Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Chief Deputy US Marshal Seth Jameson has mastered the art of hiding his emotions. Some might call the skill a survival technique. He calls it smart. He doesn’t need anything that could trip him up and jeopardize the most important operation of his career.

Seth has managed to keep his attraction to Deputy Marshal Bella Nikolaev well hidden, but posing as an engaged couple while undercover blows his control to shreds.

Bella Nikolaev doesn’t trust anyone since she’s learned the people closest to you let you down. Case in point? She’s in love with her boss, the oh-so-hot Seth Jameson, and the one time she allows herself to believe in him, he proves that showing vulnerability is a big mistake. The problem is, the consequences of that one time can’t be ignored.

On a mission to find the kidnapped son of a federal judge, which would bring the fugitive Richard Jameson to justice, Bella and Seth are once again thrown together and are losing the battle of their hearts. In a situation where one wrong move can mean death, they have to depend on each other to survive in more ways than one.

First published February 23, 2021

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Diane Benefiel

19 books84 followers
Growing up in Southern California, Diane Benefiel has been an avid reader all of her life. She has enjoyed a wide range of genres, from westerns to fantasy to mysteries, but romance has always been a favorite element. She likes writing romantic suspense because she can put the hero and heroine in all sorts of predicaments that they will have to work together to overcome. Check out her website at http://www.dianebenefiel.com and follow her on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DianeBenefie....

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
90 (57%)
4 stars
43 (27%)
3 stars
18 (11%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Lau ♡ (semi-hiatus).
430 reviews441 followers
September 5, 2023
Hidden Loyalty is a quick, action-packed romance with a kickass heroine and a bossy hero. I usually go for long, slow-burn books, but this fast paced reading worked perfectly for me.

Deputy Marshal Bella (h) has a crush on her boss, Chief Deputy Seth Jameson (H), since she started working for the company. Seth is an expert in hiding his true emotions, so she doesn’t know if the feelings are reciprocated. Does she ever want to know? After all, her heart and her trust is not something she offers easily.


But when a mission creates a spark between them that grows into fire, their true desires lie uncovered. They would have to decide what they really want and face the demons in their past while working together to survive the mission.



This book was so fast, I flew through the pages. Things turned hot in the very beginning, which I didn’t expect. I was a bit angry because I wanted to see the hero and heroine interact with each other for a few extra scenes before going ballistic, but after reading the book I wouldn’t have changed that. It was necessary for them to be together to finally realise they had to stop messing around and get serious.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you, couldn’t stop wanting you.” Then his gaze snared hers. “Did you think of me, Bella? Did you wonder then how it might be between us?”

Even though I started off on the wrong foot, the story progresses in a great way. I went from liking the book to really enjoying it, and this always leaves you a good taste.
Bella (h) was the kind of heroine who doesn’t need to be saved. If you are looking for a story where the hero comes to rescue, this is not for you. I love a badass heroine and Bella didn’t let me down. Although it is difficult for her to trust someone due to her hard past, she would try to face her demons and overcome them.

“US Marshals,” Bella identified herself. “You are all under arrest. Hands behind your heads and get down on your knees.”

The hero, who seemed the typical alpha male I’m not usually a fan of, turned out to be a quiet man who wants to do things right. Seth (h) knows he is Bella’s boss and nothing can happen between the two, so he tries to confine his feelings for the sake of the mission. But once things get under control, he would be patient but confident about what he wants, and what he wants is her.

“I don’t need you.” (...)

“You may not need me, but I need you”.(...) Taking a leap of faith, he says quietly, “Do you feel my heart beating? It beats for you.”


Action plays an important role in this story. Bella and Seth would have to survive missions and face the bad guys in order to save the day. There is not a moment of peace until the very end, the kind of book you read in one sitting.

Overall, although it’s not like the books I usually go for, I have a good time reading Hidden Loyalties. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys action, romance and a quick reading.

“When I look into the future, I see you with me. That’s what I want. You’re going to have to decide if it’s what you want, too.”


*I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Angie Schexnaildre NOLA504nerds.
293 reviews8 followers
February 22, 2021
This is an honest review for an arc received.

Wow! This book sucks you in right from the very beginning. Chief Deputy US Marshal Seth Jameson is a man on a mission and Deputy Marshal Bella Nikolaev is dedicated to her job. Bella’s childhood was hard and tramatic, which is why she is deteremined to make a difference. But its hard when you are attracted to, and in love with your boss. Seth does everything to fight his feelings for Bella. But one undercover mission throws everything into chaos. They will need to navigate their feelings while on a new mission.

After their undercover mission, they are faced with a kidnapped child of a federal judge. Once they figure out Seth’s fugitive father may be involved, that ups the ante. With the entire team working this case, time is of the essence. But does Bella have a secret?

4 1/2 action packed stars! This is the first book I’ve read from Diane Benefiel. I was emersed in this story, I couldn’t put it down. She weaves a fabulous story where her main characters have undeniable chemistry, hot sexy times, and everything else in between. If your looking for a book with action, this is it. If you’re looking for a book with romance, this is it. What a fantastic story!!!!!
1,991 reviews34 followers
February 25, 2021
This is the third book in this amazing U.S. Marshals series. Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Seth Jameson has never fully dealt with his father’s abandonment. His father is a domestic terrorist and his siblings, Ellie and Linc, who are also U.S. Marshals, are determined to arrest and bring him to justice. Seth’s partner is U.S. Marshal Bella Nikolaev. Though a romantic relationship between them is not permitted, there is an attraction that they can’t deny. While working an undercover operation, the attraction flares out of control and now they must deal with their situation. When a federal judge’s son is kidnapped, the siblings believe that their father is involved. When Seth’s father reaches out to him, should he take a chance and meet with him? This may be his one chance to get close enough to rescue the young man, but will they both make it out alive? He has one strong motivation to survive…to get back to Bella. A wonderful action and romantic suspense novel by one of the best. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
1,942 reviews12 followers
February 19, 2021
This book is very good. It reminds me to a point on some of the things that went on at the capitol because of white supremacy. Chief Deputy US Marshal Seth Jameson does not show his emotions. I felt bad because of the way he learned not to show any emotions. I loved the give and take of Deputy Marshall Bella Nikolaev who works with him because both have unresolved feelings for each other. It had to be very hard for Seth and his brother and sister who are also Marshalls to be looking for their father who is believed to be the head of a dangerous group that have caused trouble for years. There are some dangerous things happening with some twists and turns for the Marshalls. I loved the suspense along with the romance. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
3,937 reviews39 followers
March 5, 2021
5 EXPLOSIVE STARS!! This book was explosive and had me flipping pages. I love law enforcement and this one was perfect....Seth was hot and bossy, Bella kept him on his toes. This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last.
Profile Image for Lauriane (L.M. Durand).
157 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2021
Hidden Loyalty is a good book, but something was missing for me to get a full 4 stars. It's more of a 3,5 star rating. I'm wondering if it's because I didn't read the other books, but the story started out well and the end was really great. The middle was a bit monotone for me.

There is nothing wrong with this book. I just feel like this was more a matter of taste. Otherwise, the book does have adventure, suspense, bad guys and bad ass characters. The ending was truly nicely done and redeemed the slow parts to me. I really enjoyed the predicament and the run for life moments. There is also a good chemistry between the characters.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 39 books102 followers
January 23, 2022
Hidden Loyalty is my favorite of this series. I loved the characters, the conflicts, and the way the story played out. I do enjoy Benefiel’s books.

One note - These books have all had formatting issues which would not be the authors fault. When reading the ebook, there is often a glitch between the bottom of one page and the top of the next. The reader loses part of a paragraph and has to guess at what was said. I am putting this here, hoping the publisher will take note and fix the way they format ebooks.
928 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2023
A good finish

Seth and Bella's story was a good finish to this series. We knew there was something there from the first 2 stories, but we get a better look at both characters. Bella and her brother were adopted from Russia by an American couple. Their early years were tough but could have been worse.
Seth is the oldest and seemed to get the worst from his father. Seth wanted to be sure he got his father arrested as it was important to him to see himself as still a good person, his father, he thought, had been good once but changed and Seth worried he would be the same.
385 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2021
Good read

## Loved Bella and Seth. I thought Seth was going to be a hard sell on commitment but surprisingly he was awesome. Their romance was nicely written. They had tremendous chemistry that you could feel with each encounter. The only reason I deducted a star was the crime drama. It involved Seth's dad and of course tied that up. However, it bored me. It wasn't suspenseful or even interesting. But the romance was great as were the family dynamics.
Profile Image for Jan L.
982 reviews19 followers
March 2, 2021
I really didn't want this series to end, but Diane Benefiel sends it out with a home run! I loved the brothers and sister and enjoyed the exciting ways they each found love. Seth and Bella's professional relationship kept them apart but some things are meant to be! Lots of surprises, suspense and sighs! BTW, if you hadn't let us in to Seth's thoughts, I'd have believed him to be a jerk:)
49 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2021
An exciting conclusion to a super series

Diane Benefiel has written another winner. Seth and Bella are engaging and likeable. There is plenty of action and a satisfying conclusion to the series.Thoroughly fun read!
Profile Image for Meryl.
1,470 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2021
Great read.

Having read the second book in this series I was looking forward to Seth and Bella’s story. It did not disappoint. There is action from page one that has you turning pages until a very satisfactory ending.
77 reviews
June 21, 2021
A terrific series

I have really enjoyed reading about the Jamieson siblings and their quest to bring down their criminal father while each found their true love. Great characters and an interesting and action packed read!
Profile Image for Glenda.
671 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2021
This was not as good as the others. Bella and Seth already were having feelings for one another. This story didn't started off with a clear explanation of how they got to this point. The reason I finished the book was to find out about RJ capture. This book just seem to be lacking in the romance to me. What company let's siblings work together with one as boss. What about nepotism??? I don't think the Marshal Service would let the children of the suspect be in charge of looking for him.
Profile Image for Bookstagrambrielle  (Brie).
291 reviews20 followers
February 26, 2021
When I signed up to read and review this book, I didn't realize that it was the third book in a series. That said, it was easy to follow as they are siblings, so I didn't feel like I missed anything important, as all the important things to know are reiterated.The only thing I missed was how each sibling ended up with their love interest. So while I wish I had read the others first, this can be read as a stand alone.

This story is about Seth and Bella. They are U.S. Marshall's on the same task force, with Seth as the Deputy in charge. Seth has been attracted to Bella from the start, but because of the nom fraternization rule in place, he fights it which apparently has led to fights with each other. What Seth doesn't know is Bella has also fighting her attraction to him. So when they have to go under cover together posed as an engaged couple who are supposed to be very much in love, playing pretend turns all too real. After Seth says something hurtful, Bella once again turns off her feelings as best she can, but Seth doesn't give up. With the next investigation, they continue to work together and Seth continues to work on Bella's heart. It's during this investigation into a victim of a kidnapper suspected to be linked to Seth's father who is a fugitive, that the suspense part of romantic suspense really picks up and the story flows at full steam.

It was an interesting story with an attraction the main characters could no longer deny, lots of action and suspense and a well deserved ending. The only reason I have 4 out of 5 stars is because I've been in law enforcement at the federal level for over 25 years, so my critical eye picked up on things that although made the story interesting, just wouldn't happen in the real world. I know it's fiction, an escape from the real world, I really get that. It's just hard to push aside my own experience. So it's not about the story or bad writing, it's just about my opinion, my experience. Don't let my opinion away you. It is an interesting story and a fast paced read that I think many will enjoy.
463 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2021
Diane Benefiel does justice to one of my favorite genres--romantic suspense--in Hidden Loyalty, the third book in a series about a trio of sibling US Marshalls. This one follows Chief Deputy US Marshall Seth Jameson and Deputy US Marshall Bella Nikolaev as they battle their attraction to each other while simultaneously battling white supremacists (who include Seth's estranged father).

The story starts off fast and proceeds at a tidy clip, though I do feel there was a bit of lagging in the middle with both story arcs (the romance and the suspense). However, the general plot works well, and I was never precisely bored.

I'm not entirely sure that it's believable that the US Marshalls would allow siblings to work in the same team (with one as boss), let alone be the team responsible for hunting down dear old racist dad, but I'm always willing to suspend my disbelief a little for a good rom-sus. It's also a tiny bit questionable that Seth acted on his attraction to Bella without even attempting to talk to her about how they could make it happen legitimately. He had to know that coming on to a subordinate--even if she seems game--is potentially manipulative. The story brushes these very modern day concerns away by making Seth so adorably in love with Bella (and she with him), that I found myself giving him a pass. (A little ashamed of myself, not gonna lie).

Overall, the great cast of characters and fairly speedy plot makes this story great, and I'd definitely read another book by this author.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews164 followers
February 26, 2021
I feel like this week has really leveled up in my life, and the books I've been reading because all the suspense books (I cannot state for the record enough that suspense is my jam) that have got my heart rate high & the f-bombs dropping from the twists coming in hot to surprise me. Deputy Marshal Bella Nikolaev is one hell of a bada** heroine who doesn't need any man to rescue her & I couldn't have loved her more. Of course she's been in love with her boss, Chief Deputy US Marshal Seth Jameson, but he's not gone there. The stakes change when they go undercover as a couple, and not only is it dangerous, but the sparks are flying as well. As the danger gets more intense (if possible), they will have to actually to seriously rely on each other if they want to come out of this situation alive. Doesn't this story sound so exciting?! It totally was so hit those one click buttons for an exciting ride that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 
1,640 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2021
This is the first time I've read a book by Diane Benefiel and it won't be my last. This was a great story- well-written, fun and fast-paced and not overly filled with fluff, making me really want to sit down and just focus on the story. In this story, which I gather is a part of a series about a group of Marshals, Seth, the Captain is in love with Bella, one of his Marshals, who is also in love with him. I don't know if earlier books document their struggles to stay away from each other but the beginning of this book showcases the struggles which eventually overpowers them. I loved both characters as well as the characters on their team, who we meet as they race against time to try to save a kidnapped boy. It was also really timely, given the issues with racism around the world and I, for one, appreciate that this author was brave enough to address it. Thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to another great author!
6,329 reviews24 followers
February 24, 2021
This is the third book in this wonderful series and it takes off from almost the first page Chief Deputy US Marshal Seth Jameson is totally dedicated to his job and he always plays his cards close to his chest That is why Deputy Marshal Bella Nikolaev has no idea how he feels about her even though she has a crush on him When the two of them have to work a case together the close proximity causes passion to flare. Both of these characters are damaged from their pasts Seth has to handle the fact that his father could be a leader of a group the marshals are after (this has been an underlying story through the series) While Bella just had a really bad childhood. With the clock ticking on their case they will not only have to solve it with the help of their team but they will have to face their feelings for one another and decide if it will be just a fling or could be far more
77 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2021

***This eARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Hidden Loyalty by Diane Benefiel is book 3 in her US Marshals book and follows the fiery sexual tension between colleagues Seth Jameson and Bella Nikolaev. Seth is Bella’s boss, and if that doesn’t already prepare you for the angst and tension factor of this book and these characters I don’t know what will!

I really loved this book, and enjoyed reading the sparks fly out of control between these two characters who have both so clearly been suppressing their true feelings for one and other.

But beyond the romance Benefiel also addresses Bella’s troubled past and creates a strong but nuanced heroine.

The connection between these protagonists is instantaneous and will have readers anxiously awaiting the steam between the two when they finally get together.

Loved this book!
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
522 reviews10 followers
March 5, 2021
4 1/2 Star Read. This is my first read by Diane Benefiel and I wasn't disappointed. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Diane hooks you in from the start and once you start it is hard to put this book down. Bella's had a distressing past but that hasn't stopped her she's gonna kick ass and nothing will hold her back. She's attracted to her boss Seth which is a nono in the employee handbook. Much as they try not to get too close it all falls apart when they have to go undercover on a mission.
I received an arc for an honest review for NNBB. If you love a fast-paced read with plenty of action, suspense, and angst along with some hot romance you will love this read.
Profile Image for Alima Livzletlivz.
764 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2021
I came across Diane Benefiel quite by accident and by the same token ended up reading the first two books in this series, and was hooked with the Jamesons and their love stories, She was definitely a new author that I have not read before, and now am glad that I came across her. I enjoy getting to know new authors.

Book three in this series, Hidden Loyalty takes us into the lives of Chief Deputy Marshall Seth Jameson and his new Deputy Marshall Bella Nikoleav giving him sleepless nights. And the sub-plot that revolves around the Jameson dad, is an interesting twist that is woven into all the books in the series.

A definite read in my opinion and I am pretty impressed with Diane Benefiel and she will be on my constant TBR list of authors
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
17.1k reviews208 followers
February 24, 2021
Seth is a Chief Deputy US Marshall, and Bella is a Deputy Marshall, and they need to work undercover as an engaged couple. Seth is Bella’s boss and they have always been attracted to each other but have understandably never acted on their feelings. This is a well written tale which is fast paced, action packed, and is filled with passion, love, and undeniable chemistry. I was hooked and intrigued throughout this riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,640 reviews18 followers
February 25, 2021
I enjoyed this book, my first by the author, but certainly not my last. While part of a series, I didn’t feel I was missing much back story by coming in on book three, but look forward to going back and reading the previous stories.
I loved the chemistry between Seth and Bella, try as they might to deny it. While the plot within the story was extremely timely, it really was secondary to the interactions of the leads. I feel like their original case was wrapped up a bit too neatly, though...I thought there’d be more blow back.
Regardless, this book was easy to read and interesting
Profile Image for Crystal Smith.
616 reviews17 followers
February 25, 2021
This was my first book by Diane and I am loving it. I enjoy romantic suspense/thriller and this one fit the bill perfectly. Seth and Bella try their damndest to keep their feeling hidden from one another until this particular case, then BOOM! I was not a fan of the back and forth and the sort of coldness Seth and Bella had in general but this book is not a fluffy happily ever after, not a cutesy cozy mystery or anything of the like. All in all a great book in this series that I look forward to continuing with.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
2,204 reviews59 followers
February 21, 2021
Seth is Bella’s boss they work under cover together and both rather be under the covers with each other. Both have a hidden feelings for each other that either have admitted to.
Once these two give into each other there is no denying that they have amazing chemistry! Can they keep working together? Will this work? There are so many different moving pieces and layers to this story. This was a great quick read.
Profile Image for the BookUla Review.
119 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2021
Talk about suspenseful action packed romance. This book keeps you on You were toes. A wounded hero with abandonment issues sexy sexy love interest. I love a good US marshal romance and this one certainly did not disappoint it gave me all the feels I was looking for.
March 31, 2021
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion. Copy provided by NetGalley.
This is a great suspense and romance for romance lovers! The climax at the end had me biting my nails and flipping pages as fast as I could read them!!
Profile Image for Melissa Ledet.
2,080 reviews13 followers
February 27, 2021
They are both attacked to each other but because Seth is Bella’s boss it makes things a little difficult. Once they give into their desires they are explosive.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.