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Western Escape
Dark Secrets
Hawk Blackwater thought Freewill, Wyoming was the place to get his life back together. Riley Scott thought it the best place to hide, half a country away from those hunting her. For Hawk his focus was on finding the killer of the previous sheriff and discovering the cause of the mysterious lights in the Laramie Mountains. Neither realized they were on a collision course, or that the explosive chemistry between them would change both of their lives.
- GenresWesternsContemporary
ebook
First published April 9, 2012
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Desiree Holt
321 books1,276 followersA multi-published, award winning, Amazon and USA Today best-selling author, Desiree Holt has produced more than 200 titles and won many awards. She has received an EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and many others including Author After Dark’s Author of the Year. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The London Daily Mail. She lives in Florida with her cats who insist they help her write her books, and is addicted to football.
“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog
Learn more about me and read my novels here:
www.desireeholt.com
www.desiremeonly.com
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“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog
Learn more about me and read my novels here:
www.desireeholt.com
www.desiremeonly.com
www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
www.facebook.com/desireeholt
Twitter @desireeholt
Pinterest: desiree02holt
Google: www.desiree02holt
LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/desiree01holt
To stay in touch sign up for my newsletter here:
http://desireeholt.us10.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 7, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
A handsome, rugged sheriff and an intelligent, beautiful woman trying to escape a dangerous past; Dark Secrets has all the makings of a real page turner. While I did enjoy many aspects of the book, as a whole, the story left me wanting more.
Desiree Holt is a very good writer. I have read some of her other titles and always enjoy the way she turns a phrase, and describes the events as they unfold. She creates characters we can root for, and her hero, Hawk Blackwater, and heroine, Riley Scott, were no exceptions. Hawk was intelligent and forthright, and is taken immediately by the nervous Riley. He knows she's hiding something, but is far too terrified to confide in him. When she finally does, the two make a connection which, while fast, is undeniable.
The environment of the small town was beautifully set, and I could imagine walking down the streets from one location to another. The mountains were also described wonderfully and added much to the quaint setting of the story.
In addition to the positives of the book, there were negatives. The pacing of the story as a whole felt rushed. The beginning gave a recap of backstory, as well as a rundown of the minor characters, including numerous deputies, and it felt a bit 'too much too soon.' It was hard to keep track of who was who, and in a suspense story, I like to keep track of characters in an attempt to figure out whodunit. I did realize shortly thereafter that this was unlike many other mysteries, in that this seemed to be intended as a shorter story, but that meant much of the tale was told by way of telling instead of showing. There were several conversations that were skipped over or told by way of recap, and I felt something was missing because of it.
Most of the loose ends were tied up by the end of the book, and despite the rapidness of it, I wasn't left with many questions. The relationship of Hawk and Riley was centerpoint, and they got their happily ever after the way most would want them to.
As a short tale, this one was fun to read. If you're looking for a quick paced tale, Dark Secrets may be a good choice.
A handsome, rugged sheriff and an intelligent, beautiful woman trying to escape a dangerous past; Dark Secrets has all the makings of a real page turner. While I did enjoy many aspects of the book, as a whole, the story left me wanting more.
Desiree Holt is a very good writer. I have read some of her other titles and always enjoy the way she turns a phrase, and describes the events as they unfold. She creates characters we can root for, and her hero, Hawk Blackwater, and heroine, Riley Scott, were no exceptions. Hawk was intelligent and forthright, and is taken immediately by the nervous Riley. He knows she's hiding something, but is far too terrified to confide in him. When she finally does, the two make a connection which, while fast, is undeniable.
The environment of the small town was beautifully set, and I could imagine walking down the streets from one location to another. The mountains were also described wonderfully and added much to the quaint setting of the story.
In addition to the positives of the book, there were negatives. The pacing of the story as a whole felt rushed. The beginning gave a recap of backstory, as well as a rundown of the minor characters, including numerous deputies, and it felt a bit 'too much too soon.' It was hard to keep track of who was who, and in a suspense story, I like to keep track of characters in an attempt to figure out whodunit. I did realize shortly thereafter that this was unlike many other mysteries, in that this seemed to be intended as a shorter story, but that meant much of the tale was told by way of telling instead of showing. There were several conversations that were skipped over or told by way of recap, and I felt something was missing because of it.
Most of the loose ends were tied up by the end of the book, and despite the rapidness of it, I wasn't left with many questions. The relationship of Hawk and Riley was centerpoint, and they got their happily ever after the way most would want them to.
As a short tale, this one was fun to read. If you're looking for a quick paced tale, Dark Secrets may be a good choice.
August 1, 2012
Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Dark Secrets a Western Escapes by Desiree Holt is a highly entertaining contemporary romance suspense novella set in the small town of Freewill, Wyoming. I didn’t think twice about picking this story up after I finished the other stories in the Western Escapes group because I am a fan of Ms. Holt. If you haven’t read anything by Desiree Holt you are missing out on some wonderful erotic stories written by one of the best in the field.
Riley Scott is a girl on the run from her fiancé and ends up in Freewill, scared and always looking over her shoulder. She ran from her job, home and her fiancé when she uncovers secrets about him when she pulled up files from his computer. After confronting him with these cryptic files, she sees a whole different side of him that she fears for her life and runs. Not knowing who to trust or what to do she is hoping to figure out a plan to get this damning evidence to the proper authority before he finds her.
Hawk Blackwater is the new sheriff in town and has a lot to prove with the citizens of the town of Freewill. He inherits the mess of solving the murder of the previous sheriff and the mystery of lights at night in the Laramie Mountains. Not knowing who to trust on his staff he keeps a lot close to his vest and watches. After seeing Riley he figures out that she is keeping some secrets and definitely someone who is hiding out. He tries on a few occasions to talk to her and get her to open up but she balks at his advances until she sees a luxury car racing towards her on the street corner. Riley goes into shock and Hawk takes her home to his place and comforts her and gets her to confide in him. Riley has to risk it and tell someone her secret and decides to tell Hawk the whole story. Now he wants to protect her and help her get her life back.
Ms. Holt once again does an excellent job of telling a mystery and slowly unfolding it with different POV from many characters, which kept me interested until the end. Her sex scenes are sizzling hot and very arousing that you believe that they can feel it after knowing each other for such a short time. Although the ending is neatly tied up and somewhat predictable, I got to read a well written story and a romance between two very likable characters that had me wanting more.
Dark Secrets a Western Escapes by Desiree Holt is a highly entertaining contemporary romance suspense novella set in the small town of Freewill, Wyoming. I didn’t think twice about picking this story up after I finished the other stories in the Western Escapes group because I am a fan of Ms. Holt. If you haven’t read anything by Desiree Holt you are missing out on some wonderful erotic stories written by one of the best in the field.
Riley Scott is a girl on the run from her fiancé and ends up in Freewill, scared and always looking over her shoulder. She ran from her job, home and her fiancé when she uncovers secrets about him when she pulled up files from his computer. After confronting him with these cryptic files, she sees a whole different side of him that she fears for her life and runs. Not knowing who to trust or what to do she is hoping to figure out a plan to get this damning evidence to the proper authority before he finds her.
Hawk Blackwater is the new sheriff in town and has a lot to prove with the citizens of the town of Freewill. He inherits the mess of solving the murder of the previous sheriff and the mystery of lights at night in the Laramie Mountains. Not knowing who to trust on his staff he keeps a lot close to his vest and watches. After seeing Riley he figures out that she is keeping some secrets and definitely someone who is hiding out. He tries on a few occasions to talk to her and get her to open up but she balks at his advances until she sees a luxury car racing towards her on the street corner. Riley goes into shock and Hawk takes her home to his place and comforts her and gets her to confide in him. Riley has to risk it and tell someone her secret and decides to tell Hawk the whole story. Now he wants to protect her and help her get her life back.
Ms. Holt once again does an excellent job of telling a mystery and slowly unfolding it with different POV from many characters, which kept me interested until the end. Her sex scenes are sizzling hot and very arousing that you believe that they can feel it after knowing each other for such a short time. Although the ending is neatly tied up and somewhat predictable, I got to read a well written story and a romance between two very likable characters that had me wanting more.
May 6, 2012
Riley Scott thought her life was perfect. She had gotten a great job at Worldwide Bank and had moved up the ladder quickly. When she got moved up to executive assistant to the bank president she couldn’t have been happier. He was very attractive and powerful. Things went pretty fast from there and the next thing she knew she was engaged to Jason. The wedding was to be the social media event of the year. Then one night while working late she needed information that was only on Jason’s computer. What she found on his computer puzzled her. After printing off a copy and also making a copy on her flash drive she went home to talk to Jason about it. She didn’t get the reaction she thought she would. Jason became enraged and after hitting her and telling her she will keep her mouth shut if she knew what was good for her Riley knew she had to plan her escape from him before he killed her.
Hawk Blackwater had left Arizona PD to come to the little town of Freewill, Wyoming to take over as Sheriff after the previous sheriff had been killed. That murder was still unsolved and he was currently trying to find out what was going on with all the sightings of strange lights at night by the Laramie Mountains. He is also very curious about the new woman in town who does her best to avoid everyone. He can tell she is very skittish and looks to be on the run from something.
After a scare on the street that paralyzes Riley with fear Hawk takes her back to his place until the shock wears off and then demands to know what’s really going on with her. Riley decides she has to trust someone and Hawk feels like that person. Of course the instant sexual attraction doesn’t hurt either.
For the suspense part there were many bad guys and we got all of their POV in the book so you pretty much knew what was going on for the most part. Turns out Hawk’s problems with the lights and Riley’s find were connected.
The book isn’t a long one but it does a really good job of wrapping up everything by the end.
Hawk Blackwater had left Arizona PD to come to the little town of Freewill, Wyoming to take over as Sheriff after the previous sheriff had been killed. That murder was still unsolved and he was currently trying to find out what was going on with all the sightings of strange lights at night by the Laramie Mountains. He is also very curious about the new woman in town who does her best to avoid everyone. He can tell she is very skittish and looks to be on the run from something.
After a scare on the street that paralyzes Riley with fear Hawk takes her back to his place until the shock wears off and then demands to know what’s really going on with her. Riley decides she has to trust someone and Hawk feels like that person. Of course the instant sexual attraction doesn’t hurt either.
For the suspense part there were many bad guys and we got all of their POV in the book so you pretty much knew what was going on for the most part. Turns out Hawk’s problems with the lights and Riley’s find were connected.
The book isn’t a long one but it does a really good job of wrapping up everything by the end.
June 23, 2012
Riley movies up the corporate ladder at the bank. She is happy and is engaged to Jason who is the president of the bank life couldn’t be better until late one night she had to get on his computer and what she found was shocking. After being brave and making copies she goes and confronts Jason who hits her and before he can kill her Riley flees.
Hawk is now the new sheriff in the town Freewill, Wyoming. He left the PD in Arizona to come take the job and have a new place. He is trying to solve what happened to the man he has taken over for. He also wants to know about the mysterious lights as well.
Riley comes to town and after being so shocked about what happened out in the street, Hawk takes her in and tries to find out what is going on. Riley knows she can not trust anyone but can she trust Hawk?
The characters are great together and the attraction to each other works over the course of the story. The setting is pretty good and you get a sense of the surroundings. For the book being about 110 pages the author does a wonderful job of the story and wrapping it up in decent time unlike others that might be rushed.
There are enough bad guys etc to keep you interested and the romance as well.
Hawk is now the new sheriff in the town Freewill, Wyoming. He left the PD in Arizona to come take the job and have a new place. He is trying to solve what happened to the man he has taken over for. He also wants to know about the mysterious lights as well.
Riley comes to town and after being so shocked about what happened out in the street, Hawk takes her in and tries to find out what is going on. Riley knows she can not trust anyone but can she trust Hawk?
The characters are great together and the attraction to each other works over the course of the story. The setting is pretty good and you get a sense of the surroundings. For the book being about 110 pages the author does a wonderful job of the story and wrapping it up in decent time unlike others that might be rushed.
There are enough bad guys etc to keep you interested and the romance as well.
July 16, 2012
2.5 Stars
Riley Scott thought Freewill, a small down as far away from her controlling ex fiancee as possible, was the best place to hide to be inconspicious. But Hawk the new Sherriff in town not only keeps sticking his nose in but also sparks heat in her that she tries her best to ignore. But the men who are looking for her are getting closer and Hawk may be her only chance of escpaing.
Although this wasn't poorly written and the sex scenes in it were hot, just couldn't keep my interest focused on this book. The plot line was forumlaic and a little boring and although the characters were okay, they were a little forgettable.
But maybe I am being harsh, this was a novella rather then a full length book so it is hard to fit anything to intricate. I just found that for the pages it had I was reading them more to get to the end rather then because I was enjoying it.
I would try Desiree Holt again, but this patricular book just wasn't for me.
Riley Scott thought Freewill, a small down as far away from her controlling ex fiancee as possible, was the best place to hide to be inconspicious. But Hawk the new Sherriff in town not only keeps sticking his nose in but also sparks heat in her that she tries her best to ignore. But the men who are looking for her are getting closer and Hawk may be her only chance of escpaing.
Although this wasn't poorly written and the sex scenes in it were hot, just couldn't keep my interest focused on this book. The plot line was forumlaic and a little boring and although the characters were okay, they were a little forgettable.
But maybe I am being harsh, this was a novella rather then a full length book so it is hard to fit anything to intricate. I just found that for the pages it had I was reading them more to get to the end rather then because I was enjoying it.
I would try Desiree Holt again, but this patricular book just wasn't for me.
February 25, 2014
Definitely ok for a quick read. Somewhat predictable suspense plot, no angst between the H & h.
Still, likable characters and interesting enough to keep reading to the finish. Probably wouldn't re-read it though.
Still, likable characters and interesting enough to keep reading to the finish. Probably wouldn't re-read it though.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews