Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Thistle Cove #1

Secrets We Keep

Rate this book
Small towns carry dark secrets, it wasn't until my best friend went missing that I discovered exactly how dark.

Three years have passed since a vicious prank tore apart my group of friends.

Three years since Finn Holloway, football star and the boy next door, broke my heart by choosing my best friend over me.

Three years since Ezra Baxter turned to crime; selling drugs and being chased by the law.

Three years since Ozzy Drake became isolated and lost.

One night changes everything, brings us together and forces us to face our past and future.

When the secrets of Thistle Cove start to unravel, revealing a dark twisted world of the taboo; arranged relationships filled with sugar daddies, sugar babies, sex, power, money, and control. I’m instantly sucked in, wanting to know more. Wanting to know why.

What lines am I willing to cross to uncover the truth and will the boys come with me?

Thistle Cove is a four-part, why choose, dark romantic thriller by best selling author, Angel Lawson.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Angel Lawson

123 books3,096 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
305 (35%)
4 stars
294 (34%)
3 stars
197 (23%)
2 stars
46 (5%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Marguerite (M).
767 reviews612 followers
March 31, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars

Definitely interested enough to keep on reading. I just love Angel Lawson’s way of telling her books: it’s always delicate and very innocent at first sight to become much deeper as the story goes on.

Rtc
Profile Image for Jaycee DeLorenzo.
Author 13 books125 followers
December 1, 2019
Rose, Kenley's ex best friend, has disappeared and those left behind (boyfriends, friends and ex-friends alike) are trying to figure out what happened. Is she alive, is she dead? No one knows, but the story is starting to unravel and Kenley, Rose's boyfriend, and a couple other guys who used to be part of their friend group are growing closer as they try to figure out what's truly happened. Kenley is also learning that apparently every of the guys in her old friend group had a crush on her and now they're all vying for her attention – attention she returns for all of them. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It has enough of a compelling mystery to make me want to stick around (I'm especially to confirm if the theory I've started to form is true or not), and has kept my attention, which several books have failed to do lately. There were enough breadcrumbs at the end that hinted that Rose may not quite be the beast she's painted as by everyone else, but I'll have to keep reading to be sure. And I plan to.
Profile Image for Bella :).
32 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2023
4.5 stars! Really good book. It was short, which was really nice, and it gave me Karen Mc.Manus vibes. The mystery was good (but not amazing) but the romance was so good. I’ve already started the second book!
Profile Image for Everything Bookish  Blog.
711 reviews19 followers
March 24, 2021
Lots of twisty fun!

I so loved the multiple POVs it truly gave a depth to the characters and enhanced my perception of the story. The chemistry and angst is REAL. It moved forward smoothly and dragged me along for the ride. I am invested now and have so many theories I can’t wait to see how it all unravels. I love how there’s a bit of mystery wrapped everything. So many possibilities. I am here for the twists.
Profile Image for Kelly (AndKellyReads).
889 reviews54 followers
December 9, 2019
I've always liked Angel Lawson and the series she comes up with, but I think this one is already my favorite (and it's only book one). I'm a glutton for teenage dramas on TV and Thistle Cove is a Riverdale fan's dream. There's mystery, intrigue, angst, and romance, all rolled up into one twisty story, and I can't wait to see where this series from Lawson takes us next.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,127 reviews20 followers
March 29, 2020
Compelling book

This was an amazing and compelling read, combining some of my favourite themes in one series. True crime versus RH? Yup, sign me up! Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Jordynn.
184 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2023
This book has so many twists and I absolutely love the mystery of it! It ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. Also this book had me wanting to know what happens next with Kenley and the boys!
December 9, 2019
Fantastic

Well Angel Lawson you have done it again another page Turner. Loved this book the characters and the story had me gripped. Really want to read more just brilliant.
Profile Image for Sophia Z.
38 reviews26 followers
February 4, 2021
Secrets are enticing and unfathomable, coaxing their keepers to whisper their wicked truths.

The Secrets We Keep is a brilliantly weaved, if a bit immature, romance thriller that envelops readers in a dark delight of prosody made simple.

Once I become acclimated to the tiny, pretty things Angel Lawson claims are long sentences, I was able to look beyond the stereotypical characters and the protagonist's demure shyness to better appreciate this book's true compelling nature.

