Review: Diego’s Secret by Bryan T. Clark

Title: Diego’s Secret

Author: Bryan T. Clark

Length: 255 Pages

Category: Contemporary

At a Glance: Diego’s Secret is a beautiful and very well written story that reflects the lives of two men who live in opposite worlds but try to form a loving and heartfelt relationship. Bryan T. Clark’s writing style is something that should be savored and not rushed through.

Reviewed By: Maryann

Blurb: Can love conquer our deepest secrets and fears?

Are the challenges worth the struggle?

Eight years ago, at the age of seventeen, Diego Castillo came to the United States illegally from Mexico. Working long hours in the family landscaping business, he now shares a tiny apartment with his two machismo brothers in Southern California. Diego has worked hard to keep his desires for other men a secret from his brothers. He’s worked just as hard to keep his undocumented status a secret from the world he now lives in.

Thirty-two-year-old Winston Makena is beautiful, intelligent, and intimidating. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but no amount of money can relieve the enormous grief he is suffering from his husband’s sudden death. He is one of Diego’s best accounts and lives a life in stark contrast to his gardener’s. Winston’s wealthy upbringing has influenced his ideas, leading him to certain biases.

Winston believes he could never love again. Diego believes that his family’s lives depend on him keeping his secrets. What neither of them know is that the heart knows no such boundaries. Will social divisions, ideology, and secrets destroy both their chances for happiness?

Can love really conquer all?

Review: Diego Castillo came to America at the age of seventeen as an illegal immigrant, along with his two older brothers. He worked hard alongside them in their gardening business, with dreams of one day becoming a professional landscaper, but time passed, his brothers went on to other jobs while Diego kept the gardening business going on his own, never forgetting his dreams of being a landscaper while sending money home to Mexico to help support his family. Diego is also still hiding that he’s gay. His biggest fear is the repercussions if his family finds out.

Winston Makena is out and proud and doesn’t let what others think affect him. He has been struggling through the painful loss of his husband, Parker, and still gets angry when he thinks of his death. Winston fights through the simple everyday things that Parker used to take care of. Seeing Winston’s frustration, his good friend and business associate, Ann, tries her hardest to encourage Winston to start dating again. When Winston finally notices Diego, he takes a chance and asks him out. What Winston discovers is that Diego also had a connection to Parker.

Diego’s Secret is a beautiful and very well written story that reflects the lives of two men who live in opposite worlds but try to form a loving and heartfelt relationship through sadness, anger, and humor—from Winston trying to find the right words to ask Diego on a date and then for a kiss to Diego being seven years younger, though his seriousness and maturity make him more the adult than Winston at times. Diego also has to contend with being treated like a child, somewhat, by his older, domineering brothers, Francisco and the irresponsible Rafael.

This is my second time reading one of Bryan T. Clark’s novels. His writing style is something that should be savored and not rushed through. The entirety of this novel is thought provoking and filled with many emotional, soul-searching moments. There’s no insta-love for Diego and Winston, as they have to struggle with their beliefs and differences. For me, the author created a magnificent character in Diego. He’s the spark of hope for a better life, love, and making dreams come true.

You can buy Diego’s Secret here:
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