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Secret Mountain Hideout
Staying hidden has kept her alive…
But now she’s been found.
A remote Colorado mountain town and a fake identity have been Ashley Willis’s safe haven since fleeing after she witnessed a murder—but now the killer has found her trail. Desperate and terrified, she’s prepared to run again…but Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick won’t let her. With the lawman by her side, can she face danger head-on…and live long enough to bring a murderer to justice?
But now she’s been found.
A remote Colorado mountain town and a fake identity have been Ashley Willis’s safe haven since fleeing after she witnessed a murder—but now the killer has found her trail. Desperate and terrified, she’s prepared to run again…but Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick won’t let her. With the lawman by her side, can she face danger head-on…and live long enough to bring a murderer to justice?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
121 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reed
192 books3,145 followersNew York Times bestselling author Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas.
She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd.
For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 14, 2020
Happy sigh -- Chase is the kind of guy who likes the company of books because "A book doesn't judge or betray you." (p 69) I mean, really, what more can you ask of a hero? And the library provided a haven for Ashley during her rough childhood. So we have two book nerds who found solace in the pages of a story living out their real-life happily ever after. Mind you, the diabolical author has them jumping through alarming plot twists full of hair-raising danger before it's all smiles and kisses at the end. Tense and treacherous and menacing -- with some nice breathing spaces so Chase and Ashley can bond. Lots of rabid page-turning goodness within these pages!
While not marked as a series, there is a tie in with Terri Reed's Buried Mountain Secret.s (March 2019) It was great to see Maya and Alex again and I love the mounted patrol aspect of the police work. The author says she hopes "to write more books set in Bristle Township, featuring the men and the women of the Sheriff's Department." (Dear Reader letter from the author at the end of the book.) Please, please, please, Ms. Reed, make it so because I need more Katilyn and Nick sizzle and spark! As well as individual stories for the rest of the gang. Pretty please. :-)
While not marked as a series, there is a tie in with Terri Reed's Buried Mountain Secret.s (March 2019) It was great to see Maya and Alex again and I love the mounted patrol aspect of the police work. The author says she hopes "to write more books set in Bristle Township, featuring the men and the women of the Sheriff's Department." (Dear Reader letter from the author at the end of the book.) Please, please, please, Ms. Reed, make it so because I need more Katilyn and Nick sizzle and spark! As well as individual stories for the rest of the gang. Pretty please. :-)
April 22, 2020
Her past is about to catch up to them both...
First off, I just have to say that I think this might be one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense covers. I love the cabin back by tall mountains with that lightning dancing overhead, and OK, the horses are a nice touch, too.
As to the story, Terri Reed is up there on my list of favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors so I knew I was in for some good romantic suspense reading when I picked up Secret Mountain Hideout. I was not disappointed! Lots of danger, romance, and some pretty nice Colorado scenery.
I enjoyed my jaunt back to Bristle Township with Terri Reed's characters and I sincerely hope there will be more adventures in that locale in the future. But for now I'll just appreciate Secret Mountain Hideout and tell you to check it out for yourself.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
First off, I just have to say that I think this might be one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense covers. I love the cabin back by tall mountains with that lightning dancing overhead, and OK, the horses are a nice touch, too.
As to the story, Terri Reed is up there on my list of favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors so I knew I was in for some good romantic suspense reading when I picked up Secret Mountain Hideout. I was not disappointed! Lots of danger, romance, and some pretty nice Colorado scenery.
I enjoyed my jaunt back to Bristle Township with Terri Reed's characters and I sincerely hope there will be more adventures in that locale in the future. But for now I'll just appreciate Secret Mountain Hideout and tell you to check it out for yourself.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
January 30, 2024
Secret Mountain Hideout was not a story I enjoyed that much. I found it to be way too back-and-forth with the danger of someone trying to get her and then escaping.
The romance made me roll my eyes as it just moved too quickly and some of the things thought/said seemed unrealistic.
All in all, Secret Mountain Hideout was okay, but not a book for me.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The romance made me roll my eyes as it just moved too quickly and some of the things thought/said seemed unrealistic.
All in all, Secret Mountain Hideout was okay, but not a book for me.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
July 30, 2024
Nothing really stood out to me about this story. Nothing grabbed my attention.
December 23, 2019
A witness to a murder has gone into hiding, but is found and now must run for her life. A small town deputy wants to help her. Together they must stay ahead of those wanting her dead and her mouth closed.
Terri Reed is a new to me author, but I enjoy suspense, so I decided to try her writing out. Don’t miss this chance to get your heart racing as this book plays out.
*My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is entirely my own.
Terri Reed is a new to me author, but I enjoy suspense, so I decided to try her writing out. Don’t miss this chance to get your heart racing as this book plays out.
*My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is entirely my own.
March 2, 2020
This is a new to me author and I just love her already. I also enjoy suspense which I just started reading and I found that I really like it.
It tends to keep you engrossed to see what happens to the characters next. Trust me, this will keep your heart going 90 miles an hour throughout the whole book. Lots of twists and turns to be certain.
It isn't easy to stay one step ahead of someone who wants you dead. I don't think I'd be very happy or thrilled either.
Chase and Ashley are pretty cool characters because of their love for books. An instant hit with me because I too love books and I completely agree with Chase.
Books are friends. Books don't judge you like people often do.
A contented sigh especially when one gets done reading an awesome story like I did.
Libraries are awesome too. So I think Ashley and I would be awesome friends as I too love to "hang" out at the library and keep my nose in a book.
Reed has done a fabulous job with this book. I love how she can make this story flow without missing a beat.
I gave this book 5 stars because of all the action that took place in the story. And I love the cover! Why?
It has horses on it! And they are my favorite animals of all!
I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
It tends to keep you engrossed to see what happens to the characters next. Trust me, this will keep your heart going 90 miles an hour throughout the whole book. Lots of twists and turns to be certain.
It isn't easy to stay one step ahead of someone who wants you dead. I don't think I'd be very happy or thrilled either.
Chase and Ashley are pretty cool characters because of their love for books. An instant hit with me because I too love books and I completely agree with Chase.
Books are friends. Books don't judge you like people often do.
A contented sigh especially when one gets done reading an awesome story like I did.
Libraries are awesome too. So I think Ashley and I would be awesome friends as I too love to "hang" out at the library and keep my nose in a book.
Reed has done a fabulous job with this book. I love how she can make this story flow without missing a beat.
I gave this book 5 stars because of all the action that took place in the story. And I love the cover! Why?
It has horses on it! And they are my favorite animals of all!
I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
January 9, 2020
Great suspense which makes this book hard to put down. Author Terri Reed put twists and turns into this storyline to keep you guessing. Her wonderful characters and descriptive language make it easy to picture what's happening. This book has some characters from Buried Mountain Secrets. The characters in both are well developed. I highly recommend both books.
I received a free copy of this book from the author but was not required to review it. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author but was not required to review it. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2023
We enjoyed so much about this book and reading it together. Good feel to it. Exciting and intense action. Ashley is likable and so is Chase. That is essential to a book - the author has to write the characters so that they are real and Terri Reed does this. Love Chase and his strong gentleness. The people in the town are likable, including the capable sheriff's department. The bravery and courage of the good characters in the mystery gives the reader much to appreciate as the action unfolds. I really like the inspiring aspects of the book. The importance of trusting God and the power of prayer is shown well.
Love the awesome outdoor scenes. Beautiful cover. Great job by Terri Reed to show how the protection was utilized with ingenuity by the good guys and girls through God given resources. That includes the protection of being on the mountain, surrounded by the trees, traveling via the horses. We could picture the well described scenes.
This quote from the book is a great blessing and comforting truth to apply in real life - "She had to believe God had kept her alive so far for a reason. Having the confidence that God would continue to sustain her through this nightmare bolstered her courage."
The two reasons for 4 stars instead of 5 is likely due to the publisher and/or editor since both of these following things have been in other Harlequin Love Inspired books by different authors. First, failing to capitalize Marine when referring to one of the US's brave protectors. The sentence should be "....Marine recon sniper...". Second reason, mentioning yoga pants. At least no one was doing yoga, thankfully, since that is something a believer shouldn't be involved with.
