Secret Love

Such a wonderful read. I can honestly say that I read this book in one sitting. The words flowed off the page, a peice of literary art. I know that this is sad but this the first book that I read of hers and as soon as I finished I went and bought as many of her books as possible. And since I was on vacation I read them all. Dont we all want men like Jacob..

I only recently became an avid reader of African American romance novels, my first Brenda Jackson book was True Love which got me to reading other books she had written. What can you say about those Madaris men and their friends? When Jake's first marriage ended it left him bitter and leary of city women, he never believed a woman could love him or his rancher way of life especially a beautiful world renowned African American actress like Diamond Swain. Diamond needed a retreat where she could escape the pressures of Hollywood, her friend Sterling Hamilton knew just the place, his friend Jake Madaris' ranch where he himself had found solitude. Jake was not thrilled with Diamond invading his peaceful existence, but the woman Diamond proved to be was far different from the glamor and glitz of her celebrity status. Diamond found Jake's manner and strength appealing but she was afraid if she shared his life it would jepordize his quiet lifestyle. Jake and Diamond could not help their love for one another but Diamond's need to protect their private life forced Jake to accept keeping their love and marriage a secret. After Diamond's safety is threatened by an overzealous fan, she realizes she has kept Jake a prisoner of her love forcing him to change his life because of her fear. They decide to first disclose their marriage to Jake's family then announce it to the public, however, all is not well there is now a threat against Jake by a demented and confused man. Jake and Diamond overcome the obstacles and dangers of sometimes having their lives played out in public view, Diamond has "a Madaris" who will protect, cherish and love her and Jake has "his Diamond".

I normally do not post reviews when so many other persons have expressed my opinion. However, in this case I am compelled to make an exception. Brenda Jackson amazes me. Once again she has managed to write another Madaris story, with compelling characters, a unique story line, totally in keeping with the other novels in the series, spine tingling romance and just enough tension (romantic and otherwise) to keep your interest in the story, but not so much that it detracts from the love story. All her books reflect this wonderful style. In this story we see an embittered middle-aged man (but no less glorious for it - after all he is a Madaris) who has decided, after one devastating experience, that love is not for him, choosing instead to live vicariously through his brothers and nephews. A Hollywood starlet, who epitomizes all he has grown to despise in women, comes and rocks his world.The depth of love displayed by Jake and Diamond is carefully developed and is obvious in every thought, action and deed. Makes you believe in real love.Another wonderful, poignant love story from Ms. Jackson. I wait with baited breath for Nick Chenault's story.

This story of the secretly married couple we first met in Eternally Yours -- sexy rancher Jake Madaris and beautiful movie star Diamond Swain -- just HAD to be told. Well, Ms. Jackson has told it and it was more than worth the wait! Jake Madaris is so AWESOME he'll have you packing your bags and heading for Texas to find a Madaris man of your own. Diamond is the type of woman we all want to be -- especially during those STEAMY love scenes. I don't smoke, but I felt like I needed a cigarette after a few of the HOT, HOT, HOT ones. Brenda Jackson fans will get to catch up with ALL her other characters while falling in love with her newest ones in this truly touching story. I couldn't put this book down. This is definitely one of the very best romances that I've ever read and it's definitely Ms. Jackson's best work to date. Buy two copies of this book -- one for you to enjoy and one for the man in your life to take a lesson or two from !

Millennium, schmillennium, Secret Love is the big reason to ring in 2000! All of you long-time Brenda Jackson fans know exactly what I mean--this is the one we have been waiting for, the whole story behind the romance and marriage of Diamond Swain, sought after Hollywood goddess, and Jake Madaris, the wealthy cattle-ranching member of the estimable Madaris family.If you are among the few who have never read any of Ms Jackson's scintillating romances, you are in for a treat. Ms Jackson writes wonderfully--her books are full of humor, romance, suspense and a strong love of family. Her characters are memorable and endearing and since her stories are interconnected, you get to visit a bit with favorites from past novels. In Jake and Diamond's case, we have been wondering over the course of several books just how this couple got together and why their love was so secret. And believe me, it was worth the wait!Sexy, sweet, passionate and exciting, this book is one that you will read in one sitting. I have to confess that Jacob is my favorite of the Madaris men, although they are all so wonderful it's like saying I like blue M & M's better than the rest...I love all those men and the fabulous women they wed. And you will too, if you don't already. Don't keep Secret Love a secret--read it and get the word out that 2000 is off to a sizzling start!