myself, I know how hard it is to find any character with a disability so I appreciate being able to relate to a disabled character.
First, the cover model is perfect for the main male, Hayes. He's exactly as described in the book. I personally like seeing characters on the cover. It is much easy to imagine a character if there is an actual photo.
I also love the title - The Secrets Between Us. What is a love story - light or dark, without the secrets that are between two lovers?
I liked the dual POV of the book layout - I like to stay within the story and see both sides of the story as experienced by the characters.
Mercy is the lead female character. I loved her strength, her sorrows and her handling of her disability. No disability is ever "done" - it's an ever changing struggle throughout life and Mercy goes through those struggles in this book. I loved the setting of the store/camp where she lives/works. I don't want to give away details but I could immediately understand certain things she does - has a dog that's a big dog (appropriately named Beast), doesn't play music, etc.
Hayes is the rich bad boy who is so much more than just a rich bad boy. Oh, he's absolutely rich and absolutely a bad boy, but his character is not one of those dumb, hot men so many novels have. Hayes has a history as well and it's mirrored in his choices ie no children. He's possessive in a good way, he's protective of everyone he loves and he provides for those he loves.
Again, I don't want to give away any spoilers. There are many twists in this book that made me gasp - I just didn't see them coming. And I love that in a book.
My absolute favorite thing of Katie Mettner's writing of this book (and I'm guessing ALL her books) is the thorough, descriptive detail she gives the movement of her characters. For instance, her writing is not "Jane crawled under the desk to kill a spider." Her writing is more of a : "Jane lowered herself to one knee and used her arm to push aside the cobwebs so they wouldn't get tangled in her ponytail", etc type of writer. I really appreciate how clearly she describes movement and rarely see that so well written.
I am adding all of Katie Mettner's books to my TBR list because I like her writing style so much. Her storyline is also clean and thorough. You won't be left hanging or lost in this book. Everything is explained and wrapped up so you won't be frustrated wondering what happens next.
This is the first book of Katie Mettner's that I've read. I became aware of Katie on Facebook because she writes books that have disabled characters. Being disabled myself, I know how hard it is to find any character with a disability so I appreciate being able to relate to a disabled character.
First, the cover model is perfect for the main male, Hayes. He's exactly as described in the book. I personally like seeing characters on the cover. It is much easy to imagine a character if there is an actual photo.
I also love the title - The Secrets Between Us. What is a love story - light or dark, without the secrets that are between two lovers?
I liked the dual POV of the book layout - I like to stay within the story and see both sides of the story as experienced by the characters.
Mercy is the lead female character. I loved her strength, her sorrows and her handling of her disability. No disability is ever "done" - it's an ever changing struggle throughout life and Mercy goes through those struggles in this book. I loved the setting of the store/camp where she lives/works. I don't want to give away details but I could immediately understand certain things she does - has a dog that's a big dog (appropriately named Beast), doesn't play music, etc.
Hayes is the rich bad boy who is so much more than just a rich bad boy. Oh, he's absolutely rich and absolutely a bad boy, but his character is not one of those dumb, hot men so many novels have. Hayes has a history as well and it's mirrored in his choices ie no children. He's possessive in a good way, he's protective of everyone he loves and he provides for those he loves.
Again, I don't want to give away any spoilers. There are many twists in this book that made me gasp - I just didn't see them coming. And I love that in a book.
My absolute favorite thing of Katie Mettner's writing of this book (and I'm guessing ALL her books) is the thorough, descriptive detail she gives the movement of her characters. For instance, her writing is not "Jane crawled under the desk to kill a spider." Her writing is more of a : "Jane lowered herself to one knee and used her arm to push aside the cobwebs so they wouldn't get tangled in her ponytail", etc type of writer. I really appreciate how clearly she describes movement and rarely see that so well written.
I am adding all of Katie Mettner's books to my TBR list because I like her writing style so much. Her storyline is also clean and thorough. You won't be left hanging or lost in this book. Everything is explained and wrapped up so you won't be frustrated wondering what happens next.
June 14, 2020
This book had me on the edge of my seat... I loved the ending I didnt see it coming.... I love how it went from being a curse to a blessing... i am not going to tell you what i am talking about because it will give it away... I love the name they gave their surprise.. Cant wait to get the second book...
May 5, 2020
No Words! But WOW!
I could not put this book down I cried I laughed my heart bloomed for the love that Hayes and Mercy found in each other! I have read and love all of Katie’s books and they are all great reads! But Damn this book was such a great read!
I could not put this book down I cried I laughed my heart bloomed for the love that Hayes and Mercy found in each other! I have read and love all of Katie’s books and they are all great reads! But Damn this book was such a great read!
September 3, 2019
Yall, this book. I cried. Not an ugly cry but it did make me cry. This book is about redemption, the forgiveness of one’s self and learning how to love again. Plus, learning how to love yourself again, regardless of how life has treated you in the past. These two had a lot of baggage to overcome to even think about having a real relationship with each other and in the end, their HEA is hard-fought and heartfelt. These two had me at the beginning and never let me go.
Hayes is a very flawed but humble character. He knows his flaws and why the way he is and doesn’t really know how to get out of it. That is until he meets Mercy. He wants to be better, trys to do better but in the end, he’s human and makes mistakes. Near the end of the book when he is laying it out for her, my heart grows so full from the emotion that he poured out of his heart. I never thought he was wrong in the way he treated Mercy in the end but he needed to realize that he could love someone and indeed fell in love with Mercy.
Mercy is a heroine that I just wanted to give a big hug to and say, it is NOT your fault. It’s not your fault. Feeling like she is unworthy of love from anyone, she had to realize that Hayes wasn’t just there for a good time. Ms. Mettner took her time with Mercy throughout the book revealing her backstory, bit by bit when it needed to explain why Mercy would shrink back from Hayes at times. I never pitied her either. In fact, I never realize that she was an amputee until it was brought up by Hayes.
This book deals with some very heavy issues: domestic abuse and murder. Ms. Mettner never goes too dark with the subject matter but instead treats it like its a fact of life for Hayes and Mercy. They that Hayes and Mercy deal with it are completely different but the need to get past it is a long hard road. The emotions that are wrung from their conversations are wrenching but also cleansing. I never pitied either one of them for their actions and completely understood them in the end.
Ms. Mettner is a new to me author that I can’t wait to read again. The secondary characters are few but Caleb, Ange, and Mr. Bolling are great. They not only enhance the main characters but add to some of the crucial plot points in the end. Beast is hilarious, too. While this is a billionaire type book, Hayes is not a douche. He’s a real person with real feelings, finally, and doesn’t know how to act. Loyal and faithful to his family and in the end Mercy.
Do yourself a favor and pick this gem up. I dare you not to cry in parts. The dialogue between Hayes and Mercy is HILARIOUS!! (see above excerpt and that’s just a snippet) The love scenes are emotional and spicy but nothing too hawt. Ms. Mettner has written a book that I will definitely read again. And yes, a Caleb book would be good. He can’t be all that happy all the time. LOL!
Hayes is a very flawed but humble character. He knows his flaws and why the way he is and doesn’t really know how to get out of it. That is until he meets Mercy. He wants to be better, trys to do better but in the end, he’s human and makes mistakes. Near the end of the book when he is laying it out for her, my heart grows so full from the emotion that he poured out of his heart. I never thought he was wrong in the way he treated Mercy in the end but he needed to realize that he could love someone and indeed fell in love with Mercy.
Mercy is a heroine that I just wanted to give a big hug to and say, it is NOT your fault. It’s not your fault. Feeling like she is unworthy of love from anyone, she had to realize that Hayes wasn’t just there for a good time. Ms. Mettner took her time with Mercy throughout the book revealing her backstory, bit by bit when it needed to explain why Mercy would shrink back from Hayes at times. I never pitied her either. In fact, I never realize that she was an amputee until it was brought up by Hayes.
This book deals with some very heavy issues: domestic abuse and murder. Ms. Mettner never goes too dark with the subject matter but instead treats it like its a fact of life for Hayes and Mercy. They that Hayes and Mercy deal with it are completely different but the need to get past it is a long hard road. The emotions that are wrung from their conversations are wrenching but also cleansing. I never pitied either one of them for their actions and completely understood them in the end.
Ms. Mettner is a new to me author that I can’t wait to read again. The secondary characters are few but Caleb, Ange, and Mr. Bolling are great. They not only enhance the main characters but add to some of the crucial plot points in the end. Beast is hilarious, too. While this is a billionaire type book, Hayes is not a douche. He’s a real person with real feelings, finally, and doesn’t know how to act. Loyal and faithful to his family and in the end Mercy.
Do yourself a favor and pick this gem up. I dare you not to cry in parts. The dialogue between Hayes and Mercy is HILARIOUS!! (see above excerpt and that’s just a snippet) The love scenes are emotional and spicy but nothing too hawt. Ms. Mettner has written a book that I will definitely read again. And yes, a Caleb book would be good. He can’t be all that happy all the time. LOL!