That said, all of the excellent parts of the book are definitely worthy of five stars. Terri Reed writes exciting mysteries with characters you care about and want them to persevere.
Full review can be found @ Read to Your Heart's Content
Love the awesome outdoor scenes. Beautiful cover. Great job by Terri Reed to show how the protection was utilized with ingenuity by the good guys and girls through God given resources. That includes the protection of being on the mountain, surrounded by the trees, traveling via the horses. We could picture the well described scenes.
This quote from the book is a great blessing and comforting truth to apply in real life - "She had to believe God had kept her alive so far for a reason. Having the confidence that God would continue to sustain her through this nightmare bolstered her courage."
The two reasons for 4 stars instead of 5 is likely due to the publisher and/or editor since both of these following things have been in other Harlequin Love Inspired books by different authors. First, failing to capitalize Marine when referring to one of the US's brave protectors. The sentence should be "....Marine recon sniper...". Second reason, mentioning yoga pants. At least no one was doing yoga, thankfully, since that is something a believer shouldn't be involved with.
That said, all of the excellent parts of the book are definitely worthy of five stars. Terri Reed writes exciting mysteries with characters you care about and want them to persevere.
Full review can be found @ Read to Your Heart's Content
January 2, 2020
After witnessing a murder, Ashley Willis uprooted her life moving from town to town, but when her past comes looking for her, she's prepared to run once again.
Deputy Sheriff Chase Williams is determined to get to the bottom of Ashley's case, and won't let her run again.
Can they stop the killer before it's too late?
Ashley feels bad that so many people are in danger because of what she saw, she wants it all to be over and not be a victim of circumstance anymore. I admired how she faced her past, and allowed her newfound friends to help her get justice. Though the whole experience has been terrible, she has also grown in her faith.
Chase grew up in the big city, with a big last name, he moved to Colorado because he wants to genuinely make a difference and get away from his family influence. I admired his drive to make his own way in the world, and help Ashley find peace at last.
Overall, an entertaining read with great characters along the way, I especially liked Lucinda and how she counsels Chase to not give up and how she welcomes Ashley. Good pacing, and action packed twists!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Deputy Sheriff Chase Williams is determined to get to the bottom of Ashley's case, and won't let her run again.
Can they stop the killer before it's too late?
Ashley feels bad that so many people are in danger because of what she saw, she wants it all to be over and not be a victim of circumstance anymore. I admired how she faced her past, and allowed her newfound friends to help her get justice. Though the whole experience has been terrible, she has also grown in her faith.
Chase grew up in the big city, with a big last name, he moved to Colorado because he wants to genuinely make a difference and get away from his family influence. I admired his drive to make his own way in the world, and help Ashley find peace at last.
Overall, an entertaining read with great characters along the way, I especially liked Lucinda and how she counsels Chase to not give up and how she welcomes Ashley. Good pacing, and action packed twists!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 13, 2020
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
Terri Reed is a known author to me. I have read a few of her books, but not many. Her tendency, for me, is to be a hit or miss author. This one…well it was a bit of a miss for me. I bumped the score to 3 stars because I am sure I am comparing it to other books in my head rather than judging it on content and quality alone. I have read better love inspired romance books lately, so it is being judged against it is peers, including its predecessor in the series. Yes, these are the folks from Buried Mountain Secrets, which I really enjoyed.
So…
Jane Thompson is not actually Jane Thompson. She is actually Ashley Willis, an aspiring actress (but actually a waitress) from LA. Ashley had the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Working at The Matador, one of Ashley’s duties at the end of the night was taking out the trash. But she forgot to wedge the back door so she can get back in and has to go around front. In the side alley she notices two men arguing and hides.
One man, it turns out, is suspected to be an undercover cop everyone just assumed went MIA. The other unknown assailant is the mob boss, Maksin Sokolov. Maksin shots the other man with Ashley as witness and leaves. Ashely hustles back into her place of work and tells her boss what she saw. He tells her the police department is full of men on Sokolov’s payroll and provides her with money and a fake id in order for her to vanish. He even gives her a ride out of town.
Months later, almost out of money Ashley ends up in Bristle Township, Colorado. She rents a room and gets a job serving coffee at the Java Bean to make ends meet. Al seems to be going well, under an apparent detective shows up and starts flashing her old picture around. Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick approaches her about this and prevents her from leaving town, asking her to trust him. Problem is, the moment she does, the detective shows up and takes her away…and he’s not a detective.
This book is full of situations designed to create suspense. There are classic near-death experiences with cliffs, bullets, car chases, etc. There was one new thing I can’t say I have read. That’s climbing a tree to escape two gunmen. An inventive way to elude them, curtesy of Chase.
Awhile I can’t complain about the lack of action, I found the series of events quite predictable and had the killer pegged from the moment Ashely told her story to Chase. I do like how the workers of the sheriff’s department worked together as a team and were EXTREMELY understanding of the actions Ashley took, thinking she needed to escape and become a completely different person. But like of characters can’t completely over shadow how predictable the plot was to me.
Terri Reed is a known author to me. I have read a few of her books, but not many. Her tendency, for me, is to be a hit or miss author. This one…well it was a bit of a miss for me. I bumped the score to 3 stars because I am sure I am comparing it to other books in my head rather than judging it on content and quality alone. I have read better love inspired romance books lately, so it is being judged against it is peers, including its predecessor in the series. Yes, these are the folks from Buried Mountain Secrets, which I really enjoyed.
So…
Jane Thompson is not actually Jane Thompson. She is actually Ashley Willis, an aspiring actress (but actually a waitress) from LA. Ashley had the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Working at The Matador, one of Ashley’s duties at the end of the night was taking out the trash. But she forgot to wedge the back door so she can get back in and has to go around front. In the side alley she notices two men arguing and hides.
One man, it turns out, is suspected to be an undercover cop everyone just assumed went MIA. The other unknown assailant is the mob boss, Maksin Sokolov. Maksin shots the other man with Ashley as witness and leaves. Ashely hustles back into her place of work and tells her boss what she saw. He tells her the police department is full of men on Sokolov’s payroll and provides her with money and a fake id in order for her to vanish. He even gives her a ride out of town.
Months later, almost out of money Ashley ends up in Bristle Township, Colorado. She rents a room and gets a job serving coffee at the Java Bean to make ends meet. Al seems to be going well, under an apparent detective shows up and starts flashing her old picture around. Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick approaches her about this and prevents her from leaving town, asking her to trust him. Problem is, the moment she does, the detective shows up and takes her away…and he’s not a detective.
This book is full of situations designed to create suspense. There are classic near-death experiences with cliffs, bullets, car chases, etc. There was one new thing I can’t say I have read. That’s climbing a tree to escape two gunmen. An inventive way to elude them, curtesy of Chase.
Awhile I can’t complain about the lack of action, I found the series of events quite predictable and had the killer pegged from the moment Ashely told her story to Chase. I do like how the workers of the sheriff’s department worked together as a team and were EXTREMELY understanding of the actions Ashley took, thinking she needed to escape and become a completely different person. But like of characters can’t completely over shadow how predictable the plot was to me.
June 8, 2020
A remote Colorado mountain town and a fake identity have been Ashley Willis’s safe haven since fleeing after she witnessed a murder—but now the killer has found her trail. Desperate and terrified, she’s prepared to run again…but Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick won’t let her. With the lawman by her side, can she face danger head-on…and live long enough to bring a murderer to justice?
This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow on their journey. I hadn’t read this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow on their journey. I hadn’t read this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
May 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. There is a lot of action and this story pulled me in from the beginning. I read late into the morning several days. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 5* rating. The hero and the heroine both blamed themselves for not being able to stay safe. Horse lovers might enjoy this a little bit too.Lots to enjoy and be inspired by. A real nice surprise at the end. I really enjoy this author's work.
July 8, 2021
Excellent Storyline
Secret Mountain Hideout is a fast paced, intense story. Hiding from a killer in a small town was what had kept Ashley Willis alive. How had she been found? Could Deputy Chase Fredrick keep her alive long enough to testify? This is a clean romantic suspense with a great blend of suspense, hope, faith and romance. Definitely a great book.
Secret Mountain Hideout is a fast paced, intense story. Hiding from a killer in a small town was what had kept Ashley Willis alive. How had she been found? Could Deputy Chase Fredrick keep her alive long enough to testify? This is a clean romantic suspense with a great blend of suspense, hope, faith and romance. Definitely a great book.
July 11, 2022
Great short book filled with suspense, romance and a wonderful small town community. This was a good book to carry in my purse to read over the weekend during my down time.
I liked the writing style and the plot. Everything flowed very well and was very real to me. Grateful for the happy ending, that I knew would come!
I liked the writing style and the plot. Everything flowed very well and was very real to me. Grateful for the happy ending, that I knew would come!
September 15, 2025
A good suspense - Ashley Willis has been hiding out under and assumed name in a small Colorado town. She is hiding from from the man she witnessed killing another person. When Deputy Sheriff Chase Frederick is made aware of the situation, he is prepared to keep her safe. She wants to run again however he refuses to let this happen. Good story.
August 19, 2025
The characters and the writing were good, but it was pretty much the same plot as most of these kinds of stories. Even so, it was still a nice way to pass an evening and decompress, and it did keep my attention.
January 20, 2020
Fast paced suspense dealing with a murder witness trying her best to stay alive.
March 2, 2020
good story. The plot is believable, the characters are, too. It had the right amount of suspense, and the right amount of romance!
May 4, 2020
I don't usually like this kind of stories but this was so good
January 19, 2021
Great book! Hard to put down!
February 7, 2021
Wow! Such a great book!! Very hard to put down!
July 1, 2021
Good quick read.
November 4, 2021
Very good book, a lot of action so you won't want to put it down. The author has not failed to keep you wanting to read more of her books.
April 30, 2023
Love the book
June 15, 2025
This was good!! Very suspenseful with a twist of romance.
July 29, 2025
A suspenseful read
December 29, 2020
Had this book on my list, but then forgot all about it. It’s interesting, but I lost my momentum when reading it. Maybe I’ll circle back later next year,
March 13, 2020
Great book. I recommend you read Buried Mountain Secrets before you read this one.
January 8, 2020
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Secret Mountain Hideout. I really like Terry's work so I'm always thrilled to get a copy of her books in the mail. She does a great job on anything in suspense and intrigue. This story is no exception, it is well written, action packed but full of faith. I know you are going to love this one.
Ashley Willis is hiding in a small town in Colorado. A year and a half ago she witnessed a murder. The manager of the restaurant had helped her get out of LA; now that man is in a fire at the restaurant. Ashley calls to see how badly he is injured but opens a door for the murder to find her. She doesn't want to leave the town but now she has no choice. A detective is in town looking for her. Grabbing her to go bag she heads for the bus stop. The deputy sheriff comes to stop her.
Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick recognizes the picture the detective is showing around town. He heads to the bus stop to keep Ashley from running. He'll protect her from whatever danger she is in. He talks her out of running only to hand her over to the detective; then finds out that the man who took her isn't who he says he is but the actual hired killer. Now he must find her and keep his promise of protection.
A journey of two broken soul as they try to stay a head of a mad man and his seemingly unlimited supply of operatives. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil, give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
Ashley Willis is hiding in a small town in Colorado. A year and a half ago she witnessed a murder. The manager of the restaurant had helped her get out of LA; now that man is in a fire at the restaurant. Ashley calls to see how badly he is injured but opens a door for the murder to find her. She doesn't want to leave the town but now she has no choice. A detective is in town looking for her. Grabbing her to go bag she heads for the bus stop. The deputy sheriff comes to stop her.
Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick recognizes the picture the detective is showing around town. He heads to the bus stop to keep Ashley from running. He'll protect her from whatever danger she is in. He talks her out of running only to hand her over to the detective; then finds out that the man who took her isn't who he says he is but the actual hired killer. Now he must find her and keep his promise of protection.
A journey of two broken soul as they try to stay a head of a mad man and his seemingly unlimited supply of operatives. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil, give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
January 19, 2020
Riveting read
A sweet combination of slow burning love and climactic suspense. Both characters held shame and guilt at the beginning but throughout the story they learn they are meant to be loved and love.
A sweet combination of slow burning love and climactic suspense. Both characters held shame and guilt at the beginning but throughout the story they learn they are meant to be loved and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews