What do you think?
Rate this book
Bracken Creek Wolves
Secrets and S'mores
Ember is being sent into enemy territory and forced to stay with the one wolf shifter she can’t stand. Cozy fantasy meets paranormal romance in this sweet and spicy standalone shifter rom-com.
Onyx, the tech-savvy cousin of the pack’s Alpha, has a reputation as a troublemaker. He doesn’t always make the best choices, like flirting with the daughter of their rival pack’s Alpha. Ember is defiant, fiesty, and exactly his type. Too bad she once stabbed him during a battle.
Ember has grown up in a brutal environment, leaving her with steep walls around her heart. She’s furious when her mother sends her off to Bracken Creek as a part of a diplomatic exchange and Onyx is assigned as her bodyguard. Stuck together for the week, it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between Ember and Onyx.
But Ember is desperate to get home as her pack destabilizes and her position as the future Alpha is in jeopardy, while Onyx is torn between loyalty to his pack and the pull he feels towards Ember.
Onyx, the tech-savvy cousin of the pack’s Alpha, has a reputation as a troublemaker. He doesn’t always make the best choices, like flirting with the daughter of their rival pack’s Alpha. Ember is defiant, fiesty, and exactly his type. Too bad she once stabbed him during a battle.
Ember has grown up in a brutal environment, leaving her with steep walls around her heart. She’s furious when her mother sends her off to Bracken Creek as a part of a diplomatic exchange and Onyx is assigned as her bodyguard. Stuck together for the week, it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between Ember and Onyx.
But Ember is desperate to get home as her pack destabilizes and her position as the future Alpha is in jeopardy, while Onyx is torn between loyalty to his pack and the pull he feels towards Ember.
- GenresParanormal Romance
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2024
25 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Aly Hollis
14 books92 followersAly Hollis lives in the southwest with her family and a collection of blue heelers, sassy cats, and a singular aquatic turtle. She loves art, crafting, sewing, and anything else creative, especially writing fantasy stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 1, 2024
I just absolutely loved this series! This is the third book in the bracken creek series, the book can be read as a standalone but loved having the back story of the other characters involved.
Enemies to lover romance is one of my favorite tropes to read! Onyx and Ember are from rivaling packs, she is sent to Onyx’s pack as collateral while her brother Jasper visits the pack he’s from. Onyx has to watch over ember and it goes from there.
I love how this series ended, and felt like it was a great conclusion to the series.
Enemies to lover romance is one of my favorite tropes to read! Onyx and Ember are from rivaling packs, she is sent to Onyx’s pack as collateral while her brother Jasper visits the pack he’s from. Onyx has to watch over ember and it goes from there.
I love how this series ended, and felt like it was a great conclusion to the series.
December 5, 2024
Now if I'm being honest this book was always going to be a bit of a wild card for me because although I already had a soft spot for Onyx, I confess I utterly disliked the character of Ember just from her brief cameos in the other books. BOY OH BOY was I elated to be proved wrong in spectator style.
Not only did I start to like her but by the end I FREAKING ADORED HER.. So when
an author can make me do a complete 180 over a character like this I have to give them the recognition they deserve. Ms Hollis I tip my hat to you, well played and FABULOUSLY WRITTEN, because now not only do I love all the books so far THIS ONE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE. BRAVO 👏
When Ember is sent to Bracken Creek by her mother for a diplomatic exchange between packs, she is furious. Especially, when she finds out that her bodyguard is none other than Onyx, the wolf she once stabbed. Onyx, the packs chief troublemaker finds himself drawn to the sassy, defiant wolf who has erected a huge wall around her heart. But when Ember's future as Alpha is threatened, she is determined to get home before her pack decends into chaos. And Onyx, finds himself torn between loyalty to his pack and his feelings for Ember.
Although he can be a bit of a troublemaker and has never met a boundary he doesn't try to cross, Onyx is a squishy marshmallow underneath his bad boy exterior. His snarky attitude when he first meets up with Ember is definitely at the forefront, I mean after all the girl literally stabbed him so it's understandable. But when he starts to get to know her, he comes to realise that she isn't as tough as she appears to be, which triggers his protective side and allows us to see a tenderness that was previously lacking. That's not to say that sparks don't fly between the two but it did make me see just how much these two belong together. Yeah the boy's a cinnamon roll and I just love him.
As I said before my previous glimpses of Ember didn't endear her to me at all, in fact she got under my skin but not in a good way, she was mean, spiteful and dislikeable. Now I know previously that she didn't have the best upbringing because of Jasper's story, but I wasn't prepared when I learned that hers was a lot worse than his, even though they grew up together. So I then started to see that this mean spirited girl had built up defenses as a coping mechanism to survive in a pack that had a brutal way of dealing with failure. You bet my heart started to crack at that and hells yes did I freaking admire her for it. Watching Ember's barriers come crumbling down as she dealt with the realisation that she could trust Onyx as well as her attraction to him, and learning that not all packs rule with fear was truly heartwarming to see and just like him I got to know the girl behind the fury and hate and fell in love with her too.
So with my heart being literally turned into a puddle of goo, I'm off to the final book to see what other surprises are in store, eep I can't wait. So if you love a good redemption arc involving feisty wolves, with a bit of spice and some cozy moments this book is definitely for you. Highly recommend. Totally loved it 😁
Not only did I start to like her but by the end I FREAKING ADORED HER.. So when
an author can make me do a complete 180 over a character like this I have to give them the recognition they deserve. Ms Hollis I tip my hat to you, well played and FABULOUSLY WRITTEN, because now not only do I love all the books so far THIS ONE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE. BRAVO 👏
When Ember is sent to Bracken Creek by her mother for a diplomatic exchange between packs, she is furious. Especially, when she finds out that her bodyguard is none other than Onyx, the wolf she once stabbed. Onyx, the packs chief troublemaker finds himself drawn to the sassy, defiant wolf who has erected a huge wall around her heart. But when Ember's future as Alpha is threatened, she is determined to get home before her pack decends into chaos. And Onyx, finds himself torn between loyalty to his pack and his feelings for Ember.
Although he can be a bit of a troublemaker and has never met a boundary he doesn't try to cross, Onyx is a squishy marshmallow underneath his bad boy exterior. His snarky attitude when he first meets up with Ember is definitely at the forefront, I mean after all the girl literally stabbed him so it's understandable. But when he starts to get to know her, he comes to realise that she isn't as tough as she appears to be, which triggers his protective side and allows us to see a tenderness that was previously lacking. That's not to say that sparks don't fly between the two but it did make me see just how much these two belong together. Yeah the boy's a cinnamon roll and I just love him.
As I said before my previous glimpses of Ember didn't endear her to me at all, in fact she got under my skin but not in a good way, she was mean, spiteful and dislikeable. Now I know previously that she didn't have the best upbringing because of Jasper's story, but I wasn't prepared when I learned that hers was a lot worse than his, even though they grew up together. So I then started to see that this mean spirited girl had built up defenses as a coping mechanism to survive in a pack that had a brutal way of dealing with failure. You bet my heart started to crack at that and hells yes did I freaking admire her for it. Watching Ember's barriers come crumbling down as she dealt with the realisation that she could trust Onyx as well as her attraction to him, and learning that not all packs rule with fear was truly heartwarming to see and just like him I got to know the girl behind the fury and hate and fell in love with her too.
So with my heart being literally turned into a puddle of goo, I'm off to the final book to see what other surprises are in store, eep I can't wait. So if you love a good redemption arc involving feisty wolves, with a bit of spice and some cozy moments this book is definitely for you. Highly recommend. Totally loved it 😁
September 9, 2024
Secrets and Smores is the 3rd installment of the Bracken Creek Wolves series. This story follows Ember, heir to the Granite Ridge Pack and her nemesis, Onyx from their rival pack. Due to her upbringing, Ember is defiant, feisty, and aggressive, which is just what Onyx wants. But, she's already stabbed him once, it seems he is a glutton for punishment! Ember's world is shattered when she is casted aside to stay at her rival pack and gain information for her egotistical mother, Alpha Sienna. It just so happens, she has to stay with Onyx's family. During this time we see Ember's personal growth and her conflicts between pack duty and what she really wants.
Secrets and Smores definitely kept my interest. The political aspects can be hard to follow if you haven't read the other books. However, the author gives a family tree at the end of the book, along with pack members and their rankings. This is very helpful for first time readers.
TROPES
🐺 Enemies to Lovers
🐺 Grumpy/Sunshine
🐺 Found Family
🐺 Touch Her and D!e
🐺 Banter/Spice
Secrets and Smores definitely kept my interest. The political aspects can be hard to follow if you haven't read the other books. However, the author gives a family tree at the end of the book, along with pack members and their rankings. This is very helpful for first time readers.
TROPES
🐺 Enemies to Lovers
🐺 Grumpy/Sunshine
🐺 Found Family
🐺 Touch Her and D!e
🐺 Banter/Spice
August 30, 2024
Secrets and S’mores is book 3 of the Bracken Creek Wolves series. Although the book can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading the first two just to get a familiar setting and background of the story. I have not read book 1/2 but I’m itching to go back and read to better understand some parts of book 3. Mainly out of curiosity.
Ember and Onyx have unique names and amazing personalities. It’s like Fire and Water to me. I love how Onyx falls for her and how loyal he is to her. Ugh wolves have always had a soft spot in my heart. There is romance, banter, thrill, suspense, spice. This novel has everything. I especially love that it’s not overly romantic nor purely action or pack political, it’s a good balance of both.
The ending was sooo freaking good. Towards the last couple of chapters it was very hard to put down and I did shed a couple of tears. This books is a gem!
Ember and Onyx have unique names and amazing personalities. It’s like Fire and Water to me. I love how Onyx falls for her and how loyal he is to her. Ugh wolves have always had a soft spot in my heart. There is romance, banter, thrill, suspense, spice. This novel has everything. I especially love that it’s not overly romantic nor purely action or pack political, it’s a good balance of both.
The ending was sooo freaking good. Towards the last couple of chapters it was very hard to put down and I did shed a couple of tears. This books is a gem!
August 19, 2024
It was so fun diving into Onyx and Ember's story! Ember is Jasper's sister, so we've seen a little bit of her so far in the series, but now she's spending some time with her other brother's pack while Jasper tries to smooth things out in their old one. She doesn't expect to be guarded....protected?...by the very wolf she stabbed not so long ago.
Onyx can't help but be drawn to Ember. She's staying in his house while she's with the pack, and of course he's assigned to her. He's more worried about protecting her than defending against her, and does everything he can to break into her solid exterior.
So much is happening with the pack alliances and it was great to see these two blossom despite it.
Onyx can't help but be drawn to Ember. She's staying in his house while she's with the pack, and of course he's assigned to her. He's more worried about protecting her than defending against her, and does everything he can to break into her solid exterior.
So much is happening with the pack alliances and it was great to see these two blossom despite it.
February 7, 2025
When I read the blurb for this book my first thought was Oh No! How could they try and pair up Onyx, who is adorable and Ember, the bitch of a sister to Jasper and Slate! The idea horrified me.
But I was wrong, Onyx had a more responsible, serious side than he has shown before, making me like him more but Ember surprised me. After reading about what she went through growing up, it is understandable why she was against everyone – self protection. As the book went along, she gradually came out of her shell.
This book again has some action, humour, surprises and a lot of character growth.
It was a quick, fun, light, enjoyable read.
Definitely glad I’m reading this series and starting the next book right away.
But I was wrong, Onyx had a more responsible, serious side than he has shown before, making me like him more but Ember surprised me. After reading about what she went through growing up, it is understandable why she was against everyone – self protection. As the book went along, she gradually came out of her shell.
This book again has some action, humour, surprises and a lot of character growth.
It was a quick, fun, light, enjoyable read.
Definitely glad I’m reading this series and starting the next book right away.
December 29, 2025
This series has been so fun! All are quick, easy reads. I love how they can be so cozy but also have some good action scenes and plot. This one follows Onyx and the rival packs heir Ember. Shes a little mean at first due to her upbringing but that is like foreplay to Onyx so they go together well. I loved seeing ember's character grow to learn to trust and love. Onyx was always the comedic relief so it was also fun to see the more serious side to him. I wish we had gotten a little more closure with Ember and her mom though, the ending was very fast.
September 5, 2024
This is the third book in this series. While it could be read as a stand-alone, it will make more sense if read in order. Ember is a little abrasive and prickly at the beginning. Once she has a chance to explain herself and become her true self, she is a force to be reckoned with. Onyx is cocky, patient, loyal and passionately loving. They really do bring out the best in each other. There is turmoil and some really nasty wolf shifters.
September 14, 2024
I loved this story about Ember and Onyx.
I really enjoyed the banter that the pair had before they were together but when they did finally get together it got even better. The way this story evolves is great. I’m so happy that Ember managed to get what she deserved and that came from learning that not every pack was like hers.
All the relationships in the different packs I love and how they all work together.
I can’t wait to see what comes next from these different packs of wolves.
I really enjoyed the banter that the pair had before they were together but when they did finally get together it got even better. The way this story evolves is great. I’m so happy that Ember managed to get what she deserved and that came from learning that not every pack was like hers.
All the relationships in the different packs I love and how they all work together.
I can’t wait to see what comes next from these different packs of wolves.
Read
October 19, 2024DNF at 40%
While I enjoyed the first two books, this one i couldn’t finish…
It’s ridiculous, this whole situation between the packs and then suddenly they trade people like they’re on vacations?? Jasper has been with them for more than a year and apparently they know nothing about the way his former pack ran things??? And where is Heath? I know he left his place as Alpha, but why has he completely disappear?
So, no thank you I’m abandoning the serie here
While I enjoyed the first two books, this one i couldn’t finish…
It’s ridiculous, this whole situation between the packs and then suddenly they trade people like they’re on vacations?? Jasper has been with them for more than a year and apparently they know nothing about the way his former pack ran things??? And where is Heath? I know he left his place as Alpha, but why has he completely disappear?
So, no thank you I’m abandoning the serie here
August 5, 2024
I loved this series and how it concluded! I loved seeing Ember and Onyx figure out their relationship and what it meant for them in the future! I also love how all the main characters from the other books were such a big part in this book and seeing the siblings (Ember, jasper and slate) build and rebuild their relationship. I definitely recommend this series!!
September 23, 2024
This was the coziest enemies to lovers lol. The enemies situation doesn’t last long 😂 he falls first and fast. Don’t get it twisted though this is a sloooooooooow burn. Things happen but nothing too spicy till the book is almost over. The story is cute. I like seeing Ember soften and shed all that traumatic self preservation wall she built around herself. Looking forward to the next book!
August 16, 2024
I absolutely loved diving back into Bracken Creek! I'm going to be so sad when this series ends. If you haven't read it you should. It's equal amounts cozy, spicy, twists, and wonderful plot! I love so many of the characters but onyx and embers story was spectacular!
August 22, 2024
This book was a really fun read and had some of the best tropes.
Enemies to lovers
Touch them and die
I loved Onyx and how sweet he was but still dark and moody at the same time. I just felt a little lost in the books sometimes the pacing and dialogue was confusing.
Enemies to lovers
Touch them and die
I loved Onyx and how sweet he was but still dark and moody at the same time. I just felt a little lost in the books sometimes the pacing and dialogue was confusing.
March 18, 2025
Very sweet read just like the previous books. Lots of smiling to myself. Sticking with the trusty formula of first time love with some pack drama and some personal growth. I'd give 1 chilli for the spice - a very healthy and not totally inaccurate portrayal of a first time on both sides.
October 21, 2025
The first book in this series was my favorite but this one would be next on the list. I really thought I was going to hate Ember because of the other two books. It I actually really liked her. Onyx was precious. Wish there would have been more spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
4⭐️
Honestly I wasn’t sure how I felt about Ember getting a redemption arc after the way she acted in the first book. But after getting more of her history and childhood, I loved seeing her soft side come out and her strength be supported by Onyx.
Honestly I wasn’t sure how I felt about Ember getting a redemption arc after the way she acted in the first book. But after getting more of her history and childhood, I loved seeing her soft side come out and her strength be supported by Onyx.
January 15, 2026
I loved this book!! I really enjoy this cozy series. This was a nice quick book with lots of action and romance. I really like the dynamic of these characters and am really happy that Onxy finally got himself someone.
August 12, 2024
The angst. The feels. The tension. THE PLOT???? Mint.
August 18, 2024
Great read, even though this is my first book I've read in the series it was a great standalone. I am excited to the other books. Onyx & Ember are fun to read.
September 18, 2024
I could not put this book down! Such a great time and probably my favorite of the series. I love these characters and can't wait for the next book!
December 15, 2024
Secrets and S'mores will be appearing in an Omnibus of the entire series in March of 2025, along with updated bonus content!
February 12, 2025
2.5 - Gave me insta-love over enemies to lovers. Could’ve been better.
December 7, 2025
sweet and spicy
January 1, 2026
DNF. Self-published from Arizona! This books is fascinating in blurring the lines between romantasy and paranormal romance, as the world is like our world, but not really as it focuses on a group of different wolf packs living on a mountain range so it's very removed from the "urban" part I think of when I think of paranormal romance. I like the swap set-up but the main characters felt very young. This is on the cusp of New Adult.
June 14, 2025
I received an eARC from the author.
4.5, rounded up
TROPES
🍞 Enemies to Lovers
🍞 Grumpy/Sunshine
🍞 Found Family
🍞 Touch Her and Die
While a standalone, this is the third in a series about the dynamics between several wolf shifter packs. Arguably, the political tensions are more intense in this one because of the events of the last book, and I think that ups the stakes for everyone, especially the two MCs of this book, Ember and Onyx.
Onyx has been an awesome background character so far, so it is great to finally be in his head and know more about him and what he wants for himself. Up to this point, he’s seen his best friend find his mate and another of his friends find their person where they least expected, and that’s about to happen for him too. I love that he fully leans into this and doesn’t try to argue with himself or his feelings. Instead, he takes an impressive stand for them.
Ember is an awesome example of what happens when you take someone out of their oppressive environment. In just a small amount of time away, she becomes her own person and lets herself be who she’s wanted to be all this time, and I am so happy for her. I love that her story doesn’t end in her giving up what she’s always wanted. Instead, she has people who willingly support her and don’t question her abilities to take back what’s hers, something her life has significantly lacked up to this point.
Both are willing to make kind of intense sacrifices for the other, no matter the stakes, which is a consistent theme in the series. However, it’s put on display in an entirely different way that really drives home how the political stakes have reached a new high this time and how one wrong move could mean the ending of the delicate balance they recently achieved. It actually makes me worried about what could go wrong politically in the next book, since it seems like all is now well.
4.5, rounded up
TROPES
🍞 Enemies to Lovers
🍞 Grumpy/Sunshine
🍞 Found Family
🍞 Touch Her and Die
While a standalone, this is the third in a series about the dynamics between several wolf shifter packs. Arguably, the political tensions are more intense in this one because of the events of the last book, and I think that ups the stakes for everyone, especially the two MCs of this book, Ember and Onyx.
Onyx has been an awesome background character so far, so it is great to finally be in his head and know more about him and what he wants for himself. Up to this point, he’s seen his best friend find his mate and another of his friends find their person where they least expected, and that’s about to happen for him too. I love that he fully leans into this and doesn’t try to argue with himself or his feelings. Instead, he takes an impressive stand for them.
Ember is an awesome example of what happens when you take someone out of their oppressive environment. In just a small amount of time away, she becomes her own person and lets herself be who she’s wanted to be all this time, and I am so happy for her. I love that her story doesn’t end in her giving up what she’s always wanted. Instead, she has people who willingly support her and don’t question her abilities to take back what’s hers, something her life has significantly lacked up to this point.
Both are willing to make kind of intense sacrifices for the other, no matter the stakes, which is a consistent theme in the series. However, it’s put on display in an entirely different way that really drives home how the political stakes have reached a new high this time and how one wrong move could mean the ending of the delicate balance they recently achieved. It actually makes me worried about what could go wrong politically in the next book, since it seems like all is now well.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews