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Secrets #1

Secrets

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This is a previously published edition of ASIN B078PZD6C7. There are alternate cover editions for this ASIN here, here, and here.

Four young friends, four fated mates.
One secret that could separate them forever.
Battling the demons of society and acceptance, can one of them handle the secrets that have been kept?
Or will it be too much to bear?
Some things are better left unsaid...

Teen - young adult short story.
No sex, some naughty language.

34 pages, ebook

First published December 29, 2017

20 people are currently reading
57 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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Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (46%)
4 stars
6 (13%)
3 stars
3 (6%)
2 stars
8 (18%)
1 star
6 (13%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
January 6, 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 to read, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!

The cover is beautiful and compelling all at once.

This is a short story about 24 pages. It is a YA book with 4 friends who just graduated high school, and they are magical. This story is an emotionally packed rollercoaster. It is a truly fantastic and beautiful written story. It is true to life because sometimes friends or family can be clueless about things happening around them. Sometimes words accidentally hurt friends and family, but worse is when it is on purpose. I’ve seen families in chaos because of judgement. Love boundlessly and without judgement. You should read this story because it will move you! I cried…a lot!!!

I highly recommend this short story to remind you what love should look like and be without judgement! I can’t wait to see what T.M. Payne shows us next!
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2022
This was a very strong and compelling story, although short it told me the struggle that this type of secret, or situation can have on a person. The damage it can cause if not dealt with in time, so be yourself, not what others want and let them know no matter what their reaction may be.

Read how friends stick together to cope with problems.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
December 29, 2017
What a wonderful, first, short story for a brand new Indie author! “Secrets” is a PNR must read, but not just for YA readers, but also for adults no matter your preferred genre! What a touching storyline that addresses serious, real life situations that can affect any age. This grabbed me from the start & kept me turning pages to find out how it would end, so I actually read it all in one sitting! With interesting characters & some suspense, it kept me engaged, and then left me wanting more at the end! ... Even tho I volunteered to read this story, these are my honest feelings without any outside influences & I do highly recommend this to all readers. I can't wait to see what Ms. Payne comes up with next :)
Profile Image for Anna Salamatin.
516 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2017
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.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
December 30, 2017
4 friends and a secret that tore a family apart and brought another family together. I loved this short novella.

I am leaving this review on my own for this book.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,013 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2018
This is a short, read it in your coffee break, story.
The deeper meaning behind it gives you food for thought though.
A sweet and thought provoking read.
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,698 reviews39 followers
January 13, 2018
Salem and his brother grew up being different. Our author may not have intended me to laugh but I found it hard not to when Salem questions something he sees – you’ll understand what I mean when you read the scene. The scene also made me wish I was there.

Even though this is told in the first person, when Jinx starts to talk it’s like he’s talking to the reader. Another reason that I wished I was there. The author has written a message to her readers but I found it as I was reading because that message was loud and clear. And I’m hoping it will be loud and clear for you as well.

I knew this book was short when I started reading but was very disappointed when it was over. There was so much more that I wanted to see. It was also a case where I wanted to know more about the characters and the people in their community. After all, everyone has a story and theirs is a story I would love to see continue.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
439 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2018
She makes a clear statement that love comes to all. What you do with that love is in your hands, plus the one you love! This story is about reaching out to those who you love. It moved me to tears and that is hard to do now days. This is a very moving, steady story that will leave you understanding so much while desiring more of the story!

Well done as a Indie author first Paranormal book! Acceptable for any age from 14+ years not just YA!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND MUST READ!!
Profile Image for Lily.
294 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2020
I have nothing against the concept of the story but writing style was not to my liking. It seemed immature and dialogues were artificial. This story could have better word selection, better dialogues, better scenes, better emotions and expressions. Short read does not mean that it should lack everything.
Profile Image for Mario.
22 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2018
A Brief but important message

This was more a message than a story, at least as far as I’m concerned. I appreciate the quick pace, and youthful language, and of course, I am strongly in favor of the moral it conveys.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
September 19, 2019
Secrets: Book One by T.M. Payne is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this amazing start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about paranormal romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Betty.
509 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2018
This is a short story about a secret kept and the consequences it can cause. This is a beautiful story with a powerful message that we can all learn from. Caring and strong characters. I just loved it and highly recommend it. Fantastically done!!
Profile Image for Schellie.
870 reviews
May 18, 2019
Really quick read

This was a nice little short story. Touching on sexuality and the fear of a family bond lost, a soul feeling lost and despondent. Check it out, it reads really quickly!
2,296 reviews91 followers
October 30, 2019
3 1/2 stars
Secrets is an extremely short story but one that tackles extremely sensitive and important issues. Yes, it is about supernaturals but it’s so much more. It is well written however I feel there could have been more to this story.
Profile Image for Deborah.
1,841 reviews
April 6, 2018
Don't Assume

This is a quick read about a young man getting the courage to talk to his twin about his sexual orientation. Enjoy I did.
Profile Image for Candace Colt.
35 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2018
Excellent short story that sets up a new series. A sensitive and timely topic handled in a great way. This author is going places!
100 reviews
February 20, 2025
Sheesh, where to start..
Shifter parts aside, because I don't feel like they matter in the story. Except as a way to artificially force more drama into this very, very, short story
I understand the moral and underlying meaning of the story. Love and accept people as they are. They may become hurt and want to hurt themselves if they are not accepted or even cast out. Reach out to the people you love, if you fear they may not be feeling well. Reach out for help if you yourself are not feeling well.
In that regard, the story is reasonably well written, it gets the point across.
But the way it is written, the inconsistencies (the neighbours moved in last year in one chapter and several years ago in another), the weird internal dialogue, the weird conversations, the not-trying-to-be-an-infodump infodump, the odd explanation of what being a shifter is, the names... It feels very much like it was written by a teenager or someone trying to write like a teenager.
89 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2023
Shifter Love

This is a beautifully written short story. It may be about shifters, but it also could be about anyone, no matter who they are. Great moral to a story. You will enjoy too.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
May 15, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/15/2021)! 🎁
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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