When the police easily pin a violent execution of a retired sheriff officer on his teenage stepson, Morgan Dane and Sharp Investigations quickly get involved to find the true killer. Evan has disappeared, but his mother insists the young man could not have committed the crime. As a player on Lance’s hockey team for at-risk youth, Evan was known to the police and had argued with his stepfather. In the eyes of a Sheriff’s department still reeling from scandal and corruption, the kid is the obvious defendant on the run from the law. But his mom Tina insists otherwise, and his friends do not seem to be entirely upfront. It is up to Morgan, Lance and Sharp to puzzle it out and find the truth.

Just when you wonder if this series may be getting predictable, Ms. Leigh sends us careening down a path filled with sharp turns, red herrings and enough twists to keep the reader riveted. As always, the story is well-plotted, well-written and well-developed. I found myself immersed in the investigation, trying to piece together clues, figure out Tina and solve the case. And I was stunned, yes stunned, at the conclusion…..did I mention twists!? But it is not all crime and drama, as the author continues to show the evolution of Morgan and Lance’s relationship, complete with some bumps, and how Lance is adjusting to being a dad to Morgan’s three daughters. Morgan does have a ‘crisis of faith’ to deal with, but it was done with a realistic touch that only made me love these characters more. As for Sharp and Olivia? Now there is a couple I want to see, well, couple up!

I normally do not like romantic suspense series that involve the same couple over multiple books - I always feel the relationship and plot begins to suffer by book three. That is not the case with this series - it has only gotten stronger! It only reinforces just what a master storyteller Melinda Leigh is. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series in the next book!

Criminal defence attorney Morgan Dane and her fiance PI Lance Kruger return in Secrets Never Die, a story that begins with a sixteen-year-old boy walking in on his stepfather’s murder and then having to run for his life. The why of the murder and the where is the boy occupy Morgan and Lance throughout the story as they follow leads which seem to make no sense until long-buried secrets are dragged into the light.

There are some nice slices of family life woven in, with appearances by Morgan’s grandfather and her three daughters as well as Lance’s agoraphobic, tech-wizard mother. Lincoln Sharp, Lance’s PI partner, is relegated to a pretty minor role in this book, the focus being on Lance and Morgan.

Melinda Leigh knows how to tell a great mystery, but I have to admit the character of Morgan is beginning to grate on my nerves. How exactly does the mother of three young children, who doesn’t keep up any kind of exercise routine and is addicted to coffee, chocolate and donuts, maintain a ‘slender figure’? And I have to wonder when either Morgan or the PI firm actually get paid, as they seem to spend all their time doing pro bono work and never taking any paid clients.

I wouldn’t say this stands well alone, so don’t start here. You’ll want to read the earlier books in the series to understand Morgan and Lance’s back story and get the character development that’s a bit lacking here. Four stars for an installment in this series that didn’t quite hit the spot for me.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

Melinda Leigh has done it again. Another Morgan Dane book you wont want to put down. Secrets Never Die will have you gripped until the very end. I really hope that Melinda Leigh doesn't retire this series for a long time. Evan comes home late, expecting to be in trouble with his step dad. Evan doesn't expect to find a shooter in the house and his step dad dying. He has no choice to run as the killer goes after him. Hurt and scared Evan doesn't know where to turn. When his mother Lisa arrives home from work to find her husband dead and her son missing she calls Lance in to help. Morgan accompanies Lance to Lisa's house, to see if they can help. Paul the deceased husband was a retired deputy sheriff. The local police force are taking his death personally. According to the sheriff it's a slam dunk case the kid did it. Luckily Evan has Morgan and Lance on his side, they will do everything they can to help. Highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense. I requested an ARC from Net Galley. This is my voluntary review.

SECRETS NEVER DIE by Melinda Leigh. This is book 5 of the Morgan Dane Series. This series has quickly become one of my favorites. There's suspense and mystery with a touch of love and romance too. Ms. Leigh certainly keeps the reader on edge while working to find a teenage boy and find out who killed his stepdad. Ms. Leigh uses multiple POV's which I like. Hearing and feeling what each character is going through, for me, helps the book become more real and engaging. The fear that Evan is feeling, the terror that Sharp and Olivia experience, and the connection between Morgan, Lance and her girls is tangible. I adored watching Lance with Morgan's girls - it was sweet to see that side of him and hear his concerns about being a dad. After reading the previous books in the series, this one really brought home the love Lance and Morgan feel for each other. I truly enjoyed this one and hope to get Sharp's story in the future. (received ARC for honest review)

A teen boy comes home to a nightmare and is now on the run as a murder suspect. Intrepid Morgan and stalwart Lance believe in his innocence and go on the hunt for the true killer. The blend of pulse-pounding suspense, family, and romance are as addicting as ever in this latest Morgan Dane read by lights out series narrated, Cris Dukehart.

Secrets Never Die is book five in in a series of thrilling romantic suspenses that work best read in order for the series long relationship development between Morgan and Lance though each book gives the reader/listener a new murder case each time.

Evan is a teenager caught as a pawn in his birth dad's malicious power play against his ex which causes Evan to turn that anger on the one person who doesn't deserve it, his step-dad. Now, that kind, patient man is dead and Evan saw his killer. Evan is on the run for his life, gunshot wound, and the knowledge that someone with a badge shot his step dad.

Lance is Evan's ice hockey coach and he knows Evan could never do this crime. Morgan believes in Lance's instincts as does Sharp so they work together to solve the murder. They know time is not on their side and the killer has crossed the path of their investigation more than once while they discover there are more secrets from Evan's family that might have a bearing on the situation.

Meanwhile, Morgan won't set a date for the wedding and knows she is disappointing Lance by refusing to even make any wedding plans. She didn't realize that she even had these hangups, but knows she better get herself sorted before she loses the best thing in her life by pushing him away.

This story starts off with a heart-pounding first scene and then plunges steadily into the case. It never really lets up though there are slices of family life with Lance, Morgan and the girls along with introspective moments with their relationship. The suspense grew with the scenes from Evan's point of view sprinkled in with the others. As with all these books, the killer is smart and motivated with no hesitation to strike out with torture or murder.

This was one of those suspenses that had some twists that had to be revealed before there was even a chance at getting to the solution. The viable suspects never felt right to me. I only grasped a small bit of the true answer even in the end. The big scene came fast and furious which I thought was a genius stroke.

As always, Cris Dukehart, was sensational as narrator and brought the book to vivid life. I love how she voices Morgan and the others. Dramatic scenes are given their due without overacting with her voice. She brings out all the feels from the ahhhs when Lance is with those little girls to Morgan and Lance in danger when facing down a person wielding a gun.

In summary, it was fabulous and over too soon. Thank goodness, the next release is not a whole year away. I am utterly addicted to Morgan Dane and Cris Dukehart. Those who enjoy thrilling romantic suspense are the target group.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Books take you on adventures, some may be wild and some may be not so wild. This book is a mix of those adventures. Ms. Leigh has written an adventure that is clear and concise with wonderful characters that you will share this trip with. Enjoy! 📚

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Mystery and Suspense and a plot that kept you guessing to the end. One thing you know for sure is that this book will hold you attention and keep you guessing.

Attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger will always fight for their family and Lance considers his hockey team "his kids". When one is accused of killing his stepfather, a retired sheriff's deputy, Morgan and Lance fight the Sheriff and refuse to follow along with his ideas and procedures. They set out to clear Evan and find a whole passel of trouble doing that.

Evan knows he is 2 hours past curfew, but he doesn't care. What he finds in his home is the stuff of nightmares and he flees for his life after being shot. Evan doesn't trust anyone and struggles just to stay alive. Why would anyone want to murder Paul and shoot Evan? Lance and Morgan have a lot uncover and sort in order to solve this one.

Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh is the fifth installment of the thrilling romantic suspense Morgan Dane series. Each book in the series features a new case to solve so they could be read as standalone novels if choosing to do so. However, there is character development that carries over book to book so it’s always best to read the series as a whole. This series is also a spin off of another of the author’s but I have not read the first and never noticed anything missing from these novels or felt as if I had missed anything.

Morgan Dane is the lead character in the series, a mother of three that had returned to her home town after the loss of her husband. Morgan was a former prosecutor but she is now on the other side of the courtroom taking on cases as a defense attorney. With every new case Morgan works with her former high school boyfriend turned P.I., Lance Kruger.

This newest case for the team to solve comes when there is a murder and the teenage step son of the victim goes missing. The mother contacts and hires Morgan, Lance and their partner, Sharp, to find her son when she is determined that he is also a victim and had been kidnapped but police turn him into a suspect for the murder.

This entire romantic suspense series has been a favorite of mine from the beginning. Each read is action packed and oozing with suspense from the opening pages until the very end. These are also lighter on the romance side with a slowly developing clean romance storyline carrying over from book to book which is a nice change of pace for a genre that usually rushes the relationships to the steamy side. With this series I’ve definitely become a fan and will continue reading any from Melinda Leigh.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh that I read and reviewed.
This is the fifth book in the Morgan Dane series and it does not disappoint. In this book Morgan and her fiancé Lance Kruger are trying to find out who killed a former police officer and prove that it was not one of Lance’s troubled hockey players.
This book is full of action that you expect from a Morgan Dane book and also the surprises that is also found in these books. I loved this story and the charters in this one. The twist and turns kept coming and it kept the reader waiting to see what was going to happen next.
I am giving Secrects Never Die five out of five stars.

