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Intricate Mysteries
Stolen Secrets follows a determined ranch manager with a deep-seated distrust of oil companies who reluctantly forms a partnership with a former special ops man when vandalism and murder show up on her doorstep. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The book is a fictionalized mash-up of three separate situations that occurred in different parts of the state in different decades.
Down in South Texas in the late 1990s, I had the privilege of taking a lease from a severed mineral owner (only in this case, a very nice person). The surface owner and ranch manager was a super- smart, capable woman who was an ardent environmentalist and totally hated oil companies. She was not a happy rancher when I came along. She has since passed away, but I was lucky to have known both her and the person I took the lease from.
I spent a lot of time in West Texas in Menard County, Texas, where the annual festival is Jim Bowie Days. Everyone in the two counties in every direction has heard about the lost silver mine. I loved the story.
The terrible corruption comes from Duval County in deep South Texas, where George Parr, and later his son, Archer Parr, and Archer’s one-time henchman, Clinton Manges, ruled the county with horrendous corruption from the 1940s through the 1980s. George and, later, Archer were called the Dukes of Duval. Archer went to prison and then committed suicide. Clinton died penniless in a nursing home in San Antonio. One of my closest colleagues worked for the Trustee as the land manager for the Manges Liquidating Trust when the ranch was forced into bankruptcy and liquidated to pay Manges’s creditors.
I enjoyed the romantic enemies-to-lovers relationship between Sarah and Ethan. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I am not a pantser. I can’t imagine how mysteries can be written without clue maps, chapter outlines, scene details, etc. Every aspect of the story is planned to the nth detail before I ever start writing. I have a fantastic editor who helps me box the entire outline into shape, scene by scene, before I even write the first sentence.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
Pacing is not my strong suit. I rely on my editor, Laura Barth, to crack the whip on me for pacing. She’s a task master on story structure and keeping things moving. I tend to meandering wordiness without adult supervision.
When will Book Two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The whole trilogy is out. All three books are standalones featuring women in science, heroes who think they’re cool, and intricate mysteries inspired by events in my career or experiences of my colleagues. They can be read in any order. They are all enemies-to-lovers stories.
Book 2, Burning Secrets, is the story of a chemical engineer working to shut down a polluting paper mill in East Texas. To save the town, she is forced into an uneasy alliance with the undercover PI hired by the mill’s lawyer to stop her.
Book 3, Buried Secrets, is set in my hometown of San Antonio. It is the story of a straight- laced architect/city historic preservationist dealing with the discovery of old (and new) skeletons during excavation for new construction in the historic King William area of town. To identify the victims, she is forced to work with a disgraced homicide detective whose career is hanging on by a thread.
All three books are available individually on Amazon and as a box set.
The hero and the Deputy Chief of Police in Buried Secrets carry over to the new Iris Raines mystery series, and both appear in the series debut novel, Hell to Pay.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Her brother is missing. Her ranch is burning.
And the only man who can save her…is the one she swore she’d never trust.
🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers
🔥 Forced Trust
🔥 Romantic Suspense
When West Texas rancher Sarah Chandler finds herself battling an oilfield fire and the sudden disappearance of her brother, the last person she wants by her side is Ethan Tanner—a former special ops soldier turned oil company man with secrets of his own.
But when a murderer strikes on her land, Sarah and Ethan are forced into a dangerous partnership. Every step closer to the truth puts them deeper in the killer’s crosshairs—and every stolen glance ignites a passion neither can resist.
As the fires close in and the killer circles closer, will Sarah and Ethan uncover the truth before it consumes them both?
Love edge-of-your-seat suspense, enemies-to-lovers tension, and the rugged grit of Texas? Stolen Secrets delivers heart-pounding danger, fiery romance, and a story you won’t forget.
Dive into Stolen Secrets, Book 1 of the Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy today—and discover a complete, standalone romantic suspense series you won’t want to put down.
🏆Award-Winning Finalist — Next Best Read Writing Contest, June 2025
🏆Gold Book Award — Literary Titan Book Award for Fiction, December 2025
Satisfying Payoff
Wrecked By You follows a woman in charge of making sure a million-dollar pre-wedding celebration goes off without a hitch while also trying to keep things strictly professional with the company’s controlling security chief. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Wrecked By You kicks off a series about six sisters running an elite travel agency, and I knew from the start I wanted to flip the spotlight onto women who are both powerful and real. Rayann is whip-smart and competent, but she’s also messy, impulsive, and deeply human. Max, our broody former SEAL, is the same way—yes, he’s sexy and commanding, but he carries scars you don’t always see at first glance. Those layers are what make characters feel like people you’d actually want to meet for drinks, laugh with, and maybe confess your own chaos to.
The setting was a no-brainer for me. I’ve always had a touch of wanderlust, and after years of traveling, I wanted each Wilder Horizons book to sweep readers into a different international location—Scotland, Costa Rica, Patagonia, the Galápagos—places that feel magical but still grounded in real life.
And woven into all that banter and heat are quieter threads that matter deeply to me. There’s a subtle nod to Rayann’s ADHD and a clear through-line of Max’s PTSD as a veteran. My husband came home from Afghanistan with PTSD, and I retired from the Air Force myself, so those stories aren’t abstract to me. And my teenage son has ADHD, so I’ve seen both the struggle and the gift of it up close. Too many people carry those battles in silence—I wanted to honor them on the page in a way that still lets readers laugh, swoon, and escape.
I enjoyed the tension surrounding the relationship between Rayann and Max. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I always start with an outline—big picture arc, chapter beats, the whole nine yards—because romance readers deserve that satisfying payoff at the end. But once I actually start writing, the characters tend to laugh at my notes and take the wheel on their own. It’s very much like real relationships: you think you know who someone is when you first meet them, and then the more time you spend together, the more surprises come out. That’s the part of writing I find addictive—you plot, you plan, and then suddenly you’re pantsing your way through revelations you didn’t see coming.
With Rayann and Max, I knew from the start that there would be sparks and friction, but I didn’t anticipate just how much Max’s backstory would shape the way he could (or couldn’t) open up to her. His struggle to forgive himself became the emotional hinge of their love story, and that realization didn’t hit me until I was deep into drafting. Honestly, I didn’t even have Murdo, his wise, whiskey-pouring confidant, in the original outline. But the moment Murdo showed up on the page, everything clicked, and suddenly Max’s journey felt more profound than I ever expected.
So yes, I had a destination in mind. But the road there? Totally organic, full of detours, and absolutely worth the ride.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Oh, that’s like asking me to pick a favorite child—but if we’re talking pure comic relief? “The Highland Games” chapter wins, hands down. I was snort-laughing my way through writing it. It’s the first time Rayann really taunts Max out in the open, and Max—who normally lives and dies by a spreadsheet—literally rolls up his sleeves and gets messy right alongside her. Watching him let go for once was delicious.
But I also have a soft spot for the post-closet scene where Murdo unveils his signature cocktail on the chalkboard. The innuendo was flying, Max was being utterly filthy, and Rayann was desperately trying to pretend she wasn’t affected—which, of course, made it even better.
As much fun as the spice is to write (and trust me, it is fun), it’s the comedy that gets me. Those moments where I’m laughing so hard at my own manuscript that my husband and son give me the stink-eye, like I’m sitting there with some secret joke they’ll never be in on. Honestly? That’s my favorite kind of writing day.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes! Wrecked By You is the first in the Wilder Horizons series, and it sets the stage for five more sister stories. Book two, Challenged By You, follows Rayann’s twin sister, Brynn, down to the wilds of Costa Rica. Brynn is a practical joker with a sharp tongue, and she’s forced to team up with her biggest rival, Jerrick Thorne, a maddeningly sexy competitor who knows exactly how to push her buttons.
Readers can expect all the banter, angst, and slow-burn tension of book one, but with a fresh backdrop: rainforest adventures, high-stakes agency competition, and a romance that simmers until it absolutely explodes. Think: zip lines, jaguar encounters, power suits by the pool, and two people who would rather do anything than admit they’re falling for each other.
Release-wise, it’s coming Oct 28th. And from there, the Wilder sisters will keep globe-trotting their way into love, disaster, and plenty of laughter.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rayann Wilder has charm, connections, and one job: make sure a million-dollar pre-wedding celebration in the Scottish Highlands goes off without a hitch. But when her boss assigns the company’s broody security chief to join her? Everything unravels fast.
Max Harrington is ex-military, exasperating, and entirely too attractive for Rayann’s sanity. He follows rules. She makes her own. He’s planning for worst-case scenarios. She’s trying not to jump him in a castle hallway. And the worst part? The more they argue, the harder it is to remember why this was supposed to be a strictly professional trip.
Tensions are high. The stakes are higher. And between ancient feuds, competitive games, and one very inconvenient suite-sharing situation… the line between enemies and lovers is about to disappear completely.
Wrecked by You is a sexy, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with snappy banter, forced proximity, and enough slow-burn tension to melt your passport. Perfect for readers who crave serious heat, sharp wit, and emotionally intelligent characters who know exactly how high the stakes are—especially when it comes to falling in love.
💋 Contains: Adult language, adult situations, and adults doing very adult things. On several occasions.
Also: swearing, swooning, and one hilariously inappropriate closet scene. Recommended 18+.
1st Place Winner of the Firebird Book Award in Chick Lit
Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Seal for Excellence in Romance Fiction
Hollywood Book Festival First Place Winner in Genre-Based Fiction (Romance)
Wrecked By You (Wilder Horizons): A Spicy Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Wrecked By You kicks off the Wilder Horizons series with a story that’s equal parts sharp banter, romantic tension, and emotional vulnerability. The book follows Rayann Wilder, one of six sisters tasked with keeping their father’s luxury travel company alive, and Max Harrington, a former Navy SEAL turned security chief whose life philosophy is control, order, and more control. What begins as a forced partnership on an overseas assignment quickly unravels into a storm of missteps, misunderstandings, and undeniable attraction. It’s a romantic comedy wrapped in chaos, with moments of heartfelt grief and healing woven between laugh-out-loud disasters.
The writing has a kind of quicksilver snap, shifting from comedy to tenderness in a single beat. Sometimes I caught myself grinning at Rayann’s snark, other times wincing at how nakedly she exposed her grief for her father. Max, meanwhile, made me want to throw something and hug him in equal measure. He’s infuriatingly rigid, yet the glimpses of softness under all that armor kept me hooked. I loved how their chemistry wasn’t neat or polished, but messy, clashing, and very real. The author’s humor often landed perfectly, though I’ll admit a few jokes leaned a little too staged, almost sitcom-like. Still, the rhythm of their back-and-forth was addictive.
What surprised me most was how much heart sat under the comedy. This isn’t just a story about attraction, it’s about the weight of family expectation, the ways grief lingers in quiet corners, and how vulnerability can feel more dangerous than desire. I found myself unexpectedly moved by Rayann’s private moments with her father’s journal, and by the way Max’s stoic facade started to crack. The writing never overindulged in sentimentality, and that restraint made the emotional punches land harder.
Wrecked By You is a romance that thrives on contrast. It’s chaotic and funny, yet tender and raw. I’d recommend it to readers who like their romantic comedies with a strong bite of real emotion. If you love sparring banter, reluctant partners who can’t seem to quit each other, and a backdrop of family drama that adds depth without drowning the romance, this one will hit the sweet spot. For me, it was a ride worth taking, mess and all.
Pages: 295 | ASIN : B0F2GRPBMX
Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2
Crimson, the second installment in the Badass Biker Bitches series, is a raw, emotionally driven tale about heartbreak, betrayal, sisterhood, and redemption, set against the gritty backdrop of biker clubs and military-trained women. At its core, it’s about Crimson, a former elite military operative who returns home only to come face to face with her painful past, namely Talon, the man who broke her heart nearly two decades earlier. What unfolds is a tangled mess of past wounds, unresolved tension, and family feuds that refuse to stay buried.
I’ve gotta say, Mellors knows how to grip you by the collar from page one. That opening scene where Crimson overhears her boyfriend and best friend betraying her? It hit like a sucker punch to the gut. The betrayal is so sharply written, Talon’s sweet nothings to Jane, the innocent forehead kiss, and Crimson’s heartbreak bleeding through the pages, I felt every ounce of her rage and humiliation. The decision she makes right after, walking away from it all? Powerful. That emotional blowout at the cave set the tone for a story that doesn’t hold back.
What really caught me off guard, though, was the unexpected pivot into military espionage. Crimson isn’t just a scorned lover; she’s a total badass. Mellors weaves in Crimson’s backstory as part of the WARD (Women Army Recon Droppers), a covert, all-female special ops unit and it’s actually one of my favorite parts of the book. There’s a camaraderie among the women, Godiva, Siren, Saber, that feels earned and real. Their banter, loyalty, and ride-or-die energy give the book its backbone. Like the scene at the bar where Crimson calls out the bartender for ogling Godiva? It’s got bite, sass, and sisterhood. It’s these moments that elevate the story beyond just romance or revenge, it’s about healing with your chosen family.
Now, let’s talk about the chaos with Talon. There were moments I wanted to throttle him, especially when he forgot to show up to their long-awaited talk. The emotional buildup to that moment, only for him to sleep through it? Maddening. But Mellors doesn’t write him off as some one-dimensional screw-up. His regret felt real. His flashbacks to their teenage love, his confusion about the betrayal, and the late-night messages show he’s just as torn up. Still, I sided with Crimson when she stormed off. And that twist at the end with their dads and a shooting pulling them both back into the family feud? Whew. Didn’t see that coming.
Crimson is messy, passionate, and full of heart. Mellors writes like she’s unloading every emotion onto the page, and I was here for it. If you like tough women, tangled love stories, and characters who feel like they’ve lived a thousand lives, this one’s for you. Especially if you’re into the whole biker/military/ride-or-die crew vibe with a sprinkle of drama and a whole lot of heart. Just be ready to yell at a few characters. And maybe fall a little in love with them, too.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0DPT7ZJP2
Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2
Darlene Mellors’ Crimson is a wild, adrenaline-packed ride full of revenge, romance, and unapologetic badassery. It follows Crimson, a fierce woman with a painful past, as she navigates her way through family feuds, deep betrayals, and the gritty world of motorcycle clubs. At its heart, the book is about reclaiming power and finding love in the chaos. With a past lover, Talon, thrown back into her life, the story unravels in a storm of passion and violence, revealing long-buried secrets that could destroy them both.
Crimson is the kind of heroine I love to root for. She’s strong, brutal, calculating, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. There’s this one scene where she gives a guy the first ten punches before she lays him out cold. It’s refreshing to see a female lead in a romance novel who isn’t just tough on the outside but truly unbreakable. Mellors writes her with such raw energy that I felt every punch, every glare, every ounce of her determination. And her relationship with Talon is complicated, messy, and full of tension in the best way possible.
There’s no sugarcoating and no tiptoeing around dark topics. The book is brutal at times—there’s blood, betrayal, and people literally being buried alive. Some parts made me wince, but that’s what makes it feel so real. The dialogue is sharp and full of sass, and every character has a distinct voice, which I really appreciated. That said, sometimes the writing leans a little heavy on the inner monologues, especially when Crimson and Talon are stuck in their will-they-won’t-they cycle.
One of my favorite things about Crimson is how the story plays with history. The Hatfield and McCoy-style family feud adds so much depth to the plot, making everything feel more personal and high-stakes. It’s not just about love, it’s about legacy, blood debts, and a history that refuses to stay buried. There’s this scene where Crimson is standing over the body of a man who tried to kill her dad, and you can practically feel the weight of generations pressing down on her. The mix of romance, action, and deep-seated family drama kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime.
If you love strong women, brutal action, and a love story that’s tangled up in danger and history, Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2 is definitely for you. It’s got that Sons of Anarchy energy but with a heroine who takes center stage and owns every scene. Just be ready for some dark, violent moments and a lot of heated, tension-filled romance.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0DPT7ZJP2
Liar Queen
M.T. Solomon’s Liar Queen delivers an epic fantasy brimming with heart-pounding adventure, slow-burning romance, and intricate family dynamics. At its heart lies a brutal tradition—a fight to the death between sisters to determine the Queen of the Sacred Sword. Mara, having defeated her sister, Iris, now rules the Jeweled Realm. Her reign faces turmoil when news arrives of a witch in the wasteland claiming to be Iris, demanding an audience. The encounter threatens to unravel Mara’s hard-won throne. Boden, a prince from another realm and a devout follower of Saint Kalda pledges unwavering loyalty to the rightful queen. His devotion fuels his resolve to follow Mara on her perilous journey. But as the dangers mount, Boden must confront the ultimate question: is his queen’s cause worth the price of his life?
The novel balances action, emotion, and a richly imagined world. Solomon crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked, with a narrative pace that urges, “just one more chapter.” Beneath the thrilling plot lies a deeper exploration of sibling relationships and the painful process of breaking toxic family cycles. These themes are intricately woven into vivid imagery, painting a landscape as dynamic as the story itself. The characters are unforgettable.
Mara’s strength and vulnerability create a compelling protagonist, while Boden’s steadfastness adds depth to their partnership. The inclusion of a map enriches the experience, allowing readers to journey alongside the characters through forests, deserts, and islands. Each realm introduces distinct cultures, religions, and traditions, offering a fascinating exploration of diversity. The story underscores the possibilities of peace, emphasizing the value of embracing differences.
Liar Queen captivated me from start to finish. Its immersive world, multi-dimensional characters, and resonant themes left me longing for more. If you seek an adventurous fantasy with meaningful undertones and a touch of romance, Liar Queen is an essential addition to your reading list.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0DKTVVZXL
SILICON SHADOWS: An Off-Limits, Enemies-to-Lovers, Steamy Contemporary Romance
Silicon Shadows, by Loretta Gee, is a sultry, modern romance set against the high-stakes backdrop of Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Amelia Woodridge, ambitious and unyielding, steps into the competitive world of WyldeTech, a leading tech company. Determined to carve her path to success, she meets Liam Wynter, the intense and magnetic CEO. Liam recognizes Amelia’s drive and intellect, qualities that match his own. Their undeniable chemistry sparks a secret romance, blending corporate ambition with forbidden passion.
Loretta Gee paints a vivid picture of Silicon Valley—a world brimming with innovation, power struggles, and high-risk decisions. Amelia and Liam’s dynamic drives the narrative, their passion and ambition intertwining in a way that feels both inevitable and explosive. The workplace romance trope gets a fresh spin here, thanks to the high-tech setting and the constant tension between their professional ambitions and personal desires. Amelia’s ferocity and unflinching determination make her a standout protagonist. Her chemistry with Liam feels electric, especially in their stolen glances and clandestine meetings. At the same time, Liam’s vision for WyldeTech and his admiration for Amelia’s potential create a balance that’s compelling. Their relationship mirrors the fast-paced and often ruthless nature of the tech world they inhabit. From late-night strategy meetings to handling cyberattacks and sabotage, their romance unfolds amid chaos and corporate intrigue.
Gee’s use of the tech industry as a backdrop adds depth and uniqueness to the story. The references to innovation, cyber risks, and competitive projects ground the romance in a believable world. The narrative weaves professional drama with personal stakes, creating a balance that keeps the reader engaged. Tension simmers throughout—between the characters, within the workplace, and even in the unfolding plotlines of sabotage and betrayal.
The evolving romance between Amelia and Liam is undeniably gripping. Their fiery clashes, tempered by moments of tenderness, highlight their complementary strengths. Gee’s exploration of their mutual ambition and how it both divides and unites them is a refreshing take on workplace romance. Despite its engaging premise, some aspects of the book felt underdeveloped. Amelia and Liam’s personalities, though strong, I feel lacked the nuance needed to make their relationship truly resonate. While their ambition and attraction shine, I believe deeper emotional exploration could have added layers to their romance. Similarly, certain chapters felt a little repetitive, and I feel that the occasional jumps in the timeline may be distracting for some readers.
Silicon Shadows is an enjoyable read, offering a steamy romance set in the high-pressure world of tech. Fans of forbidden love stories and workplace drama will find much to savor here. While it could benefit from deeper character exploration, its unique setting and engaging plotlines make it worth picking up. If you’re drawn to stories of ambition, innovation, and passion colliding, this novel delivers.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0DJYHB8GF
LOVE HATE LAW
Love Hate Law by Mark M. Bello presents an engaging narrative set in the legal world, where the lives of two contrasting lawyers, Andrea and Michael, intertwine. Andrea, a dedicated lawyer from an average American background, is committed to representing the underdog. On the other hand, Michael, born into privilege and accustomed to the finest education, tends to gravitate towards financially lucrative corporate clients. Their differing approaches to law are challenged when they find themselves entangled in a high-profile case, leading to unexpected shifts in their career trajectories and personal lives.
Bello crafts a legal romance that captivates readers through various casework and career development, set against the backdrop of a burgeoning relationship between Andrea and Michael. The novel is swift in pace and length. It skillfully balances legal intricacies with accessible language, making it informative without overwhelming the reader. Central to the novel is the compelling conflict that draws Andrea and Michael together, effectively setting the stage for their evolving relationship. The story navigates through their professional and romantic tension, culminating in a satisfying conclusion for both characters. The novel effectively employs dual points of view, enriching the narrative with varied perspectives, even though some transitions might appear sudden. The legal intricacies of the plot are skillfully handled, suggesting room for a more nuanced exploration of the characters, especially in the romantic subplot. For example, Andrea, consistently depicted as a dedicated justice-seeker, encounters a surprising turn in her character arc with an impulsive gambling episode, offering an unexpected twist that adds complexity to her role and the storyline.
Love Hate Law is a captivating legal drama that follows the lives of two lawyers and their personal and professional struggles. Set in the midst of a fast-paced and high-pressure case, this legal thriller offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and intrigue. Mark M. Bello’s book is a great choice for those who enjoy legal romance.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0CTRRPKTZ
LITERARY TITAN 