The Secrets We Keep

By: Rick R. Reed

Narrated by: David Allen Vargo

Jasper Warren is a happy-go-lucky young man in spite of the tragedy that’s marred his life. He’s on a road to nowhere with his roommate, Lacy, whom he adores, and a dead-end retail job in Chicago.

And then everything changes in a single night. Though Jasper doesn’t know it, his road is going somewhere after all. This time when tragedy strikes, it brings with it Lacy’s older, wealthy, sexy uncle Rob. Despite the heart-wrenching circumstances, an immediate connection forms between the two men.

But the secrets between them test their attraction. Will their revelations destroy the bloom of new love…or encourage it to grow?

©2020 Rick R. Reed (P)2023 Rick R. Reed

Wonderful, Heartfelt Story

I always look forward to an audiobook release from this author. The story was heartbreaking and beautiful. There is something special about stories where the MCs find love after loss. The narrator did an amazing job.

Another Excellent Reed Romance!

I really enjoy the Rick R. Reed audiobooks! This is my third, and waves is such a unique story. From the very beginning, I was drawn into this tale, which is kinda like a Cinderella story. The idea of falling in love with your favorite author is interesting in itself, but with all of the complications, it makes for a journey with many ups and downs.

Complex

I think anybody in Jasper's position would have survivor's guilt, but it was misplaced. You're not responsible for the actions of others. We are all responsible for our own actions. The only crime Rob was guilty of was being a successful writer. Relationships are a two way street , with each person responsible for building or destroying it. The end is a good wrap up for all characters. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest opinion. The narrator did a good job bringing the characters and story to life.

Wonderful storytelling and performance

This is no lighthearted romance. Jasper's life at the beginning of the book is positively grim. You can feel how the years are all stretching before him in a grey cloud. Then, the awful event that starts the plot rolling happens and your heart breaks for him. That leads to the meeting with Rob, however, and we begin to see how the age gap/income gap tropes are being set up. Nothing ever feels stale here, the tropes set us up, but Jasper and Rob are two unique and compelling men. You want to follow their lives as they learn to be honest with each other, trust each other and find out how to build a life that is better than either of them dared hope for. Not a light read but an emotionally satisfying one. David Allen Vargo has the knack of capturing all the emotion in a story like this without ever crossing the line and going over the top. That restrained power makes everything so much more moving.

An Emotional Story

This MM book may have a tragic beginning but it ends with a HEA. Two should brought together by circumstance by loving someone they truly did not know. Their grief and despair allowed them to form a strong bond of understanding compassion and love. Rob and Jasper were brought together by Lacey. David Allen Vargo narrated this story with depth of emotion.

Emotional, Engaging, Relevant and REAL!

Lacy and Jasper, completely plutonic, but close as two could be. When tragedy strikes, secrets are revealed and life for one will be forever changed. Deep, haunting, thought provoking, and written with heart, soul, and passion, “The Secrets We Keep” is an emotional, painful at times, almost mystical at others, story of survival after a heartbreaking tragedy. Beautifully narrated, I felt the emotions, the pain, and ultimately the joy of these beautifully drawn, and so realistically developed characters as they found their way through this “there but for the grace of God go I” story! Everything about this story, the characters, the scene setting, the dialogue, resonated as REAL, stunningly, heartbreakingly, REAL! I listened, completely focused, completely one with the story, as every fabulously narrated, perfectly timed detail played out! I was finally able to relax and breathe when the final, beautiful, words were spoken! I’m not giving any “details “, that would be cheating, and I don’t want to ruin this experience for anyone! Go in cold, and just listen! I’m sure you will be as glad as I was that you did! Five beautifully tear filled stars! Amazing!

Enjoyed!

Having read and enjoyed the ebook I was eager to listen to the audio version. David Allen Vargo does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. Jasper and Rob meeting happens during a dark time. This somewhat sets the tone for this story. You have two grieving men who strangers to each other, but overtime, they gradually become emotionally connected. There’s May/December, angst, grief, letting go and overcoming grief.

Dual POV which I enjoyed for this book!

So Rick Reed paired with David Allen Vargo is an automatic listen for me, every single time!

I love how fabulous the narration is, and I love the dual POV of both characters, but I felt like something was missing from the development of Jas and Rob's relationship.
Rick is an amazing writer who isn't afraid to take his readers out of their comfort zone and make them feel all the raw emotions of the characters.

Jasper has suffered unimaginable childhood trauma and loss. Then to lose his best friend as a young adult?

Lacey , oh Lacey! I loved her character and felt so sad her her.

There was an overall tone of sadness in this book, so I loved the reconciliation between Jas and his father to bring some much needed joy!

Entertaining

This was sooo good. Loved the storyline it was interesting and engaging. The characters Jasper and Rob come together in a emotional way but form a bond that becomes beautiful. The narrator did a amazing job and I will be listening to more from him. Great listen.

Loved the Narration, Not So Much the Story

I jumped on this story because narrator David Allen Vargo has a fantastic voice and always delivers. As anticipated, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his performance, and would happily listen to him narrate anything.

That said, I either wasn't in the right mood for this angsty of a story, or it's just not my jam. I needed more romance to balance out the rest.

The tragedy that strikes early on and sets Jasper (25) on a life trajectory that has him meeting Rob (50) casts a long, heavy shadow. Even with Jasper's difficult backstory, which should've elicited a boatload of empathy, I never connected with the character on any level. That's clearly a "me" thing, but it hampered my enjoyment of the story. I think I'd have enjoyed it more had it been more evenly balanced between the two POVs rather than mostly Jasper's.

I received a free review copy of this audio book and have left this honest review voluntarily.