Read an excerpt from Unlocking Shadows by Kennedy Layne

The next book in Kennedy Layne’s KEYS TO LOVE is available now – romantic suspense lovers do not want to miss this!

Gwen Kendall spent ten years in the Navy and used the last four to create a life for herself she could be proud of away from the confines of her overprotective family. Being the only woman in the Kendall clan tended to be a bit overwhelming at times.

Chad Schaeffer had been hired on to help restore an old farmhouse for one of the returning Kendall siblings. He’d heard about the trouble the family had encountered and honestly didn’t want to go anywhere near their properties. He had a change of heart when he saw the most recently returned Kendall sibling stepping out of her car with a key in her hand.

Gwen had waited a very long time to have a place to call her own, just as she had waited for the right man to share her life. One night of seduction convinces her she’s found both, but someone wants to take it all away. It’s been said that old houses retain a piece of each person who has lived there, but she never counted on the dark shadows wanting a piece of her.

Excerpt

It wasn’t long until Chad was by himself, giving him a chance to finish his beer. It was warm and didn’t taste nearly as refreshing as when he’d first popped the can, but it was better than listening to her family fight.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey, back.” Chad was still leaning against the windowsill. He was surprised that Gwen had come back upstairs, almost wishing she’d stayed with her family below. He’d already made the decision to distance himself from her a bit more. Her seeking him out would only give Lance and the others the wrong idea about what kind of relationship they had, providing them with more fodder than they already had. “I’ll start on that list you gave me first thing Monday morning. Oh, that reminds me.”

Chad shifted so that he could reach in the front pocket of his jeans for his key ring. He set his empty beer can down beside him and tried to lift the metal lip in order to remove Gwen’s house key. “

You’ll be wanting this back now that you’ve moved in.” Chad didn’t have the nails needed to pry the ring apart, so he reached into his other pocket where he carried a small pocketknife. “I’ll make sure I’m here before you leave for work on Monday morning.”

Gwen slowly crossed the bedroom floor that had turned out better than he’d expected, not stopping until she was standing inches from him. Her blue eyes weren’t focused on the keyring, but rather on his lips.

Damn, if she didn’t just raise the temperature in this house by twenty damn degrees.

Her lashes slowly lifted until her gaze connected with his.

“I’m tired of knocking around about this, Chad,” Gwen murmured, reaching out and gently resting her hand on his. “Keep the key. You’re going to need it when you come by tonight.”

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About the Keys to Love Series

Their homecoming wasn’t so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family’s legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren’t prepared for what awaited them—an unforgiveable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.

About Kennedy Layne

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her military romantic suspense novels in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. They live in the Midwest with their teenage son and menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace. She loves hearing from readers--find out how to connect with her at www.kennedylayne.com.