Secrets Legends Keep

by Melissa Winters

My twin and I were abandoned at infancy, only to be adopted by billionaires who couldn't care less about us. Our private school never let me forget I didn't belong amongst the elite. Chase was the exception, and only because he excelled at sports—and flirting. As if that wasn't bad enough, the moment a long-lost relative showed up, claiming us as their own, they shipped us off to the middle of nowhere, without a second thought. Deserted yet again.
From the moment we crossed into the sleepy Ohio town that was to be our new home, everything changed. Ghostly encounters, cryptic dreams, and deep connections to two local boys had me questioning my entire existence.
There were plenty of local legends to be told, but the more I learned about my new home—and my connection to it—the more questions that arose. The campfire stories might've been truth passed off as myth, and I was the secret they were created to hide.

Genres: Paranormal

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2021

About the author

Melissa Winters writes coming of age, paranormal romances. She finally mustered up the courage to push publish, and now she's sitting back and biting her nails--which is one of her many bad habits. Writing and coffee keep her sane, but have also contributed to her being nocturnal! All things paranormal and witchy excite her!

She lives in the burbs of Cincinnati with her family who puts up with her constant daydreaming.

Keep up to date with my new releases and sales ➜ https://bit.ly/3mPvTuN

FB Page ➜ https://www.facebook.com/melissawinte...

You can also visit my website ➜ https://authormelissawinters.com


Reviews

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets Legends Keep was a story that left me conflicted. There were parts of this one that really had me hooked. There were other parts of this that I had trouble with. In the end, I enjoyed it enough to see what happened in this book. However, it’s not one that left me wanting to see the overall conclusion of the storyline.

This was one of those stories where I was super curious about the world and wanted to know how everything would come together. There were some elements that failed to surprise, but they were interwoven into intriguing details that allowed me to overlook the predictability. However, I never felt the connection to the characters that I had hoped for. I found them to be too wishy-washy, changing their standpoints multiple times within pages. It made it hard for me to like them, and it took away from the interesting elements that had me wanting to see more. Due to the lack of connection, I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as I’d hoped.

I’m sure many will love this one and will happily dive into the rest of the series, but it wasn’t quite for me.

[BookForAHeart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Tantalizing Read!

First off, I am so luck to have had the chance to read this book for free through Giveaways. I am so happy I entered, because this story took me through a whirlwind. I was definitely not expecting to be so engrossed in this tale.

I am obsessed with the themes of this book. Haunting, ritualistic practices. The unexpected creepy scenes were so out of the blue, I was legitimately scared at times. Gothic themes wrapped up in angsty teen feelings, conflicting and otherwise. October was the perfect time to pick up this kindle edition. The characters are so dynamic and enthralling. I am anxiously anticipating the next installment in the series.

I recommend this book to any fans of magic and mayhem. 10/10!!!!

[Vanessa Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
***
Thank you to Melissa Winters and Grey's Promotions for the ARC to review.
***
Secrets Legends Keep was such an amazing read. It hooked me from the start. I loved the writing and storyline. There was so many twists and turns in this story. The characters were well written and the story was full of mystery, paranormal activity, and teen drama. The creepy scenes are perfectly written and placed. I was scared while reading them late at night. I loved Will and Kelsey together. The ending definitely leaves you wanting more and I cannot wait for the next book.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
***

[Read, Read, No Sleep, Repeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Legends Keep is book 1 in the Pandora chronicles. It’s a fabulously dark, creepy and twisty tale that kept me up reading way past my bedtime (but with the light on!).

So what’s it about? 18 year old twins Kelsey and Chase are abruptly shipped off by their cold hearted billionaire foster parents to live with their newly discovered aunt in the small town of Pandora. But Pandora isn’t just a sleepy town; it’s shrouded in a dark history of witchcraft and devil worship and the twins seem to be at the centre of the town’s secrets …

Secrets Legends Keep has all of the essential ingredients for a great YA read: likeable, relatable characters, a love triangle, friendship, plenty of angst, and of course high school mean girls! Add in the interesting paranormal plot line and a smattering of horror et voila!

Kelsey and her twin Chase were great, well depicted characters and I liked how different their personalities were despite being twins. Kelsey is much more reserved and closed off due to her visions, while Chase has a sunshine outlook on life and really embraced the move to Pandora. I admired their resilient and strength in both starting afresh in a new town and against their loveless up bringing.

The brothers Derek and Will are interesting and while I liked them both, I’m Team Will all the way! Will has the whole edgey but protective bad boy vibe that I can’t resist and he always has Kelsey’s back.

There were loads of interesting twisty plot lines going on, and these start to further unravel in the last few chapters of the book with some exciting revelations and a big cliff hanger that left me hungry for book two!

Secrets Legends Keep is a darkly atmospheric, fast paced, YA, coming of age story and a great introduction to an intriguing new series.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark and atmospheric read as twins Kelsey and Chase, adopted nearly eighteen years before shortly after their birth, suddenly find themselves shipped off by their wealthy but uncaring adoptive parents to a newly discovered blood relative. Kelsey who has been suffering from horrific nightmares and premonitions sees this as a new start but there is more to their ‘aunt’ Sarah than meets the eye and their new home along with one of boys from next door is eerily familiar to her.

As the twins are of high school age, there is the obvious teenage angst and other boy/girl issues in this book but the underlying plot is more supernatural in nature blending tales of the Salem witches with Greek mythology as the town is named after Pandora - as in owner of the infamous box. Who is the strange woman Kelsey keeps seeing? Is she real or another one of her visions and can she possibly hurt Kelsey? What secrets are the adults hiding? By the end of this book I felt as though I had more questions than answers but I’m intrigued to find out what happens next. Whatever it is, Kelsey is at the centre of it and I can’t wait to find out if she’s going to come into any powers as soon as she reaches eighteen.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and this is my honest, unbiased review. This is a story of two teens, twins Kelsey and Chase, who were raised with adoptive parents then returned to family just before their 18th birthday. I love the paranormal genre and do occasionally read Young Adult books despite being on the opposite spectrum. LOL I really enjoyed this book which takes you on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows plus twists and turns. The book was well-written with wonderful characters and relationships that were done well. I was drawn into this captivating tale from the start and kept hooked throughout. My one complaint was that it ended in mid-explanation of what was going on. I understand that the author needs to leave things for the next book, but I thought this one ended a bit too soon. Still, it's an excellent book of good versus evil and definitely leaves you wanting more. It's a great book for all ages.

[Evelyn Jane Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Legends Keep is the third book by Melissa Winters that I have read and it definitely won’t be the last. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and I found myself not being able to put it down until I found out how it ended.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Kelsey and Chase. I liked how they had each other’s backs. I did find myself not trusting Chase for the most part due to some of the things he did. I absolutely love Kelsey and found her to be such an intriguing character.

All of the characters were really interesting and I love the fact that they all have different personalities. There was one character that I really wanted to punch because he was so pushy and I don’t trust him whatsoever (pretty sure he is evil).

I loved all the the secrets and the twists that were revealed throughout the story. That cliffhanger absolutely left me speechless.

Secrets Legends Keep is intense, mysterious. addictive and mind boggling.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twins Kelsey & Chase were adopted shortly after they were born, so they have no idea who they really are. However, things take a turn when an actual blood relative is found so now it's time for them to learn about who they really are. I don't want to say more than that because there's so much mystery shrouded in who they are, and honestly, I'm not sure either but I don't want to give even a hint at things which happened. I don't usually read YA, but when it comes to paranormal elements in YA, I'll read these without even thinking about it so I was intrigued by Secrets Legends Keep. Melissa Winters only left breadcrumbs throughout this one, so while things were slowly being revealed, I don't have a clue as to what is coming since it was over before I could form an opinion, and now I'm waiting impatiently for more because I'm definitely over inquisitive as a whole LOL! Hopefully it won't take long before more books are released because I have to know. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a cooy of "SECRETS LEGENDS KEEP" Great intriguing mysterious paranormal story your hooked to the end, ghostly encounters, creepy town, cryptic dreams twists & turns that have turning the pages.
Kelsey & Chase twins abandoned as babies adopted by Billionaires who really didn't care about them then a long lost relative shows up & taken to Pandora a small creepy town in Ohio.
Things changed after they arrived in Pandora Kelsey had cryptic dreams, ghostly encounters, a strange connection to two local boys that had her questioning everything about her entire existence she felt like a secret this town was meant to hide.
I definitely recommend to get this crazy rollercoaster ride of twists & turns the characters pulled you right into all drama such an addicting story I'm so looking forward to the next book "LIES LEGENDS TELL". EXCELLENT PARANORMAL READ!!!!

[Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love PNR and this book checked the boxes for me---and left me hanging with a heckuva cliffy. There is such a mystery here and we have only scratched the surface with book 1. I cannot wait to read the second book to find out what is going to happen to the twins, Kelsey and Chase. What about Kelsey and Will? But then again how about Derek? Lilly? Amber? There are intertwined stories, tales of witchcraft, and deals made with demi-gods and demons, ghosts, and much more. Kelsey is a teenager with some surprises that have just been sprung on and her crew about how old they actually are--oh my goodness it was amazing. Very very good storytelling. Like I said I'm hooked.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went into it knowing it is written for a younger age group, young/new adult is one label. Also paranormal which is something I really enjoy.
This book though has so much more there is mystery, suspense, even a little bit of the spooky stuff 💀, and of course there is some teenage drama because they are after all still in there teens.
And because there is more to come like all good authors there is a cliff at the end, I think she's trying to push us off it. 😉
Seriously can't wait for more, or to introduce my 16 & 17 year old daughters to the series once it's complete.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Court · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I haven't read a #paranormalromance in a while, SECRETS LEGENDS KEEP reminded me why I enjoy(ed) them so much!

The overall story line had enough mystery and drama to keep me turning the pages (love triangle! reincarnation! family secrets!), even though the characterization and writing style is more juvenile than my tastes run (note: this is marketed at YA/NA so it was on brand for the genre.)

Recommended for fans of YA paranormal romance books. SECRETS LEGENDS KEEP is available now!

Thank you to the author and Greys Promotions for my #gifted copy!

[Larissa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC: Kelsey & Will

4.5/5⭐️
1/5🌶

High school, premonition dreams, paranormal, witches, things that go thump in the night, haunting, immortal, cliffhanger

Kelsey and her brother where orphaned when they were young and adopted by a rich California family. Before their 18th birthday, a long lost aunt is found, living in a small rural Ohio town. The twins are sent off to go live with their aunt in the strange town. Immediately, Kelsey starts having strange visions and is drawn to Derek because she’s been dreaming about him for months before coming there. But she’s into his brother, Will. More strange things continue to happen to all the gang.
I LOVED this book. But I hated that it ended on a cliffhanger because I need to know what happens next! I don’t normally read paranormal stuff but this book didn’t rely on that as the main driving force. There’s a strong plot that keeps you wanting more. I loved how there’s the unexplained draw to Derek and how it changes Kelsey’s relationships with all the other characters.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The CLIFFHANGER!! I really enjoyed reading this, I couldn't put it down until I finished it and while I was bummed it ended on a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read the next book in the series. There was a good mix of paranormal/supernatural elements, a little romantic conflict, and the characters were interesting in that I wanted to know more of their history/backstory. I always enjoy books written by Melissa Winters and this one did not dissapoint!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately had to read the next book in the series!!

Wow this story was sooooooo good. I could barely put it down and just had to know what happened next. So, of course, i read the next book right away. The storyline, characters, the witch world... all of it!.... sucked me in and captivated me. Now I'm just sad that I'll have to wait until Feb 2023 to find out how it all ends!!

Great job!!!

I received an ARC for my honest review!

[Una Bērziņa - Pudule · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this thanks to a Goodreads giveaway. Overall a solid, good young adult fantasy fiction. Very easy to follow, intriguing. The only flaw would be the ending - you kind of expect more of a culmination. Especially with a fantasy story. But other than that, a good read, will probably follow the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a typical trope for me, but, I wanted to read something different, and this new to me author has me impressed.

Escape from the normal day to day was wonderful.

Add the intrigue, great characters and put you in the scene writing, and you have wonderful entertainment.

I will definitely be checking out Ms. Winters other work.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a teenager is hard enough, but twins Chase and Kelsey leave everything they know behind to move to a new town where strange things start happening to them. Secrets Legends Keep is a paranormal story full of drama, angst, intrigue and twists that will snag your attention! Note: this story ends on a cliffhanger.

[Karin Gesell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was filled with such mystery from the beginning that just kept getting more and more intriguing. Kelsey and Chase move to a new town to meet new family, and with that comes all sorts of weird and unexplained phenomenon. Especially with Kelsey. Visions, apparitions, and other unexplained goings on make this an incredibly fascinating story that I cannot wait to continue

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost did not finish this book. It moved so slow and then about 65% in it picked up, just to end on a cliff hanger! Poor Kelsey. She doesn't know if what she sees is real or if she is losing her mind! It was interesting story line and the way the Kelsey, Chase, Will and Derek are all intertwined was very original. I will be reading the next book because I want to see how this ends up.

[Lauren Dowben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Grey’s Promotions for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was fun and I read it in one sitting!

I was disappointed that when Kelsey was finally getting answers the book ended on a cliffhanger.

I am waiting with bated breath for the next book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected. 😯.
Yet i"m totally entranced and ready for what comes next.
The whole time the author gives you hints and pieces of a puzzle that snares the corner of your mind without giving up the story.
Very well written, the author definitely has my attention.

[Becca Mee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story a lot. When twin siblings Kelsey and Chase move to Pandora, they find a past filled with secrets both past and present that causes them to question everything they know about themselves. I loved the “American Gothic” feel that the setting of this rural, Midwest town lent to this story. The paranormal elements of this story very interestingly incorporates legends from the Salem Witch Trials and Greek mythology, which was probably my favorite part. The mystery of Kelsey’s family and her visions was tantalizing and her inexplicable connection Derek made me feel even more invested in this story. The ending brought everything back into focus and sets up the next book nicely, which I really hope to read soon! ⁣

[Lymari Yenderrozos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Dark, fast paced read that kept me entertained. Harley and Chase are in high school, so there is plenty of angst in between the many supernatural twists and turns. While I couldn’t connect much with Harley or Chase, I did enjoy the story and look forward to finding out more in the next book. *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Stephanie Phillips (Stephanie's Book Reports) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for free. 

This is my first Melissa Winters title.  The blurb is what enticed me to give the reviewer copy a try. There's these twins, Kelsey & Chase.  They're adopted by wealthy Californians and basically raised by nanny's and boarding schools.  

Abruptly they're pulled from school and sent to live with an aunt they never knew existed. Here's where the story starts to pick up and get into the heart of what's going on here.  This town they move to, Pandora, is all kinds of weird.  They have lots of strange things happening and Kelsey seems to be the only one who notices. 

Most of her classmates she and Chase have met and befriended all tell the same tales about the town but no one believes they're true.  Except Kelsey. 

What's happening here is what she really wants to know.  You as the reader will too.  I enjoyed this exploratory novel into the creepiness of Pandora.  Loads of secrets kept but soon to be revealed. It will be interesting to see how Kelsey's story plays out!