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The Kalmin Brothers #1

My Heart Is Your Secret

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I can’t breathe.
And I don’t want to breathe.
I don’t want to breathe my air.
I’d rather embed our veins together so his oxygen can flow into me.
I’d rather us be one…

Keatyn had no idea how much I needed her. With each passing day that went by without touching her… kissing her… I became more ill.

Atlas fell in love with me when he thought it was impossible… I fell in love with him knowing it was guaranteed.

I wanted Keatyn to be so in love with me that I became a second pair of skin to her. So engraved in her that she was unable to breathe unless I exhaled first… But I had secrets. And she had silent insecurities. With everything combined, we were a disaster waiting to explode…

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2020

660 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Chelsea Maria

32 books237 followers
Chelsea Maria is rebirthing the idea of love for the millennial generation. Armed with a desire to define the union of faith and love, Chelsea Maria writes relatable stories that challenges society’s warped view of love. With a clearly defined purpose, Chelsea puts her passion and talents to use for the betterment of the generation.
Tasked with changing the narrative, Chelsea gives it her all. With no abandon, she pens fervently the stories of her heart and the hearts of her readers. Using her God-given talent, she employs wit and artistry to plant seeds of conviction and force reflection of her readers. Every addition to her growing catalog is penned with the purpose to revive the faith in love.
Now, with an arsenal of love-inspiring chronicles she is claiming her spot in the world of fiction. Bringing a new wave to the industry and reshaping the twisted perceptions.

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5 stars
339 (66%)
4 stars
110 (21%)
3 stars
45 (8%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Nelly.
164 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2020
Forgiveness, love, happily ever, and all that good stuff

Girl....... This booked kept me in suspense. I loved every single character and every story line. Atlas ( love map), is book bae for sure!!!! Your work is always great! Keep the 5 star reads coming!
Profile Image for Hyacinth.
2,084 reviews16 followers
April 27, 2020
I have this thing where I read multiple books at the same time but, when a book grabs me, then all of the other books are on hold until the one that grabs me is complete. This was one of those books. It started off slow...I am so glad I kept reading. Chelsea is a gifted storyteller. This could've easily been a five star book had someone taken the time and done a thorough proofread. I didn't have a problem with anything else but the errors in the book. I felt like they were senseless. After 30 I would've been done but the storytelling was so good I had to keep reading. The story of Atlas and Keatyn was amazingly my kind of story. I love stories that involve God. I was initially terrified of Amell but ended up loving him in the end. I would love to hear his story. Cassian was crazy as a leap jeep but Atlas, although started out wrong, in the end he was ALL right. Get that final proofread done and it will be 5 star all the way.
Profile Image for Shades N Pages .
1,002 reviews26 followers
August 11, 2020



This book took me on one dark emotional rollercoaster. I almost DNF’d it because I had no earthly idea what was going on but I was convinced to push through. I am glad that I did because I encountered a very intense , entertaining and mysterious story. I love the bond that the brothers had with each other. I liked their loyalty and the fact that they realistically had disagreements like any other family. The author did a great job weaving all of the pieces together in the first part of this book. It did become very long and draining at times; I felt an editor could’ve helped in that area. I felt the second part was very repetitive and it honesty wasn’t needed. It became very irritating to read the same thing without any resolution .Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am eager to read about the other brothers.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,486 reviews22 followers
February 27, 2020
BEAUTIFUL STORY

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was a bit confused at first with the whole Aaron/Atlas/Boe/Young but as I continued to read I realized It was the same person which gave me a better understanding of who he was. Keatyn and Atlas were two complex characters that meshed well together in their own way. I loved how ambitious they were in their professions and were all for helping people and the community. Chelsea did her thing when putting this story together and the way she created these characters makes you want to find your own Atlas and have the happily ever after. Atlas is bae especially how he was attentive to Keatyn and her needs. I would love to read a book about Amell. He has that dark, dangerous vibe that makes you want to know more about him and how would he be if he found a soulmate. If your looking for a book where the characters have flaws but for some reason their chemistry is undeniable, this is the book to read. Can't wait to read what Chelsea has in store next.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
August 11, 2020
Beautifully written spiritual love story

This is my second read by this author and I am sold on her works. It is not often that I come across a love story that is organic and the connection is spiritual. Finding Kennedy by Jacinta Howard and Blue's Beauty by Bailey West are the last books I read that captures that spiritual connection and now Chelsea joins their ranks. I absolutely adore this story because it made me feel...I felt love, anger, betrayal, and sadness. Yet in the end I rejoice. I look forward to reading about the other Kalmin Brothers.
111 reviews
November 15, 2020
Confusing

This was a slow burner and kind of confusing. I get what the author was trying to do but it didn’t come all the way together for me. I don’t plan to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for B.
487 reviews
September 1, 2020
🥴🥴🥴

A basic google search will help a lot. In the story Michelle recently graduated from law school but studying for her LSAT. That test gets you into law school. If she graduated she’d be studying for her BAR exam which qualifies her to be an attorney. Then she had a CPA exam. What does she do? Then Kenneth has been the Mayor for 15 years. They only get 2 terms like a president of 4 years 🤦🏾‍♀️

This book had so much potential but it’s super corny. The words ruined it. “A large hand smacked and gripped one of my booty cheeks” what am I supposed to get from these people. Are they ghetto or snobby? The writing contradicts itself all the time. Like her tone and choice of words during the abduction. Also, I like you like helga like Arnold. If she is so in tune or spirited, why not have a biblical comparison? This author is not following through with the premise she set. I’m sure that is from not researching. Maybe she wanted to try something different this go around but fell short because she didn’t know what she was talking about.

I get that Aaron is different people depending on who he is around but he not adding up. Keeping Atlas and Aaron completely separate is not adding mystery. He acted like he never knew her in the abduction scene to the audience not Cassian. Make it make sense. It’s letting me know that you can’t handle/merge the two. If he is so mysterious, keeps people on a need to know, them being together in one chapter wouldn’t matter. CM you are in control not the characters!

This book took for ever to get to the tipping point. I still don’t know what’s the plot. Why so many unnecessary scenes? Dinners with Mitch. going to the club. Walmart. The lingerie event. The secret relationship with his mother. Essence fest. The clinic. The author wanted to make a full novel but didnt make sure the scenes/scenarios played into the major role of the plot. There was no direction.
Profile Image for Tajma Brown.
Author 3 books15 followers
March 9, 2021
Brown Girl Book Geek Review

I finished this book with a lot of mixed feelings. On the plus side, the individual characters were great! They each had their own personality that shined bright, especially the brothers and Coco. For them to have been the secondary characters I think I enjoyed them the most. The overall storyline was great, but the process to finish it out was a little all over the place. To me, it felt like I was reading multiple stories rather than one and it wasn't because the book was literally broken into 2 parts. Each storyline that was introduced had great bones, but there was a bit of a disconnect when putting everything together and some things just didn't make sense. A lot of parts felt unnecessarily drawn out. However, the overall story kept me interested to the point that I absolutely want to read the next books featuring the other brothers.
Profile Image for Marsha.
3 reviews
January 28, 2023
Good, but it could have been better

The first half of the book was a little confusing. I knew who Atlas was, but his storyline did not seem to sync with his alter ego. The timing between the two seemed off.

Additionally, some parts of the story were glossed over. I would have liked more details about events that seemed pivotal or important to the characters (i.e., the lingerie party).

Finally, a good edit would have made this book better. There were quite a few misspelled words and grammatical errors. I wish I could be an editor.
Profile Image for Geri.
1,199 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2020
I liked it, but...

First, let me start by saying this book took me on a spiritual, emotional roller coaster. There was mystery and elements of suspense that really had me wondering what the hell was going on at times! This book was the real dark in terms of it being a full length book, it was long! At times a bit repetitive and a little out there. I hope Amell, Cassian and Coco get stories of their own sometime soon.
Profile Image for KayBee's Bookshelf.
1,823 reviews58 followers
February 18, 2020
This story had it all for me. There was love, humor, character chemistry and romance all wrapped into a well-executed story. I will be honest and say that it took me a few chapters to get into it, but that was just me being impatient. :) However, once it picked up I was all in. Great job!
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
June 16, 2021
Ummm…wow! I’m usually a Chelsea Maria fan, and have definitely enjoyed my fair share of slow burn romances, but this one was too much and too slow. I’m not incapable of deciphering and enjoying complex, lengthy literature. However, there was a lot going on in the first half of the book, and it almost discouraged me from continuing on. CM is a master wordsmith and has previously impressed me with her writing skills. That’s why I was willing to “thug it out,”-- allow her the chance to tie everything together and bring it home for me.

When Atlas was in Keatyn's presence—he was like a beautiful, black dream come true. A man who knew all the right things to say, offering his queen an ear to express her inner most thoughts and desires, a shoulder to lean on where she could lay out all her fears, insecurities, and troubles. And it didn’t hurt that Atlas came wrapped in an exquisitely sexy package complete with a voice that had the ability to make Keatyn melt into a puddle at his feet.

As for Aaron, I was conflicted about how I should have felt about him. Running weapons and whatnot (still not sure about all the stuff his family was into) reading old girl’s texts/emails and having her followed. Granted Michelle aka Ms Thang was no picnic, and was a spoiled b*tchy brat, but Aaron’s actions were totally unnecessary; especially since he should have just kicked her complaining, trifling, ungrateful a** to the curb a long time ago. Aaron seemed too preoccupied, immature, and less confident where Atlas carried himself as highly intelligent and exceptionally in tuned to his woman’s thoughts and feelings. I had a really hard time reconciling Aaron and Atlas being two parts of the same whole. I understand writing characters’ lives in parallels, but I think this missed the mark.

As I said earlier, there was a lot going on, and it was hard to keep my focus on the beautiful friendship and romance that was blossoming between Atlas and Keatyn. Then part II of this story began, and with that came a lot of angst. Even though Aaron and Atlas were two sides of the same coin, the Atlas I loved and fanned over in the beginning dwindled and too much of Aaron appeared. Once everything was out in the open, I wished for Atlas to dominate. Instead, the hero seemed to be punishing himself, which in turn punished Keatyn. Not to mention that Keatyn was playing games and decided that she would dish out her own little punishment to the hero. This went on for too darn long! They were both frustrating and exhausting.

I will say that the side characters brought an interesting dynamic to the story, like Keatyn's friends and Aaron's brothers—especially Cassian. That brother definitely brought the comedic relief. And I wouldn’t mind having a peak inside Amell's mind. He scares me, but I’d still like to see what really makes him tick. I honestly wish I could say that I enjoyed this romance like I have with all of Chelsea Maria's stories I’ve read, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
Profile Image for Erica   Jackson.
19 reviews
April 14, 2025
It didn’t really come together for me.

This book had a lot of potential and some standout elements, but it didn’t fully come together for me. The premise was intriguing, and there were a few characters I genuinely enjoyed. Particularly Atlas, who felt like a well-developed and consistent presence throughout the story. I also found Amell compelling enough that I’d consider reading his story in the future.

The book is split into two parts, and while Part Two was easier to follow, Part One felt a bit disjointed. The attempt to keep Aaron and Atlas’s shared identity a surprise seemed unnecessary, especially since it was fairly easy to figure out. This approach disrupted the flow rather than adding suspense.

There were also some continuity and timeline issues that made it hard to stay fully immersed. Such as inconsistencies with Michelle’s job, or events that didn’t quite line up. Additionally, Keatyn, our FMC, kept saying how she went away to work on herself and became more mature and full of self-love, but her behavior came off as somewhat judgmental and childish.

One aspect that stood out in an odd way was the recurring commentary on other women's hygiene, particularly references to vaginal odor. While Keatyn is a nurse and owns a feminine care brand, the frequent and blunt references to "musty coochies" felt excessive and a bit off-putting.

The Kalmin men are a unique mix of drug dealers, gun sellers, and killers who’d turn around and wax poetic about love and quote scripture like soap box preachers. While that contrast could’ve worked, it sometimes felt unbalanced and hard to reconcile.

What I did appreciate was the emphasis on healing, working through trauma, dealing with parent wounds, and learning to love and accept yourself before trying to love someone else or expecting love in return. That message was solid and gave the story real heart.

I also liked that it was a true slow burn and that the couple didn’t rush into intimacy. It showed intention and growth. The story had strong bones and a compelling foundation, it just needed more polish and tighter editing to truly shine. I do think Chelsea Maria has an engaging voice; with a bit more refinement, future works could be even stronger.
Profile Image for Stephanie Mclendon.
650 reviews9 followers
September 16, 2020
Open Says He..

Keatyn loved her dad and every since her mom passed, she felt like he was slipping away.Now that he was involved with Maureen, Kea felt like her dad was not going to think of her. Kea thought Maureen was no good also. Atlas was living a life with Michelle but his heart was slowly getting colder n colder. When Michelle’s dad tries to pressure Atlas their relationship definitely is going down hill and Atlas gets hit with love innocently?
The Kalmin brothers are fine, rich and successful. Amel is solo, Cassian is goofy, fun and still cold and Aaron the genius .
Kea and Atlas meet and the love is real and these two will sustain a beautiful friendship but it will be tainted by the lies. Will their love live? Once Michelle and Atlas are over the Keatyn and Aaron Atlas Kalmin marry but it will not be a fairytale yet. This journey of love will be one to be remembered. Welcome Mr & Mrs Kalmin!
Profile Image for Mabell.
144 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2020
Good

I almost stopped this book several times, the beginning was not it and so much back and forth, it was confusing. It really did not start until 55% mark for me. The errors on information was all over the place, first Michelle had just graduated law school, then she was taking LSATS, then she was studing for CPA. You dont know what to think of this family, their gun smugglers, run dog fighting and then they will save a group of people sneaking into US and help them start new life, and speak Gods truth and wisdom better than any pastor. Other errors made it a real struggle, but the biggest draw was Amell, I need to read his story, so I will keep giving the series a try.
Profile Image for Chandra Shinholster.
339 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2020
Soulmates

Although Keatyn and Atlas met under false pretenses. Their love for one another is indescribable. The way they connected was almost scary orgasms with barely touching one another. They did endure a storm but ride it out until they reached a beautiful paradise. Amell was such a strong man for raising his baby brothers and protecting them,especially hotheaded Cassian. Cassian just refuses to listen to his big brother not recognizing the wisdom that lies within. Hopefully he saves him before he self destructs. I want more of the other two brothers.
7 reviews
December 8, 2020
Wow!!!!

I almost gave up on this book..honestly because I was like huh..wait...say what now? Just confused..but I kept reading because I was invested. When I tell y'all...this book was SOOOO FULLFILLING! It took me on an emotional and spiritual journey that I didn't know I needed. Atlas Aaron Kalmain is the man I want to marry...well a real version of him. His faith in God was just sexy!!!! And Keatyn was his perfect help mate! But that dang Cassian was a fool and I can't wait to read his story. So Read it...then reread it again. I know I am😁
1,415 reviews13 followers
March 5, 2021
Just sick!

I have never been so sick of a couple as I am of Atlas and Keatyn. I literally hated this book. Six hours of nothing but flowery words. I keep trying to read Chelsea Marie’s books but it never fails. I’m always left feeling frustrated with the characters and the storyline. It’s like, Ms.Marie can’t make up her mind as to if she wants to write poetry or a novel. Her characters are bipolar at at least and schizophrenic at most. I give up, no more. I have better things to do with my money and time.
Profile Image for Ash B.
182 reviews36 followers
August 12, 2020
Must read

I wen through so many emotions while reading this book. First off, I definitely thought Atlas was going to be someone else. Part II was a twist ! My mouth was on the floor reading half of it. I also love how the characters spirituality was intertwined in the story, you don’t see that often. This story got me feeling like such a sap hopeless romantic. Ugh, Amel’s crazy self is my new book bae
880 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2020
Almost tapped out!

The first part of the book had me truly confused. But because I've read other good stories from this author, I decided to hang in there. It still took me a week to finish, but once I got to part two I was thoroughly invested. I would give it 3.5 stars due to better editing was needed, and for scrambling my brain even though I usually pride myself on being able to read with good comprehension. Hoping Cassian and Amell are easier on my mental...
145 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2020
Soulmate

Lawd!!. This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster,I was confused on Aaron and Atlas I really thought they was twins there was so much secrecy I couldn't keep up, overall great read the passion and connection between Atlas and Keatyn was amazing they was really soulmate I couldn't get enough of your novels. I'm bracing myself for the encore with Small lawd I'm ready I know it's going to knock me off my feet. Thanks Chelsea Maria you're an amazing writer.😍
Profile Image for Brenda Maxwell.
238 reviews9 followers
November 17, 2020
Imma Be Honest

This book had me soooo confused for the first several chapters. Trying to keep up with Aaron, Atlas, Michelle, and Keaton was a little work. If you are like me, stick it out it gets easier as the situation becomes clearer. Now, the last half. I would have liked to have seen the couple be a little more dynamic and a little less petty. Spoiler alert, a couple of the scenes can be gruesome.
89 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2021
Slow start but interesting

This story had me a little mixed up for the first half but since I've read some other books by this author and enjoyed them I had to see this through. I understood what all the mystery was for but the execution of it made it a little hard for me to enjoy the whole story in its entirety.

I will say that this story was interesting and I'm curious about the lives of the brothers.
Profile Image for Lialeh Blue.
262 reviews
Read
May 8, 2022
Interesting

This book had a lot going on! Especially in the first part of the book. I was so confused with how Aaron was going to fit into the story when Keatyn was all into Atlas. I can't believe how easy Aaron was manipulated when it came to his mom and Michelle. Cassian was the much needed comedy in this story. I'm glad Atlas and Keatyn were able to work things out in the end.
137 reviews
Read
August 4, 2020
My heart is your Secret!!

Now first off Chelsea I'm apologizing because I read this book a while back and thought I left a review. To busy going to your next to catch up!! But you know when your writing juices flow it's awesome!! So Altas and Keatney funny ass hell together. Love it love it!! Thanks Queen
Profile Image for Kia.
1,154 reviews
August 16, 2020
Well

My first time reading from this author and I plan on reading more. Great story, it had so many layers and I loved it. Glad Atlas finally realized that he needed to accept forgiveness from Kae, he was so used to dealing with people who used him he just thought she was the same. Can’t wait to see what happens with the other brothers
Profile Image for Synthia Littleton.
495 reviews16 followers
August 26, 2020
This was full of surprises

I love Atlas and Keatyn! I believe in soul-mates, so this was right up my alley. It was so good, so original, so romantic. I will have to read it again. Atlas was so patient, Keatyn was black girl magic. Just a fun, perfect couple. I just didn't see the twist and turns coming. So good!
29 reviews
August 27, 2020
Breathtaking!!!

This story was so beautiful!! This is the first book in while that has moved me to tears and made reevaluate my own life. This book was full of so much wisdom and love and the restoration of ones faith in there soulmate. Great read and telling of a God Baring union. Chelsea Marie has become one of my favorite authors.
1 review
September 3, 2020
Intriguing

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it kept me guessing as to the true nature and identity of the characters in the beginning but that was a plus for me. I appreciated the story of a love created in the heavens that still was realistic yet full of romance. Kudos you have a new follower
15 reviews
September 9, 2020
Too much but not enough

This is my first and last time reading anything from this author. It just didn't do it for me. Too many words. Talk talk talk about nothing and everything. It was boring as heck. If you like intimate scene this ain't the book baby. Just plain boring!!!!!!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews

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