Breach: A terrifying summer adventure

by Holly S. Roberts

A terrifying summer adventure

Craving the vastness of the open sea, Kate and her family set out on a journey of forgiveness and healing aboard Ryan's Gift, their newly remodeled yacht. After a tragic accident, it’s imperative that Kate returns to the ocean, the place she once called home, in an attempt to restore her spirit.

In the middle of their idyllic voyage, the nightmare begins. With no power or communication, a monster lurks below the surface and the family must find a way to defeat the darkness before it destroys them.

Experience this gripping story of a family's fight for survival and a terrifying reckoning from the deep.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Survival

241 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2024

About the author

Holly S Roberts is an award-winning author which includes appearing on the USA TODAY list multiple times and selling more than one million books worldwide. Her career as a homicide and sex crimes detective kept her in the romance genre for years because she needed happy endings. After years of therapy and speaking publicly on matters close to her heart, she’s turned her pen to dark survival thrillers with kickass women that encapsulate her unique perspective. The Carter Family Shark Thrillers are current bestsellers. Max, her Rottweiler, is never far from her side because he listens when she has plot problems and offers rare insights when encouraged by cookies.

For more information, visit her website at wickedstorytelling.com.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

Eighteen months ago Kate was injured in a motor vehicle accident that left her with an incomplete spinal cord injury that took away the use of her legs. Her recovery was difficult but she is now ready to get back on the water. Her father is a marine biologist and she grew up helping him, documenting his findings as soon as she was old enough to write. The water is her happy place so with her settlement from the accident she and her husband Sam bought a yacht and had it remodeled to suit Kate's needs. Now she, Sam, and their 5-year-old daughter Ryan are ready to set out on a journey aboard Ryan's Gift. It needs to be a trip of healing, forgiveness, and a way to restore Kate's spirit.

But the voyage becomes terrifying as a creature has set its sights on them and has no intention of giving up and going away. Can Kate, Sam, and Ryan find a way to safety or will they be destroyed by what lurks beneath?

_____

I was immediately drawn to Kate as we have something in common. We both have incomplete spinal cord injuries. While Kate is a paraplegic having lost the use of her legs, I am a hemiplegic having lost the use of my right arm and leg. I am always in awe of anyone with these types of injuries who excels in sports and other facets of life. While I have done my best to adjust my life, I could never do what Kate did within the pages of the book. She became a warrior to try to keep her family safe, taking her body to its limits and beyond.

Sam is a flawed character. He made a mistake. He cheated on Kate and while he immediately regretted it he doesn't know if will Kate be able to forgive him? He is trying to make things right and he had high hopes this adventure would heal his marriage.

Five-year-old Ryan is a mature little girl but a little girl at heart. She trusted her mom and did things no child should have to do, but there was no other choice. She is resilient though and being so young may help her deal with what she witnessed.

I am not going to go into any depth about the plot. You need to take my word for it that when you start reading you will not be able to stop. Breach is a "terrifying summer adventure". It is also a heart-pounding, heart-wrenching, heart-breaking, heart-stopping story that will grab you and not let go. It will stick with you long after you turn the final page. I read it early last week and I am still affected by what I read. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster and writing this review has brought every page of the story vividly back in my mind.

Breach is not a story for the faint of heart. The author's detailed descriptions take readers right out on the water for every intense moment. It is a terrifically terrifying extraordinary exciting read. It is also a stirring read that inspires. You have to fight and keep going even when you are pushed to the brink. I have to give this book my Paradise rating because it surpasses almost everything I have read this year.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Niki Chippendale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Shit. The best book I’ve read all year. Can’t wait to read more from this Author!

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

It’s the maiden voyage for their new recently refitted yacht heading north well off the California coast for her hubby and five-year-old daughter.

Kate is trying to decide whether or not to try to continue the marriage with a hubby who admitted straying. The accident that took the use of her legs happened then and the vacation is a stab at mending the fissure.

The yacht, however, begins to exhibit problems almost from the beginning. I absolutely cannot believe the test of endurance, strength, and fortitude it took to survive this heart-pounding situation. The little girl is amazing and smart.

In the meantime, the tension builds until it becomes explosive. I loved the writing style, the inexorable rise in terror as the monster of the deep seemed to anticipate their every move.

It’s an exciting and spell-binding beach read as long as you aren’t at the beach or dorsal fins don’t bother you. Recommended! 4.5 stars

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breach by Holly S. Roberts (Audiobook)

Holly S. Roberts
Audible Release: May 16, 2024
Listening Length: 5 hours 16 minutes
Narrator: Rickel Hayes
Genre: Horror
KKECReads Overall Rating: 5/5
KKECReads Rating for Performance: 5/5
KKECReads Rating for Story: 5/5
I purchased a copy of this audiobook on Audible and leave my review voluntarily.

Holy buckets. When we all thought it was safe to return to the water, Holly Roberts released this gem.

I am obsessed with sharks and have been since I saw Jaws when I was six. So, as soon as I saw the cover and blurb reveal this book, I immediately preordered the audiobook. It's absolutely worth every penny and minute.

I loved how this story was told. It has such authentic emotions, and the characters feel genuine. I appreciated that Holly did her research regarding great white sharks, and while this shark is terrifying, this book will not vilify sharks like Jaws.

This was a vacation gone very wrong. Everything that could go wrong did times three. It was fast-paced and terrifying. There were moments when things happened, and I just sat in my car and started at the console.

I need everyone to read this book. It’s available on Kindle Unlimited so you can read it for free with your subscription, but this book is worth paying for. However, you can make it happen, buy it, borrow it; you do not want to miss it.

The narrator was excellent. She brought the characters to life without being over the top, and the situations felt like things that could happen. I was hooked from the first chapter and have had such an intense book hangover since I finished listening.

In case you’re wondering, a bigger boat didn’t help. Buckle up; it’s about to get dangerous.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrifying summer holiday is on point😬

Breach is a story about a family that set out on a voyage but what was supposed to be a respite and healing trip turns terrifying quickly😳🙈

Suffice to say I’m not going to say more than that other than to say this story is INTENSE and is a MUST READ.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review 🦈

[Claudia A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary and Engrossing

I liked the main character more in the later chapters. The storyline line was very real but predictable. I have never read this author, and I'm not sure if I will read another of her books. This is more about the people than a shark, and its behavior was a bit over the top and not totally believable. Read it for yourself.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ This is a fast paced thriller involving a family and a great white shark who terrorizes them. This book is a page turner but is often a bit repetitive and a little inaccurate. There were also several typos. It's was only ok for me. Had hoped for more shark action.

[Mbuye · Rating 2 out of 5]

An updated reprise of Peter Benchley’s ‘Jaws.’ This book reflects our greater understanding of predator sharks and looks with empathy on their behaviour. Although it is a thriller with all the breathless excitement of rollercoasters, it gives us a timely insight into the life of the ocean, and why it is that once our oceans die, we do.

A well-imagined concept, except that the details of paraplegia, a troubled marriage, and a downed communication system on the boat stacked up against a giant white shark make for unnecessary and perfunctory drama and improbability. Sharks are aggressive and dangerous, but without being a marine biologist, I find it hard to accept that any shark would attack in a methodical, almost premeditated manner on a particular target.

The proofreading and editing were more than slightly slipshod, further diminishing reader interest.

[Lisa Plucinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great thriller!!!! I am a slow reader and read this book in a day and a half!!! Short book and easy read! It actually gave me heart palpitations!!! Cried a couple tears at the end but LOVED IT!!!!!

[Matt Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun read with some great cliff hanger chapter endings

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breach follows the family of Kate, Sam, and Ryan as they embark on a voyage in the open seas on their new yacht, which has been modified to accommodate Kate's new life in a wheelchair. The trip is meant to repair a broken marriage and bring them closer together, but they encounter a shark with a cunning streak for vengeance.
The way the book is broken up took me a while to adjust to, but as I got further into the story, it made more sense and kept me riveted to see what happened next.
Thanks Goodreads for the Giveaways copy of this book!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still remember the terror I felt when watching the original "Jaws" in the theater shortly after its release. I went with my Sister-In-Law (my brother was too wimpy to go with us!) and it was great! Now, so many years later, this book has brought that same terror back.

Kate is a paraplegic reliant on her wheelchair. Her husband, Sam, has admitted to having a one night fling with a coworker and Kate isn't sure if she can forgive him. Growing up on the ocean with her father, a stingray expert, Kate decides that she needs time in her favorite spot to decide what to do. Along with their 5 year old daughter, Ryan, the trio embark on a long trip about their newly acquired yacht.

Soon, their idyllic trip turns into a nightmare when a huge great white shark starts menacing them. Without going into details, I'll just say that the terror mounts as the book progresses. It would be hard enough to face this type of situation being able-bodied and Kate's handicap just adds to the horrors. If you enjoy non-stop action filled with horrific scenes in an ocean setting, you will love this book. Definitely "Jaws" inspired, the author has taken that classic tale and made it fresh and new.

The narrator was perfect for the book, especially her voice for the young girl, Ryan. You can feel all of her emotions and your heart will break as things progress to the end.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Breach by Holly S. Roberts will take you on one terrifying ride! It’s the perfect beach read….as long as you don’t go into the water! Really,even though it’s scary, it’s also inspiring! It shows that you never know how strong you can be until you’re pushed to your limit…and you keep going.

Kate, her husband, and their 5 year old daughter, Ryan, set off on a family vacation that’s meant to bring healing to her fractured family. They’re sailing on their yacht to Kate’s father’s home up the coast. Kate and her husband have been barely hanging on to their marriage. He cheated on her, but then Kate was in an accident that took the use of her legs away from her. Kate and her husband are hoping this trip allows them to really reconnect. She doesn’t want to stay together merely for the sake of the fact that she needs help…because she no longer does. But things go horribly wrong within days of setting out. The fact that this all takes place on a yacht makes it even more intense because they become completely isolated.

I’m not going to go into the plot because it would totally ruin this book for you! Just know that you won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up! It is so suspenseful and unpredictable. It’s a test of human strength both emotionally and physically. I’m not sure I could have gone through this situation and not given up. However, I know that if it came down to protecting my kids (even though they’re adults), I’d do everything I could to save their lives. I think Breach is a great example of this idea: we’re more capable than we’d ever believe until we’re put in a life threatening situation.

I enjoyed the characters very much, and I feel like Breach is both plot driven and character driven. At first, I was just going to go with plot driven, but then I realized how much Ryan is involved in driving the story forward. Without her emotional maturity (she’s a little child, remember), the outcome of the trip would have been much different. She’s a precocious child, and I loved her!

I highly recommend Breach for its page-turning plot, wonderfully written characters, isolated setting, and its inspiring theme! Five stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Novels Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen months after an accident that left her a paraplegic, Kate is ready to test out the new wheelchair-adaptable yacht as a step toward healing.

Author Holly S Roberts takes readers on an action-packed ocean adventure in Breach. As the story begins, Kate contemplates the state of her marriage, rocked first by the confession of cheating by her husband, Sam, and then by the car accident that took away her independence.

However, it’s their 5-year-old daughter, Ryan, who provides the glue holding the family together. Her inquisitive nature and desire to be helpful add flavor to the story.

What could go wrong with three people on a yacht in the ocean? Let’s just say this storyline reinforces my desire to stay safe on dry land. What begins as a random shark spotting turns into a nightmare.

The author ramps up the tension and suspense by progressively adding more complications. Waiting out a shark attack might sound like a smart idea as long as the sharks behave typically. What happens when a shark stalks the yacht?

Breach serves up a vivid fight for survival against a deep-sea predator and a mother’s determination to do whatever it takes to protect her daughter. ~ Amy for Novels Alive

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and some parts aren't feasible, play along

I wasn't sure about leaving a 4 star or 3. It had lots of action and drama throughout. I read it in one day. But man oh man did I get mad. This may be a little spoiler like but don't kill someone you wouldn't think would die. I blame the other party for not being honest to start with about knowing the boating story of the two boys. I'm ranting. That and the fact the daughter is only 5 and able to do all this heavy lifting of water and other stuff, including her mother onto a boat is not feasible. I know kids are smart and some advanced at that age but no way would they be that advanced. The only thing that helped me with it is stopping to read about the author. I saw where she had been a cop. That explains a lot. My hubby was one for 18 years. Hardly anything has a good ending in their world so yes someone would die in a story lol. That's reality in their world. I'm rounding up to a 4 star. Wish we would've heard more about the shark like if it attacks again.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, entertaining read if you can suspend your disbelief. Do I think a shark could methodically terrorize a family because it has a thirst for revenge? No, but I was entertained anyway.

Kate was a few years out of an accident that robbed her of the use of her legs and left her wheelchair bound. It gave a uniqueness to the story, as Kate had extra obstacles to overcome. Kate's husband Sam was unfaithful prior to the accident and their sailing trip was kind of a test to see if they reconcile or divorce.

Also on the trip was their five-year-old daughter, Ryan, and this was where I had trouble not rolling my eyes. If Ryan had been 10, this would have worked much better. Ryan did not speak like a five-year-old, and the physical things that she had to do at times were impossible for a 40-50 pound child.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a nervous wreck while reading this book! I was caught up in the turmoil of Kate's marriage and infirmities for the first few chapters. Then when the action hit I was like holy moly!!! Ryan had more common sense than I would have in that scenario. Kate was very calm in the face of adversity. I would have been blubbering like a baby.
I could see everything happening in my mind's eye and it was terrifying!!
I was never more glad to be safe on land over 1000 miles away from any ocean as I was while reading Breach. It surpassed the terror I felt as a kid the first time I watched Jaws in the 70s.
Terrifically terrifying read!!
I read it in one huge gulp- straight from the shark's mouth.

Thanks to Holly Roberts for the early copy!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a calm, relaxing story, you better skip this one. Sam, Kate and their young daughter, Ryan, set out to take a trip on their new yacht. A shark gets caught in a net and then is caught on their propeller disabling the yacht. Sam goes down to release the net and that trapped shark’s friend shows up and…….no spoilers from me. This book will have you holding your breath. Oh and by the way, Kate’s legs are paralyzed and she is in a wheelchair. Yes, this is a nail biter! After I read it I found out it is part of the Carter Shark series that features this family again.

I see that the author is a retired homicide detective and has written a series featuring Detective Eve Bennet. I will check out that series.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hell of a terror filled ride!

A family of three: Kate, Sam, and their daughter Ryan are going on a month long yacht ride. The family need to heal. Kate was in an accident and is in a wheelchair. Her and Sams marriage is on the rocks bc of something that happened but they might work thru it. While on the boat a shark starts hunting them. It is like Jaws and deep blue sea mixed. Kate and her family must try to survive and pray help will come while they are stranded in the ocean on a damaged yacht.
I was so on edge! This was intense and was filled with quite a few oh shit moments! Heart pounding anxiety inducing terror!

[George Stenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway book and a fast read. A woman, Kate, is considering divorce after her husband, Sam, cheated on her. She had an accident and ended up in a wheelchair. They decide to go on an ocean adventure in a yacht they bought with the insurance accident money. They take their 5-year-old daughter, Ryan, with them.

Soon the yacht has mechanical problems and they are being besieged by a great white shark. This continues for more than a week and the outlook becomes bleaker each day.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced story filled with suspense and an on the edge of your seat read. Kate was in a terrible accident and two years later, her and her husband Sam, along with their daughter Ryan, are on a healing journey aboard a yacht named after their daughter, called Ryan's Gift. They encounter the dangers of the sea involving a shark and the question is who will survive, and how? It will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I received this book in a #GoodReadsGiveaway in exchange for my honest review. Thank you #GoodReads and #WickedStoryTelling publishers for this opportunity.

[Amanda BikiBookworm Vermaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman robbed of her mobility. A Cheating husband. Unforgiveness. Yachting on the ocean in a wheelchair must be hard. Especially battling nature in the form of great whites. Battles lies ahead for a mother and her little girl. Will they prevail?
I was spellbound but terrified at the same time and couldn't put this book down. Great writing style. This author never fails to astonish me. Totally recommend this book.

[wayne peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of this book.

This was a great book! It was an edge of my seat story. The drama never let up until the very end. It did not look like they would survive. A sinking ship and a relentless shark! Reminds me again why I want to stay out of the water! I love the ocean and will not hesitate to go in the water. The author did an outstanding job of writing. !is reading this book if you dare.

[Amanda Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shark attacks a small boat with a woman, her husband, and her young child. This shark is clever and deadly determined.

The book is a slow starter and gives you lots of history for the characters but not a lot of action beyond the prelude. Once things get going they move a little faster. There is plenty of drama and suspense.
More than a few questions remain open at the end. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

[irv Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book to enjoy.

There is a family of 4 went out with boot that they had fixed up, they had a plan to meet up with his wife father up the coast a bite. They set up the ship so the wife's wheel chair was safe , but there were problems with the marriage . Then things got real strange and fast for them , the author keeps you wanting more. The author did a good job with the book.

[Wyshona D. Lawson]

If I could give this a -5 I would, and I seriously do not understand all the positive reviews. I mean, seriously. The daughter was five. Half the time she was almost catatonic or she acted like she was 21. Or this husband who is on the verge of death and then gets on a jet ski. The shark breaches. And the MC was in a wheelchair. I still am unclear on some of the things she actually did. This book was awful.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

nail biting

Non stop thrills in this fight for survival against a great white shark. Kate found about her husband’s infidelity and subsequently had an accident that paralyzed her from the waist down. They are reconnecting and decide to take a voyage on their new yacht. One disaster after another leaves them fighting for their lives. Thank you Goodreads giveaways

[Tanya Stempien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read and a book I’ve been dying to read for some time. It definitely did not disappoint. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, but lots of suspense and thrills. Had me at the edge of my seat a lot and had plenty of suspense that had me want to keep reading. So glad I finally purchased this book and read it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read.

What a great story because it was a a human story and the shark played a true villain to the characters but it was the actual story that was interesting. I am following this writer because she understands the characters and story line is what stays with you. Blood and guts can be thrown out anytime but a real story is so much more fun.

[Elizabeth Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling ride!

This exceeded my expectations! It really kept you on the edge of your seat for most of the journey! Anyone who loves a good shark story or movie will appreciate this one. The resilience Kate and Ryan show is amazing, reworking around Kate’s disability. I need more of this sort of story!