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Elliott “Ellie” James is a multi-layered woman from Southern Louisiana that wields her charm and beauty as a weapon. As a seasoned attorney, the precision she uses to cut down her opponents begins to bleed through to her personal life when FBI Special Agent Cole Harvey transitions from investigator to lover. Ellie is prepared for the fight for her life but not her heart.

SA Cole Harvey is a seasoned agent that always gets his man. And woman. However, when he meets Ellie, he falls for her fast and hard, but can he trust her? She's hiding something from him and the case he's working is complicating his judgement.

SECRETS asks, “is love enough when you don’t have trust?”

Cole and Ellie are about to find out.

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2025

10 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

C.E. Mathis

4 books7 followers
C.E. Mathis started reading romance novels at the suggestion of a friend. Having always been a fan of realistic fantasy, she loved books that felt like she could find herself in similar situations. When the stories she read never turned out the way she wanted, C.E. decided to write her own.

In her spare time, when she's not reading or writing, C.E. Mathis loves action films, old television shows, all things crime and spending time with her two rescue dogs.

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5 stars
14 (56%)
4 stars
8 (32%)
3 stars
1 (4%)
2 stars
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1 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Johnna Marie  Silvester.
11 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2025
Kept me on my toes trying to figure out who was the killer. What her secret was. But I loved their relationship. The way they needed each other to be better and how they reacted just from being near each other.

This books keeps you wanting more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aimee Leddon.
8 reviews
September 4, 2025
Couldn’t put it down! The only reason I didn’t finish it in a day was because I started it while traveling for a family emergency. Once the plane landed I had to let it be until i got on my return flight. Every chapter was engaging, perfect amount of smut, mystery, and excitement. I can’t wait to start the next in the series!
Profile Image for Micheal Mayowa.
139 reviews16 followers
August 22, 2025
You have such a unique voice, and I really admire the way you were able to make every page so engaging. Honestly, it’s one of those books that stays with you long after reading.
Profile Image for Lexie Raye.
2 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2025
Such a good book with so many different plot twists and depth in the story. I couldn’t put it down. The end totally surprised me and now I’m so excited for book 2!
Profile Image for Breanna Nurse.
69 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2025
okay this was GOODDD😮‍💨 i literally binged this book in a day. the action kept me on my toes, i could not put this down !! and the smut… cole harvey, THE MAN YOU ARE !!🤤
Profile Image for Rachel Bishop.
3 reviews
March 17, 2025
Not even a true crime junkie!

Pros: genuinely didn’t predict the ending which means a LOT to me! I was interested the whole time. And I’m usually a fantasy romance reader so this was new for me. Plus, I liked that the second book segue had a decent buildup so I’m curious to read about Keyser’s story now
Cons: just typos. I’m an editor and spelling nerd at heart though :)
Profile Image for Abby Westbrook.
2 reviews
March 14, 2025
Where do I even begin?! The author put so much detail in every chapter, making it easy to picture in my head as I read. The characters have such a good storyline. Ellie is my girl, fearless and strong. Independent. I obviously love Cole, who wouldn’t? The spice in this book is *chefs kiss*
The first book I have read in a long time that I couldn’t stop thinking about! I’m ready for book #2!! Hurry!!
Profile Image for Cynthia Clement.
7 reviews
March 11, 2025
The author paints a picture really well. I can see everything that’s happening. I loved Cole. He’s sexy and funny. Knows what he wants and won’t stop going for it. Ellie is such a badass. No damsel in distress over here. She has guts and is a strong leading lady. And AHHH the spice!!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Can’t wait to read other titles from this author
1 review
March 24, 2025
Well written and with more body than most romance novels. Mathis draws you into the story by humanizing Cole and Ellie and their search for trust in one another and in their own judgement.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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