LIS is always an entertaining genre for me and this book was no exception. Having read and been enticed by the synopsis, I was thrilled to be chosen to read and review it, and it did not disappoint. There were some parts on the book in which I got bogged down in details that seemed superfluous, but overall the book was well written. It was filled with action and surprising twists that kept me guessing who the villain was. My favorite thing about the book was how well the author expressed the emotional turmoil of the characters as they raced to catch the killer. FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly returns to her old team in Memphis because she has heard that the Nursery Rhyme Killer, known as NRK or just “Rhyme” is active again and is beckoning her there with messages just for her. Her history with him has her magnetically drawn to the scene and working on guessing what the clues mean and when and where he will strike again. Once in Memphis, Fiona has to also confront her ex Asa Kodak, the leader of the team who is currently involved with a police detective named Amanda. There are tons of characters in this book, but the way the author depicted each of them realistically helped me to keep them all straight. The plot was complicated but well-developed so that even when the racing train veered in a different direction, I was able to hold on to the straps and stay in my seat reading. The secondary characters are important to the action and unified to catch the killer. There was also an element of faith involved, especially since Asa is a new Christian and openly shares his faith. The intense action and the dynamic characters made this a book worth reading and worth looking for more in the series. Fans of high-octane romantic suspense will enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with the team.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The Rhyme killer is back. It has been 20 years since Fiona’s sister was murdered and left with a feather. Now, Fiona has been called in to a murder with the same MO. And…it is a message for her!

I loved the setting of Memphis. Since I live about an hour from this crime ridden city, I knew every place in this book. Jessica did a fabulous job with this setting and the suspense to go along with it. I felt like I had a Criminal Minds episode going through my head. She really nailed the imagery…I mean…honestly….the feather, the name of the killer, Rhyme, and the FBI agents. I am telling you…Criminal Minds!

Now, it has a bit too many religious connotations for me. But that is my issue. As most of you know, I am not a Christian fiction reader. But, I did enjoy this suspenseful tale! This is a good one!

Need a quick, edge of your seat read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review!

Let me preface by saying I feel like I’ve been reading the love inspired suspense a long time because of my grandma, so they always have a special place in my heart.

Well, this one was so intense. I couldn’t believe how dark and scary it was. Not because it was meant to be inspiring, but because of how some thrillers like this tend to never go this deep. This book never cut corners and each moment was there, terrifying and real. The mystery of the NRK and how he was going to be captured was on the forefront of my mind the whole book.

I read this book while I was sick, and I still stayed up late both nights because I needed answers. I found myself turning the pages, desperately needing answers. The best part of this book was I had no idea who the killer was until the end. I thought I knew when some clues were dropped, but they were red herrings meant to surprise me at the end. Wow, it is a wild ride.

Asa and Fiona are a strong couple (ex couple), but the connection is real. Seeing them work together and how NRK destroyed them was intense. The other people they work with were vital to the story, and I would love to see stories about all of them. Fiona was trying to catch NRK after escaping and it’s been her whole life. Asa just wants closure so he can live his life after divorcing Fiona because her need to catch NRK. He also has a new girlfriend and new found faith. Something keeps bringing him and Fiona together though. With NRK killing again, they have limited time to find out what’s going on before it’s too late.

Like I said, this book kept me up for hours past my bedtime even though I was sick. I couldn’t stop reading. The details and suspense in this book was so well done. Patch is one of my new favorite authors, and I’m looking forward to delving into her backlog to get some more of her writing. I’m also so excited for the next book in this series about Violet.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the digital review copy.

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Genre: Mystery, Christian
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

I enjoyed this so much! I never did figure out who the killer was—which rarely happens—and each new twist kept me on the edge of my seat. The team dynamics were very well done, and I’d love to read more about these characters, especially Fiona and Asa. I’ve read a few less than stellar Christian romantic suspense novels, but never a thriller like this, and I loved how the faith was integrated seamlessly into the storyline. I highly recommend this read!

Jessica R. Patch is a bestselling author. Her Darkest Secret is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.)

Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The Nursery Rhyme Killer has been on the loose for over seventeen years. Only one victim has survived. FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly escaped the killer’s clutches, but her sister and her friends were not so lucky. Fiona tried to move forward with her life, but her determination to catch the Nursery Rhyme Killer ended her marriage. The serial killer is back, and he wants Fiona drawn back into his web. Fiona’s ex-husband, FBI Special Agent Asa Kodiak is in charge of the new case. He must find a way to put aside his feelings so they can work together to catch this killer once and for all. The Nursery Rhyme Killer is watching them, and he has no intension of getting caught. He will use whatever weapons at his disposable to evade his captors and catch his prey: Fiona. When I read the blurb for Her Darkest Secret, I knew I had to get this book. I love dark suspenseful crime novels. The prologue was great and had me itching to read the complete story. Jessica R. Patch writes detailed descriptions. I felt that she provided too much information (driving to scene, getting out of car, closing door, walking up to crime scene, showing badge, ducking under crime scene tape, etc.). This amount of detail slows down the pacing of the story. The mystery was interesting. It was twisty and creepy. I enjoyed following the clues to see if I could identify the guilty party before the suspenseful reveal. There are some interesting and complex characters. We learn something surprising about one of them near the end. It had me wanting to know more about this person (will have to wait for A Cry in the Dark). The characters emotions were palpable and could be felt by the reader. I did feel that the romance element overshadowed the mystery at times. Christianity was woven into the story. It was subtle, but it was evident. I liked reading about Christian FBI agents. We get to see how the light ultimately triumphs over the evil darkness. The importance of faith and the power of prayer. Her Darkest Secret is a story about regret, faith, love, evil, hope, secrets, and redemption. Her Darkest Secret is a twisty romantic suspense with a crazed killer, a steadfast FBI agent, a fractured romance, baffling feelings, curious clues, and an unremitting manhunt.

Her Darkest Secret by Jessica Patch definitely brings the creep-factor. Fiona Kelly has made it her life’s priority to catch a serial killer dubbed Rhyme, based on the nursery rhymes he leaves with his victims. Fiona, a former victim, became an FBI Special Agent to catch this killer, and has given up everything in pursuit of justice – including her relationship with colleague Asa Kodiak. But Rhyme has an obsession of his own: Fiona.

This is a must read for thriller fans. Fiona hunts a serial killer while he hunts her. The intensity is high and the plot twists are endless. But readers will also find Fiona and Asa’s relationship an emotional rollercoaster as they both have past secrets they are hiding. The rest of the team of agents also make an impact on the pages. Tiberius Granger and Owen Berkley add a bit of comic relief with their camaraderie. Violet Rainwater is a mysterious and serious character – I have no idea what to think about her. It looks like Violet’s story is next in the series.

If you are a fan of intense and even a bit creepy stories, this book is for you. Definitely a fast-paced and intriguing read with characters readers will fall in love with.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I must admit, I was a little creeped out when I first began the book. But quickly began to love all the members of the task force. Definitely a thriller! Can’t wait for the next one that follows it.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene frightens FBI special agent Fiona Kelly; two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body. The Nursery Rhyme Killer is back, and he seems after Fiona, the only victim that got away. Finding “Rhyme” had fueled her career and destroyed her marriage to fellow agent Asa Kodiak, but the two must team up to catch the killer. In doing so, Fiona might have to reveal her darkest secret.

As with any romantic thriller, the chase must have enough danger and personal connection to our main characters. We have it in spades with Fiona, but Asa has his own history as a victim that drove him into law enforcement. With a serial killer that's based in one area, there are a few potential suspects to investigate. Fiona and Asa still have feelings for each other, though it's complicated between them, and the old resentment of Fiona dropping everything to catch the killer rears up. I'm completely invested in the investigation and how the team interviewed everyone, going back over the past and came up with new theories.

The romance took a back seat to the suspense, but I was fine with that because of how Fiona is. If she charged ahead back into a relationship, it wouldn't have fit. Kisses and an emotional attachment fit for her, and there's hope for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, devouring it in a single day because I simply couldn't put it down.

This book is so good! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of mystery, suspense, drama and romance. It's an intense read that will keep you guessing until the end. I loved it! This book deserves more than 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy from HARLEQUIN and Jessica R. Patch via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This read pulled me in and didn’t let go! Talk about obsession!
We journey with Fiona, and Asa, FBI Agents, whose lives have been impacted thy the Nursery Rhyme killer in a personal way, especially Fiona.
I loved that is a faith based read, but don’t let that fool you this is action packed and we are dealing with a sick individual or maybe more than one.
What a great job the author does to bring this read to a conclusion, she had my head spinning, and guessing whom was responsible! Be ready to hold your breath, and have your heart in your throat!
Now I can’t wait for the second book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

Jessica's latest work is great. So many twists and turns. There is evil and darkness in this world and He is our only hope for peace and redemption.

True confession, this is my first Patch book! So I didn’t fully realize what I was getting into, lol. Patch absolutely writes engagingly and well, and I was immediately drawn in to the plot and story. Buuut the “thriller” factor was just too scary for me and I had to stop, lol. That is entirely on me and nothing to do with the author; if you like scary reads, this will absolutely be up your alley! I just personally realized I’m not a scary-read fan!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Her Darkest Secret is a masterfully plotted story steeped in mystery and suspense. It drew me in with the heart-racing prologue then held me captive and kept me guessing all the way to the surprising, shocking conclusion. Secrets, suspects, and victims abound as FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly and fellow agent and ex-husband Asa Kodiak team up to bring to justice a serial killer who is obsessed with Fiona, the victim who got away! This unputdownable, riveting read features realistic, relatable characters who jump off the page and into your heart and imagination. The evil in the story is tempered by a strong faith thread of redemption and hope. Romance takes a backseat to the drama, but the romantic tension of second-chance love permeates the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating read—inspirational suspense at its best! I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

From the 1st paragraph author Jessica R. Patch had me feeling the fear and the pain as Fiona tries to escape barefoot through the cold forest in nothing but a thin, white gown. I was immediately invested in the characters and the story. Her Darkest Secret never lost my attention, honestly even for awhile after I finished it, my thoughts kept going back to it. The only slight problem that I had with the book was the divorced Asa Kodiak, a Christian man, starting a new relationship without any mention of the Biblical injunction against divorce and remarriage. I realize that it's very common in the church today, but would have liked to see that tension reflected in the book. Now, there was plenty of tension between Asa and fellow FBI agent Fiona. And there was enough tension and suspense in the book that I feel it even as I'm writing this review! I highly recommend this book to readers of clean romantic suspense.
I received a copy through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this extremely well-written book.

Seventeen years ago, Fiona Kelly and her sister and friends were kidnapped.No one escaped, except for Fiona and the unsolved case has haunted her every day. She may have become a respected FBI agent, but her marriage to Asa( a fellow agent)could not survive her obsession with finding this killer. The Nursery Rhyme Killer has kept his eye on Fiona for all these years and he knows that when he kills again, he always gets her undivided attention. A transfer to Chicago has kept her away for two years, but now the killer has struck again and wants her back in Memphis.
That means that Fiona will need to work with her old team, now led by her ex. As you can imagine, this leads to some shall we say confrontational exchanges between them. Especially when Asa is pretty sure Fiona is hiding something. It doesn't help that she soon finds out he is in a new relationship, and you could cut the air between them with a knife. Of course, the main focus is on catching the killer, but there is plenty of time for banter between the team, especially these two former love birds.
While the killings were unique, staging the victims like characters from nursery rhymes, Fiona did manage to annoy me more than once( perhaps that was the intention). She was rather good at keeping secrets, and if she was on my team and I found out, she would have been gone! The who and the why were surprising and I must admit by the end, Fiona grew on me. 3.5 stars.

The synopsis quickly caught my attention, and the book got off to a great start. Sadly, there's overdetailing which did stall the plot and make this a "meh" read instead of an amazing one. I did enjoy the fact that the reader is able to be inside the serial killer's head, which added a unique angle to the story. It's quite dark, so keep that in mind if you're considering this book.

Her Darkest Secret is an incredible read! If the Prologue doesn't grab ya, you might not have a pulse. And the entire book continues on that same line, all the way through to the end. Creepy serial killer ✔, romance ✔, friendship ✔, faith ✔, a twist ✔, and good hook for the next book ✔ . This has it all! Without giving anything away, this book is so well written! It's truly draws you in and gives you just the right amount of new information to keep you guessing.

FBI Agent Fiona Kelly is drawn into an investigation she's been a part of for almost two decades. When the Nursery Rhyme Killer (NRK) begins killing again, it's like he's beckoning Fiona to himself...and she can't help but answer. Finding "Rhyme" has directed her life and destroyed her marriage, but if she could just figure out who he is, maybe she could move on. But how much of her life is she willing to give him? All of it?

The relationships in this story are great. From Fiona's relationship with her ex-husband and fellow FBI Agent Asa Kodiak, to each member of their team. The way they interact, treat each other, and work together. They're each interesting and add to the story. Even the interactions with the NRK is super interesting and even a bit disturbing.

From beginning to end, this book is a winner! And I cannot wait to read the next one...A Cry In The Dark!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed Her Darkest Secret! The characters were personable, yet not predictable and the plot twists and turns definitely kept me guessing until the last dramatic scene. Kudos to this new author for developing a story that wove a man’s faith journey throughout in a natural, realistic manner without being predictable and artificial. I am ready to read the next book in this series!

Let me begin by saying I don't read thrillers often because I am scared of my own shadow. But, this book sounded too good not to face my fear for and I'm incredibly glad I did.

Fiona Kelly is the type of heroine that knows what she wants and works to get it. What she wants is to catch a killer and her entire life has been wrapped up in trying to do just that. Her determination and bravery immediately made me like her, but it was her unashamed questioning of faith that made me connect with her. God is big enough to take our questions and I was so glad to see that sentiment not only expressed in the novel but ultimately worked out throughout the story line in an organic way.

Asa Kodiak is made up of all the stuff that makes me swoon for a hero. Protectiveness. Willingness to admit he's wrong. Devotion. I had no choice but to fall for him as he swallowed his own emotions down and worked diligently and professionally with his ex-wife, Fiona, as they hunted down the Nursey Rhyme Killer. My heart ached for him throughout the story and that ache kept me turning pages.

As did the suspenseful nature of the plot. Trying to find a killer who is actively pursuing Fiona? The premise kept me guessing who and why. Even with me being the scaredy-cat that I am, I read into the night to finish this book. I didn't see the ending coming and was completely blindsided by the way the story concludes. The author does a wonderful job tying up all the loose ends and delivering on the happily ever after ending romance readers expect.

More than that, though, the message of God's light among the darkness, our call to shine as He shines, and a rising hope lingers long after the book is closed. That sticking inspiration made the book amazing! I can't wait to read the next story in the series.

Thank you for Jessica R. Patch and the publisher for the arc copy and the privilege of being an early reader. All the opinions expressed are my own and freely given. I highly recommend this book. In fact, I've already been telling people about it LOL

Her Darkest Secret was the first book written by Jessica R. Patch that I read and therefore I can't say that I had high expectations. That being said, this book sounded like everything I could love and I did end up really enjoying it.

To be honest, I do not have much to say about it. What attracted me to this novel was the fact that the romance is a second-chance between a divorced couple and I definitely don't read enough of those. But while I really liked Asa and Fiona, they weren't mind-blowing nor unforgettable. They were the kind of characters/couple that you like enough to follow their story but you're not too sad when you reach the ending.

As for the story, it was good. But I wasn't completely convinced. It was entertaining, though. But the reason why I couldn't bring myself to love it more is because of the writing. I don't really know how to explain it but while Jessica R. Patch's writing style is super easy to follow, I just couldn't get lost in it. Somehow, I couldn't get used to it. I was not the biggest fan and therefore I spent more time paying attention to the fact I didn't really like it more than to the story itself.

Also, and that's very important, I don't read Christian romances. I hadn't paid attention when I requested the ARC and that's my bad.

In other words, Her Darkest Secret was enjoyable and I'm sure a lot of people will love it once it's published June 28th. I did, although I won't be waiting impatiently for the second book. I feel like it's a "it's me, not you" kind of situation since I fixated on the writing style so hard for some reason that I cannot even explain.