What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Beyond Danger #1
Love in Hiding
With her life at risk, Sarah Cooper must hang up her ballet shoes and assume a new identity on a horse ranch in rural Maryland.
Mucking stalls is a far cry from center stage, and the ranch’s so-called “horse whisperer” is the complete opposite of the men she’s used to. He’s stubborn, sullen, and sexy.
Unfortunately, he's also suspicious…of her.
Bruce Murphy trusts his horses, and since the new ranch hand showed up, they’ve been skittish. Sarah's trouble, and Bruce wants her gone before he loses anyone else he cares about.
She challenges him until he can’t decide if he should kiss or shake her.
But the more time they spend together, the more he sees the truth: Sarah isn’t trouble, she’s in trouble.
Bruce protects his heart as tightly as Sarah guards her secrets, but they each have something the other needs—will they learn to trust before time runs out?
Mucking stalls is a far cry from center stage, and the ranch’s so-called “horse whisperer” is the complete opposite of the men she’s used to. He’s stubborn, sullen, and sexy.
Unfortunately, he's also suspicious…of her.
Bruce Murphy trusts his horses, and since the new ranch hand showed up, they’ve been skittish. Sarah's trouble, and Bruce wants her gone before he loses anyone else he cares about.
She challenges him until he can’t decide if he should kiss or shake her.
But the more time they spend together, the more he sees the truth: Sarah isn’t trouble, she’s in trouble.
Bruce protects his heart as tightly as Sarah guards her secrets, but they each have something the other needs—will they learn to trust before time runs out?
286 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2017
112 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Diane Holiday
6 books23 followersDiane Holiday is an award-winning author who writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance with a healthy dose of humor. Her characters will make you laugh, cry, and root for them to the end. If you are sleep deprived because you couldn’t put her book down, then she’s achieved her goal. She and her husband, a retired Navy Captain, who is her go-to for colorful slang and guy-talk, live in South Carolina on beautiful Lake Murray. Diane loves dogs and features one in each of her books. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Newberry County Humane Society and another national no-kill shelter organization.
You can find out more about Diane Holiday at:
www.dianeholiday.com
https://www.facebook.com/DianeHoliday...
Instagram: diholiday333
What others are saying about Diane Holiday's books:
Publisher's Weekly- (Love on the Line) "The chemistry between Holiday's protagonists is intense and believable."
Publisher's Weekly- "Love Uncovered blends the tension of a high-stakes corruption case with the charm of a well-realized small-town setting to create a fun, fast-paced story."
InD'tale Magazine March 2018- "The suspense is as alluring as the romance which should keep the pages turning from the beginning until the end. Readers who love romance, suspense, intrigue, and complex characters should be more than pleased reading Love in Hiding."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 22, 2025
Stalkers and Horses
Sarah is a ballerina good enough to get the lead in a major dance production. An obsessed fan cornered her to the point of feeling the need to leave her job, family and her apartment and run. Sarah ended in a horse farm in Maryland where they not only boarded horses, but did therapy for vets with PTSD and other disabilities.
Sarah worked hard, and as hard as Bruce tried to stay away from her, she drew him to her like a magnet. The part I especially disliked about this romance was that these two were obviously drawn to each other, but he was still mourning his wife who had died years ago.
Of course all works out eventually, it in the meantime Sarah is being stalked by her obsessed fan and a jealous horse boarder who wants Bruce is harassing her as well.
This is a spicy, supposedly romantic suspense, but it was mostly hot and cold chases between the two. I really hate that trope. I really wanted to give it three stars, but it wasn’t written badly, so I tried to take my personal opinions out of it and gave it a four.
Sarah is a ballerina good enough to get the lead in a major dance production. An obsessed fan cornered her to the point of feeling the need to leave her job, family and her apartment and run. Sarah ended in a horse farm in Maryland where they not only boarded horses, but did therapy for vets with PTSD and other disabilities.
Sarah worked hard, and as hard as Bruce tried to stay away from her, she drew him to her like a magnet. The part I especially disliked about this romance was that these two were obviously drawn to each other, but he was still mourning his wife who had died years ago.
Of course all works out eventually, it in the meantime Sarah is being stalked by her obsessed fan and a jealous horse boarder who wants Bruce is harassing her as well.
This is a spicy, supposedly romantic suspense, but it was mostly hot and cold chases between the two. I really hate that trope. I really wanted to give it three stars, but it wasn’t written badly, so I tried to take my personal opinions out of it and gave it a four.
