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Buried Mountain Secrets

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A sheriff's deputy must escort a woman through dangerous terrain in the national bestselling author's "suspenseful romance set in the Colorado Rockies" (Fresh Fiction).

Maya Gallo has been caring for her brother, a spirited teenager with Down syndrome, for years, ever since they lost their parents in a tragic accident. Now he's gone off on his own seeking an adventure, and Maya is desperate to find him. Venturing into the Colorado Rockies, she expects rough terrain--not deadly treasure hunters. But when she's caught in their crosshairs, ruggedly handsome mounted patrolman Alex Trevino comes to her aid.

The deputy sheriff knows what these bandits are capable of. So getting Maya--and her brother--off the mountain alive and home safely may be his hardest mission yet . . .

From a finalist for multiple RITA and Carol Awards, this is an uplifting, compelling novel of danger, adventure, family, and true love.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2019

72 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Terri Reed

194 books3,146 followers

New York Times bestselling author Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas.
She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd.
For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q
Be sure to follow Terri on BookBub for updates on her new releases
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terri...

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5 stars
138 (57%)
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68 (28%)
3 stars
27 (11%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews599 followers
March 29, 2019
Buried Mountain Secrets was much better than I expected. I liked how the characters felt so realistic. I also found it refreshing to read a book that featured a character with Down syndrome...you don't find that much in fiction and I loved the awareness it brought.

I found the mystery to be interesting and there were several moments of intense suspense, which I loved. The romance was good, although not very memorable (at least to me).

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it if you like the genre.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
3,942 reviews1,764 followers
February 20, 2019
Eeeeeppp -- awesome start to what looks to be a new series by Terri Reed. That has me doing back flips of bookish glee because there are a number of secondary characters who need their own stories and the sparks flying between two of them in particular has me hoping they are the ones up next. Not posting any spoilers, you'll have to read Buried Mountain Secrets to see who I mean.

Ahem -- back to our current hero and heroine, Maya and Alex, since it is their story after all! Initial attraction develops into a slow burn of awareness but is tempered by the harsh realities of their individual lives -- as well as the ever encroaching danger that continues to threaten Maya and her brother. A lovely blend of sweet and wary.

And I love the treasure hunting aspect of the suspense. So unique and made for a page-turning frenzy on my part. Couldn't read fast enough to see how all the pieces finally fit together. Not to mention how Maya and Alex reach their happily ever after!

And the mounted patrol -- including Truman the wonder horse -- brought an original twist to the plot as well. Kind of put me in mind of my Trixie Belden days when ol' Trix and company exercised the Wheeler's horses in the surrounding woods and got into all kinds of mischief. :-) And the logistical details of how a mounted patrol works was really interesting. I'm looking forward to more books exploring "the lore and the mystique of deputies and volunteers on horseback." (Dear Reader letter from the author at the end of the book.)
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
December 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Maya is an extremely devoted older sister. Her brother is special needs but is trying to figure life out for himself. I think her brother Brady was my favorite character. The author did a wonderful job with him and showing how 'wonderful' and 'scary' things can be for these special people. It reminds me of a favorite cousin of mine!

Alex is a deputy in town that may or may not be being groomed by the sheriff to take over when the sheriff retires. He is given the lead on the case when Brady is missing and becomes very protective of the two siblings. There was action, some romance, and plenty of suspects. A few characters I wasn't sure of, one I didn't like at all and some that I loved! I liked the secondary story with Alex's father and that the author set up some of the characters for another book. I can't wait to read it!

It was a 5/5 for me. Loved the story and there was plenty of suspense.



Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Toth Jo-Ann.
675 reviews14 followers
January 19, 2019
I've missed reading Terri's books. It was worth the wait. With this story she starts with a little history then she gets the ball rolling. I loved meeting Maya Gallo she is a very rich character. She takes on a responsibility that many wouldn't at the age of 18. Go ahead 10 years later. This story has mystery, suspense and some neat twists in it. We also meet Alex Trevino and a whole police force I hope to see in more books. Its a blending of small towns I enjoy in Terri's stories and alot of action that will keep the pages turning. We even have a eccentric person who just adds to the story. I loved reading this story and look forward to the next one. I wonder if it will be Kaitlyn and Ian. We shall see. Thanks Terri.
582 reviews
January 29, 2019
An awesome start to a new series by Terri Reed! Taking place in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where an innocent treasure hunt turns deadly. A search for young Brady Gallo leads danger right to the home he shares with his sister Maya. With the help of mounted patrolman Alex Trevino, they must stop whoever is behind the attacks before any more lives are at stake!

I love the premise of this with mounted patrol officers, something you don't see too often in books. Not only that, but the draw and mystery of finding real buried treasure by following clues placed in a newspaper ad each week. Reed brought the beauty of the mountains to life for me, painting a picture in my mind. She also brought danger to the forefront with attacks blindsiding both Maya and Alex. So many suspects I never knew who was behind them! The strong family dynamics between Maya and Brady was refreshing to watch. She wants nothing more than to protect him from a world that doesn't always understand those who are different and he wants to push the bounds a bit to become more independent. There's a little push & pull there but you can definitely see the love they have for one another. Alex is a true gentleman and hero; trust worthy, protective, loyal and has inner battles of his own he must overcome. Those just make him more appealing in my mind! Both the hero and heroine resist falling in love for reasons you'll find out by reading this. The suspense is just the right pace for me & the level of mystery makes this a puzzle I wanted to figure out right along with them. All in all, a great book for suspense lovers who also like a faith thread seamlessly woven throughout. I can't wait for the next installment of this bang-up start to a new series!

My parents taught me to believe that God is in control, and when things work out in a way that seems....random or a coincidence, that really it was God orchestrating things. ~Maya (pg 60)

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
18 reviews
February 1, 2019
Talk about suspense, treasure hunting, and romance, it’s all here in this book!
Every time Alex, the handsome deputy sheriff, thinks he has Maya and Brady, Maya’s special needs brother, safe, something else happens. Maya’s very protective of her brother, but he is very smart.
The man who started the treasure hunt refuses to call an end to it regardless of the dangers involved.
Brady is insistent that he finds the treasure.
Buy this and see if Alex is able to keep Maya and Brady safe, and if Brady finds the treasure before the other treasure hunters do, and what the treasure is.
This book was great.
I received a copy for an honest review, and I have actually read it twice.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books372 followers
March 24, 2019
A young woman runs the town hardware store along with her mildly disabled brother, but she drops everything when the lad doesn't return from following a treasure trail in the Rockies.

A mounted patrolman on his chestnut Tennessee Walking Horse heads up the trail to find them. This is only the first section of the book and the young pair then have to be kept safe around town as desperate men are about.

This is an inspirational romance, with interesting points to consider such as how to help people with special intellectual needs live a full life while also helping their guardians to live normally. I enjoyed the story.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
1,766 reviews33 followers
January 14, 2019
I loved these characters! Maya is a very loving sister to her teenage brother, Brady who has Downs Syndrome. Brady was a wonderful young man and I really liked him. He was sweet, kind and very determined to do the right thing. There is a big treasure hunt in the mountains set up by an eccentric old man and things are going crazy up there in the mountains! There are bad people who are willing to do anything to get that treasure. Sweet Brady loves treasure hunts and he gets involved in all the hoopla. He gets hurt in the mountains and Maya gets hurt trying to find him. Alex is a deputy for the mounted patrol in the area! I really enjoyed learning more about the mounted patrol. When a man is found dead in the mountains, Alex is assigned to the case. The care that Alex takes with Maya and Brady is very special. Alex has had a tough past but he's trying to get past it by having his dad live with him. I enjoyed the whole story and the characters and I certainly hope there are more books that will continue with the secondary characters in the sheriff's departments because I liked them too!
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,120 reviews19 followers
January 15, 2019
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this story. I am thrilled that Terri Reed is starting a new series. This is a great small town with lots of fascinating characters. I can see the series having many books. Maya and Alex are a great couple and I loved the storyline about the hunt for buried treasure.
408 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone Got this book as an ARC but my recommendation is my own
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
March 25, 2019
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Buried Mountain Secrets. I always enjoy Terri's work and was excited to get this book in the mail. It is well written, action packed and full of adventure. Faith is interwoven into the story like a fine tapestry. You are going to love this book.

Maya Gallo owns Gallo Hardware and Feed Store. Her parents had opened the store when she was just a baby. She grew up in this store. Her parents were killed in an accident ten years ago leaving Maya the store to run and their five year old down syndrome son to raise. Brady burst into the store with another clue to the Treasure Hunt of the Century. Brady loves the puzzles and is sure he knows where the treasure is hid. When Brady doesn't come home when he is suppose to Maya becomes desperate. She heads out to find him. She finds his backpack with it's GPS tracker but not her brother. She is then attacked. She is rescued by a deputy. What has happened to her brother?

Mounted Deputy Sheriff Alex Trevino is sent out to find the Gallo siblings. What he finds is that these two are in serious danger. They are caught in the middle of deadly treasure hunters. Can he keep them safe and catch these bandits?

A journey of survival from cold blooded killers. These two souls must learn to trust each other and to trust in God. God has a plan for these two; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. We have an enemy out there that's come to steal kill and destroy, but Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly. Give Him your heart and trust that He will make a way where there seems to be no way. God is so good.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,507 reviews26 followers
October 3, 2019
Actual rating is 3.5 stars, but I bumped it up.

Why do they almost always ruin the ending by having a proposal or a marriage or in this case, imply they will be married and on their honeymoon in about six months after only knowing each other officially for less then a week?

Other than a predictable ending, obvious perps, the horse on the cover being the wrong colour, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Brady was refreshing. Maya is a wonderful sister and Alex is a believable and good man who is trying to help his father Frank get back on his feet despite their rocky past. I would have loved to have more development on that front and maybe more of Frank. But I understand the is a space limit on these things. However, I think I would have enjoyed more in the case of this particular story. So many things could have been more developed.

Also, what the heck was up with Nick and Ian? Maybe the author will write more books about the people of this county. That'd be pretty neat. Danial and Kaitlyn could have their own books!

Anyhow, for a fluff read to occupy my brain while laid up on the couch, this one was pretty good.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,503 reviews52 followers
March 6, 2025
awesome read!
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,210 reviews51 followers
March 13, 2019
Maya's both has down syndrome and he went missing on a trail in the mountain side looking for a treasure everyone is welcome to if they can find it. On a mission to find him she gets attacked and patrolman Alex is there to lend a hand. As they find her brother they find out that the treasure everyone seems to be looking for has people who will do anything to get it even kill and now Maya and her brother seem to be a target. Alex will try to do everything in his power to keep the two safe.

Such a great book, there was so much going on that I had a hard time putting this book down. There was minimal romance going on but plenty of mystery to keep the readers going. Maya is such a great sister taking care of her younger brother and finds it hard to let him go to be his own person. Its pretty obvious shes loves him a great deal though the book seeing her concern and care go through every interaction. Then there's Alex the protector trying to keep things safe for the two, there was clearly something going down when it comes to the multiples attempts at Maya and her brothers and he needed to figure out why and who was behind all this mess. Overall this was a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Lady Tea.
1,801 reviews126 followers
November 11, 2019
Rating: 4.5 / 5

Although the mystery/suspense elements of this one aren't the best that I've ever read through, I think it accomplishes what it sets out to do, and that's to create a compelling Colorado-Rockies atmosphere.

The characters were likable, they dealt in some things that really felt like it warranted commitment-hesitation and generally-mild angst, and the happy ending was well worth it, so although this wasn't "the most of the most" in any way, I think it's a comfortable read for those sick days in, snuggled up with a hot cocoa or a cup of tea.

Fortunately, I was sick the first time I'm reading it, so it suited me well for that short period of time.
Profile Image for Charline Bonham.
637 reviews
March 2, 2019
A well written story of Maya putting her life on hold while she cares for her brother after loosing their parents. Brady has Downs but is very functional. It is still had for Maya to let him be normal but is she afraid for herself or him. Deputy Sheriff Alex Trevino helps find Brady and rescues Maya when treasure hunters become too set on finding the treasure. Terri handles their greed and the love between brother and sister very well. Maybe Alex can help Maya to give her brother a little more freedom.
Profile Image for Marilyn Johnson.
601 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2019
This is a great suspense book full of mystery, drama, suspense and romance. Maya Gallo has been a mother to her little brother for years. Brady Gallo is such a sweet, happy boy. He loves mysteries and solving puzzles. His down syndrome just adds to his personalty. When Brady goes missing Maya must rely on the handsome deputy Alex Trevino to help. Alex, Maya and Brady all find themselves in more danger than they realized.

This book is well written with great detail and story line. I look forward to reading more from this town.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
345 reviews17 followers
July 7, 2019
Maya Gallo is worried when her brother doesn’t return from his treasure hunt so she goes to look for him and then finds herself in trouble from bad people. Thankfully deputy sheriff Alex Trevino gets to Maya in time and is able to help her find her brother. Attempts on the Gallo siblings keep happening and Alex is determined to solving who these attacker’s are. Alex is personally providing protection for Maya and her brother. She and Alex grow ever closer to one another during the case and so he is doing all he can to keep her safe so they can have a chance at a future together!
Profile Image for Dawn Leonard.
328 reviews
February 4, 2019
Really liked this first book in this new series. I received a free book from the author but was not required to write a review. The opinion is my own. I liked the well developed characters of Maya, her brother Brady who has special needs, and deputy Alex. It was a great mystery with lots of suspects and action. The scenes were well described so it was easy to picture exactly was happening. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
April 23, 2020
Fast Read

Super fast read. Loved that there was a central character with Down syndrome. He stole the show but I’m pretty sure the horse did too. Loved them. Great book. Take a read and enjoy.
1,833 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2020
Nice Read

A fun filled exciting story.Full of mystery,suspense,thrills and chills with a whole lot of action thrown in.This is one of those stories that grabs hold of you from the very beginning and doesn't let go.
Profile Image for Rachel.
411 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2023
Good series of stories

I have ended up reading these out of order, but I am really enjoying each story. Maya and Alex are a great pair. Plus, I truly love Brady. I appreciated the inclusion of a teen with Downs Syndrome. Wonderful story with a message of hope.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 116 books206 followers
March 29, 2020
An enjoyable story with a satisfying ending. Great messages without being preachy or unbelievably pure. I particularly liked the interaction between Maya and Brady. Definitely recommended.
30 reviews
November 27, 2025
Buried Mountain Secrets

Great story! A lot of action that keeps you glued. I couldn’t believe all the things that Terri wove in together. You’ll love reading it! Great job, Terri!
Profile Image for Jessica.
854 reviews24 followers
Read
December 19, 2018
I loved the Gallo Siblings dynamic, and I really wanted to see Brady flourish. Also, I definitely was curious about Nick and his father's relationship. Unfortunately, this was a DNF (did not finish) for me at about 28%. I was struggling to get into this story. It is very plot driven, so I didn't learn enough about the characters to feel invested in them. There was action right off the bat, and I wanted to know more about their feelings during these scenes. The only feelings that were super clear to me--because they were repeated multiple times--the main characters were attracted to each other, but did not want to get into a relationship. It got a little annoying to me after a while. Then when I got to around the 28% mark, there was a lot of God talk and that just killed it for me. Which made me sad because I think there was a lot of potential.

I'm not saying this is a bad book by any means, just not my type. I think if you don't mind religious characters and you like a plot driven story, you will probably find this book right up your alley!

***Thank you so much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the chance to read this early by giving me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!***
Profile Image for Vickie Jameson.
367 reviews38 followers
May 3, 2019
Buried Mountain Secrets is the latest thriller by Terri Reed. There is treasure to be found in the Rocky Mountains and Maya Gallo's brother is determined to find it. What starts out as a fun treasure hunt turns into a deadly encounter that has Maya and her brother in fear for their very lives.

When Maya's brother goes missing, Deputy Alex Trevino and his mounted patrol set out to find him. Once they do, they realize that the Gallo family is in danger until the killer is found. Why is someone so determined to find Brady? Alex is determined that he will let no harm come to Maya and her brother. Can he keep this little family safe until he finds the killer?

Terri Reed is a favorite author of mine. I always enjoy her books and this one did not disappoint. This story has elements of faith, family, romance, mystery and intrigue and keeps you guessing until the very end. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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