Burning Secrets

Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy #2

by Denise Diana Huddle

She’s out to expose the truth.
He’s being paid to bury it.

🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers
🔥 Forced Partnership
🔥 Romantic Suspense

Undercover PI Brock Emerson has one protect his client’s paper mill. Brilliant chemical engineer Adelaide Reese has one prove it’s poisoning the town. But when violence erupts, Brock can’t just stand by—forcing them into a dangerous partnership neither expected.

As a killer closes in and betrayal cuts deep, will Brock and Adelaide uncover the truth—before it destroys them both?

Love edge-of-your-seat suspense, enemies-to-lovers chemistry, and a heroine who won’t back down? Burning Secrets delivers danger, deceit, and a hero torn between duty and desire in small-town Texas.

Dive into Burning Secrets, Book 2 of the Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy today—and discover a complete, standalone romantic suspense you won’t want to put down.

🏆 Winner — Golden Palm Award for Romantic Suspense

Genres: Thriller

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first book in this trilogy, the author has you enthralled in the story within the first pages. I love Adelaide, the strong FMC, showing how her strength and intelligence doesn’t diminish being a woman. I struggled with the easy way the MMC convinced her not to call the police, otherwise the story had me captivated. Looking forward to the third book!

[Holly Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that grabs your interest right from the start. This book starts with a bang, literally, and continues with lots of action. I liked the main characters, especially Adelaide, as she weaves through murder, deceit, men behaving badly and yes, romance. This is my third advance read from this author and she never disappoints. 4.5 stars

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Secrets drops you straight into danger and never really lets go. The story follows Adelaide Reese, a sharp-minded chemical engineer who gets tangled up in a mill explosion, a web of corporate denial, and a town slowly breaking under the weight of polluted water and rising fear. The book moves fast. It blends environmental suspense, legal tensions, and a simmering connection between Adelaide and Brock Emerson, a man who is far more complicated than he first appears. The stakes grow chapter by chapter until the personal and the political crash into each other in a way that feels both messy and real.

As I read, I found myself pulled into the heat of the scenes. The writing has a directness that works well for the high-stress moments. Sometimes I felt the pacing sprint ahead of me, but that breathless rush fit the tone of the story. Adelaide’s point of view struck me right away. She is capable and stubborn and worn down by a world that constantly underestimates her. I related to the weight she carries and the way she fights through it with grit instead of speeches. There were moments when I caught myself holding my breath as she pushed through the chaos at the mill or tried to get answers from people who clearly wanted her kept in the dark. I also appreciated how the book shows the loneliness that follows a woman who works in places that do not want her. It hit harder than I expected.

My feelings about Brock shifted constantly. At first, he felt like trouble wrapped in a perfect smile, and honestly, those characters usually annoy me. Then the story let me into his doubts and his guilt, and it surprised me. I started rooting for him even as I questioned his choices. There is a real spark between him and Adelaide. Some scenes almost felt too warm for how dangerous the situation around them was, but that tension gave the book a nice heartbeat. I found myself thinking about them long after I put the pages down. The bigger ideas behind the story also stuck with me. The book digs into environmental harm and corporate neglect without lecturing. Watching the community suffer made me angry in the best way. It made the fight feel necessary instead of abstract.

Burning Secrets delivers a fast, emotional story that blends danger, romance, and small-town desperation into something that kept me hooked. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romantic suspense, legal thrillers with heart, and stories where the environment itself becomes a character. It is especially good for anyone who likes imperfect heroes, tough heroines, and a plot that never stops tightening. If you want a book that keeps your pulse up and your emotions stirred, this one will do the job.

[Kay Hertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Huddle's 3rd book and she comes out swinging!!! *

Plot: 5📍
Spice: 1❤️
Overall: 4.5🌟
Sass: 4 👌

Adelaide, a ChemE, stumbles across the worst environmental situation and takes it head on. Think, Erin Brockovich, but with multiple college degrees and a ton of chemistry!

Brock, a PI is working for the opposing team but there's so many secrets.

I love that Ms. Huddle always writes strong, capable MCs, both male and female who combine their strengths, complimenting one another, saving each other.

Does Adelaide find her self as a damsel in distress? Yes, but she holds her own, has a wicked skill set, and is able to think quickly on her feet. Is Brock the one to save her? Indeed he is! However, our knight in tarnished armor ends up relying on Adelaide after the fact.

The action literally starts off with a bang (explosion on page one!) and doesn't let up. You'll catch yourself racing through the story just as fast as our MCs race for their lives!

Despite a couple phrases, I personally felt overused a little, it wasn't enough to detract from the story.

I couldn't put this down! And I can't WAIT for the next book!

[Anna C Zachwieja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brillo here:
I was honored to get an Advanced Copy, so I could read it and leave an honest review.
I am blown away with this author, again! It has the right amount of suspense and steamy flirting to leave you wanting more! There are twists and turns that keep you guessing about what is going to happen next!
You really want to see Brock and Adelaide to make it, but are their secret pasts too much to overcome? You will have to read “Burning Secrets” to find out! Read it from cover to cover without stopping, if you can!
Huddle is my new favorite author for suspense with flirty scenes that don’t bore you, but can make you feel like you are there!
If you haven’t read her first book, don’t worry, they can be read in any order.
I can’t wait for the third book! Hopefully there will be many more, after that, too!!
No spoilers from me, you’ll just have to read it for yourself!!

[Elise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This twisty romantic thriller grabbed me on page one and never let go! I read dozens of novels every year and can usually unravel a plot fairly easily, but not this time. Burning Secrets is an exciting roller-coaster ride, filled with surprising twists and turns that kept me glued to my Kindle to the very last page.

I don't want to spoil anything with a plot summary, so you can just read the blurb and dive right into the story. Hang on for a nail-biting adventure, chock full of suspense, danger, evil villains, a shocking big reveal, and a perfect ending that is well worth the ride. Seriously. It's that good!

Kudos for immersive settings, limited profanity (no f-bombs), a couple of non-explicit love scenes, and flawless proofreading. I look forward to reading more books by this very talented author.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Another great edge of your seat book! I didn’t want to put it down!
This one, I figured out the bad guy earlier on, but I was still on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it all played out. I liked how the relationship evolved between the two main characters, and I appreciated how the Adelaide was able to understand how Brock was led to believe what he was told by his friend/brother/business associate.
There were so many obstacles for the couple to wade through and then with the lies being fed to Brock and the confidentiality of their jobs, neither of them fully trusted the other.
I can’t wait for the third (final) book of the series, and hopefully many more from Denise Diana Huddle!

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intense book in the Deadly Secrets Trilogy. Book Two has Adelaide trying to prove the local paper mill’s explosion was an industrial accident and not just a simple fire. However the undercover private investigator, Brock, is trying to protect his client. There’s a lot of distrust between the two until they are forced to work together.

This is a fast-paced, intense story with murder and intrigue to keep you turning pages. There’s some romance, deceit, and threats; and then throw in an endearing dog, and you have the perfect combination for a good read. The characters are well developed and the storyline is well plotted.

I would definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to Book 3.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Secrets by Denise Diana Huddle, thank you so much for this ARC ❤️

I loved this story! I loved the characters and the plot, the setting and descriptions were spot on. I loved following the adventure of Brock and Adelaide as they got to know each other while both working their own agendas for their jobs.
This is the 2nd in the Deadly Secrets Trilogy, I think I loved this just as much if not more than Stolen Secrets. Both 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked from the first page by the storyline and the characters. The addition of an adorable canine added nicely to the story. I liked how fast paced this novel was, I just didn't want to put it down. There was drama with mutual attraction and just enough romance. Perfectly done!
I cannot wait for book 3, Buried Secrets

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Secrets, the 2nd in the Deadly Secrets Trilogy is full of action and attraction. Brock (Brandon) was very attracted to Adelaide and vice versa, but Brock is undercover working against her and the firm she is consulting for. Adelaide and Brock have pasts that make it hard to trust. The more they work together to uncover the truth, the more Brock realized that Adelaide is the real deal, and he is being played, but by whom? And when he is given misleading information, can he really trust that Adelaide is telling the truth. They learn ultimately that they have to trust each other to get their HEA and to stop the terrible injustice happening in this small town in Texas. Denise Diana Huddle has written another winner, and I can't wait for book 3 in the series!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get over how much was in this book. It’s packed with suspense, betrayal, twists, intrigue, violence, and great storytelling.

One of the MC is exactly who they appear to be. The other MC, is the exact opposite. As secrets keep building on top of each other, when will the truth come out?

Romance builds slowly, lovemaking outside of marriage -heat level 3+ out of 5. Lord’s name used a few times. I felt a connection to this couple and the dog added a light touch to the story!

This can be a standalone story. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, tad of romance and steam. I can’t improve 9n the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide to purchase, which I recommend. (ljb)

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent written book that keeps you wanting to read more til you finish the book. There are lots of twist and turns. The main character are very interesting to learn about and see how they react at very change in the story line. Brock Emerson has to learn to trust people around him and not jump to the wrong conclusion everytime he is told something by his parnter boss. It takes him along time to come to the right answers about his parnter as well as Adelaide Reese. They both have alot of issue that need to be worked on. If you are interested in a good book with lots of different issues then this is the book for you. I hope that Denise Diane Huddle continues to written excellent books like she has done so far.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Diana Huddle knocked it out of the park again. Book two in the series is an action-packed thriller with the right amount of spicy romance. Adelaide is a strong, intelligent character who doesn’t lose her head or her heart to the handsome undercover PI Brock. There is an immediate attraction but Brock has a job to do and that job is to prevent Adelaide from closing down his clients paper mill. Their attraction continues to bloom but there are many obstacles in their path. Not the least of which is the fact that Brock has lied to her all along. Strong well-crafted characters, fast paced with lots of details. This book has it all.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Adelaide and Brad/Brock's story! Their banter was really cute and Denise did such a great job at showcasing their contrasting personalities which only made me root for them more. They had to overcome so many obstacles to be together, and the way the author writes the suspense and details that our couple is thrown into really makes it vivid for the reader.

Cannot wait to read more from Denise! :)

Side note: Rufus the terrier was the best wingman and my favorite character in the book. <3

[Karen Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by this author, and both have been five stars. I absolutely love her writing style and the way she weaves the suspense, mystery and romance - and there is a lot of all in this book. I also like that the romance is not so "steamy" that it takes up several pages of description but rather is wound nicely into the story plot and grows along with the suspense. The blurb tells the story. I don't need to repeat it or give away any twists and turns, but it is a page-turner that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Denise Diana Huddle and this does not disappoint, this is book two in The Texas Trilogy series. You are sucked into the story from the very first page. Adelaide is a chemical engineer, set on proving pollution from the paper mill is poisoning the town of Pine Grove. Brock Emerson is an undercover Texas private investigator. Is he on Adelaide's side or not? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!

[Annie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in book 2 of this trilogy. What happens when two people thrown together to solve a crime are pitted against each other with lies and threats from their employers? But can they ignore their growing feelings? Can they stay alive long enough to learn the truth? This book is a page turning thrill a minute to see what discoveries will be made next and what truths will come to light as feelings are pushed back and mistrust and love battle against each other.

[Sue Flickinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written page turner keeps the reader engaged. From a self confessed nerd this timely topic about pollution and questionable business ethics was truly interesting. Told as part of the dna of Brock and Adelaide developing relationship it adds a real depth to the characters making them believable and relatable. The science is presented in a way that doesn’t make your eyes glaze over. An excellent follow up to book one that makes me eager to read book three in this trilogy.

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, get ready for a wild ride with PI Brock Emerson, his side-kick Rufus and Adelaide. Brock’s job is to keep Adelaide from pestering his “clients”. He however didn’t realize what he was getting into or how much he’d enjoy spending time with Adelaide. I didn’t expect all the different aspects of this book would address and how intriguing it was. I am really enjoying this series and how this author puts together a story I can’t put down with characters I fall in love with!

[Patricia Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the series is a fast paced, action-packed, intense story of murder, deceit, and spicy romance.
Adelaide and Brock has an immediate attraction that continues to bloom despite all the many obstacles in their path.
Not the least of which is the fact that Brock has lied to her all along. Strong well-crafted characters, fast paced with lots of details. I didn’t expect what all this book would address and how intriguing it would be to keep me on the edge of my seat

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
This is the second book of Deadly Secrets. I loved Adelaide’s character. The connection between Adelaide and Brock was kinda lackluster but there was some good tension and spicy moments between them but not much romance as I was dying for it. This is a really slow burn for sure but the storyline was great and the writing was awesome. Lots of suspense and action going on. Bonus for doggie Rufus! Loved him so much

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it certainly won’t be the last. If you’ve ever seen and enjoyed the film Erin Brockovch then this is a read like me you should enjoy. However, this story is more action packed, and does have some really mean villains, and a twist you only realise near the end. I’m away to add book one to my TBR, and look forward to book three next year.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. Well-written characters and intriguing story line. Full of drama, suspense, tension, action, and lies. What will happen when she finds out he lied to her? Will he turn to her and help her or will he stay with his job, regardless of company's actions? Highly entertaining and recommended!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get back to back suspicious acts & the struggle between truth & lie. Adelaide & Brandon have so many issues that cloud things as we try to understand the emotions. Boy do they fustrate you! Fast pace danger with some humor, snark & some doggy love that keeps you entertained. I enjoyed it. Honest review.

[Nina F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book gets better!
And I’m becoming a bigger fan with each book too. Huddle mixes suspense with romance in a way that one doesn’t take away from the other. Loved both charactes and their chemistry, and I’m 100% here for more!

*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion .*

[Deborah Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Denise Diana Huddle's book. Wow. The very first page is full of action. So many things going on and distrust standing between Brock and Adelaide. So many twists and turns in figuring out what’s going on. I loved solving this puzzle with Adelaide and Brock. If you like action, mystery, and romance, you’ll love reading “Burning Secrets”.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! Read this book immediately!!!! I love this book with the story of Brock and Adelaide is so engaging. Brock is a determined PI hired by his client that owns a big paper mill and a chemical engineer from shutting down the paper mill. Easy right? Wrong !! The engineer is one hot number named Adelaide. When they get involved with a murder Brock wonders if his employer is involved.

[BeBop19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wary starting this one, but what a little gem. It was action packed and had me holding myself back from skipping to the end. If I didn't have to work, I would have gotten this read within a day. I thoroughly enjoyed this and could not believe the ending. so wonderful. The things she and he had experienced made them a perfect match. I added this to my favorites list.

[Hopey’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burning secrets is a romantic thriller with twists ! It is filled with drama, suspense, action and lies. I love that the story of Brock and Adelaide is so engaging and interesting! Who doesn’t love a PI named Brock and a show stopper Engineer named Adelaide. This the second book of its series , but I do agree it can be read as a standalone. Thank you for letting me read and giving me this copy.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book from this author. I love how you get the same type of issues from book one, but in a different way. You still get action, love, and the difference in people. I didn't expect that twist but I feel like it was perfect. Because you got to learn so much from that extra character and why they did what they did. I liked the book and can't wait to read book 3 in the series.