The premise of the book sounded very interesting to me. I like a good mystery novel. Unfortunately this one fell very flat for me. I found it to be very slow except for the big twist in the end.
It was very hard to follow as it jumped around so much and thru multiple POVs.
You couldn’t really understand the characters too much. Addison was very much wanting to be pushed forward to a promotion but it never really said why.
I wasn’t a big fan. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for the honest review

This book wanted to be a lot of different things and came up short. There was both too much happening and not enough of what counted. It has an intriguing start with an introduction to a FMC that’s just on the edge of unlikeable but a power woman at the top of her game and a MMC at the bottom of his. The story has an interesting blend of pharmaceuticals, high end fashion, and glamorous lifestyles that draw you in, but it ultimately failed to deliver.

I disliked the story overall because:
- The characters felt very superficial (there was no depth to the why behind their behaviors, backstories, etc.). There’s a bit of development in the first chapter and then you never see it agin until the 70% mark and even then that’s touch and go, missed opportunities.
- There was no suspense, and the guessing game was lacking. I did not find myself trying to connect the dots or wondering who did it. Does this make the story a cozy mystery? I don’t know the genre but I felt like this could have been one.
- The evil villain monologue: ugh
- Kevin Bacon: really?

This was a heart pounding, suspenseful thriller with the romantic touch. Elle Marr gives you the feeling like you're the one traveling with them and you just don't want to put it down. I felt connected with the characters. Very enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Elle Marr for the advance copy of this book for my review.

This was a fun and easy read between some heavier books. The cat and mouse will they, wont they was a nice palette cleanser.

I really enjoyed this book! Addison was a character that I immediately liked, even though she could be absolutely obnoxious, yet there was something about her that I just continue sticking with her. The scene after scene throughout this book was fun and thrilling to read, and I liked the 3 POVs in this. This author is now moving toward the top spots for auto-buy for me.

There were times, though, that there were way too many characters to keep up with. It all wrapped up nicely in the end, but when I have to remind myself who was who, that could get discouraging when there was plenty of actions and twists and turns. Deleting a few characters would still make this book just as great to read. But the plot was fun and thrilling, and Addison and Connor were great characters that I hope the author continue after this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this thriller. All opinions are my own.

<b>My rating: </b> 2 out 5 --> The main character of the novel is wonderful, but the pacing, motivation, and ending made it a hard read for me.

<b> When did I get hooked? </b> While there was lulls in the book, I kept reading because of my love for the main character who was spunky and unique.

<b> What I liked </b>
The characters!!

<b> What I was unsure about </b>
The motivation for the ending was not strong enough for me. It didn't feel believable.

Not for me. Right away I could tell this book was gonna be a bit of struggle for me. The abrasive attitude of the FMC just wasn’t my style.

The mystery was good but for me characters come first and I just wasnt feeling it.

Thank you Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the ARC.

I have read a number of her books and for the most part really liked them,4-5 stars. This one didn't work for me The story was interesting enough but I guess I couldn't relate to the characters, they didn't feel real to me, felt more of stereotype than her usual characters with more depth. So I went into it with high expectations, which if I hadn't, I would have liked it more It was fine just........ left me wanting more 3.5

Addison is a ruthless PR exec vying for partner at the famous Ovid Blackwell firm. Connor is a down on his luck PI whom has been forced into early retirement. Addison and Connor used to be an item. Now, years later Connor is asking Addison for help on a new case. Addison is reluctant to accept and against her better judgement she does. Strap in for a jet-set thriller spanning the globe set in the worlds of private investigating, pharma, and fashion. A twisty thriller in which I was left trying to piece together the clues as they were presented to the audience. A true thriller to the genre, however not the typical domestic trope that we're all used to. This seems like a fresh take on the genre and was like a breathe of fresh air for me.

I disliked some of the characters (Genevieve and Peter mainly), I feel like they were painted too antagonistic and it wasn't entirely believable. The one thing that sticks out to me is Genevieve pinning the murder of Devon on Connor--I feel like this was an outlandish move and that it wasn't warranted or backed up in the story. Addison was a great character and I feel like I truly know her...same with Connor. Great characterization with both of the main characters. Supporting characters were a variety mixed bag and I feel they were also done well.

Some of the chapters seemed to drone on...some of the unnecessary filler could be cut out, I feel like at 401 pages the book is a little much for the story that it's telling.

Overall I enjoyed the book, but its definitely not one of my favorites or one that I would read again.

I was really excited about this one but it read more like a romcom mystery to me. If you’re really into pop culture especially LA PR executives drama then you’ll love this! Additionally, if you’re looking for more of a ‘cozy’ thriller that is more drama than dark, this is the book. I loved the multiple POVs - it’s always fun getting to read multiple sides of a story as it unfolds.

Thank you so much for this ARC!

My one thousandth book on Goodreads!

*4.5 stars rounded up*

Welcome to the world of the wealthy & famous, where merciless PR executives like Addison Stern help spin the truth & private investigators like Connor Windell dig up secrets for hire. Networking is everything in their lines of work, & back before Addison forced Connor into early retirement they had quite the connection (maybe it was even love), but now these two exes have to set aside their differences (for the most part) & team up to figure out a mutually beneficial case. This book takes you to Las Vegas, Los Angeles & its Fashion Week, the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera, & Hong Kong - along the way the sparks start to fly between these two again, but the danger is also ratcheting up…

I really enjoyed the format of this book, getting the POV of both Addison & Connor as well as the memoir recordings of one of the clients. The different players in this story & the way they connected made for quite a puzzle, & the travel around the world made for some great settings - I’m a big fan of Elle Marr’s thrillers, & it was fun to have the added romance in this one - also loved little details like the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game that made the characters feel more real. I will say that I’m not personally wild about the ending, but I definitely understand why the author made that choice & it’s not what I would’ve predicted - so props to her for being surprising!

Thank you to NetGalley & Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publicist and Ovid Blackwell fixer Addison Sterm teams up with her ex PI Connor Windell to find out who killed Phinneas Redwood. Everywhere they turn..another dead body. Connor is avoiding the loan shark goons, and Addison is trying solve Phinneas' murder. What will happen next? 2 stars

Everyone deserves a happy ending; not everyone gets one.

Firstly, I always want to say “thanks” to NetGalley for allowing me to receive this ARC.

Your Dark Secrets was right up my little reader heart’s alley. Part Thriller Part Mystery (and even a sprinkle of romance!) this book had me guessing every turn the story took. Elle Marr’s writing was just what I needed while I fight off a gnarly slump from a previous read.

I will say that I was left a little disheartened at the ending of Addison and Connor’s journey that left me unsure of how I felt about this book overall, which is great for someone who isn’t actively rating books in 2024. However, for NetGalley purposes I think I’ll sit with a 3.75 and see if that ends up changing!

Your Dark Secrets by Elle Marr is a riveting romantic thriller that follows PR executive Addison Stern and ex-private investigator Connor Windell as they reluctantly join forces to uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving the world's elite. Marr's seamless blend of romance, suspense, and globe-trotting adventure keeps readers engaged as they follow Addison and Connor from the glitz of Los Angeles to the beaches of Monaco. While the novel excels in its exploration of complex interpersonal dynamics and atmospheric settings, occasional pacing issues and suspension of disbelief may challenge some readers. Nevertheless, Marr's skillful characterizations and engaging prose make Your Dark Secrets a compelling read, perfect for fans of romantic thrillers looking for an immersive and thrilling experience.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. There were things I really enjoyed and parts that I didn’t. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I was invested I sped through the book. Much more of a mystery instead of a thriller than I expected. It is a slow build through most of the story until the climax when all is revealed in fairly dramatic fashion.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. There were things I really enjoyed and parts that I didn’t. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I was invested I sped through the book. Much more of a mystery instead of a thriller than I expected. It is a slow build through most of the story until the climax when all is revealed in fairly dramatic fashion. I found the characters interesting and enjoyed the second-chance romance subplot.

Non specific spoilers ahead
I don’t normally enjoy shock value endings. I feel like they take away from the story and I probably would have thrown the book across the room if I had a physical copy. I did see another reviewer say that it was more about how the things Addison did in the past caught up to her even if she was changing her ways which helped me put the ending in perspective, but in the moment it was very “why did I just read all that for this”. It is a little ambiguous though so I’m going with the happier of the outcomes.

Overall a good read if you enjoy romantic suspense or mystery with a side of thriller.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for an ARC of Your Dark Secrets by Elle Marr.

I would like to start by saying that the end of this book would have made me throw this book across the room if I had a physical copy in my hands. It was maddening and unexpected and just GAH! It felt like being left on a huge cliffhanger and knowing that you have to wait years to read the next book. I’m that level of frustrated by it. But in a good way, if you know what I mean.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I started to feel a little impatient towards the last third of the book because it felt like things sort of stopped moving forward, but then the last 10% of the book felt really rushed. Despite that I would still recommend this book to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with lovers who turned into rivals then become lovers again. This book was a solid three stars from beginning to end.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I didn't really enjoy this book. It was hard for me to stay focused. There were a couple of side stories going on that I felt made it hard to follow. I thought the chapters were long. I feel like the beginning had me thinking that I would enjoy the book, but as the story went on, it fell flat. I would say this was more of a mystery than a thriller.

I found this book difficult to get into and stay interested. The chapters seemed very long and the character interactions and relationships were not as well developed as I would have liked. I hope this is reworked as I like other Elle Marr books!