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intimate secrets
She had the kind of secret no woman could keep...
When Josie O'Malley found herself pregnant, she knew her father would surely mete out the Texas law of the West--and shoot the no 'count before he'd demand a shotgun wedding. What her dad didn't know was the Josie has been with the one man he'd respected above all others. Clay Jackson.
He'd never guessed he fathered her child...
Two years ago Josie left Texas in a hurry for the solitude of Montana. Now Clay knew why. But it boiled his blood that she'd had anybody's baby but his. It burned him even more that a thief led Clay to her doorstep. So what was Josie hiding besides a child? And what would Clay's investigation reveal about the toddler's father...and the woman he'd never stopped loving?
When Josie O'Malley found herself pregnant, she knew her father would surely mete out the Texas law of the West--and shoot the no 'count before he'd demand a shotgun wedding. What her dad didn't know was the Josie has been with the one man he'd respected above all others. Clay Jackson.
He'd never guessed he fathered her child...
Two years ago Josie left Texas in a hurry for the solitude of Montana. Now Clay knew why. But it boiled his blood that she'd had anybody's baby but his. It burned him even more that a thief led Clay to her doorstep. So what was Josie hiding besides a child? And what would Clay's investigation reveal about the toddler's father...and the woman he'd never stopped loving?
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2000
9 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Daniels
512 books1,255 followersB.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2022
Very good story about a woman who ran away from her life in Texas because the Father of her child didn't love her and she had been intimidated by her family, the man she loved, and another man who was obsessed with her. There are so many twists in this book and I think that's why I liked it so much. Clay, the hero is hot AND sexy, and he is so good with the baby. I loved how sweet he was yo her. Clay is following a thief who stole Jewels two years earlier and it leads directly to Cassie! And sweet little Josie. Or do I have that backwards? Lol. I have to think. But there is a mystery and a kidnapping, a cave and a killing. Just when you think you solved it, it takes a turn. Really enjoyed the book. No graphic sex scenes, but still hot fade to black which I like. And there is a touch of amnesia in there to prick your interest. Safe too. Clay was dreamy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2016
Review to come...
April 17, 2018
May 28, 2000
Another month, another secret baby, this time little Ivy O'Malley in B.J. Daniels' "Intimate Secrets." Two years ago, Josie O'Malley fled her home in Texas. Pregnant, in danger, and unwilling to be forced into marriage with a man who didn't love her, she made a new life for herself and her baby daughter in Montana. Then Clay Jackson turned up in town. Clay Jackson, who she's known all her life. Clay, the father of her child. He's been trying to solve a jewel theft that happened shortly before she left town, and he's sure it can't be a coincidence that the trail has led him to Josie. He knows she's keeping something from him. But what?
"Intimate Secrets" features all the conventions about secret child books that make me and most people I know throw up their hands at this overused device. I groaned at every one of the annoying complications the author threw on to justify the baby secret and drag out the revelation for as long as she could. The number of misunderstandings are insanely convoluted. The book even contains one of those irritating sequences where Josie has something to tell Clay, but no, he says she can tell him later. Anyone who cringes at the very mention of a secret baby should be warned, there is nothing here to convince you this plot should ever be used again.
That said, the story still worked its way under my skin, enough for me to say that it is the best of this month's Intrigues. It's also probably Daniels' best book since "Undercover Christmas." My main complaint about some of her more recent work ("A Father for Her Baby," "Stolen Moments") is that, in keeping her characters constantly on the run, I never got the impression that they got to know each other well enough to make the sort of life-changing decisions they inevitably did in the end (especially in "Stolen Moments"). It's different this time, as Josie and Clay's relationship changes and evolves enough to make us believe they have a lasting future together. Even when I was annoyed by the cliche they were trapped in, I kept reading. Daniels writes with warmth and charm and her characters are likable. Josie and Clay are both strong and intelligent, and their passion feels real. I came to care about them both. The secondary characters are developed in a few deft strokes that brings them to life without overshadowing the leads. The mystery is well done, an equal part of the story with the romance as it should be in an Intrigue. The final twist is a surprise because we've been expertly mislead to believe things were more straightforward than they are. Nicely done.
The book is still seriously underwritten, even more so than usual for this author, with some moments and emotions skimped on. Judging by the huge page margins and large type, there was more than enough room to flesh out this tale some more. (Normal type and margins would probably make this more of a 220 page book than the 248 it clocks in at). Still, I would recommend it as a solid example of romantic suspense. Anyone who can still stomach this plot hook will find "Intimate Secrets" to be a satisfying romance and mystery.
Another month, another secret baby, this time little Ivy O'Malley in B.J. Daniels' "Intimate Secrets." Two years ago, Josie O'Malley fled her home in Texas. Pregnant, in danger, and unwilling to be forced into marriage with a man who didn't love her, she made a new life for herself and her baby daughter in Montana. Then Clay Jackson turned up in town. Clay Jackson, who she's known all her life. Clay, the father of her child. He's been trying to solve a jewel theft that happened shortly before she left town, and he's sure it can't be a coincidence that the trail has led him to Josie. He knows she's keeping something from him. But what?
"Intimate Secrets" features all the conventions about secret child books that make me and most people I know throw up their hands at this overused device. I groaned at every one of the annoying complications the author threw on to justify the baby secret and drag out the revelation for as long as she could. The number of misunderstandings are insanely convoluted. The book even contains one of those irritating sequences where Josie has something to tell Clay, but no, he says she can tell him later. Anyone who cringes at the very mention of a secret baby should be warned, there is nothing here to convince you this plot should ever be used again.
That said, the story still worked its way under my skin, enough for me to say that it is the best of this month's Intrigues. It's also probably Daniels' best book since "Undercover Christmas." My main complaint about some of her more recent work ("A Father for Her Baby," "Stolen Moments") is that, in keeping her characters constantly on the run, I never got the impression that they got to know each other well enough to make the sort of life-changing decisions they inevitably did in the end (especially in "Stolen Moments"). It's different this time, as Josie and Clay's relationship changes and evolves enough to make us believe they have a lasting future together. Even when I was annoyed by the cliche they were trapped in, I kept reading. Daniels writes with warmth and charm and her characters are likable. Josie and Clay are both strong and intelligent, and their passion feels real. I came to care about them both. The secondary characters are developed in a few deft strokes that brings them to life without overshadowing the leads. The mystery is well done, an equal part of the story with the romance as it should be in an Intrigue. The final twist is a surprise because we've been expertly mislead to believe things were more straightforward than they are. Nicely done.
The book is still seriously underwritten, even more so than usual for this author, with some moments and emotions skimped on. Judging by the huge page margins and large type, there was more than enough room to flesh out this tale some more. (Normal type and margins would probably make this more of a 220 page book than the 248 it clocks in at). Still, I would recommend it as a solid example of romantic suspense. Anyone who can still stomach this plot hook will find "Intimate Secrets" to be a satisfying romance and mystery.
June 8, 2018
doctors but can't wait to read more by this author
October 10, 2019
Okay so Mom and I might be a bit behind the eight ball; but B.J. Daniels sure like to have her characters have some lack of memory or hidden truth. This is not a complaint as it works great for her and mom likes it (reason she keeps reading them); but Mom just felt she has to state this fact to the world.
There now that’s done let us continue on with the review. The hero and heroine had some good chemistry, but it was beyond frustrating not having them trust each other. Considering it took up most of the book that definitely throws a wrench in the works. (Nothing big as you can see by the stars.) It was just a bit annoying because this is a romance book and we know the are going to come together and trust each other, (We have nothing against taking a hike to get there.) It just felt like this hike was made a little unnecessary long.
The thriller part of the story it’s self was well exicuted. It did keep mom and me at the edge of our seat and turning the pages faster than we could read them.
There now that’s done let us continue on with the review. The hero and heroine had some good chemistry, but it was beyond frustrating not having them trust each other. Considering it took up most of the book that definitely throws a wrench in the works. (Nothing big as you can see by the stars.) It was just a bit annoying because this is a romance book and we know the are going to come together and trust each other, (We have nothing against taking a hike to get there.) It just felt like this hike was made a little unnecessary long.
The thriller part of the story it’s self was well exicuted. It did keep mom and me at the edge of our seat and turning the pages faster than we could read them.
November 2, 2013
This short Hqn book by B.J. Daniels has a lot going for it. A tight plot that gives nothing away till near the end and a hot romance.
What is Josie so afraid of and who is the father of her baby? Those are the questions that are central to this story. Josie finds herself knocked up and in West Texas, you got married and made it work. Josie runs and makes a life in Montana. At the same time she leaves a gallery is robbed and gems worth over $1 million are stolen. Two guys she knows well are suspected to be the perps. One of them died in a fiery car crash. But, did he? Odell strikes terror in Josie's heart. Clay, the hero, also terrifies her, but for a different reason.
August 6, 2020
Josie O'Malley fled Texas when she found out she was pregnant. She made a life for herself and her baby in Montana. Josie became an excellent horse trainer. Now trouble from Texas has followed her. Also the baby's father has accidentally found her. How will Josie protect her baby from the danger that is just around the corner?
August 4, 2022
Was just okay.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Hero and heroine separate because she cant tell him she is pregnant w his baby. The author does not immediately reveal that the Hero is the father, but it was super easy for the reader to infer that he was 🙄
Same thing as the main villain, the author went to lengths to “prove” that he was dead, but I know all along that he was not.
For the romance aspect, it was weak, the Hero kept on distrusting the heroine, which does not bode well for a future relationship. And the heroine, despite her fear, continues to put herself in suspicious circumstances 🤦🏻♀️
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Hero and heroine separate because she cant tell him she is pregnant w his baby. The author does not immediately reveal that the Hero is the father, but it was super easy for the reader to infer that he was 🙄
Same thing as the main villain, the author went to lengths to “prove” that he was dead, but I know all along that he was not.
For the romance aspect, it was weak, the Hero kept on distrusting the heroine, which does not bode well for a future relationship. And the heroine, despite her fear, continues to put herself in suspicious circumstances 🤦🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
This was a good read. I enjoyed the characters, their personalities and the story line. There's emotions, courage, strength, suspense, some steaminess, sweetness and a good ending. This is a good book for the lazy-day read or just something to pass the time. Good Luck
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
January 18, 2021
Josie ran... Unfortunately, her life is on the line. Such action. I was scared for her, Ivy and Clay. Heartstopping story.
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Cowboy at Heart
Category: Suspense
Category: Suspense
April 24, 2013
Not just a romance...it was an exciting mystery. I couldn't figure it out. What a surprise ending...well the who done it part.
April 22, 2014
a very enjoyable read, read it very quickly.
July 11, 2014
Loved this book.
August 6, 2014
Could not put it down!!!
March 9, 2015
good mystery - likeable characters - suspenseful.
October 20, 2017
This was an intriguing book. The plot was good and it kept you guessing. I didn't figure out the culprit until they were in the cave.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews