What do you think?
Rate this book
Madaris Family Saga #8
Secret Love
He wants nothing to do with a pampered celebrity, until she flips his whole world upside down… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson.
Celebrity actress Diamond Swain needs a peaceful place to hide out from the news-hungry paparazzi—a place like Whispering Pines. And yet from the moment she arrives at the remote Texas ranch, Diamond finds herself at odds with its rugged owner, Jake Madaris—a man who challenges her to care about more than making it to the top.
Jake doesn’t have time to babysit some Hollywood star. Then he comes face-to-face with beautiful, compassionate Diamond and is drawn into a whirlwind, secret romance. But is what he shares with her strong enough to overcome the media’s prying eyes? Together Jake and Diamond must discover what’s truly important…if they’re to claim a love that lasts a lifetime.
Title originally published in 2000
Celebrity actress Diamond Swain needs a peaceful place to hide out from the news-hungry paparazzi—a place like Whispering Pines. And yet from the moment she arrives at the remote Texas ranch, Diamond finds herself at odds with its rugged owner, Jake Madaris—a man who challenges her to care about more than making it to the top.
Jake doesn’t have time to babysit some Hollywood star. Then he comes face-to-face with beautiful, compassionate Diamond and is drawn into a whirlwind, secret romance. But is what he shares with her strong enough to overcome the media’s prying eyes? Together Jake and Diamond must discover what’s truly important…if they’re to claim a love that lasts a lifetime.
Title originally published in 2000
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 1999
115 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,588 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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
October 9, 2016
IMHO this is what romance readers seek when they select a romance novel. I was thoroughly CAUGHT UP in Jacob and Diamond's whirlwind romance! I heard so much about them in the other novels I read in the Madaris family and friends series it was great to FINALLY witness their love from beginning to end. Simply Beautiful!
September 23, 2013
Jake Madaris the ultimate cowboy.... Rounded up Ms. Diamond! Lovely, lovely story! Who wouldn't want to have too much love in their relationship! I love how these two individuals didn't want to fall in love and did anyway on the beautiful Whispering Pines ranch. Great Read! True Love is next in line!
July 6, 2009
I just started reading Brenda Jackson's books and I have fallen in love with them. I really enjoyed Secret Love. I love the way that she protrays blacks in her books, with the characters (Jake Madaris and Diamond Swain). I believe that "Secret Love" shows that real love can prevail over any situation. LOVE IT!
January 23, 2012
This is one of my favorite books by Brenda Jackson! When I read this book it felt as if I could smell the bluebonnets of the page and could visually see his ranch. I loved how descriptive this book was of Jacob and Diamond's feelings as well as the land. I could picture the story as I read it. I could read this over and over.
August 4, 2014
Another excellent love story in the Madaris series. It's amazing how true love wins out over troubled times always. Jake Madaris is a man after my own heart that will stop at nothing, not threats against his own life to protect his true love Diamond Swain Madaris. This is a must read! Brenda Jackson has outdone herself again. I can't wait to read the remaining installments in this series!
September 19, 2010
One of my co-workers let me borrow this book...it was so good. And, actually, I had to buy her another one because I carried it around so much, the cover got torn off...lol!
May 12, 2013
Second time reading this one. Jacob and Diamond
December 5, 2012
Great book
June 11, 2022
Meh
For some reason of the 11 Madaris family books, this one couldn’t seem to keep my attention. I forced myself to finish it but it just didn’t have the same allure and appeal as the 10 others I read before it. At this point I think I’ve had my fill of the Madaris family books and am off to bigger and better reading ventures.
For some reason of the 11 Madaris family books, this one couldn’t seem to keep my attention. I forced myself to finish it but it just didn’t have the same allure and appeal as the 10 others I read before it. At this point I think I’ve had my fill of the Madaris family books and am off to bigger and better reading ventures.
July 11, 2021
Yes for Secret Love
Another winner, I love the Jake and Diamonds story. How they were able to o out smart the media to keep their lives out of the media for as long as they did, so that they could enjoy being in love
Another winner, I love the Jake and Diamonds story. How they were able to o out smart the media to keep their lives out of the media for as long as they did, so that they could enjoy being in love
March 18, 2025
Love the Madirises
Can I just say how I love the Madarises story lines. I love this story in particular because mama madaris had nothing to do with Jacob finding his soul mate. However, I am interested in mama madiris, the matriarch of the family and her love story.
Can I just say how I love the Madarises story lines. I love this story in particular because mama madaris had nothing to do with Jacob finding his soul mate. However, I am interested in mama madiris, the matriarch of the family and her love story.
September 26, 2018
Really weird: started by telling the end.
May 6, 2019
Love this series...trying to read them all.
April 8, 2024
I was excited to get to Jake and Diamond's story. I was not disappointed. This was a really good book. She came to his ranch for a respite and they ended up falling in love.
February 4, 2022
A Secret Marriage
Book had a pretty good storyline but the love scenes were lacking. One confusing thing are the ages between Jake and his brother Jonathan and his nephews who are also Jonathan’s sons. If Jake’s oldest brother Milton is 18 years older and Jonathan is the youngest next to Jake how in the world are Justin, Dex and Clayton so close to Jakes’s age? Need a Madaris family tree analysis to explain the age gaps.
Book had a pretty good storyline but the love scenes were lacking. One confusing thing are the ages between Jake and his brother Jonathan and his nephews who are also Jonathan’s sons. If Jake’s oldest brother Milton is 18 years older and Jonathan is the youngest next to Jake how in the world are Justin, Dex and Clayton so close to Jakes’s age? Need a Madaris family tree analysis to explain the age gaps.
December 31, 2014
Don't leave me, don't ever go away
I am reminded of song lyrics when I read Jacob and Diamond's story. Secret Love is the perfect title, but Enchanted Love would be second best. The traditional wedding vows come to mind, love, honor, protect. The key being love. Jacob loved Diamond, and Diamond loved Jacob. It was not just in word but in deed. How does it go, no greater love, than laying your life down. Well, in their own ways that is what Jacob and Diamond were willing to do. I am constantly reminded of how powerful love is and how it can endure anything. This story is one I will cherish and I know others will enjoy.
I am reminded of song lyrics when I read Jacob and Diamond's story. Secret Love is the perfect title, but Enchanted Love would be second best. The traditional wedding vows come to mind, love, honor, protect. The key being love. Jacob loved Diamond, and Diamond loved Jacob. It was not just in word but in deed. How does it go, no greater love, than laying your life down. Well, in their own ways that is what Jacob and Diamond were willing to do. I am constantly reminded of how powerful love is and how it can endure anything. This story is one I will cherish and I know others will enjoy.
October 19, 2014
Loved it! Jacob Madaris is the wealthy owner of Whispering Pines Ranch. Imagine his surprise when his friend, Sterling, asks if the famous movie star, Diamond Swain, can rest/hide there for three weeks. Jacob wants so badly to say no, but once he gazes into Diamond's beautiful eyes, Jacob finds it impossible to say no! Great story!
October 9, 2021
Secret Love. This book was enjoyable and filled with suspense and love. The characters were amazing and captured my heart. Jake Madaris was the man of any woman's dream. But his heart belong to Diamond Swain. Someone started stalking her and the secret her and Jake kept finally had to come out. The story was exciting and romantic and I enjoyed it!
June 27, 2014
This 8th book's story line is very sweet & loving. Some parts of this story surprised me. I felt sorry for Diamond. I loved how Diamond stood up for herself. I loved Jake's character. I loved the updates about the previous characters. I loved the ending.
January 20, 2020
Swoon Worthy Hero!
One of Brenda Jackson's best romances ever. Plenty of sigh inducing love scenes with some dangerous suspense thrown into the mix that kept my eyes glued to the pages till the very end.
One of Brenda Jackson's best romances ever. Plenty of sigh inducing love scenes with some dangerous suspense thrown into the mix that kept my eyes glued to the pages till the very end.
May 31, 2016
This was a great read page for page. A great love story filled with emotions, love, a few scary moments, and humorous. Love will survive through the tough times. It was definitely a book I couldn't put down. This series keeps getting better.
May 5, 2011
Just as good as reading the first time.
Read
August 17, 2011loved it
January 4, 2020
Forever one of my favorites
October 24, 2014
I love books in my age range over 40
November 17, 2014
What an amazing story of love
March 20, 2015
Excellent love stoy
I loved this story which caused me to give it a high rating. The plot and flow of the book kept me captivated. Totally recommend it to love story hounds.
I loved this story which caused me to give it a high rating. The plot and flow of the book kept me captivated. Totally recommend it to love story hounds.
December 31, 2018
First Read (many moons ago)- A sweet love story between two adults.
2018: A bit dated and the heroine was a bit of a whiner.
2018: A bit dated and the heroine was a bit of a whiner.
May 30, 2016
My Favorite Madaris Couple
I never get tired of reading this book. I have the paperback but I had to get the kindle version. I love Jacob Madaris and Diamond Swain as a couple.
I never get tired of reading this book. I have the paperback but I had to get the kindle version. I love Jacob Madaris and Diamond Swain as a couple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews