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Secrets #1-5
Secrets: The Complete Collection Volumes 1-5
By New York Times Bestselling Author H.M. Ward
Sex is supposed to be sexy, tantalizing, and completely erotic, but Anna never seems to find the right guy. This one seems to be a germ-a-phobe, and the previous boyfriend wasn't much better. Anna just wants to be wanted. Is that too much to ask?
As Anna tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it's forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, and sexy as hell. To make matters worse, he's her boss and her teacher.
When Anna's internship plans derail, she ends up working at Cole's elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole's run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He's nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.
Genre: New Adult
Type: Omnibus Edition/ Complete Collection
Paper Edition is 700 pages
Sex is supposed to be sexy, tantalizing, and completely erotic, but Anna never seems to find the right guy. This one seems to be a germ-a-phobe, and the previous boyfriend wasn't much better. Anna just wants to be wanted. Is that too much to ask?
As Anna tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it's forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, and sexy as hell. To make matters worse, he's her boss and her teacher.
When Anna's internship plans derail, she ends up working at Cole's elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole's run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He's nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.
Genre: New Adult
Type: Omnibus Edition/ Complete Collection
Paper Edition is 700 pages
700 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2013
72 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Ward
139 books6,542 followersH.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who surpassed more than 23 million books sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 17, 2013
Limited edition omnibus of SECRETS (Anna and Cole).
December 27, 2016
the bueno a malo.. se me fueron acabando las estrellitas segun progresaba la historia
bah. mejor uno o dos buenos libros .. que estirar a 5 libros y termine con unos mediocres.
bah. mejor uno o dos buenos libros .. que estirar a 5 libros y termine con unos mediocres.
May 13, 2023
Kindle
Anna is not having a good day. Her boyfriend is lacking and he’s her best friends’ brother. Add to that, she shows up at an internship interview prepared to not get the job she doesn’t want. After insulting the boss & dressing highly inappropriately, she’s sure she won’t get the job. Cole, the boss, shocks her by calling the Dean & telling him that Anna has the internship. She is livid & prepared to make Cole’s life a living hell.
Very dramatic, but good.
Anna is not having a good day. Her boyfriend is lacking and he’s her best friends’ brother. Add to that, she shows up at an internship interview prepared to not get the job she doesn’t want. After insulting the boss & dressing highly inappropriately, she’s sure she won’t get the job. Cole, the boss, shocks her by calling the Dean & telling him that Anna has the internship. She is livid & prepared to make Cole’s life a living hell.
Very dramatic, but good.
May 22, 2023
Great read
I really liked this read. The characters are great and I appreciate not so much vulgarity in the narrative. It was romantic and also kept me wanting to get to the next chapter. Great job
I really liked this read. The characters are great and I appreciate not so much vulgarity in the narrative. It was romantic and also kept me wanting to get to the next chapter. Great job
January 16, 2018
expect the unexpected in this collection and you will not be disappeared I didn't know what twist and turns was going to come next I loved every chapter
June 24, 2019
Breath taking
A must read page turner. I wanted to read more but perfect ending. My new favorite writer. Can’t wait to read her next series
A must read page turner. I wanted to read more but perfect ending. My new favorite writer. Can’t wait to read her next series
June 25, 2019
Awesome reads
I loved every part of this story I couldn’t put it down I can’t wait to read more o HMward
I loved every part of this story I couldn’t put it down I can’t wait to read more o HMward
September 27, 2020
Great series
My favorite of this series was probably the forth book. I thought for sure it was not going to go the way it did.
My favorite of this series was probably the forth book. I thought for sure it was not going to go the way it did.
May 1, 2021
Good
I'm glad this came as a set. It was worth reading. Interesting and they connected in such a wonderful way.
I'm glad this came as a set. It was worth reading. Interesting and they connected in such a wonderful way.
January 16, 2014
I hadn't had a chance to read this series, so when I heard that H.M. Ward released it as one book, I jumped on it quick after many people mentioning that I needed to read it.
Secrets is a 5-serial series that tells the story of Anna and Cole.
Anna is a college student that, in order to graduate, must complete an internship at one of three different photography studios to complete her degree. She has her sights on one specific studio because of its impeccable reputation but doesn't end up where she planned her whole life to be at. She has her wits about her and is completely smart to call on anyone's bluff, which helps her see the true meaning in people and open her eyes to new experiences she thought were against what she believed in.
Cole is a sexy, arrogant photographer that is almost twice the age of Anna's and is fascinated by her smarts. Because of this, he decides to outright hire her as an intern and is determined to have her understand that what he does is not to be considered as sleeze but as art. With his determination, he helps Anna open her eyes and view photography in a new, sexy way that helps her grow as a photographer and an artist.
Throughout the story, the characters go thru emotions that will grip the reader and make them feel like they are feeling their emotions. There are moments of love, loss, heartache, horror and complete laughter. True to her writing style, H.M. Ward leaves the reader wanting more at the end of each volume with a huge cliffhanger on what will happen next. The best thing of this book is that you don't have to wait for the next one, you have it in your hands already.
Absolutely loved Anna's and Cole's story and wish that there would be a small story that shows us where they would be now.
Secrets is a 5-serial series that tells the story of Anna and Cole.
Anna is a college student that, in order to graduate, must complete an internship at one of three different photography studios to complete her degree. She has her sights on one specific studio because of its impeccable reputation but doesn't end up where she planned her whole life to be at. She has her wits about her and is completely smart to call on anyone's bluff, which helps her see the true meaning in people and open her eyes to new experiences she thought were against what she believed in.
Cole is a sexy, arrogant photographer that is almost twice the age of Anna's and is fascinated by her smarts. Because of this, he decides to outright hire her as an intern and is determined to have her understand that what he does is not to be considered as sleeze but as art. With his determination, he helps Anna open her eyes and view photography in a new, sexy way that helps her grow as a photographer and an artist.
Throughout the story, the characters go thru emotions that will grip the reader and make them feel like they are feeling their emotions. There are moments of love, loss, heartache, horror and complete laughter. True to her writing style, H.M. Ward leaves the reader wanting more at the end of each volume with a huge cliffhanger on what will happen next. The best thing of this book is that you don't have to wait for the next one, you have it in your hands already.
Absolutely loved Anna's and Cole's story and wish that there would be a small story that shows us where they would be now.
August 8, 2014
I got totally sucked in to Anna and Cole's story. They're cute and the banter is fun. I saw the antagonist coming a mile away (though I certainly didn't expect it to get quite so... explosive?) I'm left wondering about a few things, though.
Really glad I waited for the full box set because it was definitely one story (and probably should have just been released as a novel in the first place rather than dragging it out in 5 pieces) and had I tried reading them one at a time without having the next one just a page turn away I would have been frustrated. Really, truly, it didn't seem like there was ANY distinguishing one volume from another; generally the first chapter of the next 'book' took place SECONDS after the last chapter of the previous.
Really glad I waited for the full box set because it was definitely one story (and probably should have just been released as a novel in the first place rather than dragging it out in 5 pieces) and had I tried reading them one at a time without having the next one just a page turn away I would have been frustrated. Really, truly, it didn't seem like there was ANY distinguishing one volume from another; generally the first chapter of the next 'book' took place SECONDS after the last chapter of the previous.
January 15, 2014
This is one of the most engaging series I have read from HM Ward. She brings her characters to life in a way that snags the reader from beginning to end!
Anna has dreams of being a wedding photographer. She goes through all the rigamaroar to get her interviews for an internship. She interviews with Sophia Sottero, her long time idol, and is convinced she has it in the bag. All she has to do is go through one more required interview to complete the required three. That's when her whole world gets flipped upside down!
