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The Syndrome #3
The Secrecy Syndrome
Their relationship is perfect. As long as no one finds out about it.
Now that Ellie and Asher have taken a headfirst leap into their forbidden relationship, she’s certain about two things. She’s finally getting everything she’s ever wanted out of a romance, and no one can find out about it. Not their parents (whom they both work with, by the way), not their best friends, his roommate, no one.
But how long can it really last when it’s a relationship that doesn’t meet society’s standards? Are they doomed to hide it forever, stealing moments when no one is looking closely? Will they be forced apart when their friends and loved ones inevitably find out?
And when someone unexpected does find out…they just might lose everything they’ve fought so hard to find.
EllieI might be 50% older than him, but he makes me feel things no one else ever has. The more sure I get that we’re meant to be together, not just a dirty little secret, the closer I get to everything I’ve ever wanted…the farther away our forever looks.
AsherAfter all the ways I’ve fought to get us to this point, I might lose her to an invisible enemy. I’d do anything to keep her in my life, to stay in hers, but how can I fight the unknown? I got her into this mess, and removing myself from her life might be the only way to protect her now.
About The Secrecy SyndromeThe Secrecy Syndrome is a spicy, reverse age gap, forbidden romance. It is NOT a standalone novel, it is book three in The Syndrome Series. It is the conclusion of Ellie + Asher’s story, and you will at least need to have read book two, The Complacency Syndrome first. It, of course, has a happily ever after, and has enough spice to start a food truck.
Now that Ellie and Asher have taken a headfirst leap into their forbidden relationship, she’s certain about two things. She’s finally getting everything she’s ever wanted out of a romance, and no one can find out about it. Not their parents (whom they both work with, by the way), not their best friends, his roommate, no one.
But how long can it really last when it’s a relationship that doesn’t meet society’s standards? Are they doomed to hide it forever, stealing moments when no one is looking closely? Will they be forced apart when their friends and loved ones inevitably find out?
And when someone unexpected does find out…they just might lose everything they’ve fought so hard to find.
EllieI might be 50% older than him, but he makes me feel things no one else ever has. The more sure I get that we’re meant to be together, not just a dirty little secret, the closer I get to everything I’ve ever wanted…the farther away our forever looks.
AsherAfter all the ways I’ve fought to get us to this point, I might lose her to an invisible enemy. I’d do anything to keep her in my life, to stay in hers, but how can I fight the unknown? I got her into this mess, and removing myself from her life might be the only way to protect her now.
About The Secrecy SyndromeThe Secrecy Syndrome is a spicy, reverse age gap, forbidden romance. It is NOT a standalone novel, it is book three in The Syndrome Series. It is the conclusion of Ellie + Asher’s story, and you will at least need to have read book two, The Complacency Syndrome first. It, of course, has a happily ever after, and has enough spice to start a food truck.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2024
6 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Madison Myers
6 books197 followersMaddie is an elder millennial who writes contemporary romance books that focus on relatable characters you’ll fall for, journeys you’ll root for and spice you’ll melt for. She’s awful at social media and talking in the third person, but she’s less slightly terrible at writing spicy romance.
When she isn’t at her keyboard from dark to dark, she’s usually blasting music that hasn’t been cool for fifteen years, or curling up with a book, her pups and the book boyfriend of the day, or her very real (and very understanding) husband of over a decade.
When she isn’t at her keyboard from dark to dark, she’s usually blasting music that hasn’t been cool for fifteen years, or curling up with a book, her pups and the book boyfriend of the day, or her very real (and very understanding) husband of over a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 27, 2024
ARC reader review:
I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with a character faster than I did with Asher. He was a perfect MMC. He is the sweetest, most dedicated person and I loved getting to see him thrive and find everything he ever wanted and more! Ellie is an absolute queen and she is so strong! Her character growth was astounding and it made me love her even more!! Getting to finish out their story was amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending🫶🏼 This book had me sobbing with how beautiful it was and I will forever cherish this story and these characters!
Story 5/5
Spice😏 10/5🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
March 23, 2024
I loved Asher and Ellie! This book finished their story in a completely believable and beautiful way. I loved how they face their obstacles together and held fast to each other. Such a beautiful story. I can’t wait to read what Madison Myers writes next.
November 25, 2024
What a book to finish off this series! The love I have for these characters! I’m obsessed with them!!!!! I don’t know whether to sob or scream that this series is over 😭 These books - especially this one will be held close to my heart forever!🍯🐝
“If you’re the flowers, I’m the bee”
Ellie Mitchell - you are my spirit animal! I absolutely adore you in every possible way. The strength you have to do what you do, you’re such a boss b*tch and I’m so here for it! She’s grown so much from book one. She’s truly blossomed into such a beautiful and confident version of herself 🥹 Seeing her finally get that happy ending she deserves was so bittersweet. She stood her ground through it all! Seeing her experience a real and healthy relationship just sets me OFF!!! I love Ellie’s character so dearly! The felt so relatable in terms of her emotions and I couldn’t get enough 🫶🏼
“The day I met Asher, I came to a conclusion about him. He was the first person who met me on these levels I’d defined myself by for so long. But I was wrong.”
Asher Carter - you are the love of my LIFE! I’m obsessed with this man! He is the epitome of book boyfriends. His words, his actions, just everything! He was so easy to love from the very start and seeing him overcome his own struggles was truly inspiring!🥹 He just wanted to love and appreciate his woman and oh boy did he❤️🔥 This man knew what he wanted and no one was getting in his way! Apart from a little bit of trouble but that didn’t stop him 👀 Where can I find my own Asher please and thanks!🥵
“What started out as a secret between the two of us became my proudest accomplishment, and I’ll never stop showing you off, shouting about you to the world.”
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, the mystery of who knew about the relationship after it being kept a secret 👀 it kept me guessing and I loved having that mystery aspect to it! I WILL SAY I WAS RIGHT hehehe but I loved seeing how the characters dealt with such challenging circumstances!! ALSOOOOOOO the spice in this book was next level! My jaw was dropped, I was blushing, sweating and giggling! It hit different and I was so here for it! I genuinely can’t explain how much I love this book!!! This series has me in a chokehold and I’m not complaining at all! I wish there was more 😮💨
“Hi, gorgeous.” “Hi, honey bunny.”
I’m so sad it’s over, I miss them already. This was such a fun series, I’m truly so so so happy that I picked it up! I always knew it would be incredible because it’s wrote by Maddie 🤍 5 star series all the wayyyyyyy!!!!!! I can’t stop thinking about it 🤍
And in Kaymie’s words - ‘the reason your girl has a spam caller kink’
What to expect -
🍯 reverse age gap
🍯 forbidden romance
🍯 a spicy book with a HEA
🍯 secret relationship that leds to an invisible enemy
🍯 he takes care of her
Favourite quotes -
“This day just keeps getting better and better,” I tell her. “I think that’s how every day is gonna be with you,”
“You wanna still be my favorite secret sometimes, Ell?”
“I never knew I could find someone who made me feel so capable, so beautiful, so whole and complete.”
“I want your hand in public. Your body in private. Your time, whenever you can give it. Your smiles, and your light. I want it all. And I never want to be without any of it again.”
“It isn’t a mistake that we found each other, Ell. You say I brought you to life. But you brought me a life worth living.”
“I’m falling for this man next to me in ways I never expected to. The way he cherishes me, supports me, stands behind me or by my side, depending on what I need. It’s like he rounds out all of my shortcomings, my flaws, like together we’re a perfect pair, able to tackle anything between the two of us.”
“If you’re the flowers, I’m the bee”
Ellie Mitchell - you are my spirit animal! I absolutely adore you in every possible way. The strength you have to do what you do, you’re such a boss b*tch and I’m so here for it! She’s grown so much from book one. She’s truly blossomed into such a beautiful and confident version of herself 🥹 Seeing her finally get that happy ending she deserves was so bittersweet. She stood her ground through it all! Seeing her experience a real and healthy relationship just sets me OFF!!! I love Ellie’s character so dearly! The felt so relatable in terms of her emotions and I couldn’t get enough 🫶🏼
“The day I met Asher, I came to a conclusion about him. He was the first person who met me on these levels I’d defined myself by for so long. But I was wrong.”
Asher Carter - you are the love of my LIFE! I’m obsessed with this man! He is the epitome of book boyfriends. His words, his actions, just everything! He was so easy to love from the very start and seeing him overcome his own struggles was truly inspiring!🥹 He just wanted to love and appreciate his woman and oh boy did he❤️🔥 This man knew what he wanted and no one was getting in his way! Apart from a little bit of trouble but that didn’t stop him 👀 Where can I find my own Asher please and thanks!🥵
“What started out as a secret between the two of us became my proudest accomplishment, and I’ll never stop showing you off, shouting about you to the world.”
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, the mystery of who knew about the relationship after it being kept a secret 👀 it kept me guessing and I loved having that mystery aspect to it! I WILL SAY I WAS RIGHT hehehe but I loved seeing how the characters dealt with such challenging circumstances!! ALSOOOOOOO the spice in this book was next level! My jaw was dropped, I was blushing, sweating and giggling! It hit different and I was so here for it! I genuinely can’t explain how much I love this book!!! This series has me in a chokehold and I’m not complaining at all! I wish there was more 😮💨
“Hi, gorgeous.” “Hi, honey bunny.”
I’m so sad it’s over, I miss them already. This was such a fun series, I’m truly so so so happy that I picked it up! I always knew it would be incredible because it’s wrote by Maddie 🤍 5 star series all the wayyyyyyy!!!!!! I can’t stop thinking about it 🤍
And in Kaymie’s words - ‘the reason your girl has a spam caller kink’
What to expect -
🍯 reverse age gap
🍯 forbidden romance
🍯 a spicy book with a HEA
🍯 secret relationship that leds to an invisible enemy
🍯 he takes care of her
Favourite quotes -
“This day just keeps getting better and better,” I tell her. “I think that’s how every day is gonna be with you,”
“You wanna still be my favorite secret sometimes, Ell?”
“I never knew I could find someone who made me feel so capable, so beautiful, so whole and complete.”
“I want your hand in public. Your body in private. Your time, whenever you can give it. Your smiles, and your light. I want it all. And I never want to be without any of it again.”
“It isn’t a mistake that we found each other, Ell. You say I brought you to life. But you brought me a life worth living.”
“I’m falling for this man next to me in ways I never expected to. The way he cherishes me, supports me, stands behind me or by my side, depending on what I need. It’s like he rounds out all of my shortcomings, my flaws, like together we’re a perfect pair, able to tackle anything between the two of us.”
January 24, 2024
I loved this book. It's a sequel to The Complacency Syndrome. So I don't know if this really counts as spoilers or not because I am not giving specifics, but I am a huge lover of the happily ever after in stories. And this one has such a wonderful happily ever after with so much detail that it made my heart happy. But also, leading up to that there was some serious suspense and some intrigue. I wasn't expecting it and totally enjoyed it. Madison's books are so fun and such a great escape and easy to read. I love that in a book! I can devour them and did with this one. So it gets top marks in my book. The characters are so modern-day and relatable that it makes it so easy to get caught up in their lives. If you love a feel good romance with a bit of spice, fun, and suspense, this is a great book to pick up.
March 9, 2025
finalllyyyyyyy!!!!
Im so glad we finally got to see Ellie and Asher’s HEA - felt so long 🥺 they deserved so much better than all the rubbish that got thrown at them
I’ll be honest the nickname “honey bunny” gave me the ick 🙈 I’m not a sickly sweet gal tho so that’s my personal preferences 🤷🏼♀️
The book’s twists and turns kept me engaged and eager to find out “who done it” and finally see their relationship in public.
Chrissy was hilarious as always and I loved their friendship - they complimented each other so well 👯♀️
I was really happy to read about a plus size/curvy FMC - it was lovely to read about how she navigated her anxieties and Asher was perfect for her in so many ways but being what she needed and when was so lovely to see 🫣💋
Im so glad we finally got to see Ellie and Asher’s HEA - felt so long 🥺 they deserved so much better than all the rubbish that got thrown at them
I’ll be honest the nickname “honey bunny” gave me the ick 🙈 I’m not a sickly sweet gal tho so that’s my personal preferences 🤷🏼♀️
The book’s twists and turns kept me engaged and eager to find out “who done it” and finally see their relationship in public.
Chrissy was hilarious as always and I loved their friendship - they complimented each other so well 👯♀️
I was really happy to read about a plus size/curvy FMC - it was lovely to read about how she navigated her anxieties and Asher was perfect for her in so many ways but being what she needed and when was so lovely to see 🫣💋
February 14, 2025
I read the Roommate Syndrome last year and it was great! I was so happy I had finally had the chance to finish the series.
Book 2 - The Complacency Syndrome
THE SLOW BURN IS SLOW BURNING and I love it.
Book 3 - The Secrecy Syndrome
The spice is spicing and it is sooo good 🥵
I love when the female Maine character in a story finally knows her worth and isn’t going to let anyone else determine it. Ellie is a badass and I loved her for it. Asher and Ellie were literally perfect.
The age gap, workplace romance was insanely good and I couldn’t put down either story. I loved everything about both of these books.
If y’all like spicy books read these now. All three of them!
Book 2 - The Complacency Syndrome
THE SLOW BURN IS SLOW BURNING and I love it.
Book 3 - The Secrecy Syndrome
The spice is spicing and it is sooo good 🥵
I love when the female Maine character in a story finally knows her worth and isn’t going to let anyone else determine it. Ellie is a badass and I loved her for it. Asher and Ellie were literally perfect.
The age gap, workplace romance was insanely good and I couldn’t put down either story. I loved everything about both of these books.
If y’all like spicy books read these now. All three of them!
January 18, 2025
2 stars ⭐️
January 4, 2026
Love this author, but had a hard time enjoying this book. it felt like a bunch of fluffy smut for half of it and made it hard to enjoy
January 30, 2025
I love the entire "Syndrome" series and so sad this is it! Asher and Ellie are everything! I think this may be the first series where I fell in love what the characters and didn't want the books to end. I felt like I was apart of their story and walking along their secret, suspenseful, and yet spicy relationship. I adore Ellie. She is such a boss and I love the way that Asher loves her! He is amazing, a real man, and I love that they got their happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews