Some secrets refuse to stay buried, and some love stories refuse to die.
A wrecked ride ended Lane Tipton’s bull riding career and brought him back to Hillmore, Wyoming—a place he swore he’d never return.
Haunted by his father’s ghost, the mistakes of his youth, and Celine Koffman’s wounded eyes, Lane is forced to confront everything he left behind.
Celine never expected to see Lane again, but coming face-to-face with his broad shoulders and big, brown eyes does more than rebreak her heart. She’s already battling her persistent ex-husband and struggling to rebuild her life and now, Lane’s back—and a secret she’s kept from him is about to be her undoing.
A son they conceived when she’d fallen for the man fast, hard, and unapologetically—a man who’d already abandoned her once before.
When an intruder attempts to kill her, Lane becomes her only protector. Torn between a past he can’t undo and a future he never planned for, Lane’s determined to make things right. But as secrets unravel, they both face a deadly truth that could cost them everything.
I absolutely loved this book from page 1. We hit the ground running from the beginning. This book was a nice mix of suspense, action, drama and a dollup of romance. I was immediately invested in our FMC and MMC. I was curious how their past and present were going to collide and if that would mean a future for them. There was excitement from the beginning with the break in and attack and it didn't let up the entire book. I have read multiple books from this author and loved them all. This book did not disappoint. I also loved that my first book of 2025 was an ARC from this author and now I'm kicking off 2026 the same way. I would definitely recommend this to any reader. There is a little of everything mixed in this book. It's closed door romance as well.
Danielle Haas has come up with a new series that is fantastic. This book grabs your attention from the very beginning. The plot is complicated, interesting and includes suspense with lots of action and twists and turns.
The characters, Lane and Celine, are even more complex than the plot. They have been in love since they were young. Even though they planned to get married after they graduated, Lane left town without her to pursue a career in bull riding.
Unfortunately, an accident ruined Lane’s bull riding career, so he returns home for good. Since his abusive father is now dead, he moves into the empty family house while he contemplates what to do with his life now.
Meanwhile, he wants to see Celine again, because he realizes that she is the love of his life. But he can’t forget how he hurt her over the years. When Lane sees his son at Celine’s house and holds him in his arms, he immediately falls in love with him. He plans to win Celine back and become a family with the two people he loves more than anyone. Unfortunately, Celine no longer trusts him. She fears that Lane may suddenly leave again, and badly hurt both her and their son.
I must admit that I did not like Lane at first. Celine, had supported him when he was young and had to deal with his abusive father. In spite of that he left without any thought for her feelings. He just pushed her aside and left. Celine never heard from him again until she ran into him on a short home visit. When an intruder threatens Celine’s life, Lane becomes her protector, and the couple learn to trust each other again, and their love grows even more. And, Lane definitely redeems himself by the end of the book.
This emotional story grabbed me from the very first pages through to the thrilling end! Lane Tipton, has left his career as a bull rider and is returning home, a home he inherited, but doesn’t want. The memory of his father’s abuse still lingers there. His former love, Celine Koffman has been working, as a waitress, at the Dusty Armadillo while raising her young son, Parker. She is shocked when she sees Lane at the restaurant, as she never expected him to return. He had returned to town, briefly, a year ago, but why now? He is surprised to see Celine working at the restaurant and even more so when he sees the baby she is holding. He is looking at a smaller version of his own face. He has never stopped loving her, and asks to be involved in his son’s life, but doesn’t mention his feelings for her. Her ex has been coming around again, but after he lost all of their money, why is he asking for a reconciliation? She is not ready to let Lane back into her life, into Parkers life, but when she is threatened, he steps in to protect her! Can he prove to her that he has never stopped loving her? When the threat against her continues, he will not stop until they are safe to love and raise their son. The characters were all amazing and Lane’s was developed to show his love for her as well as his vulnerability. Loved it!!! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
...but stumbled into the best thing to ever happen to him!
Celine was always the best part of his life, so he really shouldn't be surprised that he isn't even home a day and she once again turns his world upside down. She gives him the one thing he thought he never wanted, but that he finds he cannot, and doesn't want, to walk away from. She gives him a new focus, a new purpose and a reason to stay. Third time lucky for Lane and Celine? Definitely! Lane just has to prove he has the staying power this time round. This is a great second chance love story, they heal the rift, talk through their misunderstandings and finally allow themselves to be happy without unrealistic expectations. We never find out what events lead to Lane and then Duke leaving the circuit, but it is obvious they both need to heal, to find their new purpose and to find a place to call home. For Lane it's the last place he ever expected, for Duke it's somewhere new, the place he planned to escape to for a few days. This was Lane's book and is a great introduction to the series, Duke and Suzy's book is next, I sense there may be fireworks between them..... I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Lane Tipton is back in Hillmore much to his dismay. An injury has ended his rodeo career for good so he's returned to decide his options on his next step in life. He's burned many bridges and the worst destruction is with his high school girlfriend Celine. Lane left her behind when he pursued rodeo and she eventually moved on and married. That marriage ended in divorce and Lane reappeared in her life but left her in the breeze once again. The only good thing to come out of that night is her son Parker. Celine never expected to see Lane again but when he pops into her diner and sees her with her son, Lane is shocked to his core. So not only do these two have a whole lot of issues to work out but Celine has someone stalking her to add to her already overflowing plate. Lane wants to get to know his son and he also wants to keep Celine safe in the process but will she be willing to give him a third chance with her heart? Hard to Break was a good second chance romantic suspense story. It was told from dual POV and has angst, suspense and underneath it all, a second chance at love. The heat is minimal and the supporting characters are great!
Loved this book! Emotional, drama, a little suspense and romantic.
Celine a waitress with a 3 month old is being targeted finds protection from old boyfriend Lane an ex bull rider who had just come back to town.
The emotional connection between Lane and Celine was very special especially with the addition of her son Parker. They certainly have chemistry and that previous connection only adds to the edginess of them together.
The suspense in the story was more mystery as much as suspense. I enjoyed Duke coming to town and the couple of issues he brings. As well as Suzy. Wondering where that well lead.
A fantastic read and makes me excited for more of the series. Fantastic work Danielle!
Loved this second (or is it third) chance romance between Lane and Celine. While their love for each other was true, the timing in the past wasn't right. Lane had demons from his childhood that chased him to want to leave. All Celine had ever wanted was for them to build a life together.
Both of these characters have plenty of resilience and Lane finds that his outlook changes when he learns that he had a child. At the same time, someone is threatening Celine and this brings out Lane's protective side. Then there's the side story with another bull rider, Duke, showing up on Lane's doorstep. It was interesting watching the changes in Lane's perception of Duke as the story progressed. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
First book in a brand new series and Danielle knocked it out of the park
f you love the "secret baby" trope with a side of high-stakes drama, this is a must-read!
Celine Koffman is a powerhouse—a hardworking single mom just trying to make ends meet at The Dusty Armadillo. The tension is electric the moment Lane Tipton walks back into her life. The look on his face when he realizes the truth about her son? Pure heartbreak and fury. I loved how the author didn't just give them an easy out. They have real issues to work through, but when tragedy strikes, Lane steps up in a way that proves he’s not going anywhere. It’s a fast-paced, emotional ride that shows how a crisis can turn anger into an unbreakable bond.
Can't wait for the next book in this wonderful new series
Great book. Ms. Haas never disappoints in any of her books. Celine Koffman was working so hard to provide for her, and her son. What she didn’t expect was to see the man she spent a wonderful night with. He was back, and she didn’t know why. She don’t want anything from Lane Tipton. When she saw him at her job The Dusty Armadillo, and she saw his face after looking at son well things couldn’t have been more uncomfortable. He was mad. She could see he was thinking. They needed to talk. A horrible thing happened, and thank goodness he was there. He wasn’t about to leave her alone.
So much mor things to come. Heart pounding, and heartfelt moments. I won’t say more.
‘You’re the one who’s always made my world stand still.’
This one grabs you right out of the gate and doesn’t let go until the last page is turned! A flawed but amazingly loveable hero and his (ex) better half, a determined single mother with a bullseye painted on her. When Lane rolls back in town he has no plan on staying, only to find out he has two reasons why he can’t leave. His ex and their child. Throw in his bull riding frenemy turned new best friend and his little sister and you have an amazing foundation for an intriguing new series. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Rough Ride Security!
I enjoyed the the book and I’m looking forward to the next book so we can learn more about Duke. This one is a second/third chance romance. The book is well paced but I did guess who the culprit was albeit for not quite the right reason. I do think Celine switches from doubt (fully understandable) to trust a bit abruptly. Also, I would have liked a bit more backstory on Lane’s family so we could understand him more. Why is he so messed up but Suzy doesn’t seem impacted. We got bits and pieces but not enough to put it all together.
I enjoyed reading this book. Lane is a bull rider who had an injury that ended his career. He came back home a place he never wanted to come. He doesn't plan on sticking around until he runs into his high school sweetheart, Celine. He left her with out a word and she is angry. He not only left her once he did it twice. This story is filled with drama, mystery and suspense. Will Lane stick around, can he fix what he broke? I was given a copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
Lane and Celine’s story is about a second chance for happiness. They grew up together then life got in the way. How they find their way back to each other is a sweet page turning read with lots of twist and turns to keep you reading till the very end. Hopefully we will find out what’s going on with Duke soon
this book, wow. From the moment that I started I knew that I would not be able to put this book down. The pace is perfect for the stort, speeding up and slowing down as needed. The characters are awesome and you will love them and the story does not disappoint. This book does not disappoint. It needs to be on your TBR list. You will not be sorry that you did.
Celine and Lane had to overcome their past to have a future. This book kept you guessing from start to finish on who the bad guy was. I loved the ending. Can’t wait for the next book.