Blog Archives
Stolen Secrets-Book 1 (Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy)
In Denise Diana Huddle’s first installment of the Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy, Stolen Secrets, we are plunged into the volatile world where West Texas ranching meets the high-stakes drama of the oil and gas industry. The story centers on Sarah Chandler, a determined ranch manager with a deep-seated distrust of oil companies, and Ethan Tanner, an enigmatic landman sent by the formidable White Stag Exploration to manage the local drilling conflicts. After a catastrophic blowout on a leased property, Sarah and Ethan find themselves reluctantly bound together, navigating threats that rapidly escalate from vandalism and corporate deceit to murder and a full-blown manhunt. The novel deftly weaves a modern-day conflict over water and land rights with a historical treasure hunt tied to Jim Bowie and the legendary Lost Silver Mines of San Saba, forcing the protagonists to race against the clock and the local corrupt power structure to uncover the truth behind a missing brother and a vast, generations-old conspiracy.
I found the book’s pacing and narrative momentum to be exceptional. It captured my attention immediately and held it throughout the story. The author’s background as a landman and private investigator shines through in the detail of the setting. From the descriptions of caliche roads and the challenges of managing exotic game to the specific, technical realities of an oil rig blowout, it all felt rich and authentic. This expertise lends a tangible grounding to the plot. It makes the world of Logan County, Texas, feel less like fiction and more like a lived-in reality. The dialogue is often sharp and witty (especially Sarah’s quick, sardonic comebacks), but occasionally veers toward heavy exposition, particularly when delivering crucial historical context or complex backstory. This is a small price to pay for the sheer depth and complexity of the conspiracy being unveiled.
What resonated with me were the ideas explored beneath the thriller’s surface. Huddle takes on themes of forgiveness, personal scars, and the damaging cycle of bitterness. I was moved by the emotional core of Sarah and Ethan’s relationship. Sarah’s refusal to let go of the past, her anger stemming from the loss of her father and the devastating car accident, is a powerful counterpoint to Ethan’s quiet quest for redemption following his own tragic history. Watching their layers peel back, particularly in moments of high stress like the harrowing escape from the burning house, allowed me to genuinely root for their connection, even as I was conflicted by Ethan’s initial deception. The book succeeds not just as a mystery, but as a tender look at how two damaged people, both scarred emotionally and physically by irresponsible actions, find healing in mutual reliance and truth.
Stolen Secrets is a triumph of plot over pretense. It is a perfect read for fans of Texas-based romantic suspense and corporate thrillers, specifically those who enjoy the blending of contemporary action with intriguing historical mysteries. If you enjoy authors who build genuine chemistry between competent, high-stakes protagonists while providing a deep dive into an authentic and well-researched setting, this book is for you.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0DDJ8B7QG
All Fired Up
All Fired Up blends romance with a thread of mystery, following Marianne and Jack as they find themselves tangled in old secrets, new dangers, and a slow-burning connection that grows warmer with every chapter. The story moves between personal histories, hidden truths, and the quiet charm of Pacific Northwest islands, all while nudging the characters toward each other in ways they don’t expect.
As I read, I found myself enjoying the easy rhythm of the writing. The tone feels laid back one moment and tense the next, which kept me guessing and leaning in. The bits of humor scattered through the story softened the heavier moments in a way that felt natural. I also liked how the setting worked almost like another character. The ferries, the rain, the small communities. It all added a cozy mood that made the danger pop a little more.
There were times when I wanted the pacing to be steadier, but I still found myself pulled along by the characters. Jack and Marianne have a fun kind of spark. It’s sweet, sometimes messy, sometimes frustrating in the way real people are. I appreciated that their connection wasn’t rushed. Watching them circle each other, open up, and slip into something deeper made me smile more than once.
By the end, I felt satisfied. The emotional threads landed, the mystery wrapped up nicely, and the romance paid off in a warm, soft way. I’d recommend this book to readers who love cozy mysteries, small town settings, and slow-burn romances with heartfelt moments. If you want something that mixes danger with tenderness and a little island charm, this will be right up your alley.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0FSP71H66
Whispers of Luck
Sophie Bartow’s Whispers of Luck blends small-town charm with a swirl of mystery, romance, and destiny. Set in Swan Harbor, the story follows Shay O’Reilly, a new oral surgeon who arrives in town after feeling an unshakable pull to leave her old life behind, and Justin Simpson, an orthopedic surgeon haunted by a tragic loss. Their paths collide in ways that feel both inevitable and magical, weaving together a tale that balances grief, hope, and the strange energy of a town that seems to whisper its own secrets. The book carries readers through moments of heartache, intimacy, and wonder, while hinting at something larger than the people who live in Swan Harbor.
Reading it, I felt a mix of warmth and curiosity. Bartow’s writing is smooth and easy to sink into. The characters are written with real affection, and you can tell the author knows this town inside and out. Shay’s arrival is painted with just the right amount of unease and hope, and Justin’s struggle with loss is raw and relatable. What really stuck with me was how the supernatural elements never fully overshadowed the human story. The “nudges” and cryptic scrolls add a layer of intrigue, but the true heart is in how people heal, connect, and risk themselves for love again. I’ll admit there were moments where I rolled my eyes at the intensity of their attraction, but then I’d find myself grinning because the chemistry felt so alive.
Some of the dialogue carried an extra layer of sentiment, and a few of the mystical moments left me a little puzzled. Yet I couldn’t deny that I was pulled along. I cared about whether Shay and Justin would open themselves up or let their pasts keep them shut down. And the setting itself almost felt like a character. Swan Harbor is drawn with immersive detail. There’s a comfort in that, like being let in on a secret world that’s both ordinary and enchanted.
Whispers of Luck is a heartfelt start to the Mystical Waters Canyon series. It’s a book that would be perfect for anyone who loves small-town romances, especially those with a hint of magic threaded through real-life struggles. If you want a story that mixes hospital corridors with whispered prophecies, that gives you both heartbreak and swoony embraces, this is the kind of book you’ll curl up with on a quiet evening.
Pages: 391 | ASIN : B0DY87G8D6
Hope of Survival
Blood on the Mountain centers on a young man navigating the expectations of his family and the pain of bullying while coming to terms with his own identity and sexuality. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this book?
Having been raised in a religious family, unlike the main character’s experience in my book, I’ve faced my own share of bullies and name-calling. This led me to reach out to others who may be going through or have gone through a similar situation while growing up. Even though the story is fictional, I drew on research about other LGBTQ+ lives and their own battles. This was my inspiration for this.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
I would say it was the picnic scene. This scene took me a while to write. The message that I wanted to deliver was one of love, strength, and hope. Love between the two characters in the scene, the emotion and the strength of one character, experiencing the horror that was happening in front of him, the strength to fight and call for help, and the support and hope of survival.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing about Noah. I enjoyed writing about his challenges in his life, his survival, and finally seeing him embrace happiness with Joshua. The challenging character was Paul, his bully and tormentor. I spent hours researching the effects of someone abusing drugs and the consequences to his health.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a story that will continue over three books. Here is a synopsis of the story:
For most of his thirty-six years, Adam Keller has lived life like a shadow—quiet, invisible, and careful not to take up too much space. A gentle, gay bookstore clerk in a city that doesn’t always love people like him, Adam has spent his life surviving: his father’s rejection, a school history laced with cruelty, and a society that punished softness in boys. He doesn’t fight back. He just endures. Until the day he almost dies.
One morning walk in the park turns savage when a group of homophobic men ambush Adam and beat him within inches of his life. Left broken and bleeding, something inside him—something long buried and ancient—wakes up.
He survives. More than that…he changes.
The first book I am aiming for in Jan 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Noah Bailey is suffocating in silence.
Trapped in an oppressive home ruled by religious dogma, he’s learned to hide who he is—and what he truly wants. But everything changes when he meets Joshua Taylor, a kind, fearless stranger who sees him for who he really is. For the first time, Noah dares to dream of freedom, love… and a future that’s finally his own.
But happiness doesn’t last.
A shocking betrayal from the past resurfaces just as Joshua is left fighting for his life. As Noah clings to hope, the ghosts of his school years begin to stir—bringing threats, secrets, and a trail of lies that refuse to stay buried.
With every revelation, Noah’s world fractures.
And the deeper he digs for the truth, the more he realizes someone is watching. Someone who wants the past to stay hidden—and who will do anything to keep it that way.
Love. Betrayal. Justice.
In this gripping story of survival and self-discovery, Noah must face his darkest fears and risk everything for the one person who gave him hope.
But when trust becomes a deadly gamble…
Can he confront the truth before it destroys them both?
Blood on the Mountain
Blood on the Mountain, by Kristian Daniels, is a deeply personal coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of family conflict, small-town traditions, and the slow unraveling of childhood innocence. The story follows Noah as he navigates a tangle of faith, family expectations, and the painful realities of growing up different. Through his eyes, we see the sting of bullying, the quiet terror of not fitting in, and the tentative steps toward self-discovery both in terms of identity and sexuality. The novel blends these intimate struggles with generational drama, love stories, and moments of hope, creating a portrait of adolescence that feels as raw as it does real.
