If I Had Been There: Explicit Version

by E. Lynn

CRESSIDA
The camp that has been in Cressida’s family for generations no longer feels like a safe haven. Instead, it is the place where all her happiness was stolen. The only thing she wants to do now is get rid of it. So the process of fixing and selling begins, but when someone is fighting her around every turn, she can’t help but think it must be the same person who left five corpses on the property nearly the same number of years ago. She needs to find answers to the questions that have plagued her.
DECKER
Decker will do anything to find out what happened to Kailee. She was there one night and gone the next. The camp she was heading to the night she disappeared has been put up for sale, and what better realtor to sell it than him? With full access to the property, it’s time to search for clues about what happened to Kailee. He can only hope they haven’t vanished like she did.

With explicit intimate content.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Had Been There by E. Lynn is a suspense-filled thriller that plunges readers into a tangled web of secrets, danger, and haunting memories. Cressida’s family cabin once served as a sanctuary, but now it’s a place she’s desperate to leave behind. As she attempts to sell the property, mysterious forces seem determined to stop her—forces tied to the discovery of five corpses buried nearby.

Decker, a tenacious investigator, has his own mission: to track down Kaillee, whose connection to the gruesome events might hold the key to solving the mystery. As Decker and Cressida’s paths converge, they uncover chilling truths about betrayal, survival, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

E. Lynn’s masterful storytelling combines atmospheric tension, intricate plotting, and complex character dynamics. Themes of loss, trust, and resilience are woven into a gripping narrative that keeps readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. Perfect for fans of tightly wound mysteries and psychological thrillers.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I Had Been There is a romantic suspense story featuring Cressida and Decker. She's back in her home town to sell her family cabin and he's the realtor. They both have tragic pasts, his sister went missing and her family was unalived. She doesn't know that he's hiding a part of himself from her as they grow closer. Things come to light as Cress's past comes back to haunt her. Can she learn to trust him fully? Will her past come back to destroy her?

[Samanthasue218 · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers. Read via Kindle -ARC.

What a ride! I loved the suspense of what happened in the past and how it was affecting the present. So glad we got the FMC and the MMC POV chapters. I enjoyed the flashbacks each MC character had to get glimpses of what they went through before and then what they thought present day about it. The characters are enjoyable. I liked having the real-life aspect of text messages, phone calls, work, and real life problems to make it more realistic. The adventure and thrills had me so intrigued I wanted to binge in one sitting. The plot, setting, and characters were great for this book.

Would I recommend? YES, if you want a story with a thrill, support this indie author!

[Samantha Necaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!
I received this as an ARC.
E. Lynn knows how to keep readers intrigued!
This book took me about four hours to finish, I couldn’t put it down!
You will be guessing throughout the entire book, I was hooked!
The mystery and murder are on point.
The spice was just right!
I will always recommend her books!!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The mystery plot kept me guessing and I loved how Cressida and Decker came together to solve what happened to her family all those years ago.

Also that little extra twist about you know who, man I didn’t see that coming!

Loved this book!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the digital ARC version - was not paid or incentivized for my review ❤️

Cressida heads back to rural northern Vermont to get ready to sell the family camp that has been in her family for generations. Although it was once a place of happy memories, that all abruptly ended the day she found the five dead bodies of her family on the property. Now she only wants to fix it up enough to sell it. But someone seems to be fighting her every step of the way, and though she’s not sure who, she can only assume it is the unidentified killer of her family.

Decker grew up in the same small town as Cressida’s family camp. He steps in as a real estate agent and handyman to help her fix it up to sell. But he’s not honest with her real intentions, wanting to discover anything that can explain the mysterious disappearance of his sister Kailee years ago. He’s convinced Cressida’s family camp holds the clues, but he doesn’t want her to know why he’s really helping.

This book is written in a dual POV between the two main characters, Decker and Cressida. It is a small town mystery/thriller mixed with romance.

This was my first book by this indie author and I will definitely be reading more!!

[Mary Cronmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really not a non-fantasy reader but I’ve loved everything that E. Lynn has written. And this was no exception. I was lucky enough to be one of her ARC readers and this book was so good, I could hardly put it down. It was easy to get lost in Cressida and Decker’s story and I was definitely left wanting more. Such a good thriller and I’m looking forward to more of her books.

[April L · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I Had Been There by E. Lynn
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

This book provides an emotional and suspenseful story. Though the story starts at a slower pace, the evocative writing and layered characters keep you engaged for the most part. The descriptiveness and slow unraveling of mysteries require patience but are ultimately rewarding, as the ending ties up all loose ends in a deeply satisfying way.

The novel centers on Cressida and Decker, two seemingly unconnected characters whose lives are unknowingly bound by a tragedy from years past. As their paths cross again, secrets begin to surface and answers are found, revealing a shared history shaped by heartbreak and loss. Adding spice to the drama are the romantic and sexy scenes scattered throughout the book. These moments heighten the emotional stakes and deepen the connection between the characters, offering an intensity that keeps the story fresh and engaging.

For fans of character-driven dramas with a touch of suspense, this book is well worth the read.

[Heather27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed the story, kept me interested to know what happens next. New author and it shows a bit, trying real hard to describe the scene (which she did), but at times was more than what was needed! E Lynn will go far! She is one to watch!!!

[Cicily Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book of E. Lynn's that I have had the pleasure of reading and it really was that. A PLEASURE. It has been a long time since I have read a book that I couldn't put down or get enough of. The plot, the character development, the romantic aspect, the suspense, all oh so yummy! I devoured this in a little over a day and am already so excited for reading more from E. Lynn. An absolute masterpiece!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story!

✨ Dual POV
✨ Finding happiness after tragedy
✨ Mystery, humor, romance, suspense, sadness & joy

Two people, tied together by tragedy, connect as they both search for closure. Author E. Lynn does an excellent job building the characters of this story to help you connect with them. You can feel their emotions through her writing.

This is a quick read because once you start, you won't want to put it down.

[Skylar Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an arc via kindle. Thank you to BookFunnel and author E. Lynn for giving the opportunity! Spoiled free review!

E. Lynn has a way of writing a suspenseful romance that will keep you on your toes! My head was literally spinning trying to figure out who it was and who was “helping”. I jumped from person to person! I devoured this story! I loved the dual POV.

Only downfall for me is how she didn’t know who he (love interest) was. How she didn’t realizes or put it together.

[Trisha Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good romantic suspense that will keep you guessing. I love how the past also affects the present and how he is also hiding things from Cassandra.

[Kallie Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cressida goes back to her family’s old camp to clean it up and get it ready to sell. She has a hard time going back because of the events that happened there in the past.

Her realtor, Decker, has a familiarity to her but she can’t quite put her finger on it & she also finds him attractive. He holds his own secrets and has his own agenda with that camp and its history.

Things take a turn, and then it’s a downhill slope of twists and turns from there!
There are family murders, family betrayal, hidden identity, trauma, & love all wrapped up in this book.

The suspense is 4.5 out of 5 stars for me! The slow burn romance was great & I love how it ended… 😉

Thank you to Author E. Lynn for letting me read the ARC! It will be released to the public on January 15th!! 🤩

[Tasha Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. I loved the twists and turns that i didn’t expect and it kept me on my toes. The ending left me wanting more

This is my 3rd book of E. Lynn’s and she never disappoints.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, the plot had several twists that kept you guessing who was really to blame. This was a fast pace book that made you want to keep you turning pages to find out what was going to happen next!

[Tara Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book was emotional in a quiet, heavy way

If I Had Been There (Explicit Edition) by E. Lynn


Cressida returning to the camp felt like her being forced to finally face the grief she’s been carrying for years. The memories, the guilt, and the unanswered questions followed her every step, and you could really feel how much the past still controlled her present.

The explicit edition added depth to the story. The intimate moments were raw and emotional, not just physical, and they fit naturally with the history and tension between the characters. It made their connection feel real and messy in the best way.

I liked how this story balanced emotion with suspense. It wasn’t just about romance — it was about grief, healing, and learning how to face the past.

Thank you to E. Lynn for the anniversary ARC of the explicit edition. This story stayed with me long after I finished it.

[Bailey C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cressida and Deckers story is full of trial and triumph. Lies, secrets and sacrifices. There were so many twists and turns and it truly draws the line between family that is blood and those we choose to love. I read the explicit version and it was just the right amounts of violence, love, lust and chaos. Thank you so much E. Lynn for allowing me to take part in this book release. I highly recommend.

[Stacey Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. This book was so good! I was hooked almost immediately with so many questions I needed answers to! I think the only thing that I questioned was the use of the word "middle" in place of "stomach" so often, but it really didn't bother me. If you love a good thriller and romance with some great spice, this one has it all!

[Kayla Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book definitely kept me hooked. I loved all the twists and turns. I spent the whole time trying to figure out the story. Didn't see that ending coming! All the characters were very well written and and the back stories were wild.

[Megan Huenergardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read via Kindle-ARC
This story was amazing! I loved how you got the dual POV’s! I loved how we got both their past and saw how it was affecting their present! I was picking this up every chance I got and may have stayed up late a few nights! This thriller with romance is *chef’s kiss!!

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Childhood Trauma
-Murders
-SLOW burn romance

If I had been there by E. Lynn, is a suspense -filled thriller that instantly shows how twisted the secrets are within Cressida's Family. It all started in Cressida's Family Cabin, when her whole family was murdered. Ten years later, Cressida is trying to let go of her past and sell the cabin, but the need to find out who did this to her family started to haunt her all over again. As she attempts to sell the property, mysterious things start happening, preventing her from selling the house quickly.

THE SUSPENSE NEARLY KILLED ME (okay, didn't kill me...) BUT my heart did not feel the same after finishing the book for like an hour after, The last 5 chapters I could NOT put it down.


If your looking for a suspense romance, this book is for you. It was the type of book you knew who did it but just what was that person going to do is what drove my mind wild.

Memorable quotes:
"Then stop eye fucking me"
"Five years is a long time to not have any free time"
"The ominous meaning of the knife's presence made her breath hitch and her heart hammer"

[Heather Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It had me guessing from the very start. Well written and it keeps you on edge.

[Rachel Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love supporting local authors

And even more so when the story is captivating. I stayed up way too late to finish this story and to read more about the grumpy realtor.

[Sammi Applegate · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read. I didn’t want to put it down. This book will keep you thinking.

[Brittany A Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.Lynn did an amazing job invoking every emotion. The rollercoster of emotions I went through reading this book. I enjoyed every moment.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

First off, if you like romantic suspense, pick this book up now!! It was so good. I didn’t want to put it down. It did take me a little bit to get into it, but after the 40% mark, it’s unputdownable. This had me staying up late and getting up early to finish it. The suspense aspect is more prominent than the romance, but the romance is still so good.

Our fmc’s entire family was murdered several years ago, and the killer was never found. She’s finally ready to sell the property where it all happened, but someone is watching and trying to make sure she won’t be able to sell it. In comes the handsome realtor who has alternative motives to helping. His sister disappeared when they were younger never to be heard from again, and he’s determined to look around the place and see if he can find clues on to what happened to her. Could the cases be related?

Don’t sleep on this book! I was so pleasantly surprised how much I loved it. It really deserves so much more hype. Thank you E. Lynn for sending a review copy my way.

[Shanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I have to say it was really good. You have Cressida, who lost her whole family in one night to a brutal killer. She wants to leave the past behind and sell her families cabin. Then there is Decker, who Cressida believes is a relator, but has a secret and an alternative motive to be helping Cressida...finding out the truth behind his sisters disappearance years ago. However, what was supposed to be a quick fix and sell of the property mysterious things, and people, seem to keep interfering. In the process bring both Cressida and Decker closer together. Who killed Cressida's family? Is Decker's sister really missing and who is to blame. Hiding behind the lies is the truth and in the end will Cressida and Decker get the closure they need!

[Tracey Mele · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! I stumbled upon a new to me author and what a treat. This suspense thriller, with a hint of romance, was engaging from start to finish, making it hard to put down. While the identity of the killer was laid out fairly early on, the author skillfully wove in some questionable characters and motives that kept me second-guessing my predictions.

The story unfolds through dual points of view, and the transitions felt smooth and logical. Both main characters were incredibly likable, and I found myself rooting for their healing and closure throughout. Their shared past tragedies made their connection believable, and I genuinely hoped for them to find love and healing with each other. I opted for the explicit version, which included some spicy scenes that heightened the drama and emotional depth of the characters and their backstories.

I have a soft spot for sarcastic banter, and I was thoroughly entertained. Decker, the grumpy sunshine type, kept a smile on my face the entire time.

If I had to nitpick, it would be that the author sometimes struggled with the level of detail. In the beginning, there were a few analogies that dragged a bit, but in a suspense thriller, I appreciate those details. Conversely, some scenes lacked enough context, and I found myself flipping back a few times to make sure I didn’t miss anything. For instance, there was a scene where Cress was on the roof, and Decker was mentioned as being downstairs—then suddenly, he’s on the roof with her! Where did he come from? There were a couple of those ‘instant teleportation’ moments, which could’ve used more buildup.

But honestly, these quirks didn’t dampen my enjoyment one bit! The suspense and excitement kept me thoroughly entertained and I will be looking for more books by E. Lynn

[kb read it & wept · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

tropes:

✨small town romance
✨stalker
✨mystery

I received this book as an anniversary ARC, and I’ll be honest.. I’m very particular about romantic suspense. This one hit the nail dead on the head.

I loved how everything came full circle. Nothing felt wasted, nothing felt rushed it was so satisfying to watch it all come together.

Decker… sir. What. A. MAN. And Cressida? An absolute warrior. Watching these two defy every odd, survive the unimaginable, and still find love in the middle of it all? I was SAT. Not moving. Emotionally invested.

Thank you for a truly suspenseful story, one that had me regretting my life choices while reading at 3am 😭😂 A powerful mix of tragedy, healing, and love. So, so good.

My only beef was the miscommunication trope playing a large role (not a big fan of it), but also i get why it was there!!!

if you like safe haven… you’ll LOVE this.. make sure to check trigger warnings, it does cover some dark topics!!