by Susannah Sandlin
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
From award-winning author Susannah Sandlin comes a heart-pounding romantic thriller that pits a quick-witted scientist and a scarred ex–combat diver against a ruthless billionaire treasure hunter with ties to the White House . When biologist Gillian Campbell makes an offhand comment about a family curse during a TV interview, she has no idea what her words will set in motion. Within days, Gillian finds herself at the mercy of a member of the C7, a secretive international group of power brokers with a dangerous game: competing to find the world’s most elusive treasures, no matter the cost, in money or in lives. To save her family, Gillian teams up with Shane Burke, a former elite diver who’s lost his way, navigating the brutal “death coast” of the North Atlantic to find what the collector seeks: the legendary Ruby Cross of the Knights Templar, stolen by Gillian’s ancestor and lost at sea four hundred years ago.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Susannah Sandlin was a serial that I read over the course of eight weeks, and it was such a thrilling adventure. (Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes, with future episodes delivered at no additional cost.) Sandlin once again showcased her talent as she delved into the romantic suspense genre. Mini review: Intense, action-packed, romantic and engaging.
Gillian Campbell finds herself in the middle of a game played by billionaires where she and others are the pawn in their quest to possess an ancient artifact. The rules are simple; they cannot find it, but ruthlessly enlist Gillian and others to hunt for the treasure and use whatever methods necessary. They get to Gillian by threatening her family and soon she has drawn down on his luck, Shane Burke, an elite diver into the game. They along with his friends find themselves on a treasure hunt off the brutal north Atlantic coast searching for the legendary Ruby Cross of the Knights Templar. It was reportedly stolen by Gillian’s ancestor and lost at sea four hundred years ago. The tale that unfolds kept me spellbound as the danger and romance heated up.
Sandlin gave us a great cast of characters with their own unique voices. From the unseen villain to his thugs I became swept up in their diabolical game. Gillian is smart, an animal lover and one tough, tenacious cookie. Shane is an expert at what he does, but an accident has left him damaged and unsure of himself. Getting caught up in this dangerous game was horrid for Shane but in many ways it is his salvation. Shane and Gillian’s interactions were heated, humorous and at times sexy. The romance that developed felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for this couple. Secondary characters were fairly fleshed out and unique as they added their own voice to the tale.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep had all the elements I love in romantic suspense. There was tension, danger, a villain, mystery and a quest. Each week as the tale unfolded I became more engaged. Tonks the dog made me giggle and the slow building romance had moments of delicious heat that made me swoon. Our characters are slightly flawed and seeing them grow, trust and overcome was wonderful. I loved reading this each Tuesday when the next episode appeared on my reader. It reminded me of the weekly stories that would appear in the Sunday paper when I was a child. Each week I was eager to find out what happened next. The flow was well done as each week the plot advanced, and I became more connected to the characters. Sandlin killed me with her cliff-hanger endings, and it made my anticipation of the next episode all the sweeter. I enjoyed that sense of anticipation. The overall plot was well done and the ending satisfying.
If you haven’t tried a serial yet I encourage you to do so. Lovely, Dark, and Deep is now available and can be read without waiting for episodes. It is one I highly recommend to those who enjoy romantic suspense, quests and action-packed adventure. Susannah Sandlin is one of my favorite authors and her talents seem limitless. I think at this point I would read any genre she chooses to write.
Four coffee cups of out five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jess
I haven’t read anything by this author- but her books sounds great! Always good to be introduced to new authors and books. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I adore this author and her tales always captivate me 🙂
aurian
Great review Kimba, I do love her books a lot and really want to read this one. But I want it as a paper book and not a Kindle serial.
kimbacaffeinate
I think it will be available in paperback as well, now that the serial is over 🙂
Pamela D
I love the idea of a serial. It is like a television show but in book form. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, a mini series for sure!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
A great review Kimba! I really enjoy Romantic Suspense & this sounds like it has all of the elements that I like. I have never read serial books before.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
serial books are fun..i love getting an installment each week 🙂
Lily B
This sounds heart-pounding and thrilling! I have not read this one yet, but I think I would love it.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the mix of mystery, suspense and romance
Lindy
Excellent Review Kim! Lately, I find myself being drawn to reading more romantic suspense! Lovely, Dark, and Deep sounds like such an intriguing read. The danger, romance, suspense, and hunt sounds like it made for a great story. I love that the characters all had unique voices! Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I love this author Lindy, everything she writes is captivating and well done 🙂
Jenea
I haven’t tried a serial before, but I love the idea though. I think this sounds like a really good suspense, and I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try this or any serial, it is fun getting that weekly installment
blodeuedd
One day I will read her, one day!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I think you will enjoy her books!
Andrea
I really like Sandlins books written as Suzanne Johnson and I enjoy serials. I think I may give this a try in the future.
Glad you enjoyed this. Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo you need to read her Penton Legacy series..yum!
Candace
I haven’t read a serial yet, but I’ve heard wonderful things about this one!
kimbacaffeinate
It was well done and serials are fun!
kindlemom1
I love all of her other writing (both names) so I really should try this one as well.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do Ali!
Paulina
I’ve never heard of this before. It sounds really interesting and I’m glad you enjoyed it 😀 Paulina @ Tangled In Pages
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Paulina, I hope you try this author 🙂
Lupdilup
Interesting. I never heard of serials before, sounds like a book mini series..Umm, I might have to check this out. I imagine each episode is short and a fast read. This might be a good way for me to get some reading on, and this serial right here sound like it would be a good introduction.
Thanks Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, each one is short, and can be read in about 30 mins or so, perfect little weekly escapes:)
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kimba, you hit on all my must haves in romantic suspense too!
deb
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Debbie, this author always makes me smile 🙂
Rashika
For a second I was all worried because I’d have to wait for all the episodes but then you said it’s all out.
I am not a patient person and would go bzerk if I had to wait every week for the next installment.
Especially for a book like this. I LOVE romantic suspense books but I’d rather read them in one go instead of waiting forever (or what feels like forever).
Lovely Review, Kimba!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..that is funny. I liked the anticipation of waiting for it to appear each Tuesday..but yes you can read it all at once now 🙂
Melliane
that’s so great, I love all the books written by the author but I confess I don’t have this one but I’m so curious about it now. I want it!!!! It’s nice to have a story like that and I can’t wait to learn more about it.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Melliane 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Oh those cliffhangers, they are so horrible yet so good. Some just work because they do make you want to read the next book so bad.
kimbacaffeinate
Serious they are I have a love/hate relationship with them..LOL
Tanja
This reminds me of my lit classes and how before books were published. People who had to wait for every new chapter for some time were amazing. I don’t think I’d survive now. Anyhow this sounds like a really great read. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, we had them in the Sunday paper as a kid and the stories always ended at the most exciting parts..LOL
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I haven’t read any serials before but will look into them now!
Lovely review, Kimba! <33
kimbacaffeinate
That is great Melanie, they are fun 🙂
Jeann
I love the idea of Kindle serials and have only bought one before (Indexing by Seanan McGuire) but haven’t read it yet. I like the sound of Lovely, Dark and Deep with the suspense and romance! Thanks for the review Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved Indexing, I have read three or four serials and love them. I like that they have one fee between 1.99 and 3.00