See the Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series page on Amazon US or Amazon UK.
Desert Gold: Southwest Treasure Hunters book 1
“Packed full of everything you could wish for in one book –action, danger, romance, treasure and mystery.” – Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite
The lost Victorio Peak treasure is the stuff of legends—a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. When Erin, a quiet history professor, uncovers a clue that may pinpoint the lost treasure cave, she prepares for adventure. But when a hit and run driver nearly kills her, she realizes she’s not the only one after the treasure. And is Drew, the handsome helicopter pilot who found her bleeding in a ditch, really a hero, or one of the enemy?
Valley of Gems: Southwest Treasure Hunters series book 2
Rebecca Westin’s grandfather left a buried treasure, and a
complex series of clues. Her half-siblings are determined to reach the treasure
first. Good thing Rebecca has Sam, making their desert adventure sexy and fun.
But a treacherous enemy also wants that treasure – and revenge.
“I can't say enough how much I LOVED this book! It has mystery, adventure, danger, romance, and above it all family remains a huge theme.” – reader Jules R.
Excerpt:
Rebecca’s
hand shook as she reached for the box. It was a metal candy tin for peppermint
bark. Maybe Grandpa had a sweet tooth? Or was this some random trash left by a
tourist too lazy to bring it back to his car? She straightened and gazed down
at the box. It had to hold the next clue. It would be too much of a coincidence
– and too heartbreaking – if it were anything else.
She
glanced at Sam and he nodded in encouragement, drawing close to her side. She
swung open the lid. Several folded pieces of paper lay inside. A strip of
masking tape on the inside lid had words in marker: “Take one and leave the
others unless you are the last.”
Rebecca pulled out the top piece of paper and unfolded it.
Or prophets of the future?
The men who came here didn’t know.
They had destruction on their minds.
And they changed the world.
They ate of the flesh among bombers and bullets.
And so should you!
Then past the dead soldiers you’ll find a dead end.
One is the loneliest number.
Walled off from its fellows.
Pay your respects and do not forget.
Another baffling poem. Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “This one’s kind of gruesome.”
“No
kidding. What about the other papers?”
Rebecca
crouched by a handy rock – not one with petroglyphs – and used it as a table.
She pulled out the papers one by one and skimmed them. “They all seem to be the
same.”
“We’d
better double check to be sure. You read one and I’ll follow along on another.”
They checked the five pieces of paper that way; all were identical.
“One for
each of the grandchildren, I suppose. In case we weren’t working together.”
Rebecca examined the box itself before returning four pieces of paper to it.
Sophia would not be collecting her copy, but Rebecca couldn’t see any point in
taking it, and the note said, “Take one.” Rebecca closed the box and stood.
For a
moment, the world spun. She took a quick breath.
Sam’s
arm came around her. “Okay?”
Two more
deep breaths and she could answer. “Fine now, thanks. Just a little
lightheaded.” She was tempted to lean into him, to relax against his shoulder.
She resisted the urge. “I know, I know, drink water. Let me put this back.”
She
returned the box to its hiding place, picked up the bottle she’d set down while
looking at the clue, and finished the water. Sam hovered closely, as if to
support her if she needed help. She couldn’t quite decide if she wished she
needed help or was glad she didn’t. She wouldn’t fake helplessness, though, and
the weakness had passed.
She gave
Sam a bright smile. “All better now. I just stood up too fast.”
He
studied her intently. She hadn’t realized how green his eyes were, or how the
tiny laugh lines around them made him both sexy and approachable. Her heart
thudded in her chest. You keep looking at
me like that, and I won’t be fine.
See the Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series page on Amazon US or Amazon UK.
“I love that the author makes this book interactive – if the reader wants it to be. You can go online and download a printable copy of the treasure map and try to decipher the clues yourself. I found that it be a fun addition to the book, plus you'll also get awesome Southwestern recipes.”
Valley of Gems
Bonus Material: Download a printable list of the clues and recipes
from the book on the Romantic
Suspense Novels page of my website.
