Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties

by Tawni Suchy

She’s the temptation he never wanted. He’s the distraction she’s always needed.

Charli Cross met Death… and survived.

After Charli barely escaped a house fire, the day her parents vanished, she and her aunt moved to Ruby Falls—a private island where they could find safety.

It’s been five years since that fateful night, and although her life is far from what she expected, she’s content.

Reed Jameson is the newest detective in the Ruby Falls PD. He’s faced his share of tragedies and came out stronger. But what happens when he falls for the woman being hunted?

Everything Charli thought she knew goes up in flames when Reed discovers her mother’s necklace in the middle of the woods, thousands of miles away from where Charli last saw her.

When Charli’s past returns with a vengeance, bodies drop, fear spreads, and Reed learns firsthand the danger that follows her.

Love is the complication neither of them wants. But love may be the only thing that can save them.

A neighbor. A locket. A lie. A secret. All leading up to one epic discovery.

Tragedy has a unique way of pushing people together.

But then again, so does God.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Clean Romance, Christian Romance, Mystery

361 pages, ebook

First published October 28, 2022

About the author

Tawni is a Christian wife and mother, living life to the fullest with her family. She’s been writing since she could pick up a pencil which was also when God instilled a passion for storytelling into her heart.
Every story she writes contains a guaranteed happily ever after. Real life has no guarantees of happiness, but she can control her fictional worlds. Sort of. Her characters like to take her on several roller coaster rides of uncertainties, daily.
When she’s not writing, she’s tending to the house, playing with her kids, or on those rainy, lazy days, curled up with a good book and cup of coffee (probably with too much creamer.)
As much as she loves telling love stories between a man and woman, she hopes you discover the ultimate love story of Jesus. Her goal with each book is to show her readers the fulfillment of what having a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is like.

Reviews

[Latisha Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, this book took me on a trip from the first page. If you think you have it figured out. Think again. It will keep adding twists and turns until the very end.

Reed and Charli are real and flawed characters. They're struggling with past trauma and past mistakes. I loved how we got to see their struggles as Reed is a newer Christian, learning how to overcome his lust and pride, and Charli is grappling with whether or not she really wants to believe in God after everything she's been through.

The faith in this book is strong, but not cheesy. It's deep and gives glimpses of some pretty intense spiritual warfare.

If you love romantic suspense, deep faith, secret societies, love triangles, morally gray characters, secrets, and real & flawed characters, then this book is for you!

[Judith McNees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a huge romantic suspense fan, so I was a little skeptical going in, but the story really drew me in. I'm also not a fan of love triangles, but this one was tastefully done and not overly melodramatic.

The part that I appreciated the most was the faith content. There was a lot of Jesus in this story.

Well done!

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Christian Romantic Suspense filled with real faith, secret societies, and twists and turns—be sure to grab this book.
This story takes off running from the very first chapter all the way until the very end. Tawni doesn’t shy away from real trauma responses, real mistakes, and people with real faith. There are moving depictions of spiritual warfare as Charli grapples with her past traumas and choosing faith for herself. I don’t usually like love triangles, but this one was done well. As serious as the book gets, it also has so much wit and plenty of sweet and swoony moments to balance out the suspense. I laughed, I cried, I was at the edge of my seat and I adored the ending. It was a great read!

[Shona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This started off with a bang and never let go. Reed is a new cop on an island, at the request of his close friend Finn. Charli lives on the island with her aunt, running a successful vegetable garden. And that’s the start of a love triangle and thriller which grips your attention. From the beginning the narrative draws you in and doesn’t let go. The suspense is riveting and just when you think it’s all coming together. Bang. Another twist. One you didn’t see coming! I couldn’t put this book down and am looking forward to more from this author.

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…But being religious and having a relationship with God are two very different things.” She blinks at me, and I take it as encouragement to expand. “People can be religious and not have a relationship with Jesus. They can go to church, sing the hymns, pray the right prayers, and still fall short of having a relationship with God. Jesus isn’t just a task on a list to check off. He’s everything and He should be every Christian’s everything.” ~ Reed

If you want true Christian fiction with suspense and romance look no further than Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties. This is a story about second chances, forgiveness, overcoming the past, and most importantly, finding God and trusting His will. The characters are real and relatable…human. They doubt, they stumble, but they get back up again. I love how the Christian characters witness to those who don’t know Jesus personally. They share their faith, their struggles and their pasts. The author is definitely not shy about presenting God’s love, mercy and our salvation through Jesus.

Great story of faith and forgiveness, filled with mystery and suspense. Another book I found through the wonderful world of #bookstagram !

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! Tawni swept me away onto the tranquil island of Ruby Falls... or should I say, not so tranquil? Mysterious black candles, strange lockets, and secret societies abound in this Christian romantic suspense novel. While Reed and Charli grapple with their past hurts, they have to face external dangers: stalkers, arsonists, and criminals. No one is as they seem. Everyone has a shadowed past. The twists and turns keep you flipping the pages, shocked by every plot point that you didn't see coming. You will question everything you thought you knew about the characters. The swoon and sizzle and beautifully romantic lines will make you smile, squeal, and fan yourself, falling back into your chair with an excited thump. This is a fantastic book and I recommend it to absolutely everyone who wants to be taken on an adventure, who loves mystery, or who loves romance with Jesus's love, redemption, and forgiveness infused in it!

[Dulcie Dameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping & stunning debut novel!!!

When I read a book I want memorable characters, and Tawni delivered with this diverse cast. Her writing is unique and immersive, so much so that I *felt* like I was in Ruby Falls. The MMC is one of the swooniest I've read and that's saying something!

If you love....

🖤Suspense
🖤Mystery
🖤Thick plots with deep character development
🖤Clean, but swoony romance
🖤Smalltown Vibes
🖤Christian themes

Then you'll love this story! I wish it wasn't a standalone because I want more of these characters! Well done, Tawni! 🖤💜🖤

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I just finished reading Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties, and I'm just trying to come up with the words to make this story (and my experience while reading it) justice in this review. Oh well, here's my best shot.

I loved immersing myself in Charli and Reed's story! They're both imperfect characters that beautifully portray God's grace in their lives. Charli's voice is unique and broken at times, but it made her all the more relatable and/or real (I definitely wanted to chat with her and give her a hug). I can't imagine what she went through, though we're given more than a glimpse through her memories and nightmares. Yet her growth throughout the book was hard, painful at times, yet worth it in the end. Same with Reed, though they come from different backgrounds. Oh man, Reed. 😍 Talk about a broken yet real, honest about his struggles, fiercely protective, alpha roll hero! (He's definitely on the top of my favorite heroes of the year!) Their romance is the sweetest, their banter is witty and hilarious (loved the nicknames), and the faith thread interwoven in this story was perfect! The newness of faith and love for one's Savior when one first comes to Christ (that can also encourage believers of many years) is beautifully portrayed, and the themes of hope, forgiveness, and redemption were deep reminders that I needed to hear in my life.

Now, this is not to say that the book is light (far from it). Its story deals with the themes of a past attack on Charli, nightmares, arson, threats, and tricks of the mind, among other things that made this a great suspense. On the other hand, it also features a hero that comes from a player's past, and through him, we're shown the struggles of desire/lust. However, amidst all of this darkness, Jesus's light shines the brightest, and I loved that timely reminder. Seriously, I'm hooked on this author's writing, and I can't wait to read whatever she comes up with next!

So, if you love and/or enjoy dark and gritty Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense in an unusual setting (sanctuary island) that will keep you turning the pages (never saw most of those plot twists coming), strong yet honestly raw and vulnerable characters that will stay with you long after you've finished reading the book, as well as the "alpha male," "cinnamon roll," "love triangle," "morally gray best friend," and "found family" tropes, then give this new author a try. You won't regret it. 😉 ~ 5 stars!

Content (possible spoilers):
Sex: none, though it's alluded it's been part of a character's past. Some really passionate kisses. A couple talks about struggles with lust (what to do about it, seeking God's strength to stop/honor Him, getting an accountability partner).
Language: not, just variations (dang, oh my gosh)
Violence: punches, threats, arson, bullet/knife wounds, nightmares
Other: self-harm (not cutting, but scratches and bruises. Mentioned, not described)

[Ruth Nightingale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an interesting book called Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties written by Tawni Suchy. This book was Mrs. Suchy’s debut novel, her pride, and joy that she took the time into writing not only for her audience but to share God’s unrelenting love as well. Let me get started, shall we?


Synopsis and Cover Art


At first glance, anyone can see how dark the book looks. The main female character is on the front and fog dusts her feet. The title of the book is written in a semi-cursive font with the last portion in red. I know as readers, writers, and publishers say, “Never judge a book based on it’s cover”, but to be fair that is the very first thing we see to determine if we want to pick it up or not. I will admit, that the cover doesn't thrill me as much, BUT it drew me in nonetheless. I like the “secrets” that this novel hides behind it’s cover. (haha I made a joke 😂)


Charli Cross met Death… and survived.
After Charli barely escaped a house fire, the day her parents vanished, she and her aunt moved to Ruby Falls—a private island where they could find safety.
It’s been five years since that fateful night, and although her life is far from what she expected, she’s content.
Reed Jameson is the newest detective in the Ruby Falls PD. He’s faced his share of tragedies and come out stronger. But what happens when he falls for the woman being hunted?
Everything Charli thought she knew goes up in flames when Reed discovers her mother’s necklace in the middle of the woods, thousands of miles away from where Charli last saw her.
When Charli’s past returns with a vengeance, bodies drop, fear spreads, and Reed learns firsthand the danger that follows her.
Love is the complication neither of them wants. But love may be the only thing that can save them.
A neighbor. A locket. A lie. A secret. All leading up to one epic discovery.
Tragedy has a unique way of pushing people together.
But then again, so does God. (this synopsis was used directly from Tawni Suchy’s Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties)


Spoiler-Free Honest Review


Characters and Setting


At first glance when you read the synopsis, I was intrigued. Thankfully, that intrigue didn't dissipate as I read the story. When you first read this book, you'll come to know that it's broken into 2 main points of views, then 1 minor point of view. Charli Cross and Reed Jameson is the two main characters from this story.


Charli Cross suffers with PTSD and heavy emotional trauma after surviving a crazed arsonist tried killing her by setting her childhood home ablaze. After being pulled from the fire, just barely breathing and a deep X-shaped wound on her back, Charli was told her parents had mysteriously disappeared. All of this happened on her 16th birthday… what a fabulous gift 💀


Charli is then taken to a secret island, named Ruby Falls, to live her aunt and start a new life; but phantoms of Charli’s past call out to her and yearn for one thing… to see her burn to ash.


Straight off the bat, I’m already interested in Charli Cross. I always believed that giving your characters trauma that they need to overcome helps give your readers someone to relate to and root for. Overall, Charli had a spite fire personality. Usually speaking her mind and some cases of being coy to the male main character, Reed Jameson. There were some points in the arc of her character that I wished she didn't seem completely defenseless. A few times in the story, characters say that Charli isn't a victim but a survivor. In cases like that, I would say show that instead of just saying it. Show how Charli can be stronger than what meets the eye. Maybe have Reed show her some self-defense training, how to disarm someone with a gun, or even how to use a gun. I think small actions like that would have told the audience that Charli wasn’t just someone to feel sorry for, but a force not to be reckoned with.