August 29, 2019
Excellent book
Shed a few tears but such a wonderful story
Would love to have a sequel to this book!!!
Shed a few tears but such a wonderful story
Would love to have a sequel to this book!!!
March 23, 2020
The Secrets Between Us: A Billionaire CEO Romance by Katie Mettner
When Mercy and Hayes meet they hit it off right away. Hayes realizes that she (Mercy) is not an ordinary Woman. Although he has secrets he is determine to bring to surface her secret(s). Mercy is reluctant to bring up her past, she is hesitant to develop a lasting relationship with Hayes. Will they both overcome their fears, reveal their truths,and succeed in a happily ever after?
A fast paced original story with a lot of twists and turns. Both Mercy and Hayes have secrets that are affecting their lives. Mercy is very likable, she hold secrets no one should ever have to. Hayes, at times may not say or do the right thing, but his love for Mercy is real. Overall I found The Secrets Between Us: A Billionaire CEO Romance an enjoyable read, and feel other (romance lovers) will as well.
When Mercy and Hayes meet they hit it off right away. Hayes realizes that she (Mercy) is not an ordinary Woman. Although he has secrets he is determine to bring to surface her secret(s). Mercy is reluctant to bring up her past, she is hesitant to develop a lasting relationship with Hayes. Will they both overcome their fears, reveal their truths,and succeed in a happily ever after?
A fast paced original story with a lot of twists and turns. Both Mercy and Hayes have secrets that are affecting their lives. Mercy is very likable, she hold secrets no one should ever have to. Hayes, at times may not say or do the right thing, but his love for Mercy is real. Overall I found The Secrets Between Us: A Billionaire CEO Romance an enjoyable read, and feel other (romance lovers) will as well.
February 9, 2021
Love wins
I loved this book. At first I was skeptical when I saw billionaire. But The world does have them. I loved to see the real emotions in this book, and the fact that love doesn’t care about money or education. The characters were so awesomely detailed you wanted to cry and laugh along with them. Real world problems meet the all powerful LOVE! You did it again, Katie Mettner!
I loved this book. At first I was skeptical when I saw billionaire. But The world does have them. I loved to see the real emotions in this book, and the fact that love doesn’t care about money or education. The characters were so awesomely detailed you wanted to cry and laugh along with them. Real world problems meet the all powerful LOVE! You did it again, Katie Mettner!
April 2, 2024
An Amazing Story
A grumpy business man living in the city, and a determined business woman running a hunt camp of her own. What could they possibly have in common? A dark past full of secrets! Find out how Hayes and Mercy learn about each other. This story brings to light so much with learning that one of them is an amputee through violence. I loved this book and story so much. Katie knocked it out of the park with this one!
A grumpy business man living in the city, and a determined business woman running a hunt camp of her own. What could they possibly have in common? A dark past full of secrets! Find out how Hayes and Mercy learn about each other. This story brings to light so much with learning that one of them is an amputee through violence. I loved this book and story so much. Katie knocked it out of the park with this one!
November 26, 2024
Outstanding
I definitely loved this story.Sometimes the secrets we keep that are so emotional to us aren't to others.This book was emotional and eye opening to things people.go.through that we can't imagine.
So be kind to one another and read this book
I definitely loved this story.Sometimes the secrets we keep that are so emotional to us aren't to others.This book was emotional and eye opening to things people.go.through that we can't imagine.
So be kind to one another and read this book
December 5, 2024
Good read
Seems to me that this writer always adds a little too close to reality to make you think. I've worked with Special needs children for 25 years after 13 years of military service. I appreciate that she gives respect to all people.😃😃😃😃😃
Seems to me that this writer always adds a little too close to reality to make you think. I've worked with Special needs children for 25 years after 13 years of military service. I appreciate that she gives respect to all people.😃😃😃😃😃
June 28, 2023
This was my first book by her and definitely not my last. This was such a heartwarming story.
February 20, 2026
Nice read
Two broken people click, fall in love & try to figure it all out. Even tho rhey fell in live within a week, the story was enjoyable enough to believe & go with it. I liked both characters & wanted them to get their HEA. I recommend but be aware it deals with heavy situations.
Two broken people click, fall in love & try to figure it all out. Even tho rhey fell in live within a week, the story was enjoyable enough to believe & go with it. I liked both characters & wanted them to get their HEA. I recommend but be aware it deals with heavy situations.
December 7, 2025
Such an Exceptional read ❤️
I just finished this and the tears are flowing 😭
I just finished this and the tears are flowing 😭
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews