Sometimes vows are more than promises—they’re gateways to hidden truths. In her debut novel, Bound by Secrets, releasing on June 20, 2025, author A.D. Dumas plunges readers into a captivating world of mystery, romance, and urban fantasy, all held together by a snarky heroine who defies expectations.
Meet Aurelia: Snarky, Brave, and Unconventional
At the center of Bound by Secrets is Aurelia—a protagonist who’s refreshingly sarcastic, fiercely independent, and far from ordinary. Aurelia doesn’t do rules; she makes her own. Her marriage, forged not out of love but convenience, is a tactical move designed for protection and power. Her ultimate goal? Unravel the unsettling mystery surrounding her sister’s disappearance.
Yet her calculated arrangement isn’t quite as clear-cut as she hopes. Her husband, the wealthiest man in the city, becomes more than just a shield against external threats. Beneath his brooding exterior lies secrets equally as dangerous as Aurelia’s own. This marriage, initially transactional, starts to shift as hidden truths surface—transforming their dynamic in unexpected ways.
Love, Secrets, and the Fight for Truth
At its core, Bound by Secrets explores the complexity of family loyalty, the pursuit of truth, and the emotional tumult that comes from keeping secrets. Aurelia’s journey to discover what happened to her sister draws her into an intricate web filled with dangerous revelations. Each new clue complicates her understanding of her family and herself, forcing her to face devastating truths she isn’t entirely prepared for.
The stakes quickly escalate as Aurelia recognizes she’s not merely solving a mystery—she’s battling for survival. Secrets that once seemed manageable now threaten her very existence. This isn’t just a fight to uncover her sister’s fate; it’s a battle for her heart and her life.
Readers witness Aurelia’s fierce determination and emotional vulnerability, connecting deeply with her quest for answers. Her strength is evident, particularly when protecting those few things she genuinely cares about, underscoring her resilience amid chaos.
A Riveting Blend of Urban Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery
Dumas skillfully combines several beloved tropes to create a story that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. Fans of marriage-of-convenience romances will appreciate the intriguing power dynamics between Aurelia and her enigmatic husband. Those who enjoy the grumpy-and-sunshine trope—here evolved into “brooding and snarky”—will delight in their engaging, often humorous interactions.
Moreover, Bound by Secrets effortlessly integrates elements of urban fantasy, weaving in a hidden world filled with shadows, dangers, and unexpected twists. Readers who love diving into richly built worlds alongside thrilling mysteries will find themselves enthralled from start to finish.
As the opening book of the ‘Eternally Bound’ trilogy, Dumas ensures that the storyline not only stands firmly on its own but also promises captivating continuations. This is a narrative that grips readers tightly, ensuring they’ll eagerly await what comes next.
About the Author: A Fresh, Promising Voice
At just 21 years old, A.D. Dumas is already making waves with her debut novel. Having recently finished university, she’s turning her lifelong passion for reading into a promising writing career. Her excitement for storytelling is palpable, translating into a dynamic, emotionally charged narrative. Readers interested in following her journey can connect with her on Instagram @addumas.
Pre-Order and Dive into the Mystery
Bound by Secrets is now available for pre-order on major platforms, including Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble. Mark your calendars for June 20, 2025, and prepare yourself to be swept into Aurelia’s thrilling quest for truth, love, and survival.
In a story filled with sharp wit, heartfelt romance, and chilling secrets, A.D. Dumas delivers a novel that promises to captivate, challenge, and thoroughly entertain. Don’t miss this exciting debut that invites readers into a world where the truth is the most dangerous secret of all.
We had the privilege of interviewing A.D. Dumas, author of Bound by Secrets. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello, I’m a 21-year-old debut author who has only just finished university and is taking the next steps in my life. While I’ve always been an avid reader, writing has been my dream, and I’m excited to take steps toward it.
Please tell us about your book, Bound by Secrets.
Bound by Secrets is a story that is very precious to me. The main character, Aurelia, is so snarky and doesn’t care about much, but for the things she does care about, she will protect them at all costs. This story is a whirlwind of events and feelings. You get to see Aurelia discover who she is and go along with her on her journey to save her sister, who disappeared. While she has secrets that she’s keeping from her husband, he also has secrets of his own. In the end, those secrets spill out and change both of their worlds. And in that, somehow, they still find each other.
Please share your journey with our readers.
Bound by Secrets started as a monologue in my head when I had less than two weeks to finish my thesis (which was less than halfway done). I challenged myself to make a story out of it before university started back up in one month. I failed that challenge. And it morphed while I was at it, adding in urban fantasy and a whole bunch of plot that I hadn’t planned for initially. Through this, I was also finishing my final semester at school until finally, I finished the manuscript. I found the best editor and cover designer, and the rest is history.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I think the biggest strategy was writing when I had something to say, but also writing when it felt like the words were trapped. When further polished, the latter became some of my favorite scenes.
Any message for our readers?
I hope you enjoy Bound by Secrets and will review it once you’re done. If you’re out there and questioning whether you should write, just do it. Even if it seems daunting, you will achieve it in the end.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!