The writing pulls you right into the emotional center of each scene. The author captures the ache of wanting to belong and the fear of being yourself, especially in a world that can be both judgmental and unkind. The depictions of bullying are tough to read but impossible to ignore. They’re sharp and often mirror the subtle cruelties that linger after the school bell rings. Against this backdrop, Noah’s quiet journey toward accepting his sexuality unfolds in small, tender moments that contrast beautifully with the hostility around him.
The ideas here resonate on multiple levels. This isn’t just a story about teenage hardship. I think it’s about the courage to live authentically in the face of fear. The book speaks to the LGBTQ experience without turning it into a cliché or a token subplot. Instead, it weaves identity and sexuality into the fabric of Noah’s growth. It also asks hard questions about family loyalty, faith, and the cost of speaking your truth in environments that demand silence. While I enjoyed the novel, I believe that some of the antagonists felt a bit too black-and-white, but the emotional honesty in Noah’s perspective more than balances that out.
I’d recommend Blood on the Mountain to readers who value heartfelt and character-driven stories. Especially those interested in LGBTQ narratives, anti-bullying themes, and the messy, beautiful process of self-discovery. It’s a moving, sometimes difficult, but ultimately hopeful read.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0FLVW2J1J
The Story Comes First
Switched at Death follows a local baker and cat daycare owner who becomes involved in the investigation surrounding the town’s beloved mayor, who collapsed and died at the town’s tree lighting ceremony. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since Switched at Death is the second book in the Venus Bixby Mystery series, I needed to tap a character from the first book (A Whale of a Murder) as the next victim. Who better to kill off than the beloved long-time mayor of charming Chatham Crossing? His death during the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting creates instant chaos and a falling-out between his wife and Venus Bixby, who are best friends and business partners. Can their relationship and joy in the town be restored by Christmas?
Were there any characters that you especially enjoyed writing for?
Actually … Venus Bixby made her literary debut as a minor character in What’s Not Lost, the last book in my romantic comedy trilogy. I loved her so much, I decided to give her own cozy mystery series. Even though her niece, Lexi Moore, had a major role in that romcom, I didn’t bring her into the cozy series until Switched at Death, which takes place a good ten years earlier than What’s Not Lost. So, I faced a dilemma. How do I roll back the ages of two characters and move them into a totally different storyline? Venus was kind of easy, as she’s a mature sleuth, kind of set in her ways. But in Switched at Death, Lexi is a teenager. As the youngest character in the mystery, Lexi brought not only a fresh perspective to the story, but also contemporary cultural references and dialogue only fit for a teen. I loved the challenge, but having a pre-teen granddaughter certainly helped!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Story comes first. If there’s no story, there can be no plot twists. The story needs characters that drive the plot, and a cozy mystery especially needs a world readers will want to settle into and come back to in future books. For me, I might have a major plot twist in mind when I start writing, but I try to keep an open mind for whatever path the characters take me. I tend to ask them “What if …” Their answers almost always surprise me and add more colorful twists than had I plotted them out initially. In fact, half way through writing the manuscript of Switched at Death, I switched the villain. In doing so, I needed to do some minor edits on the earlier pages, but the twist made for a much more delightful crime.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
The next installment of the Venus Bixby Mystery series is definitely a work-in-progress. If all goes well, it’ll follow in the footsteps of the first two books and publish in the month of April next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Thanksgiving weekend always marks the start of Christmas festivities in Chatham Crossing. But, this year, when the annual tree lighting ends in flames, this charming and usually joyful town finds little to celebrate.
After the town’s long-time, beloved mayor, collapses and dies at the scene of the tree lighting, nearly a week passes before details as to what actually caused his heart attack begin to emerge.
Preoccupied with the recent opening of her kitty daycare service, Venus Bixby thinks twice before getting involved in the investigation. But once her popular cookie bakery is linked to the mayor’s death, she has no choice.
As clues begin to surface, Venus grapples with the possibility that someone she cares about may be responsible for the mayor’s death.
Will Venus’s clever sleuthing be enough to save Christmas for this charming seaside town?
Includes cookie recipes and a playlist!
In the second installment of this cozy mystery with a romantic twist, Valerie Taylor brings back scrappy sleuth Venus Bixby and her mischief-maker twin sister. Switched at Death is as strikingly entertaining as A Whale of a Murder, with a holiday theme to enjoy all year long. Order Switched at Death today!
Switched at Death: A Venus Bixby Mystery
This book is like if Murder, She Wrote had a baby with Gilmore Girls and then let a cat run the town council. It’s a cozy mystery set in this quirky New England town called Chatham Crossing, where everyone knows everyone… or thinks they do. The story kicks off with the sudden death of the mayor—right at the town’s holiday tree lighting, no less—and from there, Venus Bixby gets tangled up in a web of secrets, politics, and small-town pettiness. Oh, and there’s definitely murder afoot.
I’m a sucker for cats and chaos, so when Venus opens her kitty daycare and adoption center (adorably named Cats & Their Cradle), I was in. The whole scene of her prepping for the grand opening while juggling relationships, rivalries, and her very active imagination had me both rooting for her and laughing. And her cats, Sonny and Cher, are icons.
The writing is super fun—Valerie Taylor has this cheeky, breezy style that makes even the gossip feel juicy instead of mean. Venus’s “friendship” with Carole (the mayor’s wife and her cookie shop partner) is messy. Like, Real Housewives messy. Carole throwing that dinner party where she low-key hijacks the night just to boost her own political ambitions was cringe. I wanted to fling a cookie at her. Poor Venus thinks the dinner’s to celebrate her new business, and instead she ends up sidelined while Carole plays power games and drops some seriously shady digs about the Sabinas.
But what really grabbed me were the emotional undercurrents. Venus misses her late husband, she’s trying to figure out what love looks like with Budd (her delightfully flirty and surprisingly deep boyfriend), and she’s constantly trying to prove herself in a town that still clings to its old boys’ club.
Switched at Death totally worked for me. It’s a little sassy, a little sentimental, and full of sneaky surprises. If you love small-town drama, strong female leads, and cats, this one’s for you. Highly recommend for cat moms, cozy mystery fans, and anyone who enjoys watching people stir the pot.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0DYVVGFL7
Switch up the Typical Trope
Heart of Evergreen follows a devoted wife who discovers her name linked to a hit list on her husband’s laptop, turning her life upside down. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is book three of a trilogy so as such, I wanted to take my characters further into the espionage side of the story and incorporate heartfelt emotions and family-type life mixed in with conspiracy theories, and military installations in and around Denver, CO. I knew how the final two love stories would turn out, so it was important to wrap up my characters to more than satisfactory endings. Living in Colorado and knowing the strife personally that many of my characters went through was therapeutic for me and it helps those who may not know how to help themselves in a given or similar situation.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
One goal was to switch up the typical trope of “bad Russian, good American” by giving the angle of heroism to a character that most wouldn’t. The story is compact but packs a strong punch. It was important to make my characters feel what was written and for that to come across strongly to the reader. The love, the hurts, the mental and emotional toll life can dish out, especially in an environment in which one must die in order to live. Honestly, the conspiracy theories surrounding Denver International Airport, one airport that covers 54 square miles, were fun to write about. I love DEN airport and writing about what you know or have been many times, helps drive the story forward. This book is fiction, but many real-life experiences are woven in.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Oh yes, I’ve been in life-changing and traumatic events that have shaped and moulded my person forever. Some of these have been incorporated into this trilogy. Multiple child loss, childhood cancer, a child with ADHD yet becomes an Eagle Scout, Nursing, finally finding love, the list is endless.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This is the last book in this trilogy, so no books to follow this one, with this series.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Art Gallery | Amazon
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He had become a liability and Dmitry had to protect himself. He would not take his own life like the general. Yes, he was heavily trained in special tactics, and yes, his own oligarch money sat nicely in a Swiss bank account under a holding company that was untouchable. Russia could do absolutely nothing about his Swiss bank account. Yet he WAS touchable!!! Even though he, himself had never once killed anyone, he had been complicit by his position between those who ordered hits and those who carried them out. Thus, he packed a bag and drove his luxurious SUV down to Denver, to the Federal Center, and asked at the gate for Director James Tilson, that he, Dmitry Ivanov, had top-secret information for him. One of the guards radioed inside and spoke with the director. Director Tilson informed the guards that two members of his team would go to the gate and escort Dmitry Ivanov inside. Dmitry had to turn himself in if he wanted to live!
It was the last Thursday in May, a lovely day in the mountains, and he wondered if he would ever see the mountains again…or daylight, for that matter…or Susan Davis…he’d come to love her…at age 30, his budding romance with Suz, a gorgeous 25-year-old, green-eyed redhead who was a perfect angel…his angel…she painted like an angel…in watercolor…he would never see her again…he’d come to love her…love…True Love…now that part of his life was over…again…he wouldn’t see any of the people he’d come to know and truly cared about during his time spent in Evergreen…so many regrets…he’d come to care deeply for the children as well…he was racked with grief for what was not to be…and for his numerous regrets…
LITERARY TITAN 