“Okay, I’m just going to admit it right now: I cried, not just once but multiple times. Angela van Liempt didn’t just write a story; she ripped my heart open, hugged it, and then handed it back with a tissue and a whispered “You’ll be okay.” I’m not.
Frankie…. my sweet, stubborn, selfless Frankie, she’s the kind of woman who carries the world on her shoulders and still finds the strength to smile. I felt every ounce of her pain from the loss of her brother which hit so hard I had to pause reading more than once. Having lost my own brother, this story felt deeply personal. It wasn’t just fiction but it was healing disguised as heartbreak.
Then there’s Rhett. The definition of a walking green flag. The kind of man who doesn’t just love you; he sees you. His patience, his gentleness, the quiet way he stands beside Frankie instead of in front of her and it’s everything. Their chemistry? Instant. Their passion? Magnetic but what makes it so beautiful is the restraint, the slow burn built on trust and tenderness. Rhett doesn’t rush her healing.... he protects it.
Angela van Liempt has a way of writing that makes emotions feel alive with every page feels like it’s pulsing with raw feeling; love, grief, healing, and that fragile hope that somehow, someday, we’ll all be okay again.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a romance. I was reading a story about survival, love after loss, and how broken hearts can still beat in rhythm with someone else’s.
If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost deeply, or needed a reminder that love can rebuild what grief destroyed, this one’s going to stay with you.”

“Oh man did I love this book!!! It had just enough of everything to keep me drawn in and keep the story flowing!! Pure perfection!!! Frankie and Rhett are an absolute masterpiece couple!! ”

“Well-drawn romantic tension
The chemistry between Frankie and Rhett, combined with the slow-burning danger and secrets, hit a sweet spot for me 💕
Blend of genres (romance + suspense)
The mix of romance with mafia-adjacent threads and a healing journey gives the book layers beyond a standard love-story. It’s raw and messy.”

“Wow!!! This is the first book I have read from this author and to say it was amazing would be a understatement!! The tension between Frankie and Rhett had me yearning for more. The things that man said ...... UMMM OMG !! If you are looking for a book that completely sucks you in and keeps you there the entire time you are reading well look no further!!”

“This was a good read - there is action and emotion - I loved the suspense and overall sense of tension! Rhett and Frankie had this chemistry and amazing banter that just draws you in. ”

“Shattered Secrets Between Us pulled me in from the very first page. The suspense, mafia ties, hidden secrets, and the slow-burning romance are captivating. Opposites truly attract, and I love how the main characters, Rhett and Frankie, fall in love with each other. Now the question is: raspberry or blueberry? (IYKYK)”

“Shattered Secrets Between Us is a gripping mafia romance with the perfect balance of tension, heart, and heat. I was pulled in immediately by Frankie, a trauma nurse coping with the loss of her brother, and Rhett, a reformed bad boy. Their connection felt raw and real, and I loved how their relationship unfolded with both tenderness and high stakes.
The romance takes center stage while weaving in mafia elements, making it an excellent choice for readers new to the subgenre. The spice scenes felt authentic and straightforward without unnecessary fluff, which made them even more impactful. With emotional depth, strong characters, and a story that kept me hooked, this is a book I’ll read again and recommend without hesitation.
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️”