October 20, 2017
Love in Hiding is a fabulous romantic suspense novel. I loved it! Sarah is a fighter. She has a stalker who is terrorizing her (as stalkers are wont to do) and she has run, trying to hide far from home at a horse ranch. Bruce is the super sexy (former Navy SEAL) who works with wounded veterans, teaching them they can walk again with the help of his horses. Bruce’s therapy work with the wounded veterans was my favorite part of the book. Bruce is the taciturn alpha hero who has little faith in tiny Sarah making it on a working ranch. What I love about Sarah is that she refuses to give up. No matter how difficult or physically demanding the work, Sarah does it before anyone even has the chance to ask.
Sarah is still being menaced but it has more of a gaslight feel. The climax is edge-of-your-seat stuff! I loved watching the change between them, as Bruce’s grudging respect turns to love and Sarah’s wariness becomes unwavering trust.
Sarah is still being menaced but it has more of a gaslight feel. The climax is edge-of-your-seat stuff! I loved watching the change between them, as Bruce’s grudging respect turns to love and Sarah’s wariness becomes unwavering trust.
October 23, 2017
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. Love in Hiding keeps you on the edge of your seat, or your bed, depending on your favorite reading spot. Sarah fakes her own death in order to escape the clutches of a crazed stalker. A former premier ballerina, she finds shelter and employment on a horse farm as far away from her home and the stage where she made a name for herself.
Bruce lost his parents, his wife and his SEAL team. He can’t afford to love and lose one more person. Instead, he cares for the horses and Purple Heart recipients involved in his fledgling injured veterans therapy program.
I don’t want to divulge too many spoilers, but Sarah’s personal safety depends on lies, and Bruce won’t risk the farm or his program on someone unwilling to tell the truth.
This classic romance delivers!
Bruce lost his parents, his wife and his SEAL team. He can’t afford to love and lose one more person. Instead, he cares for the horses and Purple Heart recipients involved in his fledgling injured veterans therapy program.
I don’t want to divulge too many spoilers, but Sarah’s personal safety depends on lies, and Bruce won’t risk the farm or his program on someone unwilling to tell the truth.
This classic romance delivers!
October 20, 2017
Omg I CANNOT wait to read this book!! Looks so good, counting down the days!
October 24, 2017
A ballerina and a hero who runs horseback riding therapy for veterans. Wow. What unique, well-formed characters. I really enjoyed getting to know them.
The premise of a public figure (the ballerina) who is being stalked by a crazed fan is believable and real. The story flowed along at a quick clip, while still saturated with the country flavor of ranch life. Danger was very real from the beginning, and there was a nice plot twist at the end.
This is a great, satisfying read from a talented, debut author. If you enjoy Romantic Suspense, you will not be disappointed in this book!
The premise of a public figure (the ballerina) who is being stalked by a crazed fan is believable and real. The story flowed along at a quick clip, while still saturated with the country flavor of ranch life. Danger was very real from the beginning, and there was a nice plot twist at the end.
This is a great, satisfying read from a talented, debut author. If you enjoy Romantic Suspense, you will not be disappointed in this book!
Want to read
November 28, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/28/2019)! 🎁
November 27, 2017
Great story! I'd say it was written well, and of course, I loved that is was situated on a farm (being a farm girl). Sarah's character was real and down-to-earth, and I loved all the farm people who took her straight into heart and home and treated her as one of their own.
The relationship between Bruce and Uncle Joe was as funny and adorable as can be; Uncle Joe was very thoughtful, and his advice was always well-timed. I loved the way he understood his nephew thoroughly.
Morgan and Todd, total idiots, as can be expected. There are always a few of them in every community. But the stalker! He was so pathetically hilarious. He was hateful, but at the same time, I felt sorry for his childish possessive behaviour and the way he just assumed that Sarah was totally in love with him.
I did have to skip a few parts because of the graphic indecency, and there was a substantial amount of swear words, so one star had to be knocked off. However, I wasn't totally unprepared for it.
I've learned my lesson though. No matter how alluring the cover, or how handsome the cowboy (or what ever he is), or how sweet the description, these modern books are going to have content that I don't like. You know that Ellen, so read at your own peril.
Overall, I loved the story. It just goes to show that there are still decent people around. :)
The relationship between Bruce and Uncle Joe was as funny and adorable as can be; Uncle Joe was very thoughtful, and his advice was always well-timed. I loved the way he understood his nephew thoroughly.
Morgan and Todd, total idiots, as can be expected. There are always a few of them in every community. But the stalker! He was so pathetically hilarious. He was hateful, but at the same time, I felt sorry for his childish possessive behaviour and the way he just assumed that Sarah was totally in love with him.
I did have to skip a few parts because of the graphic indecency, and there was a substantial amount of swear words, so one star had to be knocked off. However, I wasn't totally unprepared for it.
I've learned my lesson though. No matter how alluring the cover, or how handsome the cowboy (or what ever he is), or how sweet the description, these modern books are going to have content that I don't like. You know that Ellen, so read at your own peril.
Overall, I loved the story. It just goes to show that there are still decent people around. :)
October 26, 2017
If you want to read a story that will keep you literally on the edge of your seat, filled with complex characters and tons of suspense , a sexy former Navy Seal, a gutsy strong female character, and romance, then this is definitely the book for you. Never a dull moment.
The story centers around Bruce and Sarah. Bruce is a physical therapist working with veterans by employing horses . He meets Sarah at the ranch. He suspects she is running from something, just doesn’t know what it is. Sarah in fact , a ballerina, has left California and driven east to escape a stalker. She is very afraid not only for herself, but also for her sisters, and anyone that might get close to her, whom she fears the stalker might harm.
At first, even though Bruce is attracted to Sarah, he fights that attraction. He has his own demons to conquer . He feels he will never be able to love anyone after the death of his wife 4 years before, especially because he believes he can’t survive another loss.
The suspense heightens even more towards the end.
Definitely an author to follow. Can’t wait for the next story in the series.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 13, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love in Hiding. Sarah is a heroine most women can relate to, she's determined, sometimes too determined for her own good, and Bruce is the kind of guy dreams are made of. Me-yow. Their love story isn't gratuitous, plays out naturally, so doesn't overshadow the suspense. The writing style makes the reader feel like they're in the story suffering and reaping rewards right along with the characters, and with a shot of humor this book makes for an interesting, fun read.
December 6, 2017
Love in Hiding is a not your average love story. The author's mastery in suspense, the plot twists and turns, takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions. You find yourself not only rooting for the characters, but becoming them, feeing every ounce of tension, fear, love and determination that's woven into the fibers of the story. It's more than just a romance novel. It's a story of the bonds of family, the ones we are born into, as well as the ones we create for ourselves, and the faith it requires to find the strength to face our fears.
December 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and kept you on the edge of your seat. I love the way there were two plots going through the whole book and they converge at the end. It was like reading a soap opera. This was the first book I had read by this author, but I will be going to find more.
Read
December 2, 2019FREE on Amazon today!
May 6, 2019
A Little Cheesy but Good Thriller at End
August 27, 2018
3.5 bumped to 4. This is the first book I’ve read by Diane Holiday. It was pretty good, all things considered. It’s a fast-paced romantic suspense that reads quickly. You’re thrown into the middle of the drama as Sarah is running from her stalker. She’s headed cross-country in an effort to get as far away as fast as possible. She literally left everything behind in Cali. She ends up on a horse farm in Maryland with fumes in her gas tank and barely any money in her pocket. She’s desperate for the job that’s open at the farm. When she gets there she discovers her biggest obstacle to getting the job will be the first person she meets. Or, more accurately, runs into. Bruce. The Navy SEAL who gets a bad vibe from her from the beginning. They quickly realize they may have misjudged one another and then the danger ratchets up, but there may be trouble from more than one front.
Ms Holiday presents a compelling story that keeps you reading. There is plenty of drama, but each scene is resolved rather quickly. The stalker is revealed well before he actually strikes, but there are a few surprises.
Ms Holiday presents a compelling story that keeps you reading. There is plenty of drama, but each scene is resolved rather quickly. The stalker is revealed well before he actually strikes, but there are a few surprises.
December 10, 2019
Bruce is an ex Navy SEAL who has had his heart closed off since his wife died four years ago. He runs a equine therapy program for veterans on a horse ranch in Maryland. He is content and grumpy most of the time, that is until Sarah shows up at the ranch looking for work. She is a petite, athletically built woman who knows nothing about horses but she is a hard worker. Bruce can at least admire that about her. Actually, he admires a lot more than that and he senses that she is scared and running from something. But what?
As he begins to open up to the possibilities, he sees what an amazing woman she is. Can he protect her from whatever is in her past and save her from the danger that lurks around her? Is the possibility of loving again worth the risk he would have to take?
I really enjoyed the story of this book. There were a number of f-bombs and some descriptive sexual encounters, which I don't particularly enjoy reading about. But, the story was good and I loved how protective Bruce was and how strong Sarah was, even in the face of all the uncertainty that was around her.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
As he begins to open up to the possibilities, he sees what an amazing woman she is. Can he protect her from whatever is in her past and save her from the danger that lurks around her? Is the possibility of loving again worth the risk he would have to take?
I really enjoyed the story of this book. There were a number of f-bombs and some descriptive sexual encounters, which I don't particularly enjoy reading about. But, the story was good and I loved how protective Bruce was and how strong Sarah was, even in the face of all the uncertainty that was around her.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
July 9, 2021
When the dramatic climactic scene of a suspense novel...
... turns into an unintended comedy, that's a particularly bad sign.
Or maybe having 2 psychos competing over who gets to kill the mary sue was meant to add some comic relief, it's hard to say, but it was face-palm level ridiculous.
The writing itself was at least competent but the story is just a mash of trite stereotypes. The denouement took it from 3 stars "ok/mediocre" down to 2 stars "whiffed it". I won't be reading more of this series.
*Romance level: Harlequin's porn for housewives aka soft porn level descriptions of physical intimacy
*Language: moderate use of the common swears (ie 5 dozen uses of d-mn) + 28 f-bombs
*Religion: liberal use of the Lord's Name carelessly & disrespectfully (ie in vain) including 5 times as curses, sadly & totally unnecessarily
... turns into an unintended comedy, that's a particularly bad sign.
Or maybe having 2 psychos competing over who gets to kill the mary sue was meant to add some comic relief, it's hard to say, but it was face-palm level ridiculous.
The writing itself was at least competent but the story is just a mash of trite stereotypes. The denouement took it from 3 stars "ok/mediocre" down to 2 stars "whiffed it". I won't be reading more of this series.
*Romance level: Harlequin's porn for housewives aka soft porn level descriptions of physical intimacy
*Language: moderate use of the common swears (ie 5 dozen uses of d-mn) + 28 f-bombs
*Religion: liberal use of the Lord's Name carelessly & disrespectfully (ie in vain) including 5 times as curses, sadly & totally unnecessarily
December 2, 2019
What a story! Not the usual type of book that I read, but once I started it held my interest to the very last page. Definitely a suspenseful romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat or staying up until the wee hours. Great characters and plot that flows along at a very good clip. There was always a surprise or two waiting on the next chapter that made this a hard to put down book. The main characters have been well developed and are both strong, caring and multi talented people. I prefer to read relatively clean romance, which this was not, so I just skimmed through some parts. A very good book that I would recommend. I plan to read the next book with my KU.
This book was free on Amazon. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
This book was free on Amazon. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
December 12, 2019
A great romantic suspense.
This was not a quick read so expect to spend some time with the tale but it was so worth it. Sarah and Bruce are two peas in a pod both are not trusting souls the question is will they learn to trust each other? This romantic suspense has all the elements that make up a great story. The characters were realistic and engaging. The flow was smooth and made for an easy read and the author did a great job at the twists and turns giving the reader that feeling of just not being sure about what is going to happen next. The ending was just awesome! This was an outstanding piece and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was not a quick read so expect to spend some time with the tale but it was so worth it. Sarah and Bruce are two peas in a pod both are not trusting souls the question is will they learn to trust each other? This romantic suspense has all the elements that make up a great story. The characters were realistic and engaging. The flow was smooth and made for an easy read and the author did a great job at the twists and turns giving the reader that feeling of just not being sure about what is going to happen next. The ending was just awesome! This was an outstanding piece and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Currently reading
November 28, 2017"At least she had the gun in her purse. Not that she'd learned to shoot it yet." She fears for her life to the point of abandoning her entire life, going into hiding, and buying a gun, but doesn't bother learning how to shoot it? TSTL.
Couple pages later: "If her life depended on it, she'd be ready." I'd believe that if she ever learned how to shoot her frigging gun!
Couple more pages later: There is technically no such thing as a riding RINK. It's called a riding ARENA or a riding RING. Research, research, research.
Couple pages later: "If her life depended on it, she'd be ready." I'd believe that if she ever learned how to shoot her frigging gun!
Couple more pages later: There is technically no such thing as a riding RINK. It's called a riding ARENA or a riding RING. Research, research, research.
January 18, 2018
Beautiful debut.
A stalker prompts Sarah, a ballerina in San Diego, to flee across the country. She ends up as housekeeper and barn chore girl at a Maryland horse farm. Grateful for room and board plus small wages, she learns new skills and soon fits into the cast of characters at the ranch.
Bruce Murphy is in charge of the therapy program for veterans. A former SEAL, he knows his job and how to keep secrets – including his own.
Ms. Holiday crafts interesting characters and gives them obstacles to keep the pages turning in this hot, romantic suspense.
A stalker prompts Sarah, a ballerina in San Diego, to flee across the country. She ends up as housekeeper and barn chore girl at a Maryland horse farm. Grateful for room and board plus small wages, she learns new skills and soon fits into the cast of characters at the ranch.
Bruce Murphy is in charge of the therapy program for veterans. A former SEAL, he knows his job and how to keep secrets – including his own.
Ms. Holiday crafts interesting characters and gives them obstacles to keep the pages turning in this hot, romantic suspense.
November 26, 2018
If you're a fan of suspense and romance, but usually have to choose between the two, you're in luck. Diane Holiday's first book in the Love Beyond Danger series will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. It has all the heat of a romance novel with a bit of nail-biting in between. This is a good novel to pick up for anyone on your gift list.
December 3, 2019
The twist and turns
In this book keep you on your toes. Sarah was running from a stalker in San Diego where she was a ballet dancer. She ends up in Maryland on a farm and trying to keep her head down. Bruce runs his horse therapy program out of it. He is a ex SEAL and knows something is off with her. But he doesn't know he has a semi stalker himself.
In this book keep you on your toes. Sarah was running from a stalker in San Diego where she was a ballet dancer. She ends up in Maryland on a farm and trying to keep her head down. Bruce runs his horse therapy program out of it. He is a ex SEAL and knows something is off with her. But he doesn't know he has a semi stalker himself.
December 7, 2019
A great start to a new series...
Love in Hiding is the first book in the Love Beyond Danger series. I loved this romantic suspense story. The characters are well developed, likable, and have great chemistry. The storyline is well written and engaging, with a stalker, lies, threats, suspense, intrigue, hot romance, and therapy horses.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Love in Hiding is the first book in the Love Beyond Danger series. I loved this romantic suspense story. The characters are well developed, likable, and have great chemistry. The storyline is well written and engaging, with a stalker, lies, threats, suspense, intrigue, hot romance, and therapy horses.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
March 8, 2018
This is a fast-moving, exciting novel. The main characters are the perfect combination of charming and complex.
Read full review in the 2018 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 1, 2019
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the heroine and crossing your fingers for the hero. The author has a deft way of weaving a story that keeps you engrossed in its details until the very last page. A must-read!
November 25, 2019
As a rule, I do not read many romantic novels but I am glad I read this one. It is more than a romance and has elements of suspense and mystery. The book was fast-paced and the characters were really well defined. I will definitely read more books by this author.
November 30, 2019
Wonderful book!
Sarah is on the run from a stalker but she runs into Bruce. Bruce is not looking for a woman to apart of his life but then he meets Sarah. Their story is up and down, sweet, sad, suspenseful, and the tension. You really need to read.
Sarah is on the run from a stalker but she runs into Bruce. Bruce is not looking for a woman to apart of his life but then he meets Sarah. Their story is up and down, sweet, sad, suspenseful, and the tension. You really need to read.
December 9, 2019
Sarah is hiding to save her life. Bruce has closed his heart to love after losing so many people he loved. When Sarah appears in the ranch Bruce works they feel an instant attraction but will Bruce open his heart again? Will Sarah stop running and fight to have a live and love again?
April 30, 2018
This is my first read by Diane Holiday. It definitely will not be my last!! Great story and lovable characters.
August 26, 2018
Ranches, romance, suspense
Honestly I'm the beginning I thought she was crazy going for this job, but I really liked the way things played out. Satisfying end and great read.
Honestly I'm the beginning I thought she was crazy going for this job, but I really liked the way things played out. Satisfying end and great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews