Title: Submerged
Author(s): Kaylea Cross
Series: Kill Devil Hills #2
Also in this series: Undercurrent, Adrift
Published by Kaylea Cross Inc. on May 25, 2021
Pages: 280
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense
Source: Author
Format: eArc
Purchase: Amazon
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Keep your friends close.
Harper Sorenson’s husband died during a security contracting job in Syria more than a year ago. The official report said he was killed in an enemy ambush, but she doesn’t buy it. And until she knows the truth, she can’t move on. When someone tries to silence her, she knows she’s on the right track. Unfortunately, now she has no choice but to rely on the man she blames for everything—her dead husband’s best friend.
And your enemies closer.
Jared Blackmore was there the day Pete died. Gravely wounded himself in the ambush, he still can’t remember everything that happened. His own search for answers results in resistance from every angle, and he begins to fear the worst—that they’re dealing with a cover up. With Harper now in danger, he drops everything to protect her. He might have promised Pete that he would take care of her, but it’s far more personal than that, and he’s worried he won’t be able to hide his attraction any longer. With the bodies piling up and danger closing in, they don’t know who to trust. He must uncover the truth before it’s too late—before they both wind up dead—and before she figures out exactly how much she means to him.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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After the intriguing introduction to the mystery surrounding Harper in the previous book, I was eager to learn more. With promises of action, suspense and romance, I eagerly sunk my teeth into ?Submerged.
Although there moments which called for a suspension of belief, I had a great time with this installment.
Harper, a widow, is seeking information regarding the circumstances of her husband’s death. In doing so, she unwittingly brings danger to her doorstep.
Meanwhile, Jared, her husband’s best friend and partner, also has a vested interest in the same Intel. He almost lost his while on the same mission. The deeper he digs, the more he discovers that all was not as it appears.
Harper blames Jared for her husband’s death. So when he came looking to protect her and to learn what information she had gathered, she wanted nothing to do with him. However, when members of her husband and Jared’s security team started dropping like flies, she had no choice but to join forces with him while benefitting from his protection.
Wow! What a ride. Suspense action mystery served up with a side of sizzling romance. I had fun being reintroduced to Harper and getting to know Jared. I understood her need for closure, but I didn’t like her initial treatment of Jared. She never sought to find out the truth before casting blame. Her reliance on him for protection led to her spending time with him. In doing so, she learnt her feelings of hostility were misplaced. The fact she couldn’t deny her attraction played a huge role in that recognition.
Regarding the romance, I thought Jared’s feelings were more authentic when compared to Harper’s. Jared has been attracted to Harper from the first time he met her and since then his feelings have grown deeper. Harper is in a state of grieving looking to find closure, so where did these feelings suddenly come from? I guess with fiction anything is possible.
The intense action and suspense had me on the edge of my seat while turning the pages. There were several moments when my heart leapt out of fear for the characters. The revelations were shocking. It goes to show one has to be careful of whom they trust.
It was fun catching up with Harper’s brothers, Bowie and Casey. Cross provided a taste of what to expect in the next book featuring Casey.
Overall, ?Submerged was better than Undercurrent. I can’t wait to read Casey’s story. It provided the perfect escape and I would recommend it to readers who romantic suspense.
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About Kaylea Cross
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
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Wow this sounds like quite the wild ride. Thanks Nadene
It was indeed a wild ride Debbie.
I’ve always found recent widows/widowers for one of the romance interests a bit tricky in a romance novel. Too bad she blamed him like that. The suspense side does sound exciting and so does Jared. 🙂
The suspense was the glue that held the story together.
Wow, that sounds like a really good read. I love the cover too.
Yes, I enjoyed it.
This sounds good Nadene. I need to grab book one 🙂
Enjoy.
Lovely review for Submerged. Must be good if it was better than the first book!
It sure was a good read.
I have yet to read this author but it seems like everyone loves her books. I should definitely check out this series at some point.
I hope you do get the chance to read her work.
This one looks great. I’m not sure how I missed it as I am on her street team. I will definitely check it out.
Enjoy.
This sounds like a truly fun, addictive read.
Yes it was fun, intriguing and addictive.