I'm all for the “intelligent damsel in distress” because I feel like in this day in age that isn’t something people want to have anymore; however, I would have loved to see Charli grow more in the story. Instead of the one who always needs saving, have her also save someone as well. On the same note, I feel like Charli cried a bit too much for my taste in this novel. People can show other signs of breaking or grief without overusing tears. Instead, have her seem almost cold when talking about her past, or distant whenever someone talks gleefully about their parents. In the case of relativity, Charli seems like a down-to-earth person, so I can see why Tawni made her be a gardener (ah there it is again! A joke!). She's labeled the island sweetheart because of the produce she grows and sells every week, and the smiles she offers seem to catch the attention of a certain private detective. Overall, I would say Charli was written well for a debut author, there are some things I would change or go more in-depth into, but overall I’d give her character a solid 3.5 out of 5.


Reed Jameson is our second pov (point of view) and male main character. Reed was a dutiful cop that supposedly swore off women after a terrible experience with his ex; however, that doesn't last long as an old friend of his recruits Reed to become a private detective at Ruby Falls, where he falls into the arms of Charli Cross. I enjoyed Reed’s character and backstory. His cocky demeanor and cool swagger were a good balance to the theme of the story. It was almost like he was a good breath of fresh air. However, I do wish that Reed was a bit deeper. Now don't get me wrong, I love how masculine he was at some moments, but I felt like he should have had some negative traits as well, just so the readers would see his character development. I felt like maybe he could have had trust issues that stemmed from his last relationship or developed a bad habit of some sort. Though in love that he had a good relationship with God, we are all still human and it would have been nice to see Reed struggle more with his desires. Despite that, Reed had shown to be a stand-up kind of guy, he put others before himself and showed readers what a Godly man represents… patience and God’s gentle love. Overall, I’d have to rate Reed Jameson a solid 3.9 out of 5.


Let’s talk about the setting of the island and the town. I'm a woman who loves imagery. Give me a description of the scents of a coffee shop, and what that character feels about the atmosphere. Give me all the emotions that come with tasting a freshly baked croissant, that's slightly toasted only to be cut lengthwise so you can smear the strawberry jam in between the two halves. Wonderful! Now… enough of that... Let's dive in, shall we?


I won't harp too much on the fact, I personally wanted more of a description of the town and island, but I will say this… describing the setting for a suspenseful scene and building tense is key! This novel is supposed to be a Christian suspense with a romance subplot, so in scenes like Charli walks on the beach maybe have her instead take a walk through the woods. The beach is of course a calming place for one to go, but so is the woods; however, if we're talking about a scene that can put the readers on edge, and give an opportunity for creating tension, then the woods would be a perfect place to do so. I do wish there was more suspense, and moments that would leave me wondering what might happen next. Frankly, there wasn’t too much of that, or moments of immersing me in the world by using more imagery to tell the story. It was excellent at some points, like describing the mess in Reed’s cottage, that was good. Again, this is always something that can improve so I won't be harsh in this aspect. I'd give the setting and imagery a 3.8 out of 5.


Pacing, Structure, Formatting


And here we are on the last bit of my review, and one that I consider to be one of the more vital parts to a story. That would the Pacing, Structure, and Formatting.


Like any novel, every author needs to understand that pacing is key to keeping your readers attention. If you write long chapters with no mini plot points to push your story forward, whether that be character development or something else, you can basically hinder your progress and even make your reader stop reading your book. With that being said, let me explain…


When I first opened the book, I almost closed it and had to process what I just saw. The font was smaller than I expected which definitely threw me off. As for the pacing, well… it's good in the beginning, up until the middle of the novel. It felt... Like it lost some of its momentum which did make me put the book down for a few days. There are a few ways to make sure your story doesn't have any flat chapters in it, one of them is making sure to you have mini goals of what that chapter is going to accomplish. Tawni did a great job at it in the beginning, but in the middle of the book… I’ll admit I was struggling to finish because of either too long chapters or the lack of interest.


Then lastly there was the sudden stop of an interesting scene. I don’t mind if it is done once or twice to urge the reader to read further into the story, but it happened at least 5 times. This made me close the book a few times and groan in frustration, because not only that the suspense stopped suddenly but the point of view was also switched. I give this section a 3 out of 5.


