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Head Above Troubled Waters
Kenji Burrows, seeking refuge in her hometown of Venture Georgia, discovers that her past refuses to stay buried.
Haunted by Luther Pennington, her former client turned relentless stalker, Kenji finds herself trapped in a perilous game of obsession. Determined to shield herself from Luther's relentless pursuit, she pretends to be engaged to Christopher Flynn, her brother's lifelong best friend.
As Kenji and Christopher embark on this charade, a tempestuous whirlwind of emotions ensues. Sparks ignite and passions intensify, leading to a captivating tale of forbidden desires and unexpected connections. From the very beginning, Christopher ignites their story with a passionate kiss, setting the stage for an enthralling journey.
"Head Above Troubled Waters" weaves a tapestry of love and redemption against a backdrop of past challenges making a return to their present lives. Kenji's strength and resilience shine as she confronts her demons and grapples with the consequences of a past she never truly discusses, until now.
Welcome home to Venture, Georgia and getting to know Christopher Flynn.
Haunted by Luther Pennington, her former client turned relentless stalker, Kenji finds herself trapped in a perilous game of obsession. Determined to shield herself from Luther's relentless pursuit, she pretends to be engaged to Christopher Flynn, her brother's lifelong best friend.
As Kenji and Christopher embark on this charade, a tempestuous whirlwind of emotions ensues. Sparks ignite and passions intensify, leading to a captivating tale of forbidden desires and unexpected connections. From the very beginning, Christopher ignites their story with a passionate kiss, setting the stage for an enthralling journey.
"Head Above Troubled Waters" weaves a tapestry of love and redemption against a backdrop of past challenges making a return to their present lives. Kenji's strength and resilience shine as she confronts her demons and grapples with the consequences of a past she never truly discusses, until now.
Welcome home to Venture, Georgia and getting to know Christopher Flynn.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
About the author
Olivia Gaines
136 books358 followersOlivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 29, 2023
Good Book But...
I enjoyed this book. In usual fashion, Ms. Gaines was able to draw the readers into the plot with humor. The story was a bit dark and at times downright creepy. Christopher and Kenji are perfect partners having to wade their way through rediscovery.
This was a good story however, my only critique is that it was not a full length novel which was disappointing. A good amount of after the epilogue was dedicated to one of the authors previous books. A snippet is fine although the amount of chapters of a previous book in my opinion is a bit much initial storyespecially when purchasing a book that you expect to be a full length novel and it is not.
I will still support Ms. Gaines with whatever she writes since I love her as an author, however, in my opinion, limiting or extinguishing the amount of chapters from other books to fill up pages which are not true to the length of the initial story would be appreciated.
I enjoyed this book. In usual fashion, Ms. Gaines was able to draw the readers into the plot with humor. The story was a bit dark and at times downright creepy. Christopher and Kenji are perfect partners having to wade their way through rediscovery.
This was a good story however, my only critique is that it was not a full length novel which was disappointing. A good amount of after the epilogue was dedicated to one of the authors previous books. A snippet is fine although the amount of chapters of a previous book in my opinion is a bit much initial storyespecially when purchasing a book that you expect to be a full length novel and it is not.
I will still support Ms. Gaines with whatever she writes since I love her as an author, however, in my opinion, limiting or extinguishing the amount of chapters from other books to fill up pages which are not true to the length of the initial story would be appreciated.
October 24, 2023
The content signified something different from my initial thoughts!
Kenji an award winning author/Ghostwriter returns home to the small southern town called Venture! immediately things begin to go sideways except for an old connect Christopher her brother's best friend that is just like family to her. You fooled me good on who the real perp was Olivia! I honestly took the red herring until shown differently! The twists, turns, odd connects and hilarity of the characters kept me wondering, shaking my head and laughing out loud! Head Above Troubled Waters did not disappoint in the least, it just solidified more for me why you are one of my favorite authors! This novel also confirmed for me
why I can read your novels all day long and never get tired! I loved Kenji and Christopher's story very much.
Kenji an award winning author/Ghostwriter returns home to the small southern town called Venture! immediately things begin to go sideways except for an old connect Christopher her brother's best friend that is just like family to her. You fooled me good on who the real perp was Olivia! I honestly took the red herring until shown differently! The twists, turns, odd connects and hilarity of the characters kept me wondering, shaking my head and laughing out loud! Head Above Troubled Waters did not disappoint in the least, it just solidified more for me why you are one of my favorite authors! This novel also confirmed for me
why I can read your novels all day long and never get tired! I loved Kenji and Christopher's story very much.
June 9, 2024
Wade in the water...
I always find "sibling's best friend" and "fake fiance/marriage" romances tediously overdone, but this one managed to grab my interest and hold on to it throughout the book. In this case, Kenji (female main character) is being stalked and in order to be protected, she agrees to pretend to be engaged to her twin brother's childhood best friend, Christopher. Things start as a slow burn that eventually leads to a combustible and happy ending. There was no pregnancy tropes in this book, which is why I gave it five stars. There's a bonus book at the end that definitely made this book work the purchase.
I always find "sibling's best friend" and "fake fiance/marriage" romances tediously overdone, but this one managed to grab my interest and hold on to it throughout the book. In this case, Kenji (female main character) is being stalked and in order to be protected, she agrees to pretend to be engaged to her twin brother's childhood best friend, Christopher. Things start as a slow burn that eventually leads to a combustible and happy ending. There was no pregnancy tropes in this book, which is why I gave it five stars. There's a bonus book at the end that definitely made this book work the purchase.
December 20, 2023
Olivia Gaines writes the best stories!
Head above water is a lovely edition to this series that pulls you in, adding new characters to those we already know in a sleepy little town we learned so much about in the last addition, while introducing a familiar character from a connected series.
Then surprise surprise, Ms. Gaines adds a copy of her book Blind Date at the end, that ties back to that same sleepy little town. Its been over a year or more since reading that book and that was just as enjoyable as the first time!
All the feels! Read it!
Head above water is a lovely edition to this series that pulls you in, adding new characters to those we already know in a sleepy little town we learned so much about in the last addition, while introducing a familiar character from a connected series.
Then surprise surprise, Ms. Gaines adds a copy of her book Blind Date at the end, that ties back to that same sleepy little town. Its been over a year or more since reading that book and that was just as enjoyable as the first time!
All the feels! Read it!
January 27, 2024
Growing Up and Coming Home
I SO enjoyed this story of Kenji and Christopher. The chemistry and how they brought out the calmness and best of each other was off the charts. Hearing about their past connection explained a lot. I love how they were all about family and how they handled each one in their own way. Seeing other characters in this story keeps the bond it tact. Folks got what they deserved in the end. Olivia Gaines has done her thang as usual!!!
I SO enjoyed this story of Kenji and Christopher. The chemistry and how they brought out the calmness and best of each other was off the charts. Hearing about their past connection explained a lot. I love how they were all about family and how they handled each one in their own way. Seeing other characters in this story keeps the bond it tact. Folks got what they deserved in the end. Olivia Gaines has done her thang as usual!!!
May 22, 2024
Great book!
This was a great book, and the characters were very entertaining! The twists and turns kept you reading and wanting to get to the end! You think you have the culprit figured out, but then you are thrown loop, and you have to keep reading. I loved the chemistry between Christopher and Kenji it was smoking hot 🔥! I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers. You will not be disappointed!
This was a great book, and the characters were very entertaining! The twists and turns kept you reading and wanting to get to the end! You think you have the culprit figured out, but then you are thrown loop, and you have to keep reading. I loved the chemistry between Christopher and Kenji it was smoking hot 🔥! I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers. You will not be disappointed!
October 25, 2023
A series of firsts
I am never disappointed with an Olivia Gaines book. I'm very fond of Orlando's story so I was excited to see that one of his brothers was getting his own. Loved how Mann and Stop was added along with a few characters from past books. I figured out who Kenji's real stalker was and loved how he was handled. Once again a great story from Mrs. Gaines!
I am never disappointed with an Olivia Gaines book. I'm very fond of Orlando's story so I was excited to see that one of his brothers was getting his own. Loved how Mann and Stop was added along with a few characters from past books. I figured out who Kenji's real stalker was and loved how he was handled. Once again a great story from Mrs. Gaines!
October 29, 2023
Did Not Enjoy
After reading book #2 and giving it a rating of “5”, this book just fell flat. I didn’t feel any connection between Christopher and Kenji and the overall story seemed weak and disconnected. I’ve read almost all of the material from this author, but this one is the first one that I’ve rated a “1”.
Nothing else to say, I didn’t enjoy this book.
After reading book #2 and giving it a rating of “5”, this book just fell flat. I didn’t feel any connection between Christopher and Kenji and the overall story seemed weak and disconnected. I’ve read almost all of the material from this author, but this one is the first one that I’ve rated a “1”.
Nothing else to say, I didn’t enjoy this book.
November 7, 2023
ANOTHER HIT!!!
You can’t miss with an OG book!!! You get two stories in one with this book. You get to see two couples beat the odds and find love, a life partner, and friend. Her books are so well written that the characters become old friends that you want to read about over and over again.
You can’t miss with an OG book!!! You get two stories in one with this book. You get to see two couples beat the odds and find love, a life partner, and friend. Her books are so well written that the characters become old friends that you want to read about over and over again.
December 13, 2023
What An Interesting Heroine ! ❤️
Ms. Gaines~I thoroughly enjoyed this story ! Kenji and her crew were very funny, with nutty issues and warped views. Christopher talking about how women smell was horrifying and funny. Both of their Brothers were characters and their wives too.
Well Done ! Looking forward to the next Venture book ! 🙂
Ms. Gaines~I thoroughly enjoyed this story ! Kenji and her crew were very funny, with nutty issues and warped views. Christopher talking about how women smell was horrifying and funny. Both of their Brothers were characters and their wives too.
Well Done ! Looking forward to the next Venture book ! 🙂
January 18, 2024
Hilarious
Oh I laughed and laughed loudly at this story. It is by far my favorite book of the series. I just love the update on the people of Venture, and the introduction of those to come. I'm really glad Emme saw some light, there may be hope for her yet. Oh the revenge by Mr. Mann was excellent. Love the author, she is on my one click list regardless of my book budget.
Oh I laughed and laughed loudly at this story. It is by far my favorite book of the series. I just love the update on the people of Venture, and the introduction of those to come. I'm really glad Emme saw some light, there may be hope for her yet. Oh the revenge by Mr. Mann was excellent. Love the author, she is on my one click list regardless of my book budget.
March 26, 2024
🥰🥰🥰
As always, Ms. Gaines delivers!! Kenji was a different kind of person kind of hard to really grasp to her personality type but, it worked well especially with Christopher. Especially since, he had his own weirdness going on.
Enjoyable, seeing characters from previous books and looking for characters, possibly for new books and stories .
Keep them coming, Ms. Gaines!!…
As always, Ms. Gaines delivers!! Kenji was a different kind of person kind of hard to really grasp to her personality type but, it worked well especially with Christopher. Especially since, he had his own weirdness going on.
Enjoyable, seeing characters from previous books and looking for characters, possibly for new books and stories .
Keep them coming, Ms. Gaines!!…
March 26, 2024
Excellent as usual
This story is excellent as usual. I love the fact that every storyline is well weaved with people in the same universe. Even though we get new characters and new challenges and adventures, all are factored and sewn well into the story. I am always waiting for your next project.
This story is excellent as usual. I love the fact that every storyline is well weaved with people in the same universe. Even though we get new characters and new challenges and adventures, all are factored and sewn well into the story. I am always waiting for your next project.
October 26, 2023
Awesome book!
Mrs. Olivia, did it again! Loved the story! Mr. Stop and Mr. Mann was so badazz and funny! Kenji is who I want you be when I grow up! Well traveled and a good cook! Lol. Go grab your copy and fall in love with Christopher Flynn! ❤️📖📚🍷☕️🍵🥃
Mrs. Olivia, did it again! Loved the story! Mr. Stop and Mr. Mann was so badazz and funny! Kenji is who I want you be when I grow up! Well traveled and a good cook! Lol. Go grab your copy and fall in love with Christopher Flynn! ❤️📖📚🍷☕️🍵🥃
October 26, 2023
Genius
Once again Mrs Gaines captures you from the beginning to the end for an exciting, enjoyable, fun filled ride. It was great catching up with The Flynn's. You will enjoy this read!!
Once again Mrs Gaines captures you from the beginning to the end for an exciting, enjoyable, fun filled ride. It was great catching up with The Flynn's. You will enjoy this read!!
December 11, 2023
Cute
It moved fast. I like how they got married. Christopher and Kenji were crazy as a loon, but good together. I love them. This was a decent book. It is good to read a book that was like your original mind. The one thing I can say is "SHE'S BACK"!
It moved fast. I like how they got married. Christopher and Kenji were crazy as a loon, but good together. I love them. This was a decent book. It is good to read a book that was like your original mind. The one thing I can say is "SHE'S BACK"!
December 13, 2023
Loving this story is an understatement!
Ms Gaines never disappoints! The humor, the suspense, the sass, the love...all kept me going through the book like water. The ending was fabulous!!!!!
Ms Gaines never disappoints! The humor, the suspense, the sass, the love...all kept me going through the book like water. The ending was fabulous!!!!!
Read
March 2, 2024Fabulous. Magnificent. Awesome
Olivia is nothing if not consistent. Olivia is nothing if not Queen of the small town characters. Get this book, and Thank me when you put it down...... If you can. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the bonus was just as special.
Olivia is nothing if not consistent. Olivia is nothing if not Queen of the small town characters. Get this book, and Thank me when you put it down...... If you can. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the bonus was just as special.
September 2, 2024
Love this Book!!
Olivia is the GOAT!!
Her books always have great characters, great chemistry, and great storylines. I don't know how she does it, but she keeps me wanting to read more of her books!
Olivia is the GOAT!!
Her books always have great characters, great chemistry, and great storylines. I don't know how she does it, but she keeps me wanting to read more of her books!
February 27, 2025
Olivia Gaines is an exceptional and fun writer. Again.
Olivia Gaines has been my favorite storyteller for some time. I enjoy her amazing sense of humor. Both stories are exceptional.
Olivia Gaines has been my favorite storyteller for some time. I enjoy her amazing sense of humor. Both stories are exceptional.
July 2, 2026
Phenomenal
This book was everything. I loved every single aspect of it. I have never read an Olivia Gaines book that didn’t make me want to immerse myself in her full catalogue, and this was no exception. I’m sad I read it so fast lol 😆
10/10 highly recommend. 😍
This book was everything. I loved every single aspect of it. I have never read an Olivia Gaines book that didn’t make me want to immerse myself in her full catalogue, and this was no exception. I’m sad I read it so fast lol 😆
10/10 highly recommend. 😍
November 4, 2023
Loved It!!
Ms Gaines books never disappoint!! Everything I expected. Great storyline, great characters and laugh out loud moments. Will there be more from Venture Georgia?
Ms Gaines books never disappoint!! Everything I expected. Great storyline, great characters and laugh out loud moments. Will there be more from Venture Georgia?
March 20, 2024
Terrible… DNF
March 27, 2024
Troubled
This book was so good. There was anger, happiness, love , and peace. Oh this book had me laughing till I was in tears. This series is definitely worth reading.
This book was so good. There was anger, happiness, love , and peace. Oh this book had me laughing till I was in tears. This series is definitely worth reading.
November 3, 2024
Fantastic
Could not put this book down I read two of her books in one day. I am a Oliver Gaines follower for life.
Could not put this book down I read two of her books in one day. I am a Oliver Gaines follower for life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews