The Secrets That They Keep is a dark thriller romance. It is a story about Alyx, a young sex worker, and the things that she does to keep her twin brother safe. There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book, so be sure to check those before you read it, but definitely run and get it because it is absolutely a five-star read. This book will keep you hooked with the storyline and all the twists and turns. There are parts that will pull at your heart strings, and there are parts that will have you wishing that people get what they deserve. Although this book isn't true, parts of it actually happen in the real world, and that will make you sad. It will have you asking yourself why people act they way they do. I'm am definitely looking forward to reading any future books by T.M. Lore

Wow...what a roller coaster ride! This story is about a young woman named Alyx and what she goes through just to survive. It is a dark, spicy thriller with several TWs. Be sure to read those TWs because they'll hit you when you aren't paying attention. Sadly, many of the things that happen in the book, happen in real life. This book will have you wondering who are the real bad guys, who are the ones you can trust...or can you trust anyone? It will make you angry and it will make you sad, it will make you want to unalive some characters. This story will keep you reading and wanting more. I can't wait for more from TM Lore.

"The Secrets That They Keep" is the debut dark mystery/thriller from T.M. Lore. It's about Alyx Beck, a sex worker that finds herself thrust into a dark and twisted underworld as everything she thought she knew of her life and her work is flipped upside down on the same night some money goes missing and people show up dead. But when her life, and the life of her younger brother, is threatened, she will stop at nothing to protect what she loves.

This was a rollercoaster of a book, and I had no idea what I was getting in to. This book is very dark and very heavy, and deals with very serious, even taboo, topics. Please check your trigger warnings before reading. This book was written wonderfully, had (sort of?) likeable characters, and the dialogue is great. There is spice; I'd say nothing overly graphic, but it's there.

This is book one in a planned series, so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. A true WTF moment. This book left me feeling angry and upset, while also making me laugh and providing moments of levity when needed. This is not a book for newer readers of dark mysteries or thrillers. But it has a lot to say about the evils of sex kidnapping and trafficking, and the PEOPLE that are FORCED to live this life every day.

Also: this is why we choose the bear. Every single time.

Recommended for fans of dark mystery/thriller books, that don't mind very heavy themes and topics.

The Secrets That They Keep
By T.M. Lore

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

🕸 Dark Psychological Thriller
🕷 Victim/Survivor FMC
🕸 Mystery
🕷 LGBTQ+ Characters
🕸 Morally Complex Characters
🕷 Trigger Warnings
🕸 Your mental health matters


What would you be willing to do to look after the ones you hold near and dear?


Well this exceptional work follows the narrative of Alyx, a sex worker who claims to be supporting her neurodivergent brother since the passing of their parents. However, as the story progresses and her colleagues begin to vanish, the underlying truth is gradually revealed.
The author, T.M. Lore, demonstrates remarkable skill and meticulous attention to detail in crafting this narrative that addresses a challenging and prevalent societal issue. Through the eyes of Alyx, an unsuspecting victim, the story unfolds as she uncovers and dismantles a clandestine network on the island. Despite the personal risks involved, Alyx remains steadfast in her mission to protect and liberate others trapped within this exploitative system working alongside the FBI in secret. Alyx embodies resilience and strength, emerging as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

What a book! This is typically not the genre that I read or write but I was immediately sucked in, and wanted to see what happened to the main character and her brother. The further you go along, the main character gets more and more stuck in her situation and I was paging through trying to figure out what happened next. I never would have guessed the ending. It's so important that books like this exist, so people can understand what is going on out there that we might not be aware of. This is an author to watch for sure.

Such a captivating FMC who is trapped in a world she doesn't fully understand. She works to help take care of her brother and to keep him safe as events spiral and she has to think on her feet. In a world where sex and money go hand in hand things aren't always black and white as she learns.

I really recommend everyone to read. Love the story. I couldn't put it down. I will reread over and over. It really tugged at my heart. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Thank you T.M. Lore for the story that tugged at my heart. The book will always have a place of honor on my bookshelf.

This book explores the lives of sex workers and then quickly takes a deep dive into the world of human sex trafficking. The story is intense and dark at times with a character, Alyx, that you will root for the whole way. It's a page-turning story that will keep you reading to find out how insidious and complex the sex trafficking ring while holding your breath that the slightest mistake might result in fatal results. Great ending (with a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book in the series).
Do take heed of the content warnings at the beginning of the book. Lore does not provide them lightly.

Make sure to read the TW before u read this book! This book isn’t normally what I would read expect the mystery parts of it. Once I started reading it though wow! I couldn’t put it down. It was so good. It’s a very difficult topic she covers in the book and yet one that needs to be talked about. There’s a lot we don’t know about what happens in this world but the topic she covers is definitely one that needs to be explored more. I received this book as an arc from the author herself. She’s an amazing writer that really knows how to cover the topic mentioned in this book. SORRY I’M NOT SPOILING THIS ONE FOR U. You’ll have to read it for yourself. U won’t be disappointed though. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’re looking for a gritty, spicy, high-stakes thriller that plunges into the shadowy depths of sex work and human trafficking, this book is a must-read. The main character, Alyx, is a high-end escort/call girl navigating the precarious balance of pleasing and satisfying her clients and handlers while secretly providing for and caring for her neurodivergent twin brother.

Alyx is a richly layered character, portraying a blend of strength and vulnerability as she’s thrust into increasingly dangerous situations. Her determination to stay alive – and to ensure her brother stays safe – keeps the suspense alive throughout.

Be warned, this book dives into dark territory and handles sensitive topics, but it does so with care and purpose. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming darkness. If you’re a fan of dark thrillers with strong female leads, morally complex characters and plenty of heat, this is a worthwhile read. It's the first in a series, with the conclusion leaving you wanting to know when the sequel will be available.

A book I physically couldn't put down!
I read this super quick and am floored by the writing style, expertise, and execution of the author. This was my first book of hers, and it definitely won't be my last.
This Dark Thriller is about a woman named Alyx and follows her day-to-day life in the sex industry. She takes care of her autistic twin brother named Trenton, who is very capable and loves his sister. She does what she does to provide for him and his medication all while trying to keep him safe and protect him.She's put through the ringer as you follow her from client to client, see her daily struggles, and see how her life unfolds.

...

** spoiler alert ** This story wasnt what I excepted but once I started I Could not put it down, Never had I had a book that delt With stuff that heart my heart, This author done a very great job in detailing the ins and outs of Human Traffickers and Call girls this story had me on the edge of my emotions like a roller coaster ride. But I loved this book I cant wait till she comes out with the 2nd book to this one cause Im hooked in the story of the lives of these characters I was left hang on a clif for life And Im hooked.

I rated this book 5 stars. It’s a hard and difficult topic to read . Yet, I kept not wanting to put it down due to it feeling so like I was right there with Alex the main character.

This book - phew 😅 - I absolutely ate it up!

A dark spicy taboo thriller.

To support herself and her autistic twin brother, Alyx has chosen the life of a high end call girl. She leads a tough life, not necessarily enjoying her role, but she’s a great actor and her skills are well sort after. When her friend turns up dead, Alyx’s life take a turn and those acting skills are put to the test. Realising the company she works for is corrupt, Alyx must be brave and tenacious to keep those she loves safe and infiltrate a twisted ring of deceit.

Ending on a cliffhanger that left me gagging for more.

** spoiler alert ** This book was amazing! I gave it 5 stars but it deserves a lot more than that. Once I started it, I cldnt put it down, read it all in one day.

This book will pull you through many emotions. It is so well written. The characters are mysterious but well rounded. The story flows so fast, propelling you into the dark reality of Alyx Beck's world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️🌶️

CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! Your mental health matters.

This book is so wonderfully written. This dark mystery thriller dives right into a compelling story of strength, survival and doing everything you can for someone you love. I could not put it down. Watching Alyx come to terms with who she is and why was beautifully heartbreaking especially as a survivor myself.

What would you do to save yourself and your brother from the world if everything was taken away? Alyx is an upscale escort. It pays well. She has enough money for her brother and his medications. She is healthy. She gets to wear the best clothes. She has a driver and a handler and ‘friends’. The thing is, she is controlled. Where is she, who she talks to, what she wears and what she eats. Alyx has never really asked any questions, because this is the environment that she has essentially grown up it.

Agents start poking around and some girls want out. That’s when things start coming apart. Bodies start piling up and tempers flare. Everyone is owned. Everyone has a price and everyone is guilty. Greed, power, money and the hierarchy of a sex cult are tangled up in a web of secrets. Be warned. Once you are in, you can’t get out.

*This book covers very sensitive topics for some. The author has graciously listed those in an introduction, so check those out if you have triggers.*