This was my first book by Rick R. Reed. I listened to the audiobook which was given to me by Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review. Here’s what you need to know:
– This audiobook was narrated by David Allen Vargo and wow, what an incredible job he did! This was unlike any other audiobook I have ever listened to. The inner dialogue of the characters was differentiated from their speaking dialogue by some kind of sound filter. Though I don’t know if I would like this in every audiobook I listen to, it was a nice change of pace and worked well for this story. Vargo did an excellent job with the narration told from a 3rd person POV.
– The Secrets We Keep is the story of Jasper and Rob, an unlikely pair, who are brought together by tragic circumstances. There is a forbidden aspect to their relationship and a large age gap. Though this is a romance and there is a HEA, it feels secondary to the other plotlines going on in this book.
– The MCs of this book go through a lot of heartbreak and grief. This is not an easy breezy read. There are multiple deaths including an off page murder and suicide. Mentions of the dead characters happen throughout the book and are often ‘seen’ by Jasper. I didn’t think these sightings were literal ghosts, but more of a reminder that those we have lost are still with us and that sometimes beautiful things can come from the worst of tragedies.
– Based on the blurb, I expected something tragic to happen that changed the lives of the MCs; however, I didn’t expect the book to be as heavy as it was. Had I known, I’m not sure I would have decided to read it. That said, I’m glad I gave it a try. Reed is a new to me author and can clearly write a complicated story very well.