Final Thoughts


I believe for a debut book Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties was an overall good read. When I was a preteen, I wanted to read more Christian fiction books, but instead all I could find was Amish romance books (no offense to those who like those kind of books). It has been a very long time since I’ve read a decent Dark Christian fiction and I look forward to Tawni’s next book When Forever Comes, which will be released as a duology. I also believe in supporting self-publishing authors whenever I get the chance to, Lord willing. So, overall I would rate Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties a solid 3.9 out of 5. I feel like some elements could have been explained earlier on in the novel, and the structure could have been a bit different; however, I would recommend this book to not only Christians but non-Christians as well. Elements like displaying God in a personal way, showing how love in a gentle and pure way, and subjects like death enthralled me. I love it! I hope Tawni writes more dark Christian books in the future. Lord knows we need more like that.

Thank you all for reading my review, and make sure to support your authors by recommending them to your fellow bookworms and bookdragons (the infamous book hoarders/ collectors like myself). I hope you all have a blessed day. Happy daydreaming.

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this more than what I did. There are just a few things that take this rating down. One would be how the police department works on the island. I felt like Reed never was really at work. Also, Reed training Koda to be a K9 dog took me out of the story as well.

I’m married to a K9 deputy so I know how the training goes and it’s not like this. I didn’t like everything being a secret either. There was so much I didn’t like so I will list things I do like.

Reed and Charli are super cute together, though kind of instalovey but not really. I love the faith and how much God was talked about in this book. I love the writing.

Another thing I don’t like is the love triangle. I didn’t know this had a love triangle.

[Jennifer Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s

There was a lot happening in this book. The suspense was full of twists and turns that kept you guessing. The ending was hardly what you would call predictable.

I love a good redemption arc and this book held several.

The love story was sweet and even a little heartbreaking but it definitely ended the way it should have.

My only struggle was keeping up with timelines and characters at times. There were a lot of names, especially toward the end, that made me scroll back and re-read a few times.

All things considered, I'd highly recommend this book if you're a fan of well written suspense, love stories, and redemption.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

| I received an ARC for an honest review |

5 stars ✨

I’d give more than five stars if I could. Wow! Oh my goodness. This book is for you who love — adore — Christian romance suspense thrillers. I felt like the romance was 55% percent and 45% percent thriller, and all throughout is God’s love.

This story is genuine, heart-felt, dark but there is always light. There is hope. I adore Charli and Reed. I ship them
soooo hard. Sorry Finn: 🙈

The pacing is amazing. The whole back stories, finding out who is behind all of it, crazy good. I highly recommend reading this story! Enjoy reading!! 💕

[Erin Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even begin to put into words how good this book was, so I’m going to keep it brief 😂. Oh. My. Word! It was so, so, so good! I won’t be able to stop thinking about this book for probably ever! Giving this ALL the stars!!!

[Kim Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties will have you on the edge of your seat from the first page. It’s filled with suspense, mystery, romance, and big God moments all in an island setting — swoon. It’s written from dual points of view of the two main characters: Charlie (Charlotte Cross) who loves to garden and helps her Aunt with rental cottages and detective Reed Jameson. Throughout we see their brokenness and watch them try to be better as they deal with the many twists and turns that come at them as they try to find answers to the crimes and strange occurrences that have been happening on the island and in their lives. There is spiritual warfare that reminds me of Frank Peretti’s “Piercing the Darkness,” but even in the darkest moments of the book you have a sense of hope that carries you through. And the romance… it’s beautifully threaded from beginning to end. This book will challenge you to look more closely at how you live and point you towards The One with answers.

[Ashley Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and story. I really did like how God was at the center of this story, it wasn’t done in a cheesy way or anything like that. These people struggled with dark pasts and God plays a huge part in their stories.
I did not see all the twists and turns coming, some you could figure out and others took you by complete surprise.

Also I’m thankful for the author by making these characters seem real by showcasing their struggles. It was nice to read a story about people who struggle with the same things that everyday Christians struggle with. She didn’t shy away from it but used it as an opportunity to point back to God.

[Lily Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Highly recommend!!

[Karen Daliath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really got swept away to an island I had never heard of!

Charli, Reed and Finn... man.... they really REALLY kept me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, squealing in joy, crying, laughing, gasping in shock... OHH!!!

This Christian Romantic Suspence novel gave me chills and I was swooning all over and over again! The storyline was perfect! I really appreciate Tawni in everything about this book! Everything about this book was suspenseful and mysterious from the beginning, and I was DYING to reach to end for my answers, lol!

Reed was adorable, especially with his blunt comments, sheepishness and flirtatious character around Charli. The name Charli gave him was HILARIOUS— PJ, and how he tried guessing the full form of the initials!

He was good, but sorry Tawni, Finn is my man *sly smile*. Dunno why, but he had my attention since the beginning more than Reed did, and everything he was mentioned or whenever he showed up, my back straightened up as though I got struck by a lightening, hahaha! I loved everything about him, his love, care and protectiveness over Charli literally made me both swoon and melt!

I don't know if you have any plans, but I'd be happier than you could imagine if you ever plan to write a book for Finn. He deserves more! So yeah, Finn is my character in the whole book!

I love this book so much! It was PERFECT! And I loved every bit of it! I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE who loves Christian Romance with suspense.

Plus that, the God moments in this book was just... BEAUTIFUL! I really don't know how to describe it! They were big and powerful and I was crying and crying and crying! Especially the conversation between Caroline and Charli!

Thank you so much Tawni for giving me a chance to be in your ARC team even when the time wore off for joining. This book piqued my interest since I came to know about it, and I'll never forget how you granted my wish to know what's inside it, by giving me the chance!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

MELODY READS A CHRISTIAN ROMANCE—WHAT!?

*cough* with…. *drumroll* suspense! (oooooohh yes, reel it in! 😏😏😏)

I know I know, but if you know me, you knowww I read IT ALL, and this is no exception! Found this one while browsing after another author (Dulcie Cameron I think).

This is what I’m talking about when I say—self published authors are becoming my go to. You would NEVER see this in mainstream Christian fiction, lol. Do you know why that is???

Because of how much biblical talking there is! What!? A Christian romance talking a lot about the Bible!? WHO KNEW! 😱

I appreciate it when someone calls themselves a Christian AND STICKS TO THEIR VALUES OF IT. They don’t back down from it, they’re not afraid of MAINSTREAM MEDIA OPINIONS, they don’t run from it and BAM! You get this masterpiece. I didn’t even know Christian Romantic suspenses were a THING!

This is the author’s work that you just can tell they loved writing it.

Also—WHO IS REED and where can I find him?? What a perfectly “LOL” motorcycle riding dream boat. Who was
The other guy? IDK BC there’s only Reed! 🤣

Why do I go to Christian fiction you ask? Because it’s rapidly becoming the ONLY genre out there WITHOUT EXPLICIT SCENES LIKE SPICE. (And we’re all out here questioning life—so perhaps 🤔)

It also gives me a massive migraine these days when a friend throws a hyped up book at me
Annnddddd it’s chock full of unnecessary sex scenes! (FORK WING & GILD ! UGH)
Can these overhyped up writers actually know how to write?? Do they KNOW how to write without slamming sex in it? Lmao

This book was great and I should probably stop babbling on and on like some raving looney tune, but if I get the chance to spill the tea about a book, I’m
GOING TO DO IT!!!

Will I check out their other books? Duh. I’m hoping it’s more of this thrilling goodness or something because this was a fun ride with a FMC that I wasn’t annoyed with! (ahem—Reed pun intended iykyk)

[Alexandria 🫶🏻 Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/2.5 stars. guys it was rough. writing came off very juvenile:

a lot of the times none of what was happening made sense and even though there was an editor i don’t know if it was edited at all, like one sentence literally stops mid sentence and then a new paragraph starts. like what

it feels like a bunch of plot points were just thrown together but didn’t flow and weren’t developed enough. and again a lot of it didn’t make sense. like as twists happen it should be like “ohhhhh” and things make more sense but instead it’s like “wait what happened?? how??” as if mid way writing the book the author randomly was like how about i add a random twist that doesn’t go along with the rest of the story/plot that’s already been written…i hope that makes sense. it’s giving wattpad, writing chapter by chapter without knowing where the story is going

it was a little too insta-love for me, while still on their first date he’s like “i know God made her for me and she’s the love of my life” but like they barely knew each other, at least that’s how it felt. and he came on v strongly, which speaking as a Christian, if a guy says he knows he’s gonna love you forever and that you were made by God for him ON THE FIRST DATE, RUN.
but overall i did enjoy them as a couple lol.

i really want to find quality Christian romance books, but this wasn’t it :/

[Pages_With_Me | Génesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6

Wow, wow, wow... I have been enamored by Tawni's writing.

The plot is amazingly mysterious. I could barely come up with good theories to figure out what was really happening in the story.
It was also an emotional roller-coaster at the beginning because I really dislike love triangles, and the book was hinting at having one. Thankfully, Tawni masterfully solved that issue pretty fast, which gave me the motivation to keep reading, and I really don't regret it.

Something else that scared me for a moment was the beginning of the romance. I tend to read only clean books, and at first, I got a little scared of how the male lead was always so physical and flirtatious... BUT... it was all part of his growth as a character, so I ended up liking how it all turned out.

The faith aspect was AMAZING. It was ever present, and it was so Biblically-based and profound. Tawni definitely did a good job with that.

This was my first book by Tawni, and I can't wait to read more of her books.

Toodles and blessings ⚘️

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. I was probably not the ideal reader, which was why I took issue with quite a number of things in the book. I know many have loved it, but it really wasn’t for me.
There was a lot of action to propel the story forward, however, in my opinion it was about twice as long as it needed to be. There was a lot of repetition that could have been tightened up to make it flow more smoothly and move faster, and a few plot holes, including confusing time lines, that left me wanting to make corrections or ask further questions. I appreciated the faith journey and the way the struggle for the MMC to make better life choices was portrayed, but was bothered by the fact that he was so eager to pursue a non-Christian woman, who he seemed to be in love with for no apparent reason besides how pretty she was.
I received a free advanced copy of this book. All opinions presented are my own.

[MsT · Rating 3 out of 5]

You definitely go on a journey with these characters. It’s a Christian suspense with elements of love. I did not take to Finn at all! In my opinion he came across sanctimonious with questionable motives. How he spoke about his supposed best friend in the beginning 🤮 equally I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle saga at the start either. It was such a crucial element to start with and with all the energy Finn has at the start it was weird that he just seemed to accept Charli and Reed no questions, no fight, nothing. I don’t know if I truly enjoyed the number of twists and turns, it sometimes felt drawn out and left me confused at different stages. Like how did Miller and Finn get evidence that said Charli’s parents were killers?? And then that not turn out to be true?! Charli reported as a missing person but not Abby?! Yeah some of the twists had holes in my opinion which left me a little dissatisfied but all in all a decent story.

[Tonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book full of suspense, romance and faith!
Charli's character was so full of life despite the trauma she endured. Everyone loved her and as a reader I felt like she would have been my best friend. She had such a light about her, but I felt awful she was having "delusions."
Coming to the island for safety led her to more trauma but also love and renewed faith.
She learned who her real friends were, who never left her side, and who would always be there.
The dangerous past that literally came back for her had me so on edge not knowing who it was. I was completely shocked at the end!
The love triangle had me hooked, I was hoping she would end up with the one I chose, and I was happy to be correct. Loved the ending and how it brought her closer to God all while realizing she was safe and loved. I took my time reading this book because I loved it so much, I didn't want it to end.

[Ellie Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a powerful example of the spiritual warfare each one of us faces within our hearts and how it is reflected in our daily lives. Charli’s story is hope of hope and redemption. This book has so many turns to keep you enthralled.

The only thing I didn’t really was that the ending turned out to be a gloried miscommunication trope which I think we all can agree on is the worst. Ugh. And also the fact that Abby got off completely free. I understand the message of for forgiveness and redemption, but you can still forgive her while she is in jail bc what she did is a crime!

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a powerful reminder that there is a war being fought for our souls and the choices we make and the things we find our comfort in determine whose hands will grab our soul in the end.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so grateful to Tawni for sending me the audible version of her book! Overall I am rating it 3.5/5 stars. I love seeing Christian authors who are passionate about the Lord and about writing books that glorify Him.

This book is full of redemption, God being praised, and showing that there is freedom in a relationship with Him. Tawni’s heart for God is evident in everything she posts and writes.

I did have a few issues with the book that knocked the rating down for me. I feel like some of the dialogue was a bit cheeky/juvenile and that made it harder for me to really connect with the characters. I also think some of the plot points were just too hard to believe. In a thriller, the believability of it is important for me, so that was hard to get past at times!

I look forward to reading more by this author and seeing God be glorified in her books! 🩷

[Princess Odey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From the very first chapter, the story carried me with a strong undercurrent of intrigue, tension, and emotional complexity. The plot unfolds like a carefully laid puzzle; each revelation deepens the mystery and draws me further in.

What I loved most was how the characters felt real, flawed, fierce, and vulnerable in just the right amounts. Every lie, every secret felt earned. The writing was fluid, atmospheric, and at times, quietly devastating. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

Tawni Suchy is a brilliant writer! This is her 3rd book I've read so far, and I have enjoyed every single one! She tells a story that stays with you long after the final page.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first Tawni Suchy book and I loved it so much.
I never expected the genre Christian Romantic Suspence would make sense, so I wondered how this would go. I'm happy to announce it was an excellent read. I was blown away by the romance, the writing, the God factor, the suspense, and everything else. Just so phenomenal.
I'm so impressed with Christian fiction authors. You can just tell that they are intentionally putting out quality stories that keep Christ at the centre and what more does a girl need.
This was such a great read, I laughed, swooned, and made everyone into a suspect😅 But when I think about it, I think this is one of the rare times my guesses ended up being wrong. Now that's how you know the suspense was well done. I really appreciate that.

[Jenn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies, and Deadly Ties is the kind of book that kept actively challenging me, and I loved every second of it. Tawni Suchy crafted a gripping narrative filled with high stakes and thrilling suspense.

I truly enjoyed how the author incorporated the romantic elements alongside the danger, adding depth without slowing the pace. However, the real star here is the plot's ability to constantly surprise.

Normally, I can have a pretty good idea of the final results by guessing the twists, but in this book, just when I thought I had all the pieces connected and knew the answer, a brand new element was introduced!

It was a thrilling experience that kept me entirely on the edge of my seat and guessing right up to the moment everything is revealed. I loved it so much!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel by a new-to-me author grabbed my attention from page one. The author included a love triangle which was nicely done. I loved the banter between Charli and Reed. Both characters went through trials in their lives. Reed is a new Christian who has experienced some hurts and betrayal in his life. Charli survived a house fire after her parents disappeared. She's also on a faith journey wrestling with wanting to believe God or not.
There were twists and turns, suspense, secrets, aronists, stalkers, criminals, and tension. Someone is after Charli, but who and why? I highly recommend this page-turner romantic suspense.

[Lacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tawni is who I follow on IG that has recommended so many of the Christian books I’ve read. But I’m not gonna lie I was nervous to give her book a try 😅 I’m not usually into suspense thrillers but one reel she posted piqued my interest. I still put it off for a while though 😂 Today for whatever reason I decided to give it a shot and wow I’m so glad I finally did. This is one of the best Christian books I’ve read so far! I personally do not think it was predictable at all. It was well written and had me hooked so much that I started today and finished today. It’s not really short book either. I think I’m going to have to give her other book a try now.