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Secrets #2

The Beginning

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There are alternate cover editions for this ASIN here, here, here, and here.

Four lives showing acceptance
A small town forever connected

Secrets can heal many lives…

Salem, Bella, Jinx, and Enzo prepare to rebuild their lives after bullying almost cost them their lives literally... It will take love and patience to make it happen, but Salem is determined he can do this for his family, his mate and his best friend.
What they all need is a new focus, something to help them all heal.
Helping others is a great way to start.

For Mature Audiences...
This story does end with a cliffhanger...

Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2018

1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

T.M. Payne

37 books93 followers
T.M. Payne is a mom to grown children, and she has six beautiful grandchildren whom she adores.
She was born in Alexandria, Virginia and has never lived too far from the area.

She has always enjoyed reading from an early age and began her journey into book blogging four years ago, and has never looked back. Reading is her relaxation, and she loves helping others find a good book. Lending a hand with promotions is just another bonus, and she is always happy to help authors.
She started Book Nook Nuts in 2013 and has never looked back. Now also a small indie author-publisher.

She never aspired to be an author herself but felt strongly enough about certain things in life that she decided to write a short story featuring her love of the paranormal, along with a great issue facing our world. She truly believes every single breathing person should be able to live their life with whom they want, how they want, and not be bullied because of their choices in life.

Hence: Secrets...

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5 stars
11 (68%)
4 stars
3 (18%)
3 stars
2 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
June 10, 2018
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! I bought this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!

The cover goes with the theme, and I like how it fits with the lock being open now.

This is the 2nd short story in this series. This is for adults or new adults due to content. This is a short read, but I’m not sure on the page count. I highly recommend reading the stories in order because this story is about what comes after what happened in the first one. I love this series, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t usually like short stories. I love that it makes me feel something and yes cry!

Just like all major life events, there is what comes after and that is this story. Salem has come up with a plan. This was a quick read though I was screaming at the end because I wanted to know what happened next. Tension is building. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t. Salem’s parents are great and helping a lot. It seems like Salem seems like he is walking on egg shells to make sure everyone is happy. Will they all get their happily ever after? I want to know too!

I highly recommend to anyone who read the first story and was moved! I can’t wait for the next story!!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
July 30, 2018
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! I bought this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!

The cover goes with the theme, and I like how it fits with the lock being open now.

This is the 2nd short story in this series. This is for adults or new adults due to content. This is a short read, but I’m not sure on the page count. I highly recommend reading the stories in order because this story is about what comes after what happened in the first one. I love this series, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t usually like short stories. I love that it makes me feel something and yes cry!

Just like all major life events, there is what comes after and that is this story. Salem has come up with a plan. This was a quick read though I was screaming at the end because I wanted to know what happened next. Tension is building. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t. Salem’s parents are great and helping a lot. It seems like Salem seems like he is walking on egg shells to make sure everyone is happy. Will they all get their happily ever after? I want to know too!

I highly recommend to anyone who read the first story and was moved! I can’t wait for the next story!!
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2018
Love Not Hate......

1 small town. 2 shifter families as different as night & day. 4 shifter friends. Prejudice among certain shifter families is as real as in real life and can impact children just as hard

Each family has 2 grown children, but only one family is kind and accepting, while the other one is set in their mean and twisted ways. Some secrets are necessary, but some can be deadly.

Follow these 4 friends as they create their own new family and build their futures together as 2 of them overcome the harm done to them by their family in this fresh new shifter story. Passions can now begin to emerge.

I enjoyed the added romance & suspense in this 2nd novella, although I wished it had been longer. I knew there was a cliffhanger, but I don’t want to be left hanging, so hurry up.....LoL
Profile Image for Anna Salamatin.
516 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2018
This is a quick fabulous read....
Well, we’re back with Salem, Bella, Jinx, and Enzo.
They’re about to embark on an amazing future and I for one pray nothing happens to interfere. These shifters have the well-being of all paranormals at heart with the building of “Secrets” which is a Security firm and a kind of haven for those who need help or sanguinary. The Center will offer everything from housing, legal advice, protection,counseling and doctors for abuse victims.
And a double wedding just may be in the near future first for Salem and Bella, it’s high time for the lion to claim his lovely dragon, and secondly for Jinx and Enzo who are finally coming out in the open after the horrendous abuse from his parents almost cost Enzo’s life.
No one should be made to feel worthless. God don’t make junk. If someone you know is in need of a hand, reach out and offer yours. Show some kindness, get them help. You may just save a life.
Let the end message of this book be your guide...
“Listen, Love, and don’t Judge.”
“There is always a choice you just have to want it.”
“And .. if YOU ever feel as though you can’t go on, please seek help.”
I seriously recommend this to 18+ due to adult content.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
439 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2018
This is an original writing with the author having Salem tell you how they have started their new lives. It is a very informative story that will lead into the next story.

I did find the story lacking in any type of twists, it is all sunshine and roses. Which really is not me. I love stories that are much much more realistic. While I did not wholly enjoy this story I can see it has a good plot base if you read book 1 and the author goes on to write book 3.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
June 5, 2018
The saga continues with 4 close friends trying to find their own way in the supernatural world they live in. if you loved book 1 you will love this book as well.
Profile Image for Betty.
509 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2018
This is a short book and the second book in the series which continues with the four friends, Salem, Bella, Jinx & Enzo, making plans for their future journey.
They are going to open a security firm for the supernaturals who don't have the same access as the humans do. They will help with legal advice, counseling, medical help for the abused, a sanctuary and home for the ones that have nowhere to go, and security protection. All four friends will have a part to play in this endeavor. The firm will be called "Secrets Inc." This also is happening with the help of Salem's parents who have loved and backed the four of them from the start. It's quite an endeavor but Salem knows they all can do it. It's almost time for Salem, the lion, and his mate Bella, the dragon, to have their mating ceremony. Enzo and Jinx are finally happy together after the abuse of Enzo's parents which almost took Enzo's life. They are all looking forward to a happy future, but there may be trouble ahead.
There's an important message in this book. Parents are supposed to love their children, no matter what and be there for them in times of crisis to give them their support. (Enzo and Bella didn't have this). If they don't, please seek help, for there are many people out there willing and able to help you. I'm really enjoying this series and highly recommend it. This does end with a cliffhanger.


Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
June 6, 2018
Wow! Yes, this is short & yes, there’s a cliffhanger, but “Secrets2: The Beginning” continues with a unique & interesting, not your typical PNR cookie-cutter plot, that grabbed me from the start and kept me turning pages! (However, I did scream in frustration at the ending, so don’t say you haven’t been forewarned! ;) lol)

If only this had been longer and didn’t have an abrupt ending! ... But on a positive note, this broaches some important, sensitive subjects like abuse, bullying and accepting different kinds of love. Also, I can see some growth since Ms. Payne’s first book. I never write spoilers or recap blurbs, but I can tell when a book is good & this series does have potential. I honestly recommend this to adult fans of fiction & look forward to the next upcoming installment.
2,296 reviews91 followers
October 30, 2019
3 1/2 stars
This book continues from where book one left off in as far as what Salem, Bella, Jinx and Enzo are doing-both personally and career wise.

Again this story holds strong to good values and morals showing how we should accept everyone’s love and on the flip side reject those that hurt us.

Salem is a strong, protective, alpha who strives to help others. Bella isn’t as weak as Salem thinks but she needs to show him her strength, which she really hasn’t.

An enjoyable small town paranormal romance story.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
June 9, 2018
Bella and Salem are the main focus of this story. I hope you will continue with me on their final journey.
Profile Image for Anna Salamatin.
516 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2018
This is a short but very compelling story about acceptance and unconditional love. These twin brothers were able to stand united in each other’s choices and reassure the others because they were raised in that kind of home environment.... there’s a lesson here for those with an open mind and heart. Teach your children acceptance so they will teach their own, and so on...
No one should be forced to suffer in silence because of a life choice.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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