Out of Sight

Secrets of Brookhaven #1

by Morgan James

Lies. Betrayal. Deceit. Welcome to Brookhaven, where nothing is ever what it seems...

Ainsley Layne is running from something—or someone. Sheriff Dare Jensen can see it in the way she watches her surroundings, the way she flinches away from him every time he comes near. Though she tries to hide the shadows in her eyes, the dark bruises that riddle her body tell their own dark tale.

Dare knows that winning her trust won't be easy. She's been hurt too many times and, despite his offer of a safe haven, she refuses to confide in him. Until the killings begin…

When a young woman is found strangled to death and left posed on a park bench, the murder rocks the small town of Brookhaven. Coinciding so closely with Ainsley's arrival, Dare can't help but wonder… Is it a coincidence? Or is it somehow connected to the woman residing under his roof?

Other books in the Heroes of Brookhaven Series:
Out of Sight (Dare and Ainsley)
Out of Breath (Sawyer and Brynlee)
Out of Time (Campbell and Kinley)

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Ebooks

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

Morgan James is a USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romantic suspense novels. She spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book and cut her teeth on the likes of R.L. Stein and Christopher Pike. When not writing, she can be found at her home in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Reviews

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Dare!!!!

If I could give this book 10 stars I would, I absolutely loved it!!!

Dare just might be one of my top favorite men!! He's a sheriff of the local town and former military (hello 🔥🔥 🔥). He meets Ainsley after she comes by his place inquiring about a room to rent and things just get better and better from there! Not to spoil anything but the way Dare is with her from the time she gets to town (she's hiding from someone) to their HEA is swoon worthy.

Their chemistry is off the charts and the scenes they have are 🥵 (you can thank me later)...and of course, or let's not forget the dog, he's protective of Ainsley almost immediately and the bonding between those two after what happened to her as a kid is adorable!!!

I'd recommend this book and series to anyone wanting a great suspense book..on to book #2 which I'm sure will be just as amazing!!

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

Dare and Ainsley are quite the couple. Ainsley is literally fleeing an abusive relationship and Dare is the Sheriff of the community she fled to - Brookhaven. Read this intense novel to find out if Ainsley's abuser shows his face. Ainsley Layne has been held "captive" by an abusive boyfriend and is so frightened that she can not think! Dare Jensen, the sheriff, needs his wits about him to solve the cases that are increasing in Brookhaven. Is the abuser responsible and/or are other things going on? Read, Enjoy, and Find Out!

[Courtney-Louise✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
I am lost for words, this book (for me) just kept on getting better and better. I loved the relationship progression between Dare and Ainsley, it really was so beautiful to read about. Especially when we meet Ainsley initially as a lodger to Dare as she lives in the suite attached to his house, and Dare works for the local police force.
However, due to his job, he can sense that something isn't quite right with Ainsley and that she is keeping a secret. Over time, we see Ainsley warm to Dare and she slowly reveals everything to him which makes him more determined to find Ainsley's ex after everything he did to her.
I feel the way their relationship developed was perfect, it didn't feel rushed or forced and actually felt quite natural - the way a relationship should feel, genuine love and trust and not feeling like you're just with someone for the sake of it. They create such a beautiful bond and relationship, even despite Ainsley and her fears with his dog (which Ainsley does eventually reveal to him the reasons why) and it makes your heart break.
I honestly really felt for Ainsley throughout the duration of this book, for someone who went through so much she remained strong, courageous and even determined. Dare is such a loveable character, he has the most beautiful personality and I loved reading about him. Together, they make just the most beautiful couple and I honestly think I now need to get the second book so I can continue reading more about their relationship while also seeing Dare at work.

[Andrea Repp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Same paragraphs over and over and over. Oh she's so fragile, I need to give her time, she'll tell me when she's ready, yada yada yada. if you took out all but 2 paragraphs like that this book would have been 50 pages long. the initial premise of this book is so weak and unbelievable in this day and age it just makes me angry. they weren't married, the first time she got hit, she takes the evidence to the hospital, doesn't matter that he's a pillar. a woman writing this book about a completely helpless woman, helpless by CHOICE, and needs a strong man to save her. it is disgusting. give me a fucking breaking, it's not the 1950s, just STOP. we need to stop with the books about women as victims all the time. this is the 21st century. unlike when i was growing up and my childhood friends were getting beat senseless by their fathers and others who were being raped nightly by their brother and mom's boyfriend. no one to call, no one to turn to, believe me, i looked. it is so much better today. how about stories about strong women who don't need men to survive. we exist and there are a lot of us. i won't read the next book, especially with the fragile women victims in the basement. ugh.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. James has pulled me into a story of pain, heartbreak, hopefulness, and finding a new life. Her books are always gripping, well-written and exhilarating. Out of Sight is a spine-tingling, page-turner suspense story that follows Anisley and her journey to a new life. Right from the start I knew this book would have my complete attention and I would not be able to put it down with how Ms. Morgan had my heart breaking for Ainsley and hoping for a better life for her.
Ainsley had to get away from the life that she was living if she wanted to survive. Her journey leads her to her hometown and into the arms of Sheriff Dare Jensen. She needed a new place to live and stay safe and he felt that something was wrong and needed to protect and help her. Ainsley moves into Dare's in-law apartment and things start to happen in the town, death and a shooting which haven't happened in years. Could they all be linked to Ainsley? Could her past be catching up to her? Will Dare be able to keep her safe? This need to keep her safe and her need to feel safe leads her right into his arms but will the safety of his arms last forever?

[Robin L DiSalvo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and didn’t know what to expect. Although it reminded me of a movie called Safe Haven with Julianne Hough where a woman finally gets the courage to leave an abusive relationship to start a new life. The ex is determined to find her because their motto is “if I can’t have you, no one else will.” But there was a twist you don’t see coming in this one.

[Pedro Bedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrating a real problem but there is a bit too much will she won't she between Ainsley and Dare for me. The introduction of another suspect was a bit sudden and the conclusion seemed rushed with the cliff hanger ending leaving some questions to be answered.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The suspense had me from the start and it was hard to put down. The ending could have been better as it left me with some unanswered questions. I will definitely be reading the next Brookhaven novel.

[Vicki Calvin Lyons]

So good!!! Ends crazy though. Going to read next book in series.

[Savannah Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little predictable but was a great read still💕

[Chris Montez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started off well enough, but soon deteriorated into a racy romance novel, and ending was total patchwork.

[Micky Parise · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading Morgan James and pretty impressive. Characters were top notch, storyline was great and was a very nice read. Nice twists and turns. Recommend.

[Pirkko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, some thrilling moments, but oh, so predictable.
Not my usual genre, leaning towards romantic novel.

[Lolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and yet inspiring at the same time!