Picture a Montana storyteller who weaves romance and mystery under the vast Big Sky—meet B.J. Daniels! A USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, Daniels has penned over 70 novels and 40 short stories, captivating readers with her signature romantic suspense. From rugged cowboys to chilling mysteries, her tales pulse with the heartbeat of the American West, proving that love and danger make a thrilling pair.
Born in Texas and raised in Montana, Daniels’s stories are steeped in the landscapes she loves. Her journey from a part-time reporter to an award-winning novelist is a testament to grit and passion, inspiring aspiring writers to chase their dreams.
The Making of B.J. Daniels
B.J. Daniels, born Barbara Johnson Heinlein in Houston, Texas, moved to Montana at age five, growing up in a cabin in Gallatin Canyon and later a lake house on Hebgen Lake. By eight, she knew she wanted to be a writer, but the path wasn’t easy. At 30, she took a leap, quitting her job to become a part-time reporter at a local newspaper. There, she honed her craft, writing feature stories and selling 37 short stories to Woman’s World before her first novel, Odd Man Out, hit shelves in 1995 via Harlequin Intrigue. That debut, nominated for Best First Book by Romantic Times, marked the start of a prolific career.
B.J. Daniels’s Unforgettable Stories
Daniels’s novels blend heart-pounding suspense with heartfelt romance, set against Montana’s rugged beauty. Her stories often feature strong heroines, brooding cowboys, and mysteries that keep readers guessing. The Cardwell Ranch series, a fan favorite, kicks off with Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch, where a decades-old murder stirs up danger and desire. Another gem, Justice at Cardwell Ranch, follows Dana Cardwell as family secrets unravel in Big Sky country.
Her Whitehorse, Montana series, including Dark Horse, dives into unsolved kidnappings and family ties, showcasing her knack for layered plots. Daniels’s standalone Outlawed! introduced her to the world, blending romance with a gritty Western edge. Her writing style—fast-paced, character-driven, and rich with Montana’s essence—has earned her a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Suspense and a Reviewers’ Choice Award for Premeditated Marriage.
With over 140 books across 33 series, Daniels’s prolific output reflects her seat-of-the-pants plotting, where characters often steer the story. Her ability to scare herself while writing keeps the suspense taut, and her love for Montana shines through every page.
Why B.J. Daniels Matters
B.J. Daniels has redefined romantic suspense, bringing the American West to life with vivid characters and gripping plots. Her stories resonate with readers who crave adventure, love, and a touch of danger, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim. By championing strong women and authentic Western settings, she’s carved a unique niche, inspiring authors and readers alike. Her perseverance—from selling short stories to building a literary empire—shows that dreams, with hard work, can become reality.
- Born: January 4, 1948, Houston, Texas
- Key Works: Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch, Justice at Cardwell Ranch, Dark Horse, Outlawed!
- Awards: Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award
- Hobbies: Quilting, snowboarding, boating, tennis
Snag Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch and dive into B.J. Daniels’s thrilling world of romance and suspense!