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Drowning on Land: A Vigilante Justice Suspense Novel

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I’m surrounded by abusers and abused. Addicts numbing away their pain, creating chaos. Criminals stealing, lying, hurting.

I want out, but no one leaves my family.

I can’t give in. I’m in love with Logan a retired Army Ranger, who survived the war in Afghanistan, but might die here, trying to protect me.

The Aryan Brotherhood wants revenge for what they think my family did. For what they think I did. They’ll kill me once they find out the truth.

I did what I had to do. No one leaves and gets away clean. I’m becoming the monster I swore I’d never become. I’m doing it for Logan, for my little sister. They have to survive, even if I won’t.

So dear reader, do you think you can handle the truth? Keep reading, if you dare. I’ll tell you all my secrets. I’m risking everything, betraying everyone. But I’ll tell you. I have to tell you.

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2024

37 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read

About the author

Brit Griffin

1 book14 followers
Brit Griffin is an author of gripping romantic suspense novels where danger and desire collide. She weaves stories of strong, flawed women, brooding protectors, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

She writes the kind of romantic suspense novels she loves to read: dark, twisty, and a little bit dangerous. Her stories feature fearless heroines, damaged anti-heroes, and love that’s as dangerous as the enemies hunting them.

When she’s not plotting twists and heart-stopping cliffhangers, she can be found with a good cup of coffee, her favorite playlist, and a stack of romance and thrillers on her nightstand.

Her stories deliver equal parts edge-of-your-seat suspense and swoon-worthy romance — perfect for readers who like their love stories dark, dangerous, and impossible to put down.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
24 (44%)
4 stars
12 (22%)
3 stars
16 (29%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Stella Marchione.
394 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2024
Amazing. Wonderful. I want so much more of Phoenix and Logan! Cannot wait til the sequal!!!!
Profile Image for Lexa K.
186 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2024
Drowning On Land is an action-packed tale of drugs, violence, and abuse.

There is no build-up to this story. You are plunged right into the action from the first page when first introduced to the female protagonist; Phoenix 'Nix' Mason.

This was a quick read and I was intrigued to find out how the tale would unravel, though at times some of the events in the story seemed to be quite rushed and could have been explored much more.

I would have liked a bit more build-up and some more backstory into the Aryan brotherhood and the goings on around town, but maybe this will be explored more in the next instalment.

I do look forward to the next book to see where this series will go.

Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me access to this book via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Chasity.
111 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2024
First off i want to start with this book is dark. There is A LOT of things here that could be triggering for people. With that being said we follow the FMC while she struggles with family drama, and navigating events that happen. This book definitely hurt my heart with everything this woman had to deal with, while also rooting for her to overcome it all for her and her sister. This book ends on a cliffhanger. I'm not sure yet if I will continue on with the next book since I felt like a few more scenes could have helped understand the events more and what lead up to why things happend the way they did.
Profile Image for Victoria Brackett.
50 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2024
The writing is fluid enough to keep you intrigued, and you're immediately caught up by Phoenix and Ivy's tragic story, but I feel like there was just enough detail missing that although I read the entire book, I don't feel invested. I'll keep an eye out for the sequel as this one ended on a cliffhanger and maybe my questions will be answered!
Profile Image for  ✧Hazel˖°.
13 reviews20 followers
August 5, 2024
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
Overall: ☆☆☆
Plot:☆☆☆
𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
I would like to thank Netgalley for letting me read the ARC for this book.
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖎𝖙:
To be honest, the cover made me read the description and the description made me read the book.
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
I am giving it 3 stars because of many reasons.
1. There is no build-up to this story. You are plunged right into the action from the first page when first introduced to the FMC. This sometimes works for books but in this one I felt it made the story feel rushed.
2. I would have liked a bit more build-up and some more backstory into the Aryan brotherhood as I feel it would have answered my questions and made the story easier to read. HOWEVER, maybe if there is to be another book, it will cover this?
3. This is a good reason: the author's writing is raw with a strong emotive but yet confessional tone that makes you feel like you're reading the FMC's mind or her diary.
4. The ending also feels a bit rushed, with some of the plot left unresolved
5. One last good thing:
The author does not shy away from the brutal realities of life. And because of this I feel it provokes the reader to really think about some of the life challenges that the book presents.
The blurb:
I’m surrounded by abusers and abused. Addicts numbing away their pain, creating chaos. Criminals stealing, lying, hurting.
I want out, but no one leaves my family.
I can’t give in. I’m in love with Logan, a retired Army Ranger, who survived the war in Afghanistan, but might die here, trying to protect me.
The Aryan Brotherhood wants revenge for what they think my family did. For what they think I did. They’ll kill me once they find out the truth.
I did what I had to do. No one leaves and gets away clean. I’m becoming the monster I swore I’d never become. I’m doing it for Logan, for my little sister. They have to survive, even if I won’t.
So dear reader, do you think you can handle the truth? Keep reading, if you dare. I’ll tell you all my secrets. I’m risking everything, betraying everyone. But I’ll tell you. I have to tell you.

🇩​​🇮​​🇸​​🇨​​🇱​​🇦​​🇮​​🇲​​🇪​​🇷​
Some scenes may be triggering for readers who have experienced abuse or violence, so if you decide to read this book please keep that in mind.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1 review1 follower
July 16, 2024
"Drowning On Land" is a heart-pumping, intense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story follows a young woman who is trapped in a dangerous and abusive environment, surrounded by criminals and addicts. Despite the risks, she longs to escape and start a new life with her loved ones.

As the plot unfolds, the stakes grow higher and higher. The Aryan Brotherhood is seeking revenge, and the protagonist's secrets threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. With each twist and turn, the tension builds, making it impossible to put the book down.

The writing is raw and visceral, with a strong confessional tone that makes you feel like you're reading the protagonist's private diary. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with flaws and strengths that make them relatable and human.

Logan, the retired Army Ranger, is a particularly compelling character, whose love and protection for the protagonist drive the story forward.

*Highlights:*

- Fast-paced and suspenseful plot
- Well-developed and complex characters
- Raw and visceral writing style
- Emotional and intense storyline

*Lowlights:*

- Some scenes may be triggering for readers who have experienced abuse or violence
- The ending feels a bit rushed, with some plot threads left unresolved

*Recommendation:*

If you enjoy thrillers and suspense stories with complex characters and intense plotlines, "Drowning On Land" is a must-read. However, be warned that the content may be disturbing for some readers.
1 review1 follower
July 21, 2024
Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down.

"Drowning on Land" is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that plunges the reader into a world of abuse, addiction, and criminality, where survival comes at the cost of one's own humanity. Phoenix, is surrounded by a life filled with danger and desperation, driven by a fierce determination to protect those she loves.

Phoenix's struggle is palpable as she navigates the harrowing reality of her family's criminal ties and their yearning for a better life. This internal conflict is heightened by her relationship with Logan. Logan's presence adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as his own battle scars mirror Phoenix's internal war.

"Drowning on Land" does not shy away from the brutal realities of life. The unflinching depiction of addiction, abuse, and moral ambiguity is both unsettling and thought-provoking. The narrative challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about loyalty, sacrifice, and the human capacity for both cruelty and redemption
201 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2024
This book was great, I really got sucked into it. It had me on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going on and what was coming up.i really didn't know what to expect, but I was invested. The reason I didn't give it a higher rating was two main things for me the book just jumped right into it which is fine, but I did have to get some context of who people were to the main character. Some were more explicitly explained the others that was a bit jarring and also sometimes the conversations were labeled well so I didn't understand who said what right away, and Secondly the book ended on a cliffhanger, but it was such as cliffhanger that it was like middle of a scene. I mean, it's a really pivotal moment, but I honestly wasn't expecting a continuation, so I was a bit surprised. Overall, it's a great book. I just would like more context about location and characters personally.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,755 reviews140 followers
July 8, 2024
Hey, thrill-seekers! Drowning on Land is one wild ride you won't want to miss! Picture this: a tough-as-nails heroine, tangled up in a family mess that's straight out of a crime thriller. There's danger, there's drama, and there's Logan, the swoon-worthy ex-Army Ranger who's got our girl's back through it all. Why should you read this book? Because it's a rollercoaster of secrets, betrayal, and heart-pounding action! You'll be on the edge of your seat, itching to uncover every twist and turn. So grab your copy, buckle up, and get ready for a thrilling read that'll keep you guessing till the very end! 🚀
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,732 reviews124 followers
July 9, 2024
Drowning on Land plunges readers into a world of danger and deception. Phoenix, caught in a web of family secrets and criminal vendettas, faces impossible choices to protect her loved ones, including Logan, a resilient Army Ranger. The story is intense and emotionally charged, drawing me in with its raw portrayal of sacrifice and survival. I found myself deeply engrossed in the characters' struggles and rooting for their resilience amidst chaos. This book is a great read that explores the lengths one will go to for love and loyalty, making it a memorable story.
Profile Image for Amanda Headrick.
4 reviews
July 24, 2024
Very disappointing

The author just starts telling the story in what seems like the middle. No scene setting , no introduction of the characters. The first few pages I had the gender of the main character wrong. I may be mistaken that this is Book 1 because this book just stops. You have to buy the next book for any kind of closure. I think I'll save my $ and look for a different series. Also, this book needs editing; missing words and poor grammar that aren't conducive to the story line
Profile Image for R. Hollis.
Author 21 books12 followers
January 24, 2025
Good read

This is really, really dark and could use an editor in some places, but it will make you feel. Anger and disgust, sympathy, hope--the characters draw you in, each protecting their own idea of family. However twisted, this boils down to family. Phoenix, determined to rise from the ashes and save her sister while escaping with her boyfriend, is one family, then you have the drug addled corner with her Arian relatives. All fighting for family, whether blood or blood oath. If you like a dark, suspension read, this is for you.
16.7k reviews156 followers
July 8, 2024
She wants to escape but no one escapes the family, never. She has fallen in love but she knows they will never allow her to leave. She is worried she is becoming like her family but is she? How will she get on? Can she escape? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
Profile Image for Brad Dude.
Author 12 books6 followers
July 9, 2024
This first installment of a two-part story, depicts poor people caught up in a family drama of drugs, alcohol, and crime, including murder. The main characters do not engender a rooting interest but rather you empathize with the hopelessness of their lives and can only wish they find a way out of their dire situations. Interesting read.
Profile Image for TheLisaD.
1,110 reviews21 followers
July 14, 2024
Dark is a great word for this one and I’m sure trigger warnings. This has drugs, SA, gangs, and so much more. It’s the story of someone born into that life who desperately wants out and to be with the man she loves. Though it’s not that easy to just leave that life behind and Phoenix is learning all about that.
Profile Image for Jen .
282 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2024
This is such a fast-paced and suspenseful read! The constant threat of danger had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Through everything, the main character is so strong and determined. I could really feel her desperation to protect her loved ones when her life is at risk staying in this messed up town.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Fowler.
Author 6 books17 followers
July 11, 2024
what a story

Written from Phoenix’s POV, the concise and clean formatting and dialogue gave great depth to the plot line. Logan and Phoenix are complicated yet lovable. A good read. Highly recommend!
115 reviews
August 4, 2024
This book was insane to read haha a thriller,a love story,a story of family and how devastatingly destructive they can be,and also how far you're willing to go for them!!! Incredible character development and a powerfully emotional plot line!
2 reviews
August 4, 2024
WOW! Ok, I skipped my yoga class to read this book. It was so gripping. I read the entire thing in one day. Family drama, intense love story, danger, criminals, addicts. I would highly recommend this book. I haven't read a lot of books like this. It's a true page turner.
Profile Image for Catherine Matthews.
60 reviews
September 17, 2025
*I received a free copy via GoodReads giveaways*

The story was compelling, but felt rushed at times. The constant grammatical errors/typos really tarnished the experience for me. Though I do love Logan and Phoenix, their sex scenes mostly felt unnecessary and out of place.
Profile Image for Brittany Osmers.
Author 4 books17 followers
July 3, 2024
Read this book start to finish in one night! Could NOT put it down. WOW 10/10 highly recommend.
Profile Image for Paul Leverell.
239 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2024
ysterious

A great mystery suspense novel that kept me guessing all the way until the end. I would recommend this book to all lovers of this genre.
Profile Image for James Parker.
Author 11 books25 followers
November 5, 2024
Lots of action

This is a well written book that has a lot of action and I believe a lot of people are going to enjoy reading it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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