I love reading the Morgan Dane series. Morgan and Lance's chemistry is great. Sophie is adorable. I love her lisp. Looking forward to next book in the series

This book is the fifth in the series and continues with the life of lawyer Morgan Dane and the cases that she takes on as a lawyer as well as her personal life and how that ties into her career. The development of the story between each book is seamless and this latest installment brings plenty of action as well as twists and turns to keep you intrigued.

Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh is book number five in her Morgan Dane series. I’ve somehow missed a book or two in this series, so I can say for certain that it can be read as a standalone. However, I will be rectifying that situation post haste!

If you’ve ever read any of my reviews, you know that romantic suspense is my absolute most favorite subgenre in the romance world--thank you, Nora Roberts!! I love a book that I just have to read one. More. Chapter. And before I know it, it’s 4 am, and I’m done! Secrets Never Die was that book for me this week. The twist at the end took me by surprise, so I loved that part about this book too. I’m always a little disappointed when I figure out the twist before the author reveals it, and I can honestly say that I’m pretty sure I’ve yet to figure out a plot twist of Melinda Leigh’s. Which makes her one of my favorite romantic suspense authors.

While I highly encourage readers to start with book one in the Morgan Dane series, you can read this as a standalone book and not be lost. With a strong female lead, a hot PI that’s not afraid to be her sidekick, and suspense galore, Secrets never die by Melinda Leigh should be in your hands ASAP!

NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh 5 stars!

When a retired sheriffs deputy is found dead in his home the main suspect is his troubled stepson Evan. Evan is missing. Without any clue where to find her son she asks PI Lance Kruger to help her. She knows that her son isn't capable of murder someone is setting him up to take the fall, and he may be the next victim. This book was amazing the only problem I encountered was that I read it too fast.

4.5⭐
Secrets Never Die was a very enjoyable and engaging story. That had mystery, pockets of action and it kept me guessing until the very end. Not to mention I really enjoyed the combination of attorney and private investigator solving crimes together. And considering this is the first book I've read in this series. I never once felt lost or confused by these two characters. But I would definitely go back and read this series from the beginning, and I would happily recommend this story to others. Especially if you are a fan of the series or enjoy similar books such as Kendra Elliot's Mercy Kilpatrick series.

Great suspense with just a touch of romance. Lance (a Private Investigator) and Morgan (a defense attorney) are a top-notch team both professionally and personally. Their strong and believable relationship is the number one reason this book works so well. While there were a few plot points that step over the believability line in the murder mystery/suspense storyline, it still keeps one turning the pages and unable to put the book down. Overall, a strong edition to a fabulous series.

Another nail biter from Leigh! I absolutely love Morgan and Lance, the girls and Sharp are an extra bonus. The two are a dynamic murder solving duo that never give up and never get paid, they are too kind to put money first. It's easy to get lost in the case and forget this is also a romance, maybe the wedding will happen next time, and Sharp's heart is fluttering over a reporter. My copy came through Netgalley, the review voluntary and unbiased.

This one is probably the best in the series, I think that I said that last time, but they just keep getting better and better!
I love Morgan, Lance and their close friends and family. They are such a great team and it just works.

Thanks to Netgalley, Melinda Leigh and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this enthralling book.

I volunteered to read and review thru Netgallery Secrets Never Die .
I must say that with out a doubt this is one of the best stories . It's such an interesting and intense story . It captures you from the beginning and holds your attention thru the entire story . I was not disappointed at all . This story is action packed , very suspenseful and full of intrigue . It is one fantastic rollercoaster ride .
I was on the edge of my seat for most of this story . The characters are great .
I really enjoyed reading this story . I highly recommend reading this story .

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I liked it. It is the fifth book in this series but it works perfectly as a stand alone.. The plot was intriguing and the characters were well developed. The story begins when a teen, Evan, witnessies his step-father’s murder and goes missing. The cops are focusing on Evan as the murderer. Morgan, Lance and Sharp, a team of private investigators, are hired to find him and help prove his innocence. They must find him before the cops or the murderer does. It’s a gripping tale and is suspenseful from beginning to end. After reading this, I’m interested in reading more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the fifth book in the Morgan Dane series, but a first for me. Having not read previous novels, I did feel I was missing a little, but not enough that I couldn't understand the story. This was a fast paced thriller with complex characters that just kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Could hardly out it down. Enjoyable read, highly recommend.