The Secrets We Hold

by Phoebe Ashbourne

Hidden memories, a secret that could kill me, and a cruel twist of fate. Besides my brother and a few other memories, I have no recollection of Emerald Falls. It’s been ten years since I was forced to leave, and moving back was supposed to be my fresh start, my long-awaited freedom. Except, since moving back, it seems all I’ve done is bring trouble with me. With scarce memories, and certainly none of the handsome, insanely muscled man with bright hazel eyes that I know I’ve seen before, who pulled over to help me, suddenly I’m being watched, nearly kidnapped, attacked during a ceremony, oh, and the impossible happens… I find my Mates. Yes, plural. I’m beyond screwed. I’m the daughter of a highly trained and feared warrior turned council member, with a secret I only know half of. Tobias is the last Dragon Shifter, unable to lay his claim to me. And Colton is the son of the only Alpha who doesn’t allow inter-shifter mating. All three of us are bound by fate’s design. What more could go wrong?

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2026

About the author

Phoebe Ashbourne lives in South Australia where her weeks are split between working as a sales assistant at a local fodder store and being a loving mother to her crazy, motorbike and car obsessed 2 year old.
Like most authors, from a Young age Phoebe loved creating stories and playing pretend. In what free time she has, you can find her either reading, writing her current work in progress or watching a tv show or rewatching a favourite movie.

Reviews

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about the way Phoebe pulled together this world and the struggles the main characters have suffered throughout their lives that hits true. The casual, almost conversational style of writing engages the reader and you don't feel lost in this new supernatural shifters world and I also found that the multiple POV from the three main characters opens up the world even further and it's satisfying to get insight from the different sides.

We start with Delilah, a shifter with a secret, returning to her home town, her memories of growing up there vague and hazy, but she wants a permanent home and with her brother she'll have that. But when a huge dragon shifter saves her from two flat tyres just outside of town, her past suddenly catches up and she finds her saviour to be Toby her childhood best friend (and crush)... who is all grown up (and then some).

With a forbidden bond she doesn't want to name immediately forming between them, then another with the Alpha's son, Colton, suddenly Delilah's life is more complicated than ever. Throw in family secrets, kidnapping attempts, a third bond and a disastrous wedding - and she has a mystery that no one can solve.

If you enjoy:

• friends to lovers
• strangers to mates
• and then there were... three
• hidden identities
• family drama
• Werewolves, dragons, Fae and more...
• lost FMC looking for her place
• pack dynamics
• cinnamon roll MMCs
• one falls first and incredibly hard

Then pick this debut up and enjoy the ride! I read this prior to official release day.

[Catie Cheeseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets We Hold was an interesting short read with a lot of potential. I really enjoyed the idea behind the story and loved the fated mates aspect. There were so many layers woven throughout- the rivalries between the fae, wolves, and dragon shifters, the second chance romance (which I absolutely swooned over), and Delilah’s relationship with her father, which genuinely broke my heart.
As a whole, I think the story has the foundation for a really engaging series, and I would have loved to see some elements explored in a little more depth to make certain moments feel even more impactful. That ending completely got me though, the cliffhanger definitely left me wanting to know what happens next!

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

ahhhhhh the secrets we hold absolutely held my heart, soul, and every single thought.
this shifter romance was EVERYTHING. the characters were so lovable, but Delilah definitely stole my heart. her backstory had me feeling all the emotions and I was so attached to her the entire time. The world was so interesting and addictive, and that ENDING?!?!?! I genuinely have no idea where the story is going next but I already need the next book immediately.

[Rachel May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this book and need so much more of it! Ahem Ms. Phoebe when is book 2 coming out?

But in all seriousness, if you are a fan of Jasmine Mas’ “Blood of Hercules” or “Psycho Shifters” then you will devour “The Secrets We Hold” like I did! I read it in less than 24 hours because it was addictive, entertaining, and oh so enjoyable!

“The Secrets We Hold” has shifters, multiple fated-mates (why choose), a sassy/ pink-haired FMC, and MMCs that will scorch the earth for her! If any of that sounds like stuff you enjoy, you need to pick this up asap! I promise you won’t regret it. 🩷