To start, Kenley Keene, known by her harem as KK, is introduced as a very self-conscious, virginal Mary Jane who is unable to ascertain her true beauty and is hopelessly in love with her ex-best friend turned vindictive mean-girl's boyfriend Finn. But, as the novel progresses and KK unravels the taboo fetishes of her former best friend, Rose, to solve the mystery of her disappearance, KK begins to change. KK evolves from a desperate girl obsessed with Rose and her life to a loyal, valiant friend willing to risk her own safety if only to avenge an undeserving mean girl. Ultimately, KK is a loyalist, and she realizes that once free from the omniscient, addictive shadow that was a girl who she once loved, her true potential is boundless. Near the book's emotional finale, KK's finally able to do away with her insecurities, and this is evident when she so eloquently declares, "Unlike Rose, I'm not completely alone. I've got Ozzy, Finn, and Ezra. I've got questions and I'm not scared of whoever it is that's got Juliette (Rose's acolyte) so terrified. That's the difference between us. I've already lost everything once and adapted" (TSWK).

As for the conniving vixen herself, Rose's complexities are revealed to be so much more genuine than that of a vapid mean girl with petty insecurities. For instance, the reason for Rose's betrayal is revealed in a heartbreaking revelation, "Rose pushed you out to protect you because she wouldn't have wanted you (Kenley) to go down the same dangerous path as her" (TSWK).

Lastly, as a side note, I'd like to acknowledge that this novel's primary antagonist, Rose, is very reminiscent to that of Pretty Little Liars' Addison Di Laurentis. Not to mention 'Ezra'... But if you aren't an avid fan of said show, rest assured- names and characterization are where the similarities end.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,510 reviews48 followers
December 2, 2019
Senior year. The last year. Kenley is looking forward to the year, more to the future. This year could be better; better if things went back to how they once were. Back to when her best friend Rose was still her best friend and before Rose dated Kenley's nextdoor neighbor and crush Finn, when they all hung together with a close-knit group of friends. However, she knows it won't ever be like it was. Still, it's the last year, then she can leave Thistle Cove and start the rest, the best of her life. But then Rose didn't show up for school, her car was found abandoned on the bridge and Kenley discovered some of Rose's secrets. With Rose's disappearance, Kenley and her former friends find their way back to each other. Shared shock and grief, unanswered questions and regrets. Their disrupted friendship that once meant so much is rekindled with Rose's absence and now it's even more.



This is fantastic. A contemporary RH-crime thriller- mystery. For fans of Riverdale this is a must read. I love following the breadcrumbs. Rose's life was not what it seemed and it would seem that some citizens of Thistle Cove may know more of her secrets than they are letting on. It would seem that Rose wasn't the only one with secrets. The real question is, who may be willing to die to protect their secrets and who would be willing to die? This was such fun; making up my own list of suspects and forming my own theory. I like Kenley. She's intelligent even if she doesn't give herself enough credit and she's much too forgiving. I like Ozzy and Ezra, I am still a bit undecided about Finn. The other classmates to take note of, Juliette (Rose's best friend) and Alice (Kenley's best friend) both add layers to the story and the adults, especially the dads add tension. I was drawn in from the very beginning, enjoyed each moment, and look forward to more.
Profile Image for Anne .
405 reviews29 followers
December 13, 2019
I totally have a hate-love relationship with anything teenage/high school. Not really with teens and high school life but mostly how adults portray them. Worse is when I cringe. Because whenever I cringe, it's mostly when I feel bad and indignant on behalf of all young adults.

Admittedly, I did with most characters from this read. Esp with the heroine. There was something about the way she talked and got defensive real fast on behalf of her ex-friends that I almost thought she was the culprit. Borderline half-pathetic and half-oblivious.

Don't even mention Finn. I'm still dubious with his claim

But I guess they at least became more tolerable in the end. Ozzy and Ezra both have the potential to be more than interesting (for me) because first and foremost they aren't the little cutouts.

Plus, I'm kind of curious as to where this is going. The Riverdale-ish hooked me ALTHOUGH I do hope it won't end up like the more current Riverdale seasons because they're completely dead to me now. Harsh but I stopped in the middle of third season because the plot is becoming pointless and repetitive and just plain ridiculous. Even worse because I love the cast but they pretty much fucked up everything else.

But I didn't come here to vent about Riverdale so... /awkward whistle

So yeah, again, it's not the author...it's probably not even the read. It's me and the stick up my ass when it comes to preconceived notions about how high schoolers and teenagers should be represented through media.

Thanks for coming to my ted talk.

PS I just remembered The Wayward Sons from this author and I definitely liked the series. (Me reiterating the it's not you, it's me thing-y)
Profile Image for Keziah.
48 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2021
This book is great in theory. The characters have a history, and the mystery surrounding Rose’s disappearance brings them back together again. It is the perfect set up for a budding romance with all the feels. Unfortunately, there are no feels. One second the group is rekindling their strained friendship and the next their RH relationship blossoms. The abruptness of the group’s development—forgotten friends to current friends to lovers—is devoid of the angst and raw emotion it needs for a successful, loving relationship.

I tolerated the mystery for the most part. The ending left more to be explored in future novels. As a mystery lover, it is not the most original plot. I read it. I wasn’t surprised. Not a ton happened. With the length of the novel, the plot should have progressed faster.

I am on the fence with reading the next installment of the series. It has potential. There is a lack of depth to the characters, their relationship, and the plot that needs to be addressed. Hopefully, in future books the story gains momentum and unfolds more naturally.
Profile Image for Jessica.
683 reviews
November 19, 2022
Very high school..

Being that this is all based in high school I keep having to remind myself that they r young and make dumb decisions lol so this whole book was based in about a 2 week period. We get into the thick of it from the very beginning and as the story unfolds more and more hidden information is revealed. I like the mystery of this one, it definitely pulls you in. However there's a few things that didn't really click with me. First, if you've read the book, then the relationship between kenley and finn. One second they don't talk and then the next...well you know if you read it. The other two make more sense but still it goes from no talking to bam! That's not even to mention the way the relationship starts. It just didn't seem something this specific character would do, especially with the shy timid girl she was throughout the entire book. We r definitely left with more questions at the end of this, which is intriguing, but I'm also frustrating with the way it ended(characters making dumb decisions). Regardless, I'm interested in seeing where this goes.
735 reviews24 followers
December 9, 2019
I love mystery novels. I love the ins and outs of trying to solve who did what to to who and why. Throw in an RH situation, and you have my attention more than if it was strictly a mystery novel. Angel Lawson has this amazing habit of creating characters that you want to latch onto and follow their story to the conclusion. Kenley Keene has been through a lot. She lost her "best friend" Rose, and the guy she cared about in one fell swoop in Freshman year. Now, she is senior and at the beginning of senior year, said "best friend" has disappeared without a trace. Slowly, Kenley gains back the friends that had drifted away in the forms of Finn, Ezra, and Ozzy. As the three dig deeper in the life of Rose, they discover things were not what they seemed to be. This story grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let you go through to its conclusion. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this amazing new series.
798 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2022
A small town with a big box of secrets

They wasn’t kidding when they say young adult, more like young teenagers and it’s not very dark, it’s slow. But on a positive side the Characters are still in high school and they are actually acting their age, as most high school stories they always come across so much maturer lol
I was excited knowing the FMC has three love interests and so far book 1 hasn’t offered much yet so don’t expect the spicy side to happen straight away, like I said this story is slow but your also getting to understand the characters and the history of what happened to their friendship
A lot has happened in the past and something happens to lead them to the now
It’s kinda silly and tame but what else do you expect with teenagers.

I’m hoping book 2 gets darker as so far this is nothing and I’m on the side lines right now
Profile Image for By Bella.
243 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2023
This was actually not that bad but if you’ve read or seem pretty little liars, it gives off the same energy but the difference is that besides them being all friends, they all suddenly become a reverse harem. In all honesty, the plot seems a little bit like the PLL series—girl is loved and hated and then goes missing and the people that wants to know about it are the same friends that the girl was manipulating because she could.

Count in the fact that this is all happening in high school. Besides, I find it still weird that as a senior, Finn being in a relationship with Rose for two years is considered just “normal” and “serious” when they were kids who started to become intimate.

Not that I don’t get it. I do. But that’s still not normal. It is serious though.

Overall, the whole thing seems a bit weak and does not make me want to go and read the second book.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,341 reviews29 followers
December 11, 2019
I was instantly drawn into this fascinating dark tale that slowly begins to unravel. Best friends from childhood until freshman year when the person she trusted the most betrayed her. Kenley still missed her old BFF Rose, even after the betrayal and pain she'd caused. She hadn't just lost Rose, but the crew they always spent time with. Things are about to change and old friendships revisited when Rose suddenly vanished without a trace. Was something sinister actually going on? Did she truly know the person Rose was.... Or who she became? Layers upon layers slowly unravel as the people who thought they knew her begin to piece things together little by little. Prepare yourself for a cliffhanger, but my oh my is it worth it!!! I'm on the edge of my seat, and can't wait for book two!
Profile Image for Marisa Valle.
510 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2019
Really liked this one. It gave me Twin Peaks/Pretty Little Liars/Veronica Mars vibes. At first I was baffled by how everyone just let their relationships unravel but in reality it has happened to me as well so who am I to judge. LOL. I liked the female MC a lot because she seemed pretty level headed and didn't immediately drop her drawers at the slightest hint of interest from the guys. I guess I prefer slow burn but I have never understood the reasoning behind having a virginal female MC morph into a porno actress as soon as the guys make their moves. Glad it has not happened here so far. Can't wait to read the next one. I'm sure we haven't heard the last of Laura Palmer, oops I meant Rose.
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
658 reviews
February 12, 2020
All the feels!

Angel Lawson is one of those authors that I just know will give me a good story and she didn't disappoint. The story compels you to keep reading. There are so many secrets that get uncovered and you get to the end knowing that not all secrets are uncovered yet. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing massively distracting. I'm so intrigued not just to know what happened to rose but to find out more about the guys. I have bad vibes from a few of the characters but I'm not sure if I'm being suspicious or if it's genuinely warranted. Only time will tell. Signs of a good book when you're suspicious of half the characters because it means it's not predictable.
198 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2020
Innocence and intrigues

A murder mystery that leaves more questions. A fairly innocent high school senior who has never even been kissed gets dropped into discovering what happened to her ex childhood best friend disappearance. Through the journey she rekindles the friendship with 3 guys. I think it was fairly well written with each time you thought you got all the secrets uncovered another layer was peeled back and another secret exposed. It is definitely a young audience book as there is not really any steamy parts at this point but it is an rh book so many be next book in the series.
Profile Image for LaSheba Baker.
Author 1 book44 followers
September 27, 2020
A very good story! Kenley is a high school senior with a healing broken heart. Three years ago, her ex- best friend, Rose and a long time crush, Finn betrayed her. Suddenly, Rose disappears and old wounds reopen among a former circle of friends.

One friend ponders: "Kenley is keeping secrets. I lean back and study the crowd...residents of Thistle Cove, and wonder who else has secrets that haven't come to the surface" (kindle p. 58).

The book has a good writing style, an engaging plot, and the chapters rotate among the different characters' perspectives. Looking forward to what happens next in this ongoing series.

*Content warning: drug use, some profanity
Profile Image for Perla.
396 reviews
June 3, 2022
This was a short book, but it’s also a series so I’m not rlly upset. This gave me a young adult feeling which made me miss the good old days and it sort of gives this mysterious “One of us is lying” vibes, which I absolutely enjoyed.
I need to know what happened to Rose! Because let’s be real this hoe did not kill herself 🧐
Ik it’s RH but again, this has YA feels to it and there wasn’t rlly any smexy scenes which surprisingly didn’t annoy me. There’s just something about Lawson’s writing that flows so smoothly and stays entertaining.
I will be reading the next book and hope that there’s more character development, more chemistry and hopefully some RH scenes 😁
December 9, 2019
OMG!! I loved this book. I cannot wait for book 2. I was intrigued from the very beginning and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Kenley is still not over her ex-best friend ditching her for the new girl that moved to town and then snagged the boy she was crushing on since she was 4 years old. But her and her town turns upside down when said ex-best friend vanishes. This story is crazy good and twisted. I didn't know who to believe and what was going to happen next. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!! It is a must read!!
Profile Image for Anouk.
128 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2019
I really don’t know what to say about this book

I really don’t know what to say about this book. I always have liked the books written by Angel and that is what kept me reading but this storyline wasn’t really my thing I think because it couldn’t keep me reading like I normally do. I had to stop a lot to do something else and then the story would be a interesting for a while when I started reading again. So because of the writing style I still give it a 4 stars but the story is (for me) a 3 stars.
10 reviews
December 7, 2020
The story was interesting enough that I read the rest of the series, but only because it is on Kindle unlimited. I wouldn't have paid for the books.
For me, the characters didn't read like high schoolers. The main character was way too much of the stereotypical pretty girl who doesn't know she's pretty and felt very much like a Mary-Sue. That continues throughout the whole series. And the boys are all "I've been in love with this girl forever", which feels weird.
The mystery and romance didn't work together for me, but I did want to know where the story would go
Profile Image for Rachel Reads Romance.
359 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2021
PLL meets Nancy Drew but more romance!

The author describes this as perfect for fans of Nancy Drew, Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale, and it’s a spot on comparison. Thistle Cove is one messy town and I could endlessly read the drama! In fact that's really why I'm obsessed. The series has a milder heat level than I prefer, but considering the characters ages, I'm glad for it. The 🔥 is quickly forgotten when you get into the story anyway. Everywhere you turn there's more secrets to be uncovered in this small town, and I can't wait to read about every one of them!
Profile Image for Leanne F.
852 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2023
Great start to a promising series

Enjoyed this first in the YA HS story of Kenley’s battles in her senior year when her ex best friend goes missing revealing an underbelly in Thistle Cove no one wants to acknowledge. With Rose’s disappearance, it means the boys she grew up with — Finn the football player, Ezra the bad boy and Ozzy the introvert — renew their friendships until it becomes more. Playing sleuth to find the secrets the local police and mayor want to hide, reveals town secrets. Great 5 star read. Love Angel Lawson’s books. Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.