Shifter's Secret

One True Mate #11

by Lisa Ladew

In Serenity, Illinois, the disappearances started out small. Now dozens of foxen have vanished without a trace, signaling war with the demon is imminent.

Canyon and Timber Wheeling are wolven police officers, brothers with a knack for getting into trouble, and among the last KSRT officers still unpaired with a One True Mate. Their investigation into the secretive foxen witch, Abigail White, exposes far more than they bargained abandoned foxen communities, unnatural shifters, and a terrifying secret housed deep in the earth. Now they're trapped in a monster's lair and Timber is injured with a gash he can't heal, until Canyon catches the irresistible scent of a female nearby—and follows.

What he discovers doesn't just save them, it shatters the foundation of wolven society forever.

Genres: Amazon, Paranormal, Shapeshifters

631 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2026

About the author

I've finished One True Mate 11 and I've finished Switch of Fate 5! Yay me!

Reviews

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy o boy! How to put words to do this story justice and praise the author on the emense amount of work it took to bring this to life. It's complexities are ground breaking, twisting and twining around magic and prophecies, dimensions and years. The characters are full of depth, charismatic and unique. It shows what you think you know is real is not always the case. I empathised with various characters during reading this, so many issues not any fault of their own. Fantasy, shifters, witches all combine to make this book one that I have not only waited patiently for, but one that has definitely gone to the top of my favourite reads list. It's magnificent, fabulous and amazing. I jumped for joy, I smiled, I growled and I swooned, I also nearly cried. This is so worth the wait and i loved learning more about the Foxen side of things and Mrs White.

[Allie Felix · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at about 13%

Note written while reading:

So I checked at the word “then” is used over 1100 times in this book. I feel like this should’ve been caught in editing. It makes the book feel like it was just stream of conscious writing and then simply not rewritten to flow better. The writing feels very juvenile. I don’t know if all the books are like this and I missed it because I was listening to the audio but this is very distracting.

Maybe I’ll listen to the audiobook but I don’t know.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story and series

Although it took quite a bit longer for this book to be released, it was a fantastic story, and a great addition to the series. It was very detail-oriented, sometimes a little too much, but overall it was a terrific story. I know that the author has stated that it'll be a while before the next book is released, but I really wish that it wouldn't be as long before the releases.

In most series, each book can be read as a stand alone novel. In this one, each book is about one couple. However, the series as a whole is an extremely complex, strongly interconnected, and multifaceted story that includes all of the characters from the individual books in a secondary plot that continues throughout the series. It's definitely not a series that can be read separately. If you haven't already, I would strongly suggest that you start from the beginning of the series. It will give you a better understanding of the characters, connections, the secondary plot, and the dynamics between all of the different groups. They're all absolutely fantastic stories, and you certainly won't be disappointed!

I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Narrator: 4/5
Cliffhanger: 2/5
Age: 18+

The imagination of this author is amazing. I adore the intricate world she has created. The characters in this, the humor, were all fantastic, right back to what I love about this series, but the pacing and organization needs work.

Over the last year, while the wolfen of Serenity have been finding their One True Mates and preparing for the final battle with Khain, Abigail White has been doing what she has always done, protect her family, thwart Khain, amass power.

Sage White was raised by Nana White, but her loyalty is to the rest of her family of foxen, especially her daughter, Paisley. They are constantly working to keep from getting marked by the demon and forced to serve him, while being persecuted by the cops who think they all serve Khain willingly. All of this while fighting a mysterious illness, reluctantly spying on the police, and trying to get over an intense three-night stand with an offer that ended in heartbreak.

Canyon and his brother Timber are the mavericks of the special police force fighting Khain. They mostly work alone and cheerfully ignore the orders they don’t like. Two of only three males left without a mate, they are sent to investigate Abigail White and the foxen and find more than they bargained for. Canyon finds everything he didn’t know he was missing.

The first third of this book is about the old foxen witch, Abigail White. Sage and Canyon are just side characters. If you accept that, it’s enjoyable. The magic and world building around her is really interesting and well-crafted, though I don’t think we need all the detail. In fact, I don’t see why we needed part one at all, but I will admit that there may be a lot in this first third that is setting up for the last two books.

That leads me to this: These stopped being interconnected standalones awhile ago and this book is the last nail in that coffin. This book is actually more of a Romantasy than a Paranormal Romance. Luckily, I enjoy both, but expectations are important I think.

After we move to the main story of Canyon and Sage, it still takes until 60% for the two of them to interact. This is one of my main problems with almost all of the OTM books. It’s so frustrating getting to that point. Unlike the last book, I enjoyed these characters immensely, together or apart and the story, kept me engaged, but still. And, again, the last third was fantastic.

I loved the foxen. Sage is up there with Cerese as top heroine. The plot was great. I love how multifaceted all the characters are and I loved that our previous heroines were back and using their powers to help fight Khain.

What I did not love was the massive amount of author’s notes and recaps right in the middle of the story. It pulled me out of the narrative and, frankly, made me feel like I was reading fanfiction instead of a polished novel. Lisa Ladew has enough talent to be there with the greats, she just needs to work on pacing and organization.

There were flashbacks in this that could have been placed differently, events that could have happened after they met. The glossary and authors’ notes should have all been at the end with a note at the beginning telling readers to look there if they get confused instead of assuming we need to be handfed.

Cautions: Violence and profanity. Explicit sexual content. Large scary spider. Discussions of hysterectomies and menstruation.

All in all, I’m so glad Lisa Ladew is back with this series (and back on track). It is one of my favorites and I can’t wait for the next book.

Post note: I LOVE the new narrator. He sounds similar enough to the old one while doing a much better job with the female characters.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++ Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ SHIFTER'S SECRET has been a long time coming, but, boy, it is well worth the wait! Canyon’s story is here, and it’s a good one! The beginning of this offers quick looks back at what has happened in previous stories. This unique approach serves a dual purpose: refreshing memories for those who have read the books and providing the necessary backstory for new readers. We’re also provided with a much needed and anticipated look into some of Abigail White’s secrets, though I suspect there may be more to discover in the upcoming books. The story about this latest One True Mate is filled with secrets, surprises, and enough twists and turns to keep you thoroughly enthralled, making it nearly impossible to put down. You’ll easily lose sleep over its fast-paced, uniquely compelling narrative. As always, the characters and storyline are fascinating, and this story, in particular, has some very deeply touching moments. Even though I had my suspicions, the ending will come as a total surprise to most. I find myself more eager than ever to read Timber’s book next. I guarantee this series will take you on an incredible journey—one you won’t forget, no matter how long it takes. You have to come along for the ride; you won’t be disappointed.

[Mrs Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first it took me a little while to get into the book,after waiting for so long and the constant back and fourth between what has happen so far and the build up to the current. But once you get pass that and start to have the story of why Abigail White is the way she is because of what she has been through with Khain. Plus with her wanting to protect her family but also make things happen her way, you can understand why she hid parts of Sage from herself and from Canyon her mate. Once Abigail is arrested and everyone memories and property is returned to the rightful owner, Im glad that Sage and Canyon are One True Mate to each other, but I would never have guess the person in Canyon dreams was actually his daughter Paisley White.
I cant wait for the next book(OTM 12) and seeing if the purple door is found with Rogue Sister.

[Tara Dorough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took Time To Remember The World

One True Mate 11: Shifter's Secret by Lisa Ladew took a long time to get here. Thankful Lisa realized it had been 6 long years since book 10 and added some reminders along the way. Canyon and Sage's book is everything you'd hope for. The characters are all amazing and exactly like you remember them. This book reads a little differently in the beginning while it catches the reader up by then it is everything we love about an OTM book. As the last word is read, you'll be hoping that book 12 is released sooner rather than later just like all other OTM books. Bravo Ms Ladew for giving your fans exactly what we needed.

[Tabatha Cassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait!!!

The wait fir this book was absolutely worth it. Even though so much is understood to me now after finishing this book, my mind is absolutely really with other thoughts about other characters and other storyline from the other books. I don't want to spoil things for others, but have some tissues close as you read. There is a deep love and desire to protect, long prejudices, misunderstandings and misinformation, as well as mystery. What I love the fact the OTM'S truly become sisters in every way. A must read for those that love shifter romance suspense.

[Kedra Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! What a great story!

I couldn't put it down! Every chance I got, I was reading this book over the last three days. Mrs. Laden truly has a gift for storytelling. I didn't review any of the other 10 books, but I will say that I just found the One True Mate books about a month ago, and I have read all of them. Canyon and Sage's story is my favorite so far. I was so tickled to find out Paisley's animal, and can't wait for Timber to find his mate!

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait!

I've been waiting for 6 years for this book! I love Canyon and Timber. Absolutely adore them and need Timber to find his mate quickly! ;)
There are 3 parts to this enormous story and its the only one that doesnt need any re-read to enjoy. I love that everything flows together on the timeline and gives back story and yet moves forward at a good pace.
Wulf! Ahhhhh. I so did not see that coming. Loved it and cant wait to be back in this world again!

[Jo Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Its been a long time,a whole pandemic and plus some but was worth the wait!
If your unsure or its been to long,go back and start book 1 again.
This book overlaps all the others so it does jog memories of the other books.
We get more on abigail white and the foxen and their history and of course all the other characters.

[Shirley D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

That book was awesome and well worth the wait. I was surprised by who Abigail White is and she was a nasty piece of work. The recap of OTM 1-10 helped me catch up and understand a lot of things. It really broke my heart when Boe died he was a good foxen. And I was really surprised when Sage daughter turned out to be Canyon daughter.

[Pamela Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy of the wait

I've waited a long time for this book and I loved every page! Every single character has an amazing story to tell I loved every minute of this book! Ill wait for the next! Thank you for giving us these beloved characters and their stories! It truly is my favorite series ever!

[Cherish Thyot · Rating 5 out of 5]

dozen In with canyon

Loved this story. The opening chapters are bit confusing so if you have not read series in a while you may want to re read at least crews story. Once you past the flashback the story progresses normally. I loved this story and by the end you maybe able to predicate the ending. Enjoy

[MaryAnn Costanzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

**************I freaking LOVED THIS!! waited so long and can say it was totally worth it. Canyon and Sage are too cute and a perfect match. So much is happening some bad but alot of good not only for the wolfen but also foxen.

[marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW!

This addition to Lisa Ladew's One The Mate series was an awesome read. So many threads connecting and tying up this complex plot. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this is my favourite novel so far. I cannot wait for the next instalment in the series!

[Angelina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!! Long live VF

The characters are so full, it's almost like I'm right there. The Foxen are a noble race. From beginning to end I was stuck reading, I couldn't put it down can't wait for the conclusion! Down with Khain!

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always a fan of the series, I was excited to jump in to this. Overall I enjoyed it but it seemed scattered and not quite as gripping as previous installments.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shifter storytelling at its best! Loved it! Love Sage’s story!

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful stories. Thank you

[Leah Sherrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brotherly Love

I absolutely loved this story!! It show how brothers support one another and are there for each other through good and tough times. When Canyon’s mate is a female he fell in love with 5 years ago but didn’t remember he hooked up with her because of the witch. His brother supported him and didn’t ask questions back then and supported him in finding her now.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is what we waited like 10 years for? What a mess of a book that reads nothing like the others. Where is the love story? Lisa Ladew should have just let AI write it. I want my time back.