Monday, August 24, 2026

Why the Best Treasure Hunts Are About More Than Gold: Southwest Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense #books

In Desert Gold, a legendary fortune draws everyone into the New Mexico wilderness—but the real discoveries are found in history, trust, and courage. 

The lure of the unknown

Treasure stories are magical. They promise adventure and a secret waiting to be uncovered. The lost Victorio Peak treasure gives Desert Gold that irresistible pull with a Spanish priest’s gold mine, riches stolen by bandits, and legends of an Apache raider. 

For Erin, the mystery begins as an intellectual challenge. As a history professor, she understands the importance of clues found through careful research. She wants to understand the past and determine whether she can interpret the evidence to find a real location. But history becomes dangerous when someone tries to kill her.

History under pressure

Old stories can inspire scholarship, obsession, greed, or violence, depending on who is listening. Erin’s knowledge gives her an advantage, but it also makes her a target. The closer she comes to finding the treasure, the more dangerous the search becomes.

The New Mexico desert is beautiful, vast, and unforgiving. A wilderness setting isn't simply scenery; it is part of the suspense. Sudden storms, wild animals, difficult terrain, and isolation all force Erin to act without the safety of familiar routines. Every mile deeper into the wilderness brings her closer to the answer—and farther from help.

Trust as its own kind of treasure

Erin’s relationship with Drew adds another layer to the mystery. He helps her when she's injured, but does he want to protect her or does he want the treasure for himself? Romantic suspense thrives on that uncertainty. Attraction may draw two people together, but trust must be earned through action.

Old stories can inspire scholarship, obsession, greed, or violence, depending on who is listening. Erin’s knowledge gives her an advantage, but it also makes her a target. The closer she comes to finding the treasure, the more dangerous the search becomes.

The New Mexico desert is beautiful, vast, and unforgiving. A wilderness setting isn't simply scenery; it is part of the suspense. Sudden storms, wild animals, difficult terrain, and isolation all force Erin to act without the safety of familiar routines. Every mile deeper into the wilderness brings her closer to the answer—and farther from help.

Trust as its own kind of treasure

Erin’s relationship with Drew adds another layer to the mystery. He helps her when she's injured, but does he want to protect her or does he want the treasure for himself? Romantic suspense thrives on that uncertainty. Attraction may draw two people together, but trust must be earned through action.

Erin also relies on Camie, her brainy and fearless best friend, whose presence brings humor, loyalty, and ingenuity to the journey. Then there's the feisty orange cat Tiger, who may be the bravest of them all. They are not simply racing toward gold; they are protecting one another, confronting fear, and discovering what they are willing to risk.

In Desert Gold, the gold may be legendary, but the deeper rewards are courage, friendship, and the possibility of love in the middle of a perilous adventure.

Get six romantic suspense novels in one ebook “box set.” These are exclusive to Amazon for $12.99 (a $25 value) and free in Kindle Unlimited. Get it here! Or see each Romantic Suspense in the Southwest novel.

Kris Bock writes romance and mystery with characters you’d like to know. In the Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. 

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. Readers say: “Lovely feel good story.”
“I can hardly wait for the next in this series.”
“I highly recommend this book. Kris has a winning series here.” 

 The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

Readers say: “I absolutely love this heartfelt series.”
“I loved this book so much and absolutely loved the concept of the café.”

“One of my favorite series of all time."


The Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novels follow the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. These are written by scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama, and his sister (me). 

Readers say: “Fun loving, laugh out loud read!!!!”

“Such a fun book to read! If you enjoyed Sweet Home Alabama this will be a treat.” 


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