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The Collectors #1
Lovely, Dark, and Deep
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.
This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book.
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.
This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book.
316 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2013
163 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Susannah Sandlin
14 books669 followersPseudonym of Suzanne Johnson
Suzanne Johnson writing as Susannah Sandlin is the author of romantic suspense and paranormal romance, often set in the Deep South, where there are always things that go bump in the night! She is the author of the Penton Legacy series (REDEMPTION, ABSOLUTION, OMEGA, ALLEGIANCE and STORM FORCE (spinoff), The Collectors series (LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP and DEADLY, CALM, AND COLD) and the upcoming romantic suspense series Wilds of the Bayou, which began with book one, WILD MAN'S CURSE (April 5, 2016) and continues with the release of BLACK DIAMOND on Oct. 18, 2016.
Awards include the 2015 Holt Medallion for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2015 Booksellers Best Award for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2013 Holt Medallion award for ABSOLUTION; a 2014 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for ALLEGIANCE; a 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for OMEGA; and the 2014 Linda Howard Award of Excellence for ELYSIAN FIELDS (written as Suzanne Johnson).
Suzanne Johnson, writes the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series: ROYAL STREET; RIVER ROAD; ELYSIAN FIELDS; PIRATE'S ALLEY, and BELLE CHASSE (coming November 8, 2016). A novella and story collection from the Sentinels world, PIRATESHIP DOWN, was released in 2015.
Suzanne Johnson writing as Susannah Sandlin is the author of romantic suspense and paranormal romance, often set in the Deep South, where there are always things that go bump in the night! She is the author of the Penton Legacy series (REDEMPTION, ABSOLUTION, OMEGA, ALLEGIANCE and STORM FORCE (spinoff), The Collectors series (LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP and DEADLY, CALM, AND COLD) and the upcoming romantic suspense series Wilds of the Bayou, which began with book one, WILD MAN'S CURSE (April 5, 2016) and continues with the release of BLACK DIAMOND on Oct. 18, 2016.
Awards include the 2015 Holt Medallion for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2015 Booksellers Best Award for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2013 Holt Medallion award for ABSOLUTION; a 2014 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for ALLEGIANCE; a 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for OMEGA; and the 2014 Linda Howard Award of Excellence for ELYSIAN FIELDS (written as Suzanne Johnson).
Suzanne Johnson, writes the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series: ROYAL STREET; RIVER ROAD; ELYSIAN FIELDS; PIRATE'S ALLEY, and BELLE CHASSE (coming November 8, 2016). A novella and story collection from the Sentinels world, PIRATESHIP DOWN, was released in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 19, 2015
Going into this book:
After reading:
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is an interesting novel because it is driven by the actions of a sociopath that is nearly anonymous and truly twisted. But the reader hardly sees him throughout the plot. It's so rare when you have a true villain that you can't see but you know is there. It isn't some other worldly presence. It isn't a crazy dictator. It isn't an evil overlord who can destroy the world with a mighty sweep of his hand. This is a normal human man who can destroy the lives of people on a whim and will never be held accountable for it.
Do you know how terrifying that is? That a single person can hold the power of your life just because you are a means to a vain and selfish end?
That's why I like the premise of this book. These characters are not driven to save the world or change how things are done. They have to act in the ways that they do because a crazy guy with a ton of money is threatening everything they love for something that may or may not exist.
So Gillian ends up on a boat with a excessively attractive diver named Shane who has his own demons to fight in order to save her family. Shane is being blackmailed too for his boat, his livelihood and the last people he cares about. Every step they take to finding the mysterious pendant that was lost in a shipwreck is wrought with threats and losses. The intent is clear. Find what the Collector wants or die.
I did have problems with this book though. From the beginning, Gillian is attracted to Shane. Totally normal, I get it. He's hot. He's a diver. Got a rockin' bod. Got it. Stop talking about sex all the time. Gillian is supposed to be emotionally scarred from something in her past. Same with Shane. Their families may be murdered for something they have little control over. I'd appreciate a bit more urgency and panicking but instead there is a lot of focus on wistful kisses and "what could have been".
I wanted to yell at them to either do it and get it over with or move on. You have other things to focus on. Have a hot sexy encounter, get it out of your systems and then get to work! Or when you have spare time sailing along the coast, do it then. There was some time wasted when they could have been trying to figure out who was the one threatening them.
But the plot was solid throughout. Everything is well thought out and makes sense. Gillian is desperate but clever. She is able to keep herself together and not turn into a fainting soft woman. She is strong and is able to make logical sound decisions despite the heavy emotional burden she is under. Same with Shane, although his emotions factored into his decision making in a greater way. I was scared for the characters and the threats were real. There was none of this hypothetical danger. It was palpable which was wonderful.
I loved the premise, loved the villain but got sick of the angst really quickly.
Full review at Tara Belle Talking!
July 17, 2014
Dark, Lovely and Deep by Susannah Sandlin is a 2013 Montlake publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes when I read a prologue and I just know I'm going to like a book. This was one of those books. The Collectors series is a named not after the heroes of the book, but the bad guys. These people of playing a game and are determined to win at all cost.
Gillian get sucked into the game when she makes a remark on an obscure television show about an old family curse and buried treasure. Holding her niece's life in the balance, Gillian has no choice but to make an attempt at locating a priceless Ruby Cross linked to the Knights Templar and stolen by one of her ancestors.
Desperate, because she has been given a time limit, and a short one, to find the cross, Gillian begins looking for someone to charter a diving expedition. Enter Shane Burke. Shane owns and operates a charter service, but his finances are in such bad shape the bank is threatening foreclosure on his boat. With Gillian offering him huge sums of cash to help her, he is of course tempted, but something seems off about it. Finally, Gillian must explain that he can either help her or he and his friend, Jagger will die. So, off they go to Nova Scotia in the dark and deep cold to search for buried treasure.
Well, the game the C7 play is certainly diabolical and the power they have at their disposal is really scary. The adventure is super tense and exhilarating and the romance is sensual. The story starts off with intrigue and never slows down for a minute. If you like romantic suspense, mystery, thrillers, or adventure you will find this book will fit into any of those genres. Overall this was a really fast and entertaining novel. This one is a 4.5 rounded to 5.
Sometimes when I read a prologue and I just know I'm going to like a book. This was one of those books. The Collectors series is a named not after the heroes of the book, but the bad guys. These people of playing a game and are determined to win at all cost.
Gillian get sucked into the game when she makes a remark on an obscure television show about an old family curse and buried treasure. Holding her niece's life in the balance, Gillian has no choice but to make an attempt at locating a priceless Ruby Cross linked to the Knights Templar and stolen by one of her ancestors.
Desperate, because she has been given a time limit, and a short one, to find the cross, Gillian begins looking for someone to charter a diving expedition. Enter Shane Burke. Shane owns and operates a charter service, but his finances are in such bad shape the bank is threatening foreclosure on his boat. With Gillian offering him huge sums of cash to help her, he is of course tempted, but something seems off about it. Finally, Gillian must explain that he can either help her or he and his friend, Jagger will die. So, off they go to Nova Scotia in the dark and deep cold to search for buried treasure.
Well, the game the C7 play is certainly diabolical and the power they have at their disposal is really scary. The adventure is super tense and exhilarating and the romance is sensual. The story starts off with intrigue and never slows down for a minute. If you like romantic suspense, mystery, thrillers, or adventure you will find this book will fit into any of those genres. Overall this was a really fast and entertaining novel. This one is a 4.5 rounded to 5.
February 28, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
Usually a series is named for the hero, or the heroine. Or maybe a place. Something positive, at least.
The Collectors series by Susannah Sandlin is named after the villains. Those collectors are a group of rich and ruthless men who are playing a high-stakes game together, in secret. They chase after rare, or possibly unique, prizes of great value and significance. They race each other to win.
But there seem to be rules, and while those rules make the game more interested for these competitive, overachieving power-brokers, they are deadly for anyone who is unwittingly involved.
That’s what happens to Gillian Campbell, Shane Burke, and every single one of their friends. The “C7” have set their sights on a Ruby Templar Cross that was stolen by one of Gillian’s ancestors, and they’ve figured out that Gillian and Shane can be manipulated into helping them find it.
One of the rules of the “game” seems to be that the C7 members can’t act directly, the contest is more entertaining for them if innocent bystanders can be forced into doing their dirty work.
In the case of Gillian Campbell, the collector who is after that old Templar Cross starts out by sending her creepy pictures that make it clear they are stalking her pre-school-aged niece, and can snatch the little girl at any time if Gillian doesn’t do what they want.
They also temporarily cut off all of Gillian’s bank and credit card access until she agrees to their terms. Which are: figure out where her many times great-grandfather’s ship, with the cross on board, sank. It’s not just that the location of his shipwreck is unknown, but that she needs to find a qualified cold-water diver and get the cross, in 30 days. In September. In Nova Scotia. Where it is not only damn cold, but where she’ll be breaking the law to get the salvage back to the U.S.
The C7 already has a diver for her. Shane Burke needs the money that she is offering in order to keep his beloved boat from foreclosure. A foreclosure that is, of course, being partially created by the C7. Not that Shane isn’t overdue on the bank note, but he’s always managed to squeak by until now. The manipulators behind the C7 won’t allow any squeaking, or squawking. by anyone.
Shane might be initially intrigued by the money, but when Gillian tells him the whole truth, he’s forced into the fold by a firebombing at his favorite watering hole. If he doesn’t get on board, people near him will start dying.
As much of a burn-out case as Shane is at the beginning of the story, he just can’t let anyone else die if he can prevent it.
Which has nothing to do with how very much he’s attracted to Gillian. Because he’s not ready to let anyone into his life, and these are the worst of circumstances.
Gillian doesn’t want anyone in her life, either. She’s every bit as wary of relationships as Shane, but for different, and equally tragic, reasons of her own.
But as they get caught up in the chase for the missing cross, the threats to their lives, and the lives of everyone they bring into this crazy quest, create a bond that is impossible to ignore.
Only if they can figure out who their mysterious manipulator is will any of the people who helped them have a chance to survive. And only by exposing “Mr. Big” will they have any hope of a future.
Escape Rating B+: Lovely, Dark and Deep is what you get if you mix something like National Treasure with Titanic. You have all the elements of an opposites attract romance mixed with the treasure hunt and the conspiracy-theory plot twists.
Or maybe a better example would be Romancing the Stone, with an underwater treasure hunt instead of searching through jungles.
This is romantic suspense of the “breakneck pace” school of suspense--there’s a plot twist and a new nefarious scheme around every corner. No matter how much progress Gillian and Shane make in the quest for the Cross, the faceless evil collectors seem to be always a step ahead; with another plot up the sleeves for making our heroes stick with the plan and not think too much about how they can possibly get out of this alive.
Even as they fall in love with each other, Gillian and Shane think of their relationship as “foxhole love” and wonder if the bond they’ve forged has a chance of surviving when they are not running for their lives every second. But of course it does.
This is also a type of “road story” as they enlist friends and allies on the trip that takes them from Cedar Key, Florida to Scatarie Island in Nova Scotia. The danger ramps up with each day that passes, because each person they recruit is just one more hostage to fortune.
They recruit a terrific, and quite colorful, bunch of helpers. Each new character adds to the danger without distracting a beat away from the romance.
Their nameless and faceless enemy is a pitiless taskmaster, eliminating all loose ends as collateral damage. The author has done a terrific job of conveying the breathlessness of fear that the protagonists face, so when they finally manage to turn the tables, cheering them on is a treat.
Once you’ve gotten your heart out of your throat.
Usually a series is named for the hero, or the heroine. Or maybe a place. Something positive, at least.
The Collectors series by Susannah Sandlin is named after the villains. Those collectors are a group of rich and ruthless men who are playing a high-stakes game together, in secret. They chase after rare, or possibly unique, prizes of great value and significance. They race each other to win.
But there seem to be rules, and while those rules make the game more interested for these competitive, overachieving power-brokers, they are deadly for anyone who is unwittingly involved.
That’s what happens to Gillian Campbell, Shane Burke, and every single one of their friends. The “C7” have set their sights on a Ruby Templar Cross that was stolen by one of Gillian’s ancestors, and they’ve figured out that Gillian and Shane can be manipulated into helping them find it.
One of the rules of the “game” seems to be that the C7 members can’t act directly, the contest is more entertaining for them if innocent bystanders can be forced into doing their dirty work.
In the case of Gillian Campbell, the collector who is after that old Templar Cross starts out by sending her creepy pictures that make it clear they are stalking her pre-school-aged niece, and can snatch the little girl at any time if Gillian doesn’t do what they want.
They also temporarily cut off all of Gillian’s bank and credit card access until she agrees to their terms. Which are: figure out where her many times great-grandfather’s ship, with the cross on board, sank. It’s not just that the location of his shipwreck is unknown, but that she needs to find a qualified cold-water diver and get the cross, in 30 days. In September. In Nova Scotia. Where it is not only damn cold, but where she’ll be breaking the law to get the salvage back to the U.S.
The C7 already has a diver for her. Shane Burke needs the money that she is offering in order to keep his beloved boat from foreclosure. A foreclosure that is, of course, being partially created by the C7. Not that Shane isn’t overdue on the bank note, but he’s always managed to squeak by until now. The manipulators behind the C7 won’t allow any squeaking, or squawking. by anyone.
Shane might be initially intrigued by the money, but when Gillian tells him the whole truth, he’s forced into the fold by a firebombing at his favorite watering hole. If he doesn’t get on board, people near him will start dying.
As much of a burn-out case as Shane is at the beginning of the story, he just can’t let anyone else die if he can prevent it.
Which has nothing to do with how very much he’s attracted to Gillian. Because he’s not ready to let anyone into his life, and these are the worst of circumstances.
Gillian doesn’t want anyone in her life, either. She’s every bit as wary of relationships as Shane, but for different, and equally tragic, reasons of her own.
But as they get caught up in the chase for the missing cross, the threats to their lives, and the lives of everyone they bring into this crazy quest, create a bond that is impossible to ignore.
Only if they can figure out who their mysterious manipulator is will any of the people who helped them have a chance to survive. And only by exposing “Mr. Big” will they have any hope of a future.
Escape Rating B+: Lovely, Dark and Deep is what you get if you mix something like National Treasure with Titanic. You have all the elements of an opposites attract romance mixed with the treasure hunt and the conspiracy-theory plot twists.
Or maybe a better example would be Romancing the Stone, with an underwater treasure hunt instead of searching through jungles.
This is romantic suspense of the “breakneck pace” school of suspense--there’s a plot twist and a new nefarious scheme around every corner. No matter how much progress Gillian and Shane make in the quest for the Cross, the faceless evil collectors seem to be always a step ahead; with another plot up the sleeves for making our heroes stick with the plan and not think too much about how they can possibly get out of this alive.
Even as they fall in love with each other, Gillian and Shane think of their relationship as “foxhole love” and wonder if the bond they’ve forged has a chance of surviving when they are not running for their lives every second. But of course it does.
This is also a type of “road story” as they enlist friends and allies on the trip that takes them from Cedar Key, Florida to Scatarie Island in Nova Scotia. The danger ramps up with each day that passes, because each person they recruit is just one more hostage to fortune.
They recruit a terrific, and quite colorful, bunch of helpers. Each new character adds to the danger without distracting a beat away from the romance.
Their nameless and faceless enemy is a pitiless taskmaster, eliminating all loose ends as collateral damage. The author has done a terrific job of conveying the breathlessness of fear that the protagonists face, so when they finally manage to turn the tables, cheering them on is a treat.
Once you’ve gotten your heart out of your throat.
October 19, 2014
I don't normally read contemporary adventure romance, but having loved all other books Sandlin has written, I wanted to give this book a try.
And I'm glad I did.
This is a very enjoyable story. It has suspense, evil villains, an unlikely hero, and an awesome dog!
There's also lots of action, a very enjoyable romance, and did I tell you about the awesome dog?
Seriously: this book is a lot of fun. The characters are interesting and likable. Both Gillian and Shane have their secret hurts, and I liked seeing them slowly opening up and starting to trust each other with their secrets.
The villains are of course of the very evil and creepy kind, and at times I wondered how Gillian and Shane would ever get out of this whole adventure alive, but Sandlin delivers in a way that satisfied me.
All in all this is a book that I can advice to anyone who's looking for a story filled with adventure, romance, and treasures. I already preordered the next book in this series, so I can read it as soon as it releases.
And I'm glad I did.
This is a very enjoyable story. It has suspense, evil villains, an unlikely hero, and an awesome dog!
There's also lots of action, a very enjoyable romance, and did I tell you about the awesome dog?
Seriously: this book is a lot of fun. The characters are interesting and likable. Both Gillian and Shane have their secret hurts, and I liked seeing them slowly opening up and starting to trust each other with their secrets.
The villains are of course of the very evil and creepy kind, and at times I wondered how Gillian and Shane would ever get out of this whole adventure alive, but Sandlin delivers in a way that satisfied me.
All in all this is a book that I can advice to anyone who's looking for a story filled with adventure, romance, and treasures. I already preordered the next book in this series, so I can read it as soon as it releases.
February 4, 2014
Four stars: A sharp, speedy thrill ride with plenty of heart pounding moments!
Gillian doesn't think twice when she mentions her family curse to a reporter during an interview on gators. Her ancestor stole a cross centuries ago and since the family has been cursed to die young. A few days later, she receives a chilling phone call. An unknown stranger demands that she drop everything and go find the templar cross that her ancestor stole. The stolen Templar Cross was lost on its voyage across the Atlantic when the ship sank in a storm off the coast of Nova Scotia. If Gillian doesn't find this cross in thirty days, her family and friends will be harmed. At first, Gillian doesn't believe the stranger, but when photos of her young niece emerge with threats, she knows she must act. Gillian is sent to hire Shane Burke, a down on his luck fisherman and diver, who is about to lose his boat. Soon Gillian and Shane are in a race against the clock to save their skins. They find danger and treachery at every turn, and they are against impossible odds. Will they find the cross and save themselves?
What I Liked:
*This book was simplify fun! It was an exciting, fast paced thrill ride from beginning to end. I loved the serial format because it kept me on my toes. There are plenty of dramatic developments throughout and each episode ends on a nail biting cliffhanger that leaves you gasping for more. There is never a dull moment in this one!
*I loved the suspense in this one. It is thriller that features a maniacal, powerful, rich invisible man who plays a deadly game of cat and mouse with little regard to human life. It is all about the riches and the prize at the finish line. The puppeteer picks his puppets, puts down the demands and makes them dance. If they don't move at his will, he threatens and harms those they love. Nothing is out of his reach. This man is all about power. He is a horrific, villainous creep who made my sink crawl. Add in his two evil enforcers and you have a trio of baddies that you want to punch!
*I liked that this story moves incredibly quick. There is little time to stop and catch your breath because there is danger at every turn. This is easily a read you could pick up and read in a single sitting because once it gets going you can't put it down, that is unless you are reading it weekly in the serial format, then it is a nail biting wait until the next episode arrives.
*I enjoyed the cast of characters from the two haunted protagonists, Shane and Gillian to the interesting and eclectic secondary characters. Gillian and Shane are both hurting and trying to get over heartbreak, when they come together with death on their heels and the sparks fly. I liked that they often butted heads and that Gillian never backed down to Shane. They were a great pair. The additional cast was very entertaining from Shane's first mate Jagger who is The Rolling Stone's biggest fan to the ornery one legged Charlie and the extremely eccentric and curmudgeonly Chevy who lives in a fortified lighthouse with his resourceful wife Cleo. I thought the entire cast was dynamite, including the three horrible villains!
*I appreciated that this book had plenty of detail on the dangers of diving. I know very little about the topic, and I liked that it was explained thoroughly.
*I loved that after an exciting and thrilling adventure, everything culminates and wraps up neatly. No loose ends or jarring cliffhanger at the end, which was a relief after all the cliffhangers along the way. The ending did indicate the possibility for another book down the road, and I personally would very much love to see this cast of characters return.
And The Not So Much:
*Even though I loved that this moved at lightning speed, the dramatic pace didn't allow for time to stop and explore the minor details. Often times, the story jumps ahead and skips over things that I thought were important. Such as, Gillian is doing research trying to find out who could be pulling the strings, she suddenly comes up with a list of possible suspects and I was curious as to how she managed to quickly narrow it down. I also wanted more on the research behind finding the shipwreck and a bit more about Charlie and Shane's broken relationship. What about Gillian's family curse, will it be erased if the cross is found?
*The romance moves incredibly fast, but it is still believable because feelings are born between two individuals who are in a race for their lives. I didn't have a problem with it, but those of you who don't like romances that develop quickly, you may not enjoy the romance in this one.
*The villain is so creepy and manipulative. I would love to get inside his head and learn a bit more about the clandestine C7 and how they functioned. How many individuals were in this creepy group? How did the come to be?
*Finally, you have to suspend a bit of belief when reading this. A bit of imagination is needed because it is hard to believe some of the events. Still it is fun, and I can handle straining realism in exchange for entertainment.
Lovely, Dark and Deep is a mind numbing thrill ride that will keep you flipping the pages. Read it all at once, or read it by episode, either way you are in for a suspenseful, exciting tale of manipulation, treachery, danger and greed. If you are wanting something fast and fun, pick this one up! I was entertained from beginning to end.
Favorite Quotations
“I always wondered what it would feel like to get shot.” He sounded genuinely pleased.
Obviously, he was suffering from shock. “Well, how does it feel to be shot?”
“It hurts like hell."
"He deliberately didn't look at her ass as he followed her up the steps to the pilothouse, which he thought showed a great deal of professional restraint just in case he did go to work for her."
"There's no shame in being afraid," Charlie said. "Shame is in running from it."
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Rainy Day Ramblings.
February 10, 2020
A Deadly Game
When scientist Gillian Campbell mentions a family curse live on TV and a connection to a Knights Templar relic she has no idea of the havoc it will cause in her life. Unfortunately for her the interview is seen by a very powerful man, a man who is part of a group who love to play deadly games of chess in the pursuit of the most sort after collectibles. A deadly treasure hunt on the bottom of the sea that she unwittingly has just become a part of. To find a shipwreck you need a fearless diver and that brings Shane Burke and friends into the game. Bringing in the hunky ex combat diver could lead to not only winning the game but to a lover who will give everything to protect her and those she loves, even if it costs him his life. For her puppet master has made a huge mistake, Burkes never back down from a fight and they sure know how to play dirty. I really enjoyed listening to this action packed romantic suspense with engaging characters, enough sexual heat to set my Kindle on fire and the cutest teddy bear of a dog. Whats not to love?
When scientist Gillian Campbell mentions a family curse live on TV and a connection to a Knights Templar relic she has no idea of the havoc it will cause in her life. Unfortunately for her the interview is seen by a very powerful man, a man who is part of a group who love to play deadly games of chess in the pursuit of the most sort after collectibles. A deadly treasure hunt on the bottom of the sea that she unwittingly has just become a part of. To find a shipwreck you need a fearless diver and that brings Shane Burke and friends into the game. Bringing in the hunky ex combat diver could lead to not only winning the game but to a lover who will give everything to protect her and those she loves, even if it costs him his life. For her puppet master has made a huge mistake, Burkes never back down from a fight and they sure know how to play dirty. I really enjoyed listening to this action packed romantic suspense with engaging characters, enough sexual heat to set my Kindle on fire and the cutest teddy bear of a dog. Whats not to love?
January 11, 2015
Boring
It took me a month to read this book! When a book is really good it takes me a few days to read normally because of work; however, this book was totally boring and I kept forgetting that it was on my kindle. Even the supposed "exciting parts were boring. I gave it two stars because I liked the dog.
It took me a month to read this book! When a book is really good it takes me a few days to read normally because of work; however, this book was totally boring and I kept forgetting that it was on my kindle. Even the supposed "exciting parts were boring. I gave it two stars because I liked the dog.
December 7, 2020
One of Gillian Campbell's distant ancestors, Duncan had been aboard a ship that had left Europe carrying many treasures including a Ruby Cross he stole from the Knights Templar. When the ship sunk somewhere near Nova Scotia, Canada, it was thought that the treasure would be lost forever, but now Gillian is being threatened by an unknown entity with money and a long "reach." He belongs to a club of collectors calling itself C7. He is threatening everyone Gillian cares about and the man the collector has chosen to be her dive partner, Shane Burke. After causing a car accident that nearly killed Gillian's best friend, she knows this collector means business, so she and Shane set out on an adventure that will test their diving skills as well as the attraction that has begun to simmer between them.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a well-researched and well-written story about a treasure hunt including dangerous scuba diving, and an investigation in which they attempt to find not only the cross, but also who is threatening them. The pacing of this adventure/mystery has enough ups and downs to build suspense and make for interesting reading. Although some of the events seem over the top and a bit coincidental, this is an enjoyable read from start to finish.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a well-researched and well-written story about a treasure hunt including dangerous scuba diving, and an investigation in which they attempt to find not only the cross, but also who is threatening them. The pacing of this adventure/mystery has enough ups and downs to build suspense and make for interesting reading. Although some of the events seem over the top and a bit coincidental, this is an enjoyable read from start to finish.
June 19, 2017
Gillian and Shane, who live in Florida, have 30 days to sail to coast of Nova Scotia, locate a wreck from the late 17th century, and find a silver cross stolen by Gillian's great, great, great, something or other. In September. In the North Atlantic. Shane is a former Matine combat diver but has not done a dive like this in ten years. Gillian, while certified and experienced, has only dived in tropical waters, so Shane plans to dive alone. In September. In the North Atlantic. This course of action is dictated by a mysterious voice on the phone, which also threatens the lives of all the people they love if they don't do as they're told. These two intrepids are joined by one - ONE!- other crew member. (Gillian is persuaded to keave her dog with a friend.) Mayhem, fires, explosions and murder ensue, and, not surprisingly, coincidence plays a major role.
I am a certified scuba diver. It's been many years since my last dive, but allow me to tell you that the cardinal rule in diving is to Never Dive Alone.
Read this only if you are capable of the total suspension of belief in reality and common sense.
I am a certified scuba diver. It's been many years since my last dive, but allow me to tell you that the cardinal rule in diving is to Never Dive Alone.
Read this only if you are capable of the total suspension of belief in reality and common sense.
May 3, 2023
Long, Boring, Strange Reactions of Heroine Given the Circumstances
Before I start, I'd like to point out that I listened to the narration of this rather than reading it, so I'm unsure how much of my dislike/distaste is due to the narrator versus the actual story. It's narrated by Amy McFadden whose voice I find grating, nasal, and whiny. I'm also not a fan of her choice of inflection. She often makes the characters sound smug and condescending when they otherwise don't read that way in my head when reading the text.
That said, I found the heroine to be ridiculous. Her reactions and internal dialogue are totally unbelievable given the life or death situations. She's insecure. She's concerned with what people think of her and her reactions to things. She's impulsive and careless. She sounds like a petulant teen rather than a 30-something widow who lost a child in a tragic way. It's just strange.
The story has potential, though..
Before I start, I'd like to point out that I listened to the narration of this rather than reading it, so I'm unsure how much of my dislike/distaste is due to the narrator versus the actual story. It's narrated by Amy McFadden whose voice I find grating, nasal, and whiny. I'm also not a fan of her choice of inflection. She often makes the characters sound smug and condescending when they otherwise don't read that way in my head when reading the text.
That said, I found the heroine to be ridiculous. Her reactions and internal dialogue are totally unbelievable given the life or death situations. She's insecure. She's concerned with what people think of her and her reactions to things. She's impulsive and careless. She sounds like a petulant teen rather than a 30-something widow who lost a child in a tragic way. It's just strange.
The story has potential, though..
June 4, 2024
Very interesting story and plot. Great characters with plenty of past ghosts, wonderful friends who are willing to die for them (literally), and one crazy, evil Politian. I could see Susannah and Dan Brown writing a book together!
I got my book at the thrift store. It was actually signed by the author. How fun is that?
I highly recommend this one, I could not put it down.
I really rate this a 4.5 or a 9 if we could have decimals or went to a 10-point rating system. There were a couple of unrealistic parts and the people helping were a little too quick to jump in and risk their lives. Of course, this is fiction, so it didn't matter.
I got my book at the thrift store. It was actually signed by the author. How fun is that?
I highly recommend this one, I could not put it down.
I really rate this a 4.5 or a 9 if we could have decimals or went to a 10-point rating system. There were a couple of unrealistic parts and the people helping were a little too quick to jump in and risk their lives. Of course, this is fiction, so it didn't matter.
July 14, 2021
Omg omg omg
Why isn't this book more known?!
I found this book on a Google search of "romance, and treasure hunt" and I was not disappointed. This romantic thriller, had my heart pounding, and excited to turn each page. I never found a point in the book where I wanted to put it down.. even from the very beginning, where usually I find it hard to get passed the first 100 pages, but not with this book first 5 pages in I was committed. I found the characters, real and relatable, and with authentic feelings.
The drama of the story has me wanting more!
Why isn't this book more known?!
I found this book on a Google search of "romance, and treasure hunt" and I was not disappointed. This romantic thriller, had my heart pounding, and excited to turn each page. I never found a point in the book where I wanted to put it down.. even from the very beginning, where usually I find it hard to get passed the first 100 pages, but not with this book first 5 pages in I was committed. I found the characters, real and relatable, and with authentic feelings.
The drama of the story has me wanting more!
March 15, 2018
Great start to a new series! I am on board!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 5 stars
Captivating, mystery, romance, steamy, family, twists and turns. Looking forward to learning more about C7.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 5 stars
Captivating, mystery, romance, steamy, family, twists and turns. Looking forward to learning more about C7.
May 17, 2017
Works as an adventure tale, but not so much as a romance. I found the heroine's klutziness a very stupid addition.
June 28, 2017
Tried this book because I love Suzanne Johnson (psuedonym) and I was into the title being a Frost reference. Lost interest within the first few chapters.
August 3, 2017
Yawn...
May 13, 2018
Entertaining fun exciting read...so yeah, I liked it.
September 13, 2018
Not bad
Good storyline did not do not particularly care for the ending but hopefully it continues in the next book. The story could have led up to the next book.
Good storyline did not do not particularly care for the ending but hopefully it continues in the next book. The story could have led up to the next book.
June 12, 2019
It was an entertaining read, and definitely a romance, but not near as suspenseful as I’d hoped. But if you like books with divers and lost treasure, this is a good one to read.
May 20, 2024
Love the story, love the characters
Riveting story with an asked to be expected ending, but certainly worth the read. Bonus points if you enjoy, scuba, diving and treasure hunting.
Riveting story with an asked to be expected ending, but certainly worth the read. Bonus points if you enjoy, scuba, diving and treasure hunting.
February 24, 2025
3.5 stars. Easy read with a charming love story, if a bit predictable.
March 5, 2014
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Gillian Campbell is a licensed nuisance-gator trapper not only is she a gator trapper she is the only one in the county and is always on call. Gators don't care if it is a holiday or not to them all days are the same. Gillian goes to the hospital to visit her best friend Viv who is in ICU after running her car into a tree in the rain. When Gillian leaves ICU after visiting with Viv she gets a call from this guy that wants Gillian to find an old ship wreck, a ship wreck that happened around the 1600s. This guy wants Gillian to find a ruby cross that her ancestor lost. Gillian tells him that is just a family legend and she doesn't know any more than that and that she can't help him. This dude tells her that she is going to help him find it for his boss. He blackmails Gillian into helping him by telling her he will kill her family, friends and other people if she doesn't cooperate with him. Gillian begins to wonder if this guy whom she has dubbed "Tex" is the reason Viv is in the hospital.
"Tex" gives Gillian 30 days to find the cross. The ruby cross is said to belong to the Nights Templars. Gillian is sent to see Shane Burke who owns and lives on a boat called The Evangeline. Shane knows how to scuba dive and he also knows how to dive in deep water. Gillian is sent to hire Shane to take her to the ship wreck and find the ruby cross. Gillian tries to warn her family and friends by getting them to leave and go on a long vacation without letting them know that they are in danger. She wants them out of town and out of danger. But what she doesn't know is if the people that want the cross knows info about her family and friends that they shouldn't know then they will have no problem tracking them down. But the thing is they will probably know the minute they leave town and where they are going. So it probably will not matter to these people where they are because they probably have people all over the world or they will have someone follow them to keep tabs on them until Gillian finds the cross for them before they will be safe if they ever are safe again.
Shane wants to help Gillian but he knows she is lying to him and if he can't get the truth out of her he is not going to help her. But Shane is in for a surprise when he runs into the people who are blackmailing Gillian. Shane finds out real quick like that he has no choice but to help Gillian if he wants to live plus he realizes that his life is not the only one in danger but that they have threatened to hurt his friends and family too. Shane starts to care about Gillian and wants to help her and keep her safe too. So Shane and Gillian start working as a team after Shane tries to leave Gillian behind. Shane wants to leave Gillian at home and not take her to the wreck to look for the ruby cross. Gillian figures out what he is up to and turns the tables on him real fast, so fast that his head starts to spin.
Susannah is a wonderful author, I love her work. I got the chance to read all three of her books in The Penton Legacy and loved them so very much that now I want to read all of her work. I have also read a short story that she wrote called Chenoire, I liked it as well. So when I was given the opportunity to read Lovely, Dark, and Deep I jumped at the chance. I am glad that I did as I loved all of the characters especially Gillian and Shane the two main characters. Gillian is one tough lady who doesn't depend on anyone but herself and she knows how to take care of herself but sometimes we get to a point in our lives when we run into a brick wall and need someone to help us knock it down so we can go on with our lives. In ways Gillian and Shane are a lot alike meaning that they will put their own lives in danger if it will save the ones that they love and care about. Neither one of them likes or wants to be told what to do or be controlled but they will allow it to keep their loved ones safe nor will they allow it until they can turn the tables on their blackmailers.
If you have not read any of Susannah's books as of yet then I strongly suggest that you do and Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a good book to start with. But I am giving you fair warning you may not be able to put any of her books down until you have read the last page.
Gillian Campbell is a licensed nuisance-gator trapper not only is she a gator trapper she is the only one in the county and is always on call. Gators don't care if it is a holiday or not to them all days are the same. Gillian goes to the hospital to visit her best friend Viv who is in ICU after running her car into a tree in the rain. When Gillian leaves ICU after visiting with Viv she gets a call from this guy that wants Gillian to find an old ship wreck, a ship wreck that happened around the 1600s. This guy wants Gillian to find a ruby cross that her ancestor lost. Gillian tells him that is just a family legend and she doesn't know any more than that and that she can't help him. This dude tells her that she is going to help him find it for his boss. He blackmails Gillian into helping him by telling her he will kill her family, friends and other people if she doesn't cooperate with him. Gillian begins to wonder if this guy whom she has dubbed "Tex" is the reason Viv is in the hospital.
"Tex" gives Gillian 30 days to find the cross. The ruby cross is said to belong to the Nights Templars. Gillian is sent to see Shane Burke who owns and lives on a boat called The Evangeline. Shane knows how to scuba dive and he also knows how to dive in deep water. Gillian is sent to hire Shane to take her to the ship wreck and find the ruby cross. Gillian tries to warn her family and friends by getting them to leave and go on a long vacation without letting them know that they are in danger. She wants them out of town and out of danger. But what she doesn't know is if the people that want the cross knows info about her family and friends that they shouldn't know then they will have no problem tracking them down. But the thing is they will probably know the minute they leave town and where they are going. So it probably will not matter to these people where they are because they probably have people all over the world or they will have someone follow them to keep tabs on them until Gillian finds the cross for them before they will be safe if they ever are safe again.
Shane wants to help Gillian but he knows she is lying to him and if he can't get the truth out of her he is not going to help her. But Shane is in for a surprise when he runs into the people who are blackmailing Gillian. Shane finds out real quick like that he has no choice but to help Gillian if he wants to live plus he realizes that his life is not the only one in danger but that they have threatened to hurt his friends and family too. Shane starts to care about Gillian and wants to help her and keep her safe too. So Shane and Gillian start working as a team after Shane tries to leave Gillian behind. Shane wants to leave Gillian at home and not take her to the wreck to look for the ruby cross. Gillian figures out what he is up to and turns the tables on him real fast, so fast that his head starts to spin.
Susannah is a wonderful author, I love her work. I got the chance to read all three of her books in The Penton Legacy and loved them so very much that now I want to read all of her work. I have also read a short story that she wrote called Chenoire, I liked it as well. So when I was given the opportunity to read Lovely, Dark, and Deep I jumped at the chance. I am glad that I did as I loved all of the characters especially Gillian and Shane the two main characters. Gillian is one tough lady who doesn't depend on anyone but herself and she knows how to take care of herself but sometimes we get to a point in our lives when we run into a brick wall and need someone to help us knock it down so we can go on with our lives. In ways Gillian and Shane are a lot alike meaning that they will put their own lives in danger if it will save the ones that they love and care about. Neither one of them likes or wants to be told what to do or be controlled but they will allow it to keep their loved ones safe nor will they allow it until they can turn the tables on their blackmailers.
If you have not read any of Susannah's books as of yet then I strongly suggest that you do and Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a good book to start with. But I am giving you fair warning you may not be able to put any of her books down until you have read the last page.
August 6, 2014
Susannah Sandlin is off to a very good start in her new Collectors series with Lovely, Dark, and Deep. What made this book so enjoyable for me is the interweaving of a suspenseful plot and setting along with a great cast of memorable characters.
This series revolves around a secret group of rare artifact collectors who are known as “C7.” This group is comprised of uber-wealthy, powerfully connected individuals who compete against each other to see who can be the first to acquire hard-to-find treasures. It’s a selfish, ruthless game where the players use their resources to coerce innocent, everyday people into becoming participants in their search for the precious objects of their interest. Although the game does have its rules, intimidation, emotional manipulation, and even murder are tactics that may be employed to keep those forced to play along in line.
In Lovely, Dark, and Deep, the coveted item is a ruby embedded cross believed to have belonged to the Knights Templar. Once C7 member Weston Flynn, a U.S. politician, learns of the legendary existence of this cross, he “enlists” the assistance of biologist Gillian Campell, whose ancestor is rumored to have stolen the cross but then died with it in his possession in a shipwreck off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Although Gillian has no idea whether the family legend is true, she is forced into the search after her niece’s life is threatened. In order to find the cross, she needs the help of technical diver, Shane Burke, who has the knowledge and experience of diving in the deep, often treacherous waters of the wreck site if she has any chance at all of retrieving what amounts to “finding a needle in a haystack” within the given thirty day time period.
Although readers know the identity of the C7 player behind the search, Gillian and Shane are kept in the dark about the person manipulating them from behind the scenes. Their contact is a liaison whose nickname is “Big Tex” who gives them their instructions and inflicts damage to reinforce the severity of their situation. Failure is not an option, even though they both know their chance of success is slim to none.
Together they set sail for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where the ship carrying the cross is rumored to have sunk. The obstacles they face seem almost insurmountable given the rocky coastline and treacherous ocean currents. However, along their journey, they receive the help of some quirky characters whose distinct personalities are unforgettable. Shane’s friend, Jagger, who constantly hums Rolling Stones’ lyrics and the cantankerous elderly uncle whose B.S. deter never fails, play a vital role in their mission. When the group reaches Cape Breton, they are aided by ornery retired commercial fisherman Chevy, and his wife Cleo, who epitomizes the phrase, “I am woman, hear me roar.” These characters really livened up the story, and I especially enjoyed the minor conflicts that ensued among Shane and Gillian’s overprotective dog, Tank. Overall, the author does a great job with developing her characters except for the antagonists. They are flat and their motivations for being involved really could be fleshed out in more detail.
Both Gillian and Shane are very likable characters who are each burdened by past sorrows and regrets. Although their relationship is initially tenuous, the attraction between them is certainly there and the bond between them begins to solidify once they share their guilt and vulnerabilities with each other. Their romance and intimacy takes time to develop but smoothly blends into story. The love scenes are few and mildly descriptive, and I appreciated that they were never a distraction to the overall plot.
The action, pacing, and suspense throughout the story kept me turning the pages and I found it hard to find a good place to pause since almost every chapter ended with a mini cliff-hanger. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers who enjoy romance and a thrilling plot.
Source: I received an ARC of this ebook from the author to provide an honest and fair review.
Rating: 4.5 stars
This series revolves around a secret group of rare artifact collectors who are known as “C7.” This group is comprised of uber-wealthy, powerfully connected individuals who compete against each other to see who can be the first to acquire hard-to-find treasures. It’s a selfish, ruthless game where the players use their resources to coerce innocent, everyday people into becoming participants in their search for the precious objects of their interest. Although the game does have its rules, intimidation, emotional manipulation, and even murder are tactics that may be employed to keep those forced to play along in line.
In Lovely, Dark, and Deep, the coveted item is a ruby embedded cross believed to have belonged to the Knights Templar. Once C7 member Weston Flynn, a U.S. politician, learns of the legendary existence of this cross, he “enlists” the assistance of biologist Gillian Campell, whose ancestor is rumored to have stolen the cross but then died with it in his possession in a shipwreck off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Although Gillian has no idea whether the family legend is true, she is forced into the search after her niece’s life is threatened. In order to find the cross, she needs the help of technical diver, Shane Burke, who has the knowledge and experience of diving in the deep, often treacherous waters of the wreck site if she has any chance at all of retrieving what amounts to “finding a needle in a haystack” within the given thirty day time period.
Although readers know the identity of the C7 player behind the search, Gillian and Shane are kept in the dark about the person manipulating them from behind the scenes. Their contact is a liaison whose nickname is “Big Tex” who gives them their instructions and inflicts damage to reinforce the severity of their situation. Failure is not an option, even though they both know their chance of success is slim to none.
Together they set sail for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where the ship carrying the cross is rumored to have sunk. The obstacles they face seem almost insurmountable given the rocky coastline and treacherous ocean currents. However, along their journey, they receive the help of some quirky characters whose distinct personalities are unforgettable. Shane’s friend, Jagger, who constantly hums Rolling Stones’ lyrics and the cantankerous elderly uncle whose B.S. deter never fails, play a vital role in their mission. When the group reaches Cape Breton, they are aided by ornery retired commercial fisherman Chevy, and his wife Cleo, who epitomizes the phrase, “I am woman, hear me roar.” These characters really livened up the story, and I especially enjoyed the minor conflicts that ensued among Shane and Gillian’s overprotective dog, Tank. Overall, the author does a great job with developing her characters except for the antagonists. They are flat and their motivations for being involved really could be fleshed out in more detail.
Both Gillian and Shane are very likable characters who are each burdened by past sorrows and regrets. Although their relationship is initially tenuous, the attraction between them is certainly there and the bond between them begins to solidify once they share their guilt and vulnerabilities with each other. Their romance and intimacy takes time to develop but smoothly blends into story. The love scenes are few and mildly descriptive, and I appreciated that they were never a distraction to the overall plot.
The action, pacing, and suspense throughout the story kept me turning the pages and I found it hard to find a good place to pause since almost every chapter ended with a mini cliff-hanger. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers who enjoy romance and a thrilling plot.
Source: I received an ARC of this ebook from the author to provide an honest and fair review.
Rating: 4.5 stars
December 8, 2014
It has been three months since I read this book, and I still have not managed to write a review about it. And I am so very sorry that my addiction to Hay Day has kept me from writing a nice one, as I did enjoy this book a lot. I really look forward to reading book 2, as Susannah Sandlin has written a really bad bad guy, and I look forward to see him getting what he deserves eventually.
I really do love treasure hunt books, I used to devour Clive Cussler’s books, and I love Cherry Adair’s Cutter Cay series as well. So a new series in this genre is very welcome to me. Yes, I am also a big fan of Indiana Jones, there are many more books than movies about him and his adventures. I’ve read those in Dutch in my teens.
Gillian Campbell finds herself blackmailed into giving up her life, to go on a wild goose chase treasure hunt. What are the chances she can find the Templar’s Cross her ancestor supposedly stole 400 years ago? If she does not comply however, her little niece will be killed. As her only friend has been put in the hospital just to show her “they” mean business, she believes it. The worst part is, she has only one month to accomplish the hunt, and then she will die. And her loved ones with her.
Shane Burke is another victim of the blackmailer, and although he is promised a lot of money, turning it down is not an option. And so Shane, Gillian, and Shane’s friends embark on a treasure hunt, trying to find clues to where the ship has sunk in the North Atlantic, and getting experience in diving in those treacherous and cold waters. The pressure gets heavier and heavier when they don’t make progress fast enough to the likes of the bad guy. Friends get hurt and kidnapped, but Shane and Gillian are closing in on finding out who is behind this all. It has to be someone very high up to know so much and so fast ...
It took me a while to warm up to both Gillian and Shane. They have both had some traumatic events in their lives, and have closed down because of it. It made me understand them a bit more when it was explained. Though this book has been published as a serial novel, it is not riddled with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. It is fast paced, a lot of things keep happening, things you really don’t see coming.
It takes a while for Gillian and Shane to trust each other with their stories. They are both closed people, but they are very much attracted to each other and living in close conditions on Shane’s boat, means they are spending a lot of time together. Of course Shane wants to leave Gillian behind if he gets the chance, but Gillian (and her dog) are smarter than that and hide away aboard. The dog doesn’t really like Shane and those scenes are fun. It is not a little dog either ...
I do like that Gillian is not a shrinking violet, she can certainly hold her own. She is a professional alligator wrestler, hunting dangerous animals, catching them, and either killing them or releasing them in the wild, far away from human villages. She is also a diver, and she is determined to help Shane with the work. She just is not accustomed to diving in the dark cold water of the North Atlantic. As a former marine diver, Shane has experience enough. He just has to deal with the ghosts of his past first.
There is of course a lot of action in this book, but there is also time for humor and some nice love scenes between Gillian and Shane. The ending was certainly surprising, I did enjoy that a lot. I look forward to book 2 in the series.
Suzanne Johnson/Susannah Sandlin is one of the very few authors whose books I buy in trade paperback, as I really do like her writing style. So far I have enjoyed three different series and some short stories by her.
I really do love treasure hunt books, I used to devour Clive Cussler’s books, and I love Cherry Adair’s Cutter Cay series as well. So a new series in this genre is very welcome to me. Yes, I am also a big fan of Indiana Jones, there are many more books than movies about him and his adventures. I’ve read those in Dutch in my teens.
Gillian Campbell finds herself blackmailed into giving up her life, to go on a wild goose chase treasure hunt. What are the chances she can find the Templar’s Cross her ancestor supposedly stole 400 years ago? If she does not comply however, her little niece will be killed. As her only friend has been put in the hospital just to show her “they” mean business, she believes it. The worst part is, she has only one month to accomplish the hunt, and then she will die. And her loved ones with her.
Shane Burke is another victim of the blackmailer, and although he is promised a lot of money, turning it down is not an option. And so Shane, Gillian, and Shane’s friends embark on a treasure hunt, trying to find clues to where the ship has sunk in the North Atlantic, and getting experience in diving in those treacherous and cold waters. The pressure gets heavier and heavier when they don’t make progress fast enough to the likes of the bad guy. Friends get hurt and kidnapped, but Shane and Gillian are closing in on finding out who is behind this all. It has to be someone very high up to know so much and so fast ...
It took me a while to warm up to both Gillian and Shane. They have both had some traumatic events in their lives, and have closed down because of it. It made me understand them a bit more when it was explained. Though this book has been published as a serial novel, it is not riddled with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. It is fast paced, a lot of things keep happening, things you really don’t see coming.
It takes a while for Gillian and Shane to trust each other with their stories. They are both closed people, but they are very much attracted to each other and living in close conditions on Shane’s boat, means they are spending a lot of time together. Of course Shane wants to leave Gillian behind if he gets the chance, but Gillian (and her dog) are smarter than that and hide away aboard. The dog doesn’t really like Shane and those scenes are fun. It is not a little dog either ...
I do like that Gillian is not a shrinking violet, she can certainly hold her own. She is a professional alligator wrestler, hunting dangerous animals, catching them, and either killing them or releasing them in the wild, far away from human villages. She is also a diver, and she is determined to help Shane with the work. She just is not accustomed to diving in the dark cold water of the North Atlantic. As a former marine diver, Shane has experience enough. He just has to deal with the ghosts of his past first.
There is of course a lot of action in this book, but there is also time for humor and some nice love scenes between Gillian and Shane. The ending was certainly surprising, I did enjoy that a lot. I look forward to book 2 in the series.
Suzanne Johnson/Susannah Sandlin is one of the very few authors whose books I buy in trade paperback, as I really do like her writing style. So far I have enjoyed three different series and some short stories by her.
March 18, 2014
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a gripping story about The Collectors, a group of wealthy, powerful men who play with “lesser” peoples lives for fun. These men think they’re gods, and with the reach they have they might as well be. The Collectors seek rare treasures, but there are very specific rules to the game. Gillian Campbell has no idea what she’s brought down on herself by mentioning a family curse, brought about by one of her ancestors alleged attempt to steal a Knights Templar treasure, during a television interview. One of the C7 men just happened to be watching. Gillian receives a call from a man she refers to as Tex, asking about the treasure. She’s thinks he’s just some crazy guy playing a prank on her, but it doesn’t take long for her to realize she’s playing with fire. Tex and his employer make it very clear that this is no joke. One of the C7 members wants the Templar cross at any cost, and they don’t mind causing a few “accidents” to prove their point. Of course, she doesn’t know about the C7 when all of this starts. Heck, she doesn’t even know if the rumor about the cross going down with ship her ancestor was on is true! Tex instructs Gillian to seek out the help of Shane Burke, a man with technical diving skills, who will be desperate enough for the money to accept the job. It takes Gillian some convincing, but they finally team up and head off into the unknown to find the cross and save everyone around them from being harmed by the C7.
Oh, Susannah, you never fail to captivate me with your awesome tales! Whether it’s paranormal romance or romantic suspense, you always manage to grab me right from the get-go. The story of The Collectors is thrilling, adventurous and mysterious. Gillian is a fabulous character. I love that she’s a gator wrangler by day. I mean, how many women in books do you know that wrestle and relocate gators? She’s badass. I really enjoyed the connection that forms between Gillian and Shane, but I do have to admit that their first romantic encounter seemed to come out of left field. It seemed to happen a bit early for me, but that’s just my opinion. The intensity of the game and all the “players” that the C7 puts into action are impressive. This is a well-written, brilliantly devised plot with charismatic characters and heaps of action. Fans of National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code will really enjoy this book! I will say that I’m very happy I was able to read the whole thing at once. As much as I love Kindle Serials, every time I saw a new episode next to one of the chapter headings I was so relieved I hadn’t been left hanging there for a week. Ha!
Lovely, Dark, and Deep gets four solid stars (zombie heads) from me!
Oh, Susannah, you never fail to captivate me with your awesome tales! Whether it’s paranormal romance or romantic suspense, you always manage to grab me right from the get-go. The story of The Collectors is thrilling, adventurous and mysterious. Gillian is a fabulous character. I love that she’s a gator wrangler by day. I mean, how many women in books do you know that wrestle and relocate gators? She’s badass. I really enjoyed the connection that forms between Gillian and Shane, but I do have to admit that their first romantic encounter seemed to come out of left field. It seemed to happen a bit early for me, but that’s just my opinion. The intensity of the game and all the “players” that the C7 puts into action are impressive. This is a well-written, brilliantly devised plot with charismatic characters and heaps of action. Fans of National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code will really enjoy this book! I will say that I’m very happy I was able to read the whole thing at once. As much as I love Kindle Serials, every time I saw a new episode next to one of the chapter headings I was so relieved I hadn’t been left hanging there for a week. Ha!
Lovely, Dark, and Deep gets four solid stars (zombie heads) from me!
March 16, 2014
Oh my!!! My stalkee has a new book! AND it’s totally cool, AND it has a little twist that I am seriously surprised about that I will tell you about in a moment. So, this is about some pretty bad people, The Collectors, who are cruel, and will stop at nothing to get what they want, and are playing a game!
So the game of those collectors are these men are basically treasure hunting, with high stakes, which are also deadly, mainly for innocent people. And the non-collects, the normal people, get swept up in this crazy race because they have something the collectors want. More specific, Shane and Gillian. A little jewel caused a lot of grief for them. Gillian is a regular collect, and the Collectors (big C means bad guys LOL), is looking for a Templar Cross that her ancestors had. But The Collectors have decided to use her, and her family, to get it for themselves, with however means necessary. It gets really complicated, like diving in the damn almost artic sea to get it, and in only x amount of days. Shane is that help, who is also being harrassed by the Collectors. And now, if he won’t help Gillian, he lose the things and the people he loves most.
I don’t know if I am more intrigued by the good characters or the bad characters. And here’s the twist I was telling you I loved. The series is actually named after the bad guys. The Collectors are the not nice, hero type people here, and they got the series named after them. It’s so unusual, BUT I LOVE IT! No one does that, so it’s one of the coolest things! And back to the characters. LOL Look, Gillian is smart, and resourceful, and she won’t let her family get hurt, so loyal, and drawn into a terrible thing. Shane is a little bit of a loser in the beginning but he’s turned into to quite a good boy that I love.
This one is definitely full of action. It’s almost a little Indiana Jones, with some crazy ass, deadly bad guys FORCING you to find that damn treasure. :) So, then that’s the suspense. There’s a good bit of those two elements. And there’s a little romance. And mystery, because you just never know who the face behind all this nonsense pulling the strings is. And they introduce a whole heap of characters along the way as help, which was just cool. It was a fascinating tale. AND of course my stalkee wrote it, so it’s amazingly written! :) This is new for me, I normally have to have something of fantasy in there, but hey, if somebody threatened my dogs, I’d find any damn rock! :) A WELL DONE 5 PAWS! And now I’m going to try to stop humming the Indiana Jones theme in my head!
So the game of those collectors are these men are basically treasure hunting, with high stakes, which are also deadly, mainly for innocent people. And the non-collects, the normal people, get swept up in this crazy race because they have something the collectors want. More specific, Shane and Gillian. A little jewel caused a lot of grief for them. Gillian is a regular collect, and the Collectors (big C means bad guys LOL), is looking for a Templar Cross that her ancestors had. But The Collectors have decided to use her, and her family, to get it for themselves, with however means necessary. It gets really complicated, like diving in the damn almost artic sea to get it, and in only x amount of days. Shane is that help, who is also being harrassed by the Collectors. And now, if he won’t help Gillian, he lose the things and the people he loves most.
I don’t know if I am more intrigued by the good characters or the bad characters. And here’s the twist I was telling you I loved. The series is actually named after the bad guys. The Collectors are the not nice, hero type people here, and they got the series named after them. It’s so unusual, BUT I LOVE IT! No one does that, so it’s one of the coolest things! And back to the characters. LOL Look, Gillian is smart, and resourceful, and she won’t let her family get hurt, so loyal, and drawn into a terrible thing. Shane is a little bit of a loser in the beginning but he’s turned into to quite a good boy that I love.
This one is definitely full of action. It’s almost a little Indiana Jones, with some crazy ass, deadly bad guys FORCING you to find that damn treasure. :) So, then that’s the suspense. There’s a good bit of those two elements. And there’s a little romance. And mystery, because you just never know who the face behind all this nonsense pulling the strings is. And they introduce a whole heap of characters along the way as help, which was just cool. It was a fascinating tale. AND of course my stalkee wrote it, so it’s amazingly written! :) This is new for me, I normally have to have something of fantasy in there, but hey, if somebody threatened my dogs, I’d find any damn rock! :) A WELL DONE 5 PAWS! And now I’m going to try to stop humming the Indiana Jones theme in my head!
February 18, 2015
Action, adventure, treasure hunting, love, Susannah Sandlin’s Lovely, Dark, and Deep has all that…and a big dog, too. But let’s start at the beginning…
The Collectors (aka C7) are a group of wealthy, powerful men obsessed with obtaining rare treasures using any means necessary. This includes forcing innocent people, such as our heroine--biologist and gator wrangler Gillian--to play the group’s twisted “game.” The story’s C7 villain, a politician with too much money and zero sense of decency, threatens Gillian’s family and leaves her no choice but to team up with down-on-his-luck professional diver Shane to acquire a lost Knights Templar treasure: a cross, allegedly stolen by Gillian’s ancestor and lost when the ship sunk at sea off the coast of Canada.
What follows is one heck of an enjoyable adventure ride as Gillian and Shane assemble their treasure hunting team while having their every step monitored by the villain’s minions. And those henchmen? They do more than watch--no spoilers here, but I’ll say the hits keep coming and coming, creating oodles of addictive tension in the story. Yes, folks, it’s a high stakes game.
While the action is superb from start to finish, it’s Sandlin’s crisp writing style, tight plot (with clever twists), lush and vivid settings (both in and out of the water), and cast of unique characters that truly put this story in the 5-star category. Gillian is a tough, smart, kindhearted heroine who captures and relocates alligators. You don’t get much more unique than that! Hero Shane is wonderfully flawed with a heart of gold, endearing in his insecurity (haunted by a past diving incident). It was a pleasure to watch these two overcome their pasts, and work hard to solve their current dilemma while also falling in love. The secondary characters, too, make their mark on the story, such as Shane’s best pal Jagger, a Rolling Stones fanatic with a penchant for singing anytime, anywhere. And let’s not forget Tank, Gillian’s dog--the big beast hates Shane and provides some fun, laugh-out-loud moments for the reader.
Bottom line: A great read, and heartily recommended for romantic suspense fans and anyone who loves a good adventure. This is my first Susannah Sandlin book. I look forward to reading more.
The Collectors (aka C7) are a group of wealthy, powerful men obsessed with obtaining rare treasures using any means necessary. This includes forcing innocent people, such as our heroine--biologist and gator wrangler Gillian--to play the group’s twisted “game.” The story’s C7 villain, a politician with too much money and zero sense of decency, threatens Gillian’s family and leaves her no choice but to team up with down-on-his-luck professional diver Shane to acquire a lost Knights Templar treasure: a cross, allegedly stolen by Gillian’s ancestor and lost when the ship sunk at sea off the coast of Canada.
What follows is one heck of an enjoyable adventure ride as Gillian and Shane assemble their treasure hunting team while having their every step monitored by the villain’s minions. And those henchmen? They do more than watch--no spoilers here, but I’ll say the hits keep coming and coming, creating oodles of addictive tension in the story. Yes, folks, it’s a high stakes game.
While the action is superb from start to finish, it’s Sandlin’s crisp writing style, tight plot (with clever twists), lush and vivid settings (both in and out of the water), and cast of unique characters that truly put this story in the 5-star category. Gillian is a tough, smart, kindhearted heroine who captures and relocates alligators. You don’t get much more unique than that! Hero Shane is wonderfully flawed with a heart of gold, endearing in his insecurity (haunted by a past diving incident). It was a pleasure to watch these two overcome their pasts, and work hard to solve their current dilemma while also falling in love. The secondary characters, too, make their mark on the story, such as Shane’s best pal Jagger, a Rolling Stones fanatic with a penchant for singing anytime, anywhere. And let’s not forget Tank, Gillian’s dog--the big beast hates Shane and provides some fun, laugh-out-loud moments for the reader.
Bottom line: A great read, and heartily recommended for romantic suspense fans and anyone who loves a good adventure. This is my first Susannah Sandlin book. I look forward to reading more.
March 5, 2014
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.
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.
February 18, 2014
This Review was first published on my blog Lecture toute une Aventure
My opinion:
Lovely! The title says it all in fact there are dark moments, some angsty ones and as a whole it’s more than a lovely reads^^. Susannah did succeed in my opinion at this attempt at the thriller genre and I was hooked right at the start.
As always the author is a master at descriptions you really fell like you right next to Gillian and Shane as you see by their eyes and feel their fears and frustration… the psychological building of the characters is really essential in this story since the villain uses their weakness against them and Susannah really knows what she is doing because you immediately fell like you are in their shoes and you understand how deep their guilt goes…you want to shake them sometimes and at others just to hug them with promise it will get better. They are really realistic, like you could meet them at the street corner.
The tension is really high at some point , The villains are making your skin crawl and biting your nails, but then there are also time for breath thanks to the little touch of humour with Shane ‘s best friend taste in music and of course.. TANK, the dog, so funny ^^ and protective^^ Shane ‘s nightmare.
If you love investigation, the idea of treasure with a good touch of romance spiced with steamy scene this book is right you alley! A must read
I can't wait for book2!
My opinion:
Lovely! The title says it all in fact there are dark moments, some angsty ones and as a whole it’s more than a lovely reads^^. Susannah did succeed in my opinion at this attempt at the thriller genre and I was hooked right at the start.
As always the author is a master at descriptions you really fell like you right next to Gillian and Shane as you see by their eyes and feel their fears and frustration… the psychological building of the characters is really essential in this story since the villain uses their weakness against them and Susannah really knows what she is doing because you immediately fell like you are in their shoes and you understand how deep their guilt goes…you want to shake them sometimes and at others just to hug them with promise it will get better. They are really realistic, like you could meet them at the street corner.
The tension is really high at some point , The villains are making your skin crawl and biting your nails, but then there are also time for breath thanks to the little touch of humour with Shane ‘s best friend taste in music and of course.. TANK, the dog, so funny ^^ and protective^^ Shane ‘s nightmare.
If you love investigation, the idea of treasure with a good touch of romance spiced with steamy scene this book is right you alley! A must read
I can't wait for book2!
July 10, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
>This book is a stand alone mystery/romance with an HEA.
>This story begins with a mysterious man playing a treasure hunt "game". The person who instigated the hunt is a widowed alligator wrangler named Gillian. She has a sad past that is hinted at. Gillian is forced to find a treasure rumored to have been lost by one of her ancestors in the 1700's, off of a Canadian coast. Now we meet down on his luck captain-for-hire, Shane. Shane comes with some colorful characters who each play roles on the story, especially Jagger and Harley.
>Gillian lets Shane know the truth about this mission. People she cares about are being threatened unless she gets the treasure within 30 days. Shane begins to be threatened as well and the 2 start out on the adventure. I had a hard time with the time line. Gillian, Shane and the boat are in the Florida Keys. They have to research where this alleged boat sunk, retrofit and update a boat and travel to Canada, not to mention finding a gold cross in the ocean.
>The ease with which everything falls into place is the only thing I didn't buy. The romance and discussion into the respective tragic pasts was very moving. The quirky friends and even the "Demon dog" Tank, were quite funny. The easy ending did not mesh with the twisted game that began the story in the first place.
> This book is for an adult audience due to sex content
>This book is a stand alone mystery/romance with an HEA.
>This story begins with a mysterious man playing a treasure hunt "game". The person who instigated the hunt is a widowed alligator wrangler named Gillian. She has a sad past that is hinted at. Gillian is forced to find a treasure rumored to have been lost by one of her ancestors in the 1700's, off of a Canadian coast. Now we meet down on his luck captain-for-hire, Shane. Shane comes with some colorful characters who each play roles on the story, especially Jagger and Harley.
>Gillian lets Shane know the truth about this mission. People she cares about are being threatened unless she gets the treasure within 30 days. Shane begins to be threatened as well and the 2 start out on the adventure. I had a hard time with the time line. Gillian, Shane and the boat are in the Florida Keys. They have to research where this alleged boat sunk, retrofit and update a boat and travel to Canada, not to mention finding a gold cross in the ocean.
>The ease with which everything falls into place is the only thing I didn't buy. The romance and discussion into the respective tragic pasts was very moving. The quirky friends and even the "Demon dog" Tank, were quite funny. The easy ending did not mesh with the twisted game that began the story in the first place.
> This book is for an adult audience due to sex content
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