The Recommended Reading Order for Secrets
The Secrets series by H.M. Ward (initially published under her pseudonym, Ella Steele) is a serialized New Adult contemporary romance following the intense and forbidden relationship between photography student Anna Lamore and her older boss, industry titan Cole Stevens. Because the series was written and published as a serialized sequence rather than standalone novels, it is absolutely essential to read the volumes in numerical order. Each volume picks up right where the previous one left off, frequently ending on dramatic cliffhangers that lead directly into the next installment.
Here is the recommended reading path for the series:
- Secrets, Vol. 1 (2012) - Introduces 22-year-old photography intern Anna Lamore as she begins working under the wealthy and commanding 38-year-old Cole Stevens. Their immediate chemistry and witty banter clash with professional boundaries.
- Secrets, Vol. 2 (2012) - The dynamic between Cole and Anna intensifies as personal secrets and feelings of betrayal start to complicate their fragile arrangement.
- Secrets, Vol. 3 (2012) - Professional limits are pushed to their breaking point as the emotional stakes raise and both characters struggle to resist their desires.
- Secrets, Vol. 4 (2012) - Darker elements enter the plot as Anna is targeted by a mysterious stalker, forcing Cole's protective instincts—and his guarded past—to come to light.
- Secrets, Vol. 5 (2012) - The series reaches its final climax, bringing resolution to the danger surrounding Anna and the ultimate status of her relationship with Cole.
Ella Steele vs. H.M. Ward: The Author Behind the Romance
If you are searching for the series online, you might notice that the books are occasionally credited to Ella Steele rather than H.M. Ward. Ella Steele was a pen name that Ward adopted early in her career to separate her highly explicit, mature New Adult erotica and romance from her young adult fantasy works (such as the Demon Kissed series). Over time, to simplify discoverability and streamline her publishing presence, Ward brought these titles under her main brand. Whether your copy has "H.M. Ward" or "Ella Steele" on the cover, the text and storyline remain completely identical.
The Best Way to Read: The Complete Collection
Because the individual volumes of Secrets are short—essentially functioning as chapters or episodes in a single novel—buying them individually can be less convenient. To address this, H.M. Ward released Secrets: The Complete Collection (also sold as Secrets: The Complete Series). This omnibus edition bundles all five volumes into a single book. Reading the omnibus is highly recommended, as it allows you to experience Anna and Cole's journey as a seamless, continuous novel without having to swap files or purchase five separate ebooks.
Are There Spin-Offs or Crossovers?
Unlike H.M. Ward's massive, sprawling Ferro Family universe (which includes series like The Arrangement, Damaged, and Stripped), the Secrets series is a self-contained story. Cole Stevens and Anna Lamore do not cross over into the Ferro books, nor do the Ferros appear in Secrets. This makes the series a perfect entry point for readers who want to try H.M. Ward's signature high-tension, fast-paced romance style without committing to a multi-series reading order that spans dozens of books.
What to Know Before You Start
Before cracking open the first volume, it is helpful to keep a few things in mind. The series is firmly situated in the New Adult and erotica categories, meaning it features highly explicit content, mature themes, and strong language. Additionally, the fast-paced, episodic style means the plot moves quickly and focuses heavily on the romantic tension and immediate drama rather than slow, detailed world-building. If you enjoy quick, bingeable romances with a mix of suspense and high emotional stakes, this five-part serial is tailored to your tastes.