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Discovered Truth #1
Discovered Secrets
He refused to face his past...so it came crashing into his present.
LA Times investigative reporter Jesse McMillan scores the biggest story of his career. An elusive Mexican mafia kingpin agrees to talk--but the price Jesse must pay is greater than he ever imagined.
When Jesse reunites with an old girlfriend he has dreamed about, but never thought he'd see again, the increasingly dangerous investigation puts his budding romance in jeopardy.
The more Jesse digs, the more disturbing and potentially deadly connections emerge between his childhood home in the Canal Zone, Panama and the Mexican mafia.
Can Jesse and Clare survive the deadly secrets he uncovers about their past? Will he live to write the article?
If you like Nora Roberts, Kendra Elliot, or Mary Burton, this book is for you. Start reading now!
LA Times investigative reporter Jesse McMillan scores the biggest story of his career. An elusive Mexican mafia kingpin agrees to talk--but the price Jesse must pay is greater than he ever imagined.
When Jesse reunites with an old girlfriend he has dreamed about, but never thought he'd see again, the increasingly dangerous investigation puts his budding romance in jeopardy.
The more Jesse digs, the more disturbing and potentially deadly connections emerge between his childhood home in the Canal Zone, Panama and the Mexican mafia.
Can Jesse and Clare survive the deadly secrets he uncovers about their past? Will he live to write the article?
If you like Nora Roberts, Kendra Elliot, or Mary Burton, this book is for you. Start reading now!
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2019
47 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Julie Bawden-Davis
54 books44 followersBestselling author Julie Bawden-Davis loves writing page-turning suspenseful books often spiced with romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire.
Julie began penning stories at the age of 5, when she wrote sweet, little romance books for her grandma. From there, she graduated to sneaking to a neighbor’s house to watch “Dark Shadows” (because her parents thought it was too scary for her). Then, in her teens, she raced home from school, dragging her younger sister behind her, to become immersed in the world of “General Hospital.”
Julie lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. She gains inspiration by being surrounded by plants when she writes.
Sign up to join her Romance/Suspense Email Mailing List at http://eepurl.com/cw31x5 to get sneak peeks of upcoming books and participate in contests and giveaways.
Julie began penning stories at the age of 5, when she wrote sweet, little romance books for her grandma. From there, she graduated to sneaking to a neighbor’s house to watch “Dark Shadows” (because her parents thought it was too scary for her). Then, in her teens, she raced home from school, dragging her younger sister behind her, to become immersed in the world of “General Hospital.”
Julie lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. She gains inspiration by being surrounded by plants when she writes.
Sign up to join her Romance/Suspense Email Mailing List at http://eepurl.com/cw31x5 to get sneak peeks of upcoming books and participate in contests and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 19, 2019
I have been looking at this series since it came out. I wanted to read and review it , but I chickened out to ask for an ARC. When I saw this on Story Origin Reviews, I thought this is my one chance to read it and I am so glad that I was approved for this book. Hopefully her others in the series ends on on Story Origin Reviews so I can read them.
I loved the book!! It got me a little confused the first time I read it. The second time I understood totally. What confused me was the flashbacks of the teen years and back to the adult years. As soon as I read it the second time, I loved it. It was much more clearer to me after the second time. Jesse and Sam fast became my new book boyfriends. It was a good fast read with a lot of excitement and some tear jerker scenes. They may not have been tear jerker scenes but they were to me. This book and series is recommended.
I receive a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I loved the book!! It got me a little confused the first time I read it. The second time I understood totally. What confused me was the flashbacks of the teen years and back to the adult years. As soon as I read it the second time, I loved it. It was much more clearer to me after the second time. Jesse and Sam fast became my new book boyfriends. It was a good fast read with a lot of excitement and some tear jerker scenes. They may not have been tear jerker scenes but they were to me. This book and series is recommended.
I receive a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 10, 2021
(3.5) Intrigue, suspense. This is book 1 in a series. I have read them out of order and that is not an issue. The premise is intriguing and the information provided purely in a fiction setting made me think about the Panama Canal and the zone and opened up my eyes and heart. I lived in Mexico for awhile so some of the descriptions I could relate to. The road Jesse, investigative reporter is at times heart breaking and suspenseful. This is a back and forth in time, which I personally do not care for, it was frequent enough that I had to really concentrate, and is the cause of the 3.5, but it certainly lays the ground work for some of the other characters, and the 'secrets' that impacted them all. There is sorrow, family, and hope.
December 11, 2020
Definitely a page turner! I'm typically a historical fiction reader but because this book switches back and forth between past and present I thought it would be right up my alley, with some suspense and romance thrown in there! I was right. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Canal Zone from the main character Jesse's perspective. By switching from past to present you gain a closer look at the characters and the storyline. The plot twists engage you and keep you quickly reading to the very end to find out how it turns out!
August 26, 2022
I did read this book!
I reread this today and Wow, I Completely remember why I became an addict of Ms. Bawden-Davis.
This novel is the first in the Discovered Truth Series: Even at the time of writing it goes back in time to when the United States owned and operated the Panama Canal. People who lived in that area where called Zonians because they were mostly non Panamanians, Americans, American military, and other displaced nationalities all for the operation of the canal.
However, mostly the Zonians were Americans and US Military and their families.
The novel opens with teens, most seniors in high school, where we meet out hero. These young people were not bad kids, however they were definitely kids who mad some bad decisions.
The hero is part of, a clique. A small group of Zonians kids who pretty much did all together and made good and bad decisions together. But, it was also Carter's reign, and President Carter was known for giving areas back to the countries that should have owned these areas or things. All Zonians worried about Carter signing the treatise finalizing the US's relinquishing control of the Panama Canal. Now those of you who are going, huh, or are too young to remember, (bless your hearts, history lived through is truly magical), this caused pretty much mayhem.
Noriega was the dictator of Panama, regardless of how named he was a dictator. Even with the USA handing over the Canal, he was a dictator of the first degree. He used this opportunity to rape, pillage, and cause harm to his country, often fatal.
Now the reason for the very abbreviated history lesson, Jesse our hero, and Clare the heroine began their brief friendship during that time.
Present day, about 1999, Jesse is a grown man doing exactly what he wanted, journalism with a emphasis on investigated.
This time Jesse becomes re involved with Panama due to his boss knowing he once live there for most of his formative years.
From here. Ms. Bawden-Davis takes us on a very convoluted ride! Even though convoluted, the flash back form used in her writing provides background for understanding, as well as an authentic history lesson. Well done. You do not even realize you are learning so much, more so, if unlike me you have no memories.
This is a terrifically crafted novel. The flash backs, the young people coming back together, less one lost the year the novel begins, and the immense differences in these young people who are now adults, and let's not forget Claire our heroine. She's introduced shortly after the beginning, and has a short time in the Zone. A surprise meeting as adults brings these two individuals back together. They do not suddenly fall in lust or love, but do fall back into friendship. And let the twisted suspense begin!
Ms. Bawden-Davis, completely wrote a "thrill eristic" romantic suspense! The twists, the unexpected, the complete surprises, bad and good all are what makes this book one you simply want to read!
Honestly, I forget how great this novel is, the author's descriptive use of setting, you can see the area through her words and the dialogue internally from the characters, and well as with each other.
It saddens me to realize I had forgotten how well the author's use of description and dialogue make her such a good author.
If you're looking for boring romance, not here, this is incredibly detailed and only by reading can you understand the author's talent! Besides, even if you read other Discovered Truth Series novels, you miss a great book by not including this novel 1, Discovered Truth Series in your tbr!
It certainly illuminated how far Ms Bawden-Davis' growth as author since, but also gives you the reader to understand why I am addicted to this authors work. It's terrific!
Don't miss out, Catch UP! YOU HAVE everything to gain by allowing yourself to return to where it all began, and read what you might've missed. Every novel brings something new to the table.
I now await the next installment, book 15, not saying anything to give the surprise away, I have become such a fan of Julie Bawden-Davis! Her novels always entertain! You might be dang I thought I go it all, but Julie Bawden-Davis continues to surprise and delight me!
Do not miss out! Begin with book one, and enjoy the ride!
Karen
I reread this today and Wow, I Completely remember why I became an addict of Ms. Bawden-Davis.
This novel is the first in the Discovered Truth Series: Even at the time of writing it goes back in time to when the United States owned and operated the Panama Canal. People who lived in that area where called Zonians because they were mostly non Panamanians, Americans, American military, and other displaced nationalities all for the operation of the canal.
However, mostly the Zonians were Americans and US Military and their families.
The novel opens with teens, most seniors in high school, where we meet out hero. These young people were not bad kids, however they were definitely kids who mad some bad decisions.
The hero is part of, a clique. A small group of Zonians kids who pretty much did all together and made good and bad decisions together. But, it was also Carter's reign, and President Carter was known for giving areas back to the countries that should have owned these areas or things. All Zonians worried about Carter signing the treatise finalizing the US's relinquishing control of the Panama Canal. Now those of you who are going, huh, or are too young to remember, (bless your hearts, history lived through is truly magical), this caused pretty much mayhem.
Noriega was the dictator of Panama, regardless of how named he was a dictator. Even with the USA handing over the Canal, he was a dictator of the first degree. He used this opportunity to rape, pillage, and cause harm to his country, often fatal.
Now the reason for the very abbreviated history lesson, Jesse our hero, and Clare the heroine began their brief friendship during that time.
Present day, about 1999, Jesse is a grown man doing exactly what he wanted, journalism with a emphasis on investigated.
This time Jesse becomes re involved with Panama due to his boss knowing he once live there for most of his formative years.
From here. Ms. Bawden-Davis takes us on a very convoluted ride! Even though convoluted, the flash back form used in her writing provides background for understanding, as well as an authentic history lesson. Well done. You do not even realize you are learning so much, more so, if unlike me you have no memories.
This is a terrifically crafted novel. The flash backs, the young people coming back together, less one lost the year the novel begins, and the immense differences in these young people who are now adults, and let's not forget Claire our heroine. She's introduced shortly after the beginning, and has a short time in the Zone. A surprise meeting as adults brings these two individuals back together. They do not suddenly fall in lust or love, but do fall back into friendship. And let the twisted suspense begin!
Ms. Bawden-Davis, completely wrote a "thrill eristic" romantic suspense! The twists, the unexpected, the complete surprises, bad and good all are what makes this book one you simply want to read!
Honestly, I forget how great this novel is, the author's descriptive use of setting, you can see the area through her words and the dialogue internally from the characters, and well as with each other.
It saddens me to realize I had forgotten how well the author's use of description and dialogue make her such a good author.
If you're looking for boring romance, not here, this is incredibly detailed and only by reading can you understand the author's talent! Besides, even if you read other Discovered Truth Series novels, you miss a great book by not including this novel 1, Discovered Truth Series in your tbr!
It certainly illuminated how far Ms Bawden-Davis' growth as author since, but also gives you the reader to understand why I am addicted to this authors work. It's terrific!
Don't miss out, Catch UP! YOU HAVE everything to gain by allowing yourself to return to where it all began, and read what you might've missed. Every novel brings something new to the table.
I now await the next installment, book 15, not saying anything to give the surprise away, I have become such a fan of Julie Bawden-Davis! Her novels always entertain! You might be dang I thought I go it all, but Julie Bawden-Davis continues to surprise and delight me!
Do not miss out! Begin with book one, and enjoy the ride!
Karen
October 3, 2021
It is June of 1977 and Jesse McMillan is standing under the canopy watching what will probably be his last tropical storm in the Panama Canal Zone. His 6-foot lanky frame is filled with despair because President Carter is getting ready to sign the treaty that will take away his home.
His best friend Randy shows up wanting to party and pulls a joint from the Marlboro pack in his back pocket. All his late-night partying is starting to show on his face and no matter what he says Randy doesn't listen. Randy is more interested in partying and selling weed.
When their fellow classmate Sam is gone for three weeks without a word, Jesse finds out that Randy is into more than just weed, he and Sam have been selling cocaine. It's their last night in The Zone and Randy tells Jesse that he has to leave the party to make a deal and asks Jesse to come along, but he tells Randy he wants nothing to do with cocaine and walks into the party.
Almost a decade has gone by since that night and Jesse now lives in Irvine, California. While he is waiting for his grilled cheese sandwich to brown Jesse picks up a dart and aims it at the dartboard on the kitchen wall. Bullseye! Right between the eyes on the photo of the former President. His cat, Millicent watches him with boredom as she finishes eating.
He's had to change the photo multiple times as all of his friends from Panama throw darts at the photo and curse the former President for costing them their homes in the Canal Zone when he signed the treaty giving Panama back to the Panamanians. In doing so all their homes reverted to Panama and all the military-based families moved back to the United States.
Jesse is an investigative reporter for the LA Times covering the Latin American beat because he is fluent in Spanish and more importantly his association with Panama. And his boss is on his back for a front-page story about Panama now since it was upside down after an American soldier was shot down and Noriega annulled the election. He is also after him about his story about the crack cocaine that was ravaging the young kids of the barrios of Santa Ana.
Gonzalez, a Mexican mafia drug lord's name kept coming up in his investigations about the crack cocaine, but whether he was involved was still unclear, but after his boss gave him a deadline so the story would hit tomorrow morning's paper he needs to stall him to see if he can get a meeting with the drug lord.
When he gets home his friend Micky pulls him to a Zone party despite his pleading he didn't want to go, but once he gets there he is happy that he did because standing before him is his old girlfriend Clare who he hasn't seen since he left Panama.
I loved this story. It is very well written and thoroughly researched. This book is totally from Jesse's POV and the story goes back and forth in time as Jesse realizes the current Panama crisis he is doing a story on is closer to home and more dangerous than he would like.
I love all the characters in this book. We get to know Jesse and his friends fully as he goes back in time and get a feeling for all their issues growing up - love, drugs, friendships and enemies.
I love the intrigue of the story and how it was woven through an actual event in history. This book is full of action and danger. Although Jesse gets his HEA the story doesn't revolve around his romance, but more on his investigative story and how it all leads back to his and his friend's past life in the Panama Canal.
This book was very emotional at times especially when Jesse finally deals with what happened in the final days before his family left Panama. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
His best friend Randy shows up wanting to party and pulls a joint from the Marlboro pack in his back pocket. All his late-night partying is starting to show on his face and no matter what he says Randy doesn't listen. Randy is more interested in partying and selling weed.
When their fellow classmate Sam is gone for three weeks without a word, Jesse finds out that Randy is into more than just weed, he and Sam have been selling cocaine. It's their last night in The Zone and Randy tells Jesse that he has to leave the party to make a deal and asks Jesse to come along, but he tells Randy he wants nothing to do with cocaine and walks into the party.
Almost a decade has gone by since that night and Jesse now lives in Irvine, California. While he is waiting for his grilled cheese sandwich to brown Jesse picks up a dart and aims it at the dartboard on the kitchen wall. Bullseye! Right between the eyes on the photo of the former President. His cat, Millicent watches him with boredom as she finishes eating.
He's had to change the photo multiple times as all of his friends from Panama throw darts at the photo and curse the former President for costing them their homes in the Canal Zone when he signed the treaty giving Panama back to the Panamanians. In doing so all their homes reverted to Panama and all the military-based families moved back to the United States.
Jesse is an investigative reporter for the LA Times covering the Latin American beat because he is fluent in Spanish and more importantly his association with Panama. And his boss is on his back for a front-page story about Panama now since it was upside down after an American soldier was shot down and Noriega annulled the election. He is also after him about his story about the crack cocaine that was ravaging the young kids of the barrios of Santa Ana.
Gonzalez, a Mexican mafia drug lord's name kept coming up in his investigations about the crack cocaine, but whether he was involved was still unclear, but after his boss gave him a deadline so the story would hit tomorrow morning's paper he needs to stall him to see if he can get a meeting with the drug lord.
When he gets home his friend Micky pulls him to a Zone party despite his pleading he didn't want to go, but once he gets there he is happy that he did because standing before him is his old girlfriend Clare who he hasn't seen since he left Panama.
I loved this story. It is very well written and thoroughly researched. This book is totally from Jesse's POV and the story goes back and forth in time as Jesse realizes the current Panama crisis he is doing a story on is closer to home and more dangerous than he would like.
I love all the characters in this book. We get to know Jesse and his friends fully as he goes back in time and get a feeling for all their issues growing up - love, drugs, friendships and enemies.
I love the intrigue of the story and how it was woven through an actual event in history. This book is full of action and danger. Although Jesse gets his HEA the story doesn't revolve around his romance, but more on his investigative story and how it all leads back to his and his friend's past life in the Panama Canal.
This book was very emotional at times especially when Jesse finally deals with what happened in the final days before his family left Panama. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
January 11, 2020
I had mixed feelings about this book. The story is about Jesse, an investigative reporter who is doing a story on drugs that involves the Mexican mafia in the late 80s (although an actual time is never given to my recollection - I am going based on the story and knowledge of history). At the same time, he becomes reacquainted with people from his teen years when has living in Panama in the "Canal Zone" particularly Claire. Past and present (in book time) collide and can Jesse bring past and present to rest. I enjoyed the "now" story and suspense of his investigating the drugs coming into the country and his running into a long-lost friend Claire to whom he is attracted. I didn't necessarily care for the "past" Panama City side of the story. On the negative, I felt the novel was disjointed in the presentation of the two stories. I read lots of books that go back and forth from present to past and vice versa; but this one, I felt I was just getting into the story and it would jump to the past. It wasn't a start of a new chapter, there was a flourished line in the text at a break and you would start reading and it would be in the past or back in the present. For me, I had a hard time following and keeping track of past and present This may not bother others but it definitely impacted my overall experience. I also really didn't feel a strong connection to any of the characters but only slight connection to the main character, Jesse and to Claire. I appreciate the opportunity to read an ARC copy received from the author at my request and am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
March 2, 2023
It's 1989, and Jesse McMillan is an investigative reporter for the LA Times. Jesse's boss, Burt Williams, is waiting on Jesse's story about kids on crack cocaine, and since he knows Jesse's lived in "The Zone" as his childhood home, Burt wants the inside view of Operation Just Cause. The present has more links to the past than Jesse realized as he started his investigation, and it is not simply a story, as the investigation reveals a different truth than memories of his past.
The story is all the more captivating in authenticity in character development through the author's personal experiences living in the Panama Canal Zone at a transformational time in Panama-US history and prior work experience, including the LA Times. I recommend readers enjoy the Dedication and Author's Note preceding the story as it helps set the tone and POV of the storytelling.
Thank you, Julie Bawden-Davis, for offering the February giveaway to two newsletter subscribers. It's always exciting to win a reading giveaway but especially for a recent newsletter subscriber. I loved the happily-ever-after / second-chance romance that opens a series but is easily enjoyed as a stand-alone.
There are unexpected twists and suspenseful moments that heighten the storytelling above a contemporary romance. I look forward to reading more of the series
The story is all the more captivating in authenticity in character development through the author's personal experiences living in the Panama Canal Zone at a transformational time in Panama-US history and prior work experience, including the LA Times. I recommend readers enjoy the Dedication and Author's Note preceding the story as it helps set the tone and POV of the storytelling.
Thank you, Julie Bawden-Davis, for offering the February giveaway to two newsletter subscribers. It's always exciting to win a reading giveaway but especially for a recent newsletter subscriber. I loved the happily-ever-after / second-chance romance that opens a series but is easily enjoyed as a stand-alone.
There are unexpected twists and suspenseful moments that heighten the storytelling above a contemporary romance. I look forward to reading more of the series
"as minor characters become major characters in subsequent books."
April 7, 2021
Arc For Honest Review . Discovered Secrets is the first book in ( The Discovered Truth Series ) by Julie Bawden -Davis . So I just received This Arc Yesterday afternoon , and I literally Devoured it by the early morning . Reading is one of my absolute favorite things to do , so when I get completely engrossed in a book it is sometimes extremely hard for me to put it down . This Book hooked me from the very start , There are so many twists And turns as well as intrigue, you literally find yourself on the edge of your seat ,anticipating what will happen next . Seriously I think I lost so much sleep , I tried to put my I pad down around 1 am but found my mind racing , constantly thinking about this amazing story , I had to pick it back up again . One of the things I loved most is how , the story goes between past and Present, allowing us to experience the history and development of Jessie and Claire’s relationship . There are many secrets left unanswered, I cannot wait 🥕Hello, I had to make a replacement(s) in your order and just want to be sure that you approve of this change before heading to checkout to ensure that I can provide you with a speedy service & get your order completed on time. 🥕 see how the rest of the series will unfold ❤️💜
June 2, 2024
Jesse McMillan is an investigative reporter for the LA Times and has a job that can put him in a lot of danger. Right now, he is investigating a major drug dealer and trying to get an exclusive interview. The deeper he digs into the story the more danger he faces.
He used to live in Panama Canal Zone as a boy and spent many happy years there. But that Panama is gone, and this is a Panama that he does not recognize today. Now the Canal Zone is run by the Mexican mafia, and this is the place where Jesse has been sent to investigate. The closer he gets the more it takes him back to his childhood and past memories. The story goes from present day to his childhood growing up and then they seem to blend together and people he remembers from the past come to the US or pop up in the investigation. To be honest I got lost in the two worlds at times.
During the investigation Jesse got to decipher little notes and clues that seem to lead him deeper into the story. He meets up with a woman from the past. When Jesse met up with friends from the past, they seemed to do a lot of drinking and drugs. Some of his old friends are now running drugs and selling the drugs.
I got this book from StoryOrigin and will be happy to leave my review.
He used to live in Panama Canal Zone as a boy and spent many happy years there. But that Panama is gone, and this is a Panama that he does not recognize today. Now the Canal Zone is run by the Mexican mafia, and this is the place where Jesse has been sent to investigate. The closer he gets the more it takes him back to his childhood and past memories. The story goes from present day to his childhood growing up and then they seem to blend together and people he remembers from the past come to the US or pop up in the investigation. To be honest I got lost in the two worlds at times.
During the investigation Jesse got to decipher little notes and clues that seem to lead him deeper into the story. He meets up with a woman from the past. When Jesse met up with friends from the past, they seemed to do a lot of drinking and drugs. Some of his old friends are now running drugs and selling the drugs.
I got this book from StoryOrigin and will be happy to leave my review.
March 9, 2020
Twists and turns / romance and revenge!
This is one of those books that has twists and turns you could never guess or imagine! I found myself riveted to the story and what was going to happen next. Jesse McMillian is an LA Times investigative reporter struggling to feel at home in California after having grown up in the Canal Zone, Panama as a Zonian. When the book starts, he has been living in California for a decade, but is still stuck in the past. His editor has him write an article about trouble brewing in Panama, while he’s also writing an article about a drug epidemic in California tied to the Mexican mafia. Things really heat up when he runs into Clare, a former girlfriend from Panama. It becomes apparent that the two have a complicated past, but Jesse must focus on the danger he finds himself involved in, including the menacing notes a stranger keeps leaving for him. The author does a really good job of weaving together the past in Panama and the present in California, creating a story that pulls you in and keeps you reading to the last page.
This is one of those books that has twists and turns you could never guess or imagine! I found myself riveted to the story and what was going to happen next. Jesse McMillian is an LA Times investigative reporter struggling to feel at home in California after having grown up in the Canal Zone, Panama as a Zonian. When the book starts, he has been living in California for a decade, but is still stuck in the past. His editor has him write an article about trouble brewing in Panama, while he’s also writing an article about a drug epidemic in California tied to the Mexican mafia. Things really heat up when he runs into Clare, a former girlfriend from Panama. It becomes apparent that the two have a complicated past, but Jesse must focus on the danger he finds himself involved in, including the menacing notes a stranger keeps leaving for him. The author does a really good job of weaving together the past in Panama and the present in California, creating a story that pulls you in and keeps you reading to the last page.
May 4, 2020
Facing your past is necessary
This tale travels between now and when the characters were teens in the past. The author uses back flashes to show the history of the characters.
Jesse McMillian is a hard-hitting reporter covering the Latin scene. He and his current contacts have a common joined history. Even as he reports on the current troubles with drug lords and their henchmen, he cannot escape remembering some of his childhood friends were involved in transporting or using drugs when they were young.
Read the tale as Jesse attempts to move forward in his life. As he faces the ghosts of his past--both good and bad, watch as Jesse exposes the corruption around him. Observe him as he tries to navigate the murky waters of circumstance to lasting love.
I read a free ARC.
This tale travels between now and when the characters were teens in the past. The author uses back flashes to show the history of the characters.
Jesse McMillian is a hard-hitting reporter covering the Latin scene. He and his current contacts have a common joined history. Even as he reports on the current troubles with drug lords and their henchmen, he cannot escape remembering some of his childhood friends were involved in transporting or using drugs when they were young.
Read the tale as Jesse attempts to move forward in his life. As he faces the ghosts of his past--both good and bad, watch as Jesse exposes the corruption around him. Observe him as he tries to navigate the murky waters of circumstance to lasting love.
I read a free ARC.
September 18, 2021
I have recently been introduced to Ms Bawden-Davis' books and have really been enjoying them. I read the prequel to the series and then picked up this one, and I can honestly say, I have a new author to follow now! This first installment was really a page-turner. Filled with intrigue, suspense, and action I was completely engrossed in the story till the end. The story was presented in an interesting way, switching between past and present and really helped with understanding the characters and their storylines. Plenty of plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat anxious to find out what happens next. This was a great start to the series and I'm excited to read the next one!
I was given a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was given a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 26, 2020
First in a series
The main character of this book, Jesse, is a investigative reporter for the LA Times. His boss is anxious for him to write a story about dealing drugs to children, which is connected to his life as a teenager living in the Panama Canal Zone.
The story jumps back and forth between his life in the Canal Zone and his life in California, and involves friends from then who are in his life now. As a result, it was occasionally difficult to follow the plot.
The best part of the book is seeing the Canal Zone, before it reverted to Panama, through Jesse’s eyes.
There were lots of secondary characters who will star, I feel sure, in the rest of the series.
The main character of this book, Jesse, is a investigative reporter for the LA Times. His boss is anxious for him to write a story about dealing drugs to children, which is connected to his life as a teenager living in the Panama Canal Zone.
The story jumps back and forth between his life in the Canal Zone and his life in California, and involves friends from then who are in his life now. As a result, it was occasionally difficult to follow the plot.
The best part of the book is seeing the Canal Zone, before it reverted to Panama, through Jesse’s eyes.
There were lots of secondary characters who will star, I feel sure, in the rest of the series.
May 6, 2020
A great start to the series.
This story takes place in 1977 Panama and fast forward to 1989 in California.
This was an action packed book with romance.
I really enjoyed reading about Jesse when he was younger and all the adventures he had with his friends. And then when Jesse grew up he became a journalist and was writing about what was going on in Panama.
A very good book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I received a courtesy copy of this book and am leaving my unbiased review.
This story takes place in 1977 Panama and fast forward to 1989 in California.
This was an action packed book with romance.
I really enjoyed reading about Jesse when he was younger and all the adventures he had with his friends. And then when Jesse grew up he became a journalist and was writing about what was going on in Panama.
A very good book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I received a courtesy copy of this book and am leaving my unbiased review.
May 12, 2020
This is a story of a investigative reporter that gets a story to interview a Mexican Mafia Kingpin. He’s doing a story on the drugs in Mexico and crossing the border. But it gets him pulled into Panama and the Canal Zone where he was as a teen growing up with his friends. Claire was from that time as they reconnect but the past isn’t at rest and he’s trying to figure out how it plays into the present. But will it get to dangerous to find answers? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 3, 2022
A great story that wove the past and present together showing the impact the past always holds. I felt the author wrote believable characters and brilliantly described their youthful activities and original home. Jesse following a News story opens up dangerous connections just as he meets the girl that got away. Fast paced action packed book with a touch of history, strong friendship bonds, ruthless criminals, vengeance, humour, love and romance. I received a copy from the author but am leaving a voluntary review.
December 24, 2019
Jesse McIntyre is a California Reporter shadowing an LA Detective. He’s present when she encounters a murder victim washed up on the beach that is eerily similar to a case Jesse remembers from past news reports. The Orange County location is reflected in the Oranges that mark the chapter heads. Two reporters have an assignation in a hotel room. Aside from the chapter of gratuitous sex this is a police actioner. The novella ends with a cliffhanger that leads to the next volume in the series.
September 7, 2020
Julie Bawden-Davis's Discovered Secrets was an outstanding novel. The author's use of flashbacks, which helped the reader to understand why the characters reacted the way they did in various scenes, was used extensively throughout. The imagery used throughout the novel added vividness to the settings and a little geography lesson about Panama and the surrounding vicinity as well. The plot was plausible; moreover, the characters were believable. I enjoyed reading Discovered Secrets.
February 9, 2020
A wonderful enjoyable suspenseful story. This engaging entertaining storyline had me glued page after page withe romance and suspense. It brought pictures of the past as you journey through the present with suspense of who is after him while wondering if he will ever find peace. The characters are interesting and well developed. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.
November 8, 2020
You get to discover secrets and that is always one that you have to really dig for it would seem. Jesse is a investigative reporter which makes him even more of a daring one. This will also turn out to be a stab at a second chance with Clare if they make it. Hair raising times but a story that you want all the five w's.
January 2, 2021
I loved the premise of the story even though the back and forth between past and present wasn't always clearly defined. The main character, Jesse, had a wealth of knowledge, personality, emotions and memories. I loved how happenings from a decade before had a rippling effect on the present. Great story.
Red Robin
Red Robin
April 7, 2023
Fantastic Story!
This book has it all - an interesting historical telling of the Panama Canal and the Americans who lived in the “Zone”, romance, mystery and suspense. The characters are well developed and by the end of the book you don’t want it to end because you feel as if you “know” each person in real life. A highly recommended read.
This book has it all - an interesting historical telling of the Panama Canal and the Americans who lived in the “Zone”, romance, mystery and suspense. The characters are well developed and by the end of the book you don’t want it to end because you feel as if you “know” each person in real life. A highly recommended read.
November 28, 2020
I think that I'm going to enjoy this series.
Romance, suspense, a little humor, twists, and turns.
The characters are well written and become real to me.
The plot is anything but boring, it is a page-turner.
I am looking forward to the next book.
Romance, suspense, a little humor, twists, and turns.
The characters are well written and become real to me.
The plot is anything but boring, it is a page-turner.
I am looking forward to the next book.
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed the book for the suspense and little romance. It was a little confusing with the back and forth of time frames. The characters were well-developed. It was a good start to the series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
January 30, 2022
Excellent book!
This book is about the coming of age for several young people in the Canal Zone in Panama. Excellent story with intriguing characters, this book will keep you enthralled all the way through!
This book is about the coming of age for several young people in the Canal Zone in Panama. Excellent story with intriguing characters, this book will keep you enthralled all the way through!
March 21, 2022
Jesse McMillian an investigative reporter shadows with a Detective on a murder investigation. Intriguing and very interesting read. Looking forward to reading more of the series and where Jesse is in his next story.
June 19, 2024
The story moves way too slow for my liking as well as the love scenes are seemingly take for granted. There were many opportunities to add more depth to the story that the author simply ignored or glossed over. There is no passion, very little action, and much too narrow of a point of view. Meh.
May 27, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this.
I am pleasingly surprised.
Thought provoking, page turner...
***I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
I am pleasingly surprised.
Thought provoking, page turner...
***I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
December 6, 2020
Nope, not for me I’m bored and life’s too short
May 4, 2022
The book was so exciting and the action was non-stop. Every page it was some sort of excitement. It is definitely good book to read.
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