Customer Reviews

Secret Love (Arabesque)

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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 !

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".

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 loved the book and all of the sexy romantic scenes.

Jake a rancher loses a bet with his best friend Sterling Hamilton and the pay off is to have Diamond Swain stay with Jake on his ranch for some much needed rest.

Once they see each other for the first time sparks fly. Although, they try not to give into each others attraction, they end up falling in love.

They also have to fight to keep their lifestyles in tacked by not having the other loose themselves in the others career.

This book was my favorite out of all of the Madaris books and I read it more than once.

SECRET LOVE was a book about a rancher and a moviestar. Don't seem like the ideal pair. Well, Diamond Swain needed a break big time and that's how she came to Jake's ranch called Whispering Pines. There he tried to ignore her, but like all love stories go it didn't work so well. He realized that she was kind and had a heart and wasn't like his ex-wife who only wanted to change him into something he wasn't.
It was a little drawn out in the end, but it was still a good read. I was really glad to read about the other family members. Who was pregnant and what they were doing now? That was really nice.

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.

Another great Madris story. Jake a handsome successful rancher married actress Diamond Swain in secret. After a madman begins to stalk Diamond she runs for cover and safety on her husbands ranch "Whispering Pines". Deciedeing she's ready to come out of the closet about her secret marriage to Jake, they hold a press conference. The madman doesn't like this and sets out to kill Jake if he doesn't leave Diamond alone. Jake not wanting Diamond to know refuses to tell her of the madman. When Diamond finds out she feels she's been betrayed by her husbands secret, will their love be enough to save their marriage?

Brenda Jackson is definitely one of the best writers of our time. She first peaked my interest with her book "Family Reunion".
But sisters, "Secret Love" was great. The story of Jake Madaris and Diamond Swain was very endearing. It took two people who had been burned very badly in previous relationships and taught them to love again. It also gives you a glimpse of the love that flows through the Madaris clan. After reading "Secret Love" you too will believe that there is a such thing as a second chance at love. Once you read one Brenda Jackson novel....you're hooked!

Brenda Jackson NEVER disappoints me! With Jake and Diamond briefly discussed in "Eternally Yours" and "One Special Moment", I've been anxiously waiting for this book. And it was well worth the wait! Do I sense a story between Alex Maxwell and maybe Christy Madaris? I hope so! Brenda, don't make us wait too long for your next book. The Madaris' are addictive!