Series: Secrets & Lies #3
Author: M.M. Koenig
Genre: New Adult, Suspense Romance
Published: September 29, 2015
Mia Ryan’s past and present are about to collide in startling ways, leaving her to question everything she’s ever known about herself.
After a shocking turn of events that revealed some mind-blowing secrets, Mia becomes more determined than ever to take back her life from the darkness that’s consumed her. In her pursuit for answers, she quickly discovers that parts of her past, which have always been a mystery, might be the key to saving the ones she loves…and the man that stole her heart. Ethan Fitzgerald knows that things are never what they seem. Taking down his father’s empire wasn’t supposed to be a challenge—that was before Mia Ryan waltzed through his door. Forever changed by a love that reignites his purpose in life, Ethan is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Mia, and his enemies know it. In this edge of your seat finale of the Secrets and Lies series, the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been before. Can Mia and Ethan’s relationship withstand the malicious forces threatening them, or is letting go the answer that saves them and the ones they love? Everything comes at a cost—and it might just be true love. |
A cool breeze surfaced and Bri shivered. I welcomed the chill. I needed something to relieve my tortured body. The tropical humidity, and the terror attacking me, was almost more than I could handle.
“That explains why Ethan has been so twitchy. Since he got back from Rome, he’s called all of us every day just to ‘check in’. I asked Olivia about his odd behavior and she said that Tristan’s been acting paranoid too. Kami said it’s more of the same with Eli,” Bri revealed, rubbing her hands along her arms.
“Ethan has shared plenty with me, but I know he hasn’t told me everything. If he’s acting as you say, I suspect it’s big,” I replied, my anxiety climbing even higher.
“Seriously, you two need to learn to communicate with one another. When normal couples hide things from each other, it creates problems in the relationship. When you two do it, the consequences are cataclysmic,” Bri grumbled, exhausted. I nodded. “He gave me a burner phone for you to call him on. I can go upstairs and get it,” she offered, making a move to get up.
I motioned for her to remain seated. She shrugged and laid back down.
“I’ll call him soon. You’re not the only one that’s processing today’s events. Nick dropped a bombshell on me before they left. Micah added onto it with what he shared. I’m on information overload at this point. I’m not sure I can handle whatever Ethan is hiding.”
“What did Nick say?”
“He wants me to consider maintaining a relationship with the two of them after I get home. I said I’d think about it. I’m considering it just so I can keep digging into their lives. I was feeling defeated on that front. After today, I’ve regained my determination to learn more. If I don’t, I’ll just have a black cloud hanging over me.”
“I can’t argue with you there. Just don’t let them fool you. It’s obvious that they’re trying to win you over in more ways than one,” Bri pointed out.
I sat down by her feet. My face was full of remorse. “I know. I’m so sorry, Bri. I’m honestly shocked that you’re even talking to me yet.”
She released a ragged breath. “I’m angry you didn’t tell me this sooner, but it’s not worth throwing away our friendship over. As far as what you did, I get it. As twisted as it sounds, your heart was in the right place. Who’s to say I wouldn’t have done the same thing in your position? My take away on this is that we both have very shady parents.”
I snorted. “That’s an understatement.”
She stroked her chin with a devious grin. “I might just take a page out of your play book.”
I pinched her big toes. She hastily slid her feet up. My eyes narrowed. “I know that look. Remember that you’re thinking for two now. Getting involved in this mess is the last thing you should be considering.”
Bri rolled her eyes. “I won’t put myself in any danger. I’m not that stupid. What harm is there in seeing what I can find in dear old Dad’s files stashed at home?”
“Do you really think he has stuff around your house?” I asked, unconvinced.
Her face was humorless as she replied, “Yes, I do. For him to have a paper trail anywhere else would just be idiotic on his part.”
My chest tightened at the prospect of her snooping around. I doubted John would do anything to her if he caught her, but that didn’t mean much. He was one corrupt asshole. What he was really capable of remained unknown. Bri cleared her throat. I peered at her and did nothing to hide my overly anxious nerves.
Entering the devil’s lair is just asking for trouble. We have that in spades as it is.
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M. M. Koenig was born and raised in Minnesota. She now lives in the Twin Cities area with her loving dog Marley. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology.
M. M. Koenig enjoys being active and has a variety of interests that coincide with her passion for life. Always one to try new things, she has acquired a variety of skills. Her sarcastic nature and multitude of experiences tend to find their way into her novels. When she has free time and isn’t writing, she spends as much time as she can with friends and family. To fuel her soul, she is constantly looking for new music, movies, and books to keep the writer’s block at bay. |
This sounds like a good series. Thanks for the excerpt and giveaway!