Cole is the CEO of La Femme photography studio. This is a studio that has created a name for itself in the realm of seminude and nude photography. Most people look at what he does as trash, including Anna! When she gets hired as his new intern, she is completely mortified and feels her career is over before it even got started!
Cole teaches Anna all about beauty in the eye of the beholder, and she learns more from him than she ever thought possible. He not only teaches her about photography, but also teaches her how to love. Anna teaches Cole how to surrender his heart and take chances. To believe in himself and her!
One of the best series I've ever read,mor that's on the market! 18+
Anna has dreams of being a wedding photographer. She goes through all the rigamaroar to get her interviews for an internship. She interviews with Sophia Sottero, her long time idol, and is convinced she has it in the bag. All she has to do is go through one more required interview to complete the required three. That's when her whole world gets flipped upside down!
Cole is the CEO of La Femme photography studio. This is a studio that has created a name for itself in the realm of seminude and nude photography. Most people look at what he does as trash, including Anna! When she gets hired as his new intern, she is completely mortified and feels her career is over before it even got started!
Cole teaches Anna all about beauty in the eye of the beholder, and she learns more from him than she ever thought possible. He not only teaches her about photography, but also teaches her how to love. Anna teaches Cole how to surrender his heart and take chances. To believe in himself and her!
One of the best series I've ever read,mor that's on the market! 18+
April 13, 2014
It never seizes to amaze me... Another amazing delivery of Sex, Lies, Secrets, and Scandal by H.M. Ward.
Once I started Anna and Coles story, I literally couldn't put it down. It was filled with so much raw emotion and sexual tension that I was stirring in my seat ready to burst at the seams.
I loved the way the forbidden relationship between Anna and Cole played out and how self-controlled he maintained to be. He did however finally give Anna a moment of the pleasure she was so craving from him. Only to have her touch herself in the most intimate way while he watched from the side-lines, starring into her eyes. After having her splayed out on the bed on all fours he tasted her from behind bringing her to a near sexual combustion. The scene is so erotic and emotional for Anna. He's bringing her sexual fantasies to life and pleasing her the way she's always wanted a man to please her but he soon disregards her, throwing her into a state of pure confusion.
This is only part of the emotional rolercoaster H.M. Ward successfully delivers.
This is a must read! H.M. Ward is my favorite author and has once again proven the reason why.
Once I started Anna and Coles story, I literally couldn't put it down. It was filled with so much raw emotion and sexual tension that I was stirring in my seat ready to burst at the seams.
I loved the way the forbidden relationship between Anna and Cole played out and how self-controlled he maintained to be. He did however finally give Anna a moment of the pleasure she was so craving from him. Only to have her touch herself in the most intimate way while he watched from the side-lines, starring into her eyes. After having her splayed out on the bed on all fours he tasted her from behind bringing her to a near sexual combustion. The scene is so erotic and emotional for Anna. He's bringing her sexual fantasies to life and pleasing her the way she's always wanted a man to please her but he soon disregards her, throwing her into a state of pure confusion.
This is only part of the emotional rolercoaster H.M. Ward successfully delivers.
This is a must read! H.M. Ward is my favorite author and has once again proven the reason why.
August 3, 2021
Not feeling the need to recap the plot yet again for you, I will get right to how I felt about this book.
From the moment I began reading this book I had a rather turbulent up/down, love/hate relationship with it. The story riveted me; I was drawn in and very interested in where it would go. But what ruined it for me was the perturbing and at times ludicrous behavior of the characters. The story would be going along, then this bizarre attitude or reaction would get thrown in and pull me so out of the story I would often set the book down for hours or days. When I'd go back to it I'd get sucked in only for it to happen again. It was so frustrating.
What I did love about this book was the slow-burn love story, the damaged hero and naive but curious heroine, the nurturing of our heroine's passion by expanding and broadening her understanding of it, and the satisfying if not exactly as expected ending. As to whether or not I'd read a book by this author again...jury's out on that one.
From the moment I began reading this book I had a rather turbulent up/down, love/hate relationship with it. The story riveted me; I was drawn in and very interested in where it would go. But what ruined it for me was the perturbing and at times ludicrous behavior of the characters. The story would be going along, then this bizarre attitude or reaction would get thrown in and pull me so out of the story I would often set the book down for hours or days. When I'd go back to it I'd get sucked in only for it to happen again. It was so frustrating.
What I did love about this book was the slow-burn love story, the damaged hero and naive but curious heroine, the nurturing of our heroine's passion by expanding and broadening her understanding of it, and the satisfying if not exactly as expected ending. As to whether or not I'd read a book by this author again...jury's out on that one.
January 11, 2014
Hot! Sexy! Romantic! H.M. Ward's Volumes 1-5 Secrets is a wonderful, sexy, romantic, hot recommended love story with humorous, tear jerking, suspenseful, awesome scenes and characters.
Anna has set her sites on getting an internship as a wedding photographer and goes into an interview for a position she does not want wearing a tutu. She ends up getting the internship she does not want with Cole, her hot new boss.
Meanwhile, she is dating her best friend's brother, Edward. Anna finds herself becoming more and more sexually attracted to Cole and ends up breaking up with Edward. Cole's actions toward Anna keep going from hot to cold, and Ann ends up not knowing if Cole wants her or not. Even though Cole tries to not make moves on Anna, he finds himself falling for Anna and fights it every step of the way.
Read the highly recommended romantic love story of Cole and Anna in Secrets Volumes 1-5 by H.M. Ward.
Anna has set her sites on getting an internship as a wedding photographer and goes into an interview for a position she does not want wearing a tutu. She ends up getting the internship she does not want with Cole, her hot new boss.
Meanwhile, she is dating her best friend's brother, Edward. Anna finds herself becoming more and more sexually attracted to Cole and ends up breaking up with Edward. Cole's actions toward Anna keep going from hot to cold, and Ann ends up not knowing if Cole wants her or not. Even though Cole tries to not make moves on Anna, he finds himself falling for Anna and fights it every step of the way.
Read the highly recommended romantic love story of Cole and Anna in Secrets Volumes 1-5 by H.M. Ward.
July 15, 2015
Wow this was a great series. I absolutely loved the love story. This girl Anna is in college and has idolized this woman for a long time. She wants to do wedding photography like her and just loves her. She's at the end of her college life and has to apply for 3 internships. She applies with 3 people including the person she idolizes and this man Cole who takes pictures of women in lingerie. Anyhow Sophia (the woman she idolizes) tells her to pick an off time and to be rude when she goes to her interview with Cole so he will let her go right away, anyhow he ends up hiring her on the spot and she hates the idea. She spends time with Cole and falls in love with him. Sophia does something pretty nasty to Cole and Anna has to get to the bottom of it. Will Cole be able to get out of it and keep all he's worked so hard for? Does he love Anna? Will they ever become a couple or even more? What about Sophia? Well you need to read it to find out! Great book!
December 26, 2013
I loved this series, I read it when it was five separate books. I could not stop laughing at how Anna acted when she first met Cole and from that moment you could feel the chemistry. Cole was a strong, smart, dominate, man that knew what she needed even if it wasn't what she wanted. I liked reading about what he did and how it was all staged. I could not stand Anna's boyfriend, I thought to myself I would not stick around if he treat me like I had a disease or something. As the books progress you get to see how their relationship changes, and evolves, and how they don't want to face this or admit this especially Cole. Further into the series there is drama, a stalker, and a pull to each other that can't be denied. I loved this series and now that they combined all 5 books so you can just read it straight through is fantastic.
January 19, 2014
I would give this a 3.5 if I could. Just the right amount of suspense, sexual tension, angst and my favorite, drama.
It was nice to read about a early 20 something female that had brains. Even though she did perform one TSTL moment, which was central to revealing the suspense, I got over it.
The steam factor is on the low side, that is, if you like to read sex scenes that are descriptive and long, you wont find it here.
I think the suspense (until I figured it out) won out overall in this story.
\
It was nice to read about a early 20 something female that had brains. Even though she did perform one TSTL moment, which was central to revealing the suspense, I got over it.
The steam factor is on the low side, that is, if you like to read sex scenes that are descriptive and long, you wont find it here.
I think the suspense (until I figured it out) won out overall in this story.
\
December 21, 2013
This was a brilliant series, although all 5 books were so short that they could've just been one book.
Anna is witty and ballsy which I love. Cole is just so hot he had me drooling. The age gap bothered me a little, purely for the reason that when they're older he will potentially die 20 years before her and that makes me sad :-(
The story line is great, the characters are believable and the sexy time was perfect. I would've liked a little longer for the ending, an epilogue would've gone down a treat! I was slightly annoyed thinking there was still 25 minutes left of reading time only for it to have ended and a preview of another book appeared. I wanted more Anna and Cole!
Anna is witty and ballsy which I love. Cole is just so hot he had me drooling. The age gap bothered me a little, purely for the reason that when they're older he will potentially die 20 years before her and that makes me sad :-(
The story line is great, the characters are believable and the sexy time was perfect. I would've liked a little longer for the ending, an epilogue would've gone down a treat! I was slightly annoyed thinking there was still 25 minutes left of reading time only for it to have ended and a preview of another book appeared. I wanted more Anna and Cole!
January 8, 2014
"I am a wanton woman, slightly slutty most of the time, instantly slutty around you."
Seriously, that is the best line EVER!
H.M. Ward did it again! I loved every aspect of this story from the beginning to the end. The sexual tension is thick, the twist and turns are worth every minute I told my husband that I would start dinner and never did.
As a side note, I never have any issue with paying for book volumes by H.M. Ward because I know that each volume will either leave me in shock, pissed, and/or hanging off a ledge as I wait for the next installment. I was stoked to get this book with all the Volumes in one.
Seriously, that is the best line EVER!
H.M. Ward did it again! I loved every aspect of this story from the beginning to the end. The sexual tension is thick, the twist and turns are worth every minute I told my husband that I would start dinner and never did.
As a side note, I never have any issue with paying for book volumes by H.M. Ward because I know that each volume will either leave me in shock, pissed, and/or hanging off a ledge as I wait for the next installment. I was stoked to get this book with all the Volumes in one.
January 13, 2014
I read this series back in May of last year and still have the eBooks when it came to a complete set I dug my books out and read it again! Absolutely WOW!!!
I finished this series relatively quickly. A very easy read...keeps you glued!!!! Lots of laughs, lots of holy craps and Wow's, heartache, scary heart racing parts. Cole well he's just smoking... As with most of Holly's series - there's a guy to hate, Edward! All in all it was pretty good. It did leave me wanting more though at the end. I'm pretty satisfied with the series and am using my own mind for their life together.
Reading this also reminded me why Holly is my all time favourite author!!!!
I finished this series relatively quickly. A very easy read...keeps you glued!!!! Lots of laughs, lots of holy craps and Wow's, heartache, scary heart racing parts. Cole well he's just smoking... As with most of Holly's series - there's a guy to hate, Edward! All in all it was pretty good. It did leave me wanting more though at the end. I'm pretty satisfied with the series and am using my own mind for their life together.
Reading this also reminded me why Holly is my all time favourite author!!!!
January 8, 2014
As Anna tries to wiggle out of one relationship, a new one surfaces, but it's forbidden. Cole Stevens is twice her age, arrogant, rich, and sexy as hell. To make matters worse, he's her boss and her teacher.
When Anna's internship plans derail, she ends up working at Cole's elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole's run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He's nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.
When Anna's internship plans derail, she ends up working at Cole's elite New York City studio. Close proximity leads Anna to discover that the billionaire bachelor is emotionally scarred. Everyone has secrets, but Cole's run deeper, cutting him to his core. Cole is trouble in a sexy shell. He's nothing Anna needs and everything she wants.
February 17, 2014
Anna is a feisty girl who has her life planned out. When her plans do not go the way she wants she does not quite know what to do, but she is determined not to let this mess up her future. Turns out her new boss is not anything that she thought he was not to mention she has this undeniable attraction towards him it is just to bad he will not lay a finger on her. Seems Cole has a messy past that has scarred him, and Anna is about to get caught up in it. Now if only Cole would decide what they have is worth fighting for. Lot's of drama, some totally hot juicy sex scenes & a fabulous ending.
March 10, 2014
I loved Secrets! This is a hot new adult novel split in 5 installment volumes. I recommend you buy the bundle. If you love the boss-assistant scenario, you'll love this book. Here you get a broken hero who is a photographer and a kickass heroine who interns for him. This is a hot, compelling read. Thank God all 5 volumes were out after I read the first installment! After each volume, I had to read to find out what was next for Cole and Anna. This was a sexy, sweet read with a bit of a gothic heart. Loved it.
June 26, 2016
H.M. Ward brings out the sexy side of photography. Anna looking to finish school with her internship and her desire to become a wedding photographer ends up with Cole a sexy boudoir photographer. Anna finds that the photo shoots aren't pornographic but artistic. Heat and chemistry builds between Anna and Cole. Cole tries to push Anna away due to a secret from his past. Anna ends up with a secret stalker. SECRETS is a series with sexy photo shoots, sexual tension, competition, and a side of hair raising feeling that someone is lurking in the shadows.
January 12, 2014
I enjoyed the story about Anna and Cole. Anna is a photography student who does her internship at Cole's studio and they fall in love. The writing and story were good. What I don't understand is why this was sold in volumes. I purchased all the volumes together at $2.99. Which I think is a fair price. I think that H. M. Ward is taking advantage of her readers by selling pieces of one book separately. I rated this three rather than four stars, for that reason.
January 24, 2014
Not worth the $10 paid for the complete vol. the thing I disliked the most was that the setting didnt seem real. You don't park on the street in New York and there aren't parking garages everywhere. She mould have been getting around on the subway not a motorcycle. also the character and their attraction never felt real to me. lastly, someone can not make you change your name!. Too much wrong to make it feel real.
March 15, 2014
Everytime I thought I had the story figured out, another secret was revealed and I was left gobsmacked. I was shouting at the book when I figured out who the stalker was and I was even more excited cause I was right (and I'm never right)
I thought Cole was an arrogant ass at the beginning but as each of his secrets were revealed I grew to love him. I loved Anna from the moment she walked into Cole's office dressed the way she was
I thought Cole was an arrogant ass at the beginning but as each of his secrets were revealed I grew to love him. I loved Anna from the moment she walked into Cole's office dressed the way she was
May 18, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Wanted More!, February 18, 2014
I decided to read this series while I was waiting for the next installment of The Arrangement to come out....I wish I hadn't waited so long!! I loved this series! HM Ward just sucks you right in and you just can't put your Kindle down! The story of Anna and Cole is funny, intense, sexy and sweet...you won't want it to end.....another fabulous job by HM Ward. Another don't miss series....
I decided to read this series while I was waiting for the next installment of The Arrangement to come out....I wish I hadn't waited so long!! I loved this series! HM Ward just sucks you right in and you just can't put your Kindle down! The story of Anna and Cole is funny, intense, sexy and sweet...you won't want it to end.....another fabulous job by HM Ward. Another don't miss series....
August 7, 2016
Not the typical HM Ward book. I also noticed a lot of errors (spelling and grammatical). I did wish there was a little more interaction between Anna and Cole, especially in the middle of the book where they were separated and the story dragged for a little. I also wish the ending was a little bit more. I felt like all the dramatic leading up with Sophia and then bam it was over and she was walking out the door. But all in all for most of the book I liked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews