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Rosemary Mountain Romantic Suspense #2
Mountain Secrets
She already died once. This time, she’s determined to live.
Willa Monroe is happy in Rosemary Mountain, a safe landing place where nobody seems to look too closely at her. She’s content with a quiet life alone, until she meets the gorgeous, broody Cole and starts to hope for more.
Cole Hawkins is running from his past, trying to figure out who he is after leaving behind a life of military service. But the past collides with his future the moment he sees Willa, the woman he failed to save. She doesn’t remember him, but he could never forget her haunted eyes—or her husband’s rage the night she supposedly died.
It’s a second chance for them both, but only if Willa’s secret stays safe. If anyone else discovers who she is, the past will come for them both, and even Cole’s special forces training may not be enough to save them.
Willa Monroe is happy in Rosemary Mountain, a safe landing place where nobody seems to look too closely at her. She’s content with a quiet life alone, until she meets the gorgeous, broody Cole and starts to hope for more.
Cole Hawkins is running from his past, trying to figure out who he is after leaving behind a life of military service. But the past collides with his future the moment he sees Willa, the woman he failed to save. She doesn’t remember him, but he could never forget her haunted eyes—or her husband’s rage the night she supposedly died.
It’s a second chance for them both, but only if Willa’s secret stays safe. If anyone else discovers who she is, the past will come for them both, and even Cole’s special forces training may not be enough to save them.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2024
106 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Gardner
10 books47 followersMystery + Romantic Suspense author. Writer of quaint towns with cozy vibes, romantic suspense, and plot twists you'll never see coming. Nicole lives in Arkansas with her husband, sons, and two dogs. If she’s not at her desk writing, you’ll probably find her in the garden or creating teas and tinctures in her kitchen.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 20, 2024
I've read all of the Rosemary Mountain series and love all the characters displayed throughout the books. But I have to say, this is my favorite story Nicole has put out. I love that all of the familiar characters are there, but by telling Willa's story and showing her bravery, it brings a different perspective that a reader isn't used to following this series. I loved the grumpy/sunshine aspect! In some books, it gets overbearing and annoying but i think the amount in Mountain Secrets was perfect! I also thought i could never like a MMC more than Emerson but i have to say, i think i like Cole more! Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!
August 15, 2025
Mountain Secrets is a gripping, often chilling tale of a young woman (Wilhelmina) who fakes her own death in a desperate effort to escape from her abusive husband (Daniel), a powerful and popular U.S. senator. When the authorities refuse to believe her claim of spousal abuse, she manages to jump out of her car and send it careening off a cliff and into the sea. Searchers believe she drowned, but they fail to find a body.
With a new name and hair color, Willa eventually settles in Rosemary Mountain, a small town where no one recognizes her. She lands a perfect job working in an upscale clothing boutique, where she creates and displays her own unique designs. Having escaped from years of physical and emotional abuse, Willa has no interest in getting romantically involved with another man.
Enter Cole Hawkins, a grumpy, broody former special forces member who comes to Rosemary Mountain to instruct the local rescue team on how to conduct more complicated missions. Suffering from PTSD, Cole has no intention of sticking around for long--until he sees Willa, and recognizes the woman he once failed to save from her husband's rage.
What follows is a sweet, slow burn romance between two damaged people who gradually discover the healing power of love. There are no steamy romantic scenes between them--just a few hugs and kisses as Willa slowly learns to trust being held and touched by a man. And Cole--a powerful alpha male--displays great patience and tenderness with Willa as he gives her all the space and time she needs.
As Willa grows comfortable with Cole, he gives her private lessons in self-defense, providing her with the skills she'll need to protect herself when the time comes. Inevitably it does, because a tourist recognizes beautiful Willa as the supposedly deceased wife of Senator Daniel Cavendish. And that tourist is eager to collect the substantial reward for information leading to Wilhelmina's return.
The final chapters are harrowing, because Daniel is a truly evil man, determined to severely punish his wife for daring to deceive and leave him. I got through the horrific scenes, but sensitive readers should be forewarned about descriptions of extreme cruelty.
Kudos for immersive small-town settings, likable characters (except Daniel), flawless editing and proofreading, limited profanity (no f-bombs), and a perfect happily ever after ending. I look forward to reading more books by this very talented author!
With a new name and hair color, Willa eventually settles in Rosemary Mountain, a small town where no one recognizes her. She lands a perfect job working in an upscale clothing boutique, where she creates and displays her own unique designs. Having escaped from years of physical and emotional abuse, Willa has no interest in getting romantically involved with another man.
Enter Cole Hawkins, a grumpy, broody former special forces member who comes to Rosemary Mountain to instruct the local rescue team on how to conduct more complicated missions. Suffering from PTSD, Cole has no intention of sticking around for long--until he sees Willa, and recognizes the woman he once failed to save from her husband's rage.
What follows is a sweet, slow burn romance between two damaged people who gradually discover the healing power of love. There are no steamy romantic scenes between them--just a few hugs and kisses as Willa slowly learns to trust being held and touched by a man. And Cole--a powerful alpha male--displays great patience and tenderness with Willa as he gives her all the space and time she needs.
As Willa grows comfortable with Cole, he gives her private lessons in self-defense, providing her with the skills she'll need to protect herself when the time comes. Inevitably it does, because a tourist recognizes beautiful Willa as the supposedly deceased wife of Senator Daniel Cavendish. And that tourist is eager to collect the substantial reward for information leading to Wilhelmina's return.
The final chapters are harrowing, because Daniel is a truly evil man, determined to severely punish his wife for daring to deceive and leave him. I got through the horrific scenes, but sensitive readers should be forewarned about descriptions of extreme cruelty.
Kudos for immersive small-town settings, likable characters (except Daniel), flawless editing and proofreading, limited profanity (no f-bombs), and a perfect happily ever after ending. I look forward to reading more books by this very talented author!
August 2, 2025
What a suspenseful story! This is the first book I've read by this author and will not be the last! I've signed up for her newsletter too.
When you start the story there's a Reader Note stating this novel contains brief descriptions of domestic abuse and discussions of PTSD.
The above needs to be in the blurb, prior to a reader purchasing it. It is handled with care, but it is hard to read. Yes, it is fiction, but it still was emotional.
The MC's were a perfect match and I loved the secondary characters too. This is a standalone, but you'll want to start at the beginning because the characters are so engaging.
Violence, suspense, twists, intrigue, emotional, romantic. HEA, no cliffhanger and bedroom door closed. A nasty villain who you know from the start. I did want more on the physical outcome of the villain.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to read, which I do recommend. (ljb)
When you start the story there's a Reader Note stating this novel contains brief descriptions of domestic abuse and discussions of PTSD.
The above needs to be in the blurb, prior to a reader purchasing it. It is handled with care, but it is hard to read. Yes, it is fiction, but it still was emotional.
The MC's were a perfect match and I loved the secondary characters too. This is a standalone, but you'll want to start at the beginning because the characters are so engaging.
Violence, suspense, twists, intrigue, emotional, romantic. HEA, no cliffhanger and bedroom door closed. A nasty villain who you know from the start. I did want more on the physical outcome of the villain.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to read, which I do recommend. (ljb)
February 14, 2024
Emerging from Shadows: A Journey of Courage in 'Mountain Secrets
Nicole Gardner's 'Mountain Secrets' is a poignant tale that bravely delves into the harrowing reality of spousal abuse. Through the eyes of a resilient protagonist, readers are taken on an emotional journey of survival, strength, and ultimately, empowerment. Gardner's writing skillfully navigates the complexities of trauma, offering a compassionate portrayal of a woman's journey toward healing and reclaiming her sense of self. 'Mountain Secrets' is not just a story; it's a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to confront the darkness and emerge into the light. A must-read for those seeking both inspiration and understanding."
Nicole Gardner's 'Mountain Secrets' is a poignant tale that bravely delves into the harrowing reality of spousal abuse. Through the eyes of a resilient protagonist, readers are taken on an emotional journey of survival, strength, and ultimately, empowerment. Gardner's writing skillfully navigates the complexities of trauma, offering a compassionate portrayal of a woman's journey toward healing and reclaiming her sense of self. 'Mountain Secrets' is not just a story; it's a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to confront the darkness and emerge into the light. A must-read for those seeking both inspiration and understanding."
August 7, 2025
This is a well written book on a difficult subject, domestic violence. Daniel is a more than an abuser he killed a woman, also, and he thinks he can get away with anything because of his political position.
Willa escapes from Daniel by faking her death. Cole was hired to look for Willa when her car drove off of a cliff. Cole teaches Willa to defend herself and when Daniel kidnaps her towards the end of the book, she uses those skills and escapes.
Warning, the descriptions of Daniel's violence are intense. I wish there were more written about the consequences that he had to suffer. So many times, authors create the happy-ever-after for the lovers but end the book at that point, shortchanging what the reader wants to see happen to the perpertrator.
Willa escapes from Daniel by faking her death. Cole was hired to look for Willa when her car drove off of a cliff. Cole teaches Willa to defend herself and when Daniel kidnaps her towards the end of the book, she uses those skills and escapes.
Warning, the descriptions of Daniel's violence are intense. I wish there were more written about the consequences that he had to suffer. So many times, authors create the happy-ever-after for the lovers but end the book at that point, shortchanging what the reader wants to see happen to the perpertrator.
August 9, 2025
This is Nicole’s best work yet! Such a suspenseful story that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. I was so invested in Willa getting her happy ending. It was also fun to return to Rosemary Mountain and check in with all the familiar characters. I can close my eyes and visualize the quaint little boutique where Willa works.
Content: There is some language in this book, though I did find it to be realistic to the character—tame even, based on my own real life observations. The romance is closed door, and doesn’t get too steamy before that, but does happen while Willa is still technically married to her dirtbag husband.
Content: There is some language in this book, though I did find it to be realistic to the character—tame even, based on my own real life observations. The romance is closed door, and doesn’t get too steamy before that, but does happen while Willa is still technically married to her dirtbag husband.
January 25, 2026
Another Winner!
I discovered this author reading the first book in the Rosemary Mountain series and haven't been able to put this series down, continuing on with the Rosemary Mountain Suspense series. She has a way of spinning a yarn that makes you want to know what happens next, and you can't put it down! Love all the characters and just wish I could be friends! Highly recommend!
I discovered this author reading the first book in the Rosemary Mountain series and haven't been able to put this series down, continuing on with the Rosemary Mountain Suspense series. She has a way of spinning a yarn that makes you want to know what happens next, and you can't put it down! Love all the characters and just wish I could be friends! Highly recommend!
January 26, 2024
Oh my goodness!! So good. I have loved all of Nicole Gardner’s books, but I think this might be my new favorite. I hope Willa and Cole’s story is just beginning and we get more of them in future books. Can be read as a stand alone, but why would you want when they are all so good?
September 28, 2025
Escaping domestic life, and new identity., very deep suspense.
This is a very graphic novel surrounded by mystery, New life changes and finding a much needed sense of safety and security. This is very descriptive book based on evil man.
This is a very graphic novel surrounded by mystery, New life changes and finding a much needed sense of safety and security. This is very descriptive book based on evil man.
January 8, 2025
This was a great read!
May 20, 2025
Willa
A seamstress by trade, she made Daphne's and Janet's Wedding dresses. But she has a secret, she had escaped an abusive marriage from a prominent senator and was in hidding.
A seamstress by trade, she made Daphne's and Janet's Wedding dresses. But she has a secret, she had escaped an abusive marriage from a prominent senator and was in hidding.
August 1, 2025
Harrowing tale
Trigger warning, this book conrtains spousal abuse. Otherwise it is a fascinating story of escape and a new life created.
Trigger warning, this book conrtains spousal abuse. Otherwise it is a fascinating story of escape and a new life created.
September 3, 2025
Love
This book was as wonderful as the first book I ever read from this author! A must read for anyone who has ever been in love 🥰
This book was as wonderful as the first book I ever read from this author! A must read for anyone who has ever been in love 🥰
September 7, 2025
I don’t even have words. DNF.
January 25, 2024
Love the Rosemary Mountain series. Nicole Gardner is a talent writer. I read this book in one day, I had trouble putting it down.
Couple things to note:
There is some foul language in this book, not excessive but different from her previous stories.
It is also about domestic violence. I feel she wrote about it realistically and was sensitive to the subject but some scenes could be a trigger if someone is a survivor of domestic violence.
Overall, this was a great book and I look forward to reading more from this author!
Couple things to note:
There is some foul language in this book, not excessive but different from her previous stories.
It is also about domestic violence. I feel she wrote about it realistically and was sensitive to the subject but some scenes could be a trigger if someone is a survivor of domestic violence.
Overall, this was a great book and I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 7, 2024
Loved this story! It held my breath in various scenes, and I honestly wasn't sure how it was all going to unfold. I love that some things were unexpected (no spoiling!), and a trope was turned on its head. The themes were tough, but bravely and delicately handled.
June 22, 2024
I absolutely devoured this book in 4 hours!!! My favorite Rosemary Mountain story! ALL the stars for Willa & Cole!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews