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The McCain Saga #3
Depths of Lake
It was another day at the ranch, training horses and working fifteen hour days. And then the last person I ever expected showed up. Lake McCain: a Marine, tall, ripped—and the best friend of my dead fiancé. Cal died to save Lake, and now Lake claims that he carries a debt to me that he can never repay.
I wanted to brush him off. But then my mom, the manager of the ranch, went and hired him. We spend hours working together with the horses. Lake doesn’t say much. He’s layered and dark and he tries to seem shallow and simple. But he isn’t. There are things under his surface that matter. He works, quiet and strong, and never once lets me down.
Until he confesses that he may be falling in love with me. I can’t deny that there is something between us. But a relationship? I just can’t. I’ve used up all my chances at love. My past relationships have ended in death or disaster, and now I have to live with all of that.
I’m Riley James, and there are depths to Lake—depths to myself—that I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand.
The McCain Saga
EVER AFTER DRAKE
MOMENTS OF JULIAN
DEPTHS OF LAKE
PLAYING IT KALE (January 20, 2014)
I wanted to brush him off. But then my mom, the manager of the ranch, went and hired him. We spend hours working together with the horses. Lake doesn’t say much. He’s layered and dark and he tries to seem shallow and simple. But he isn’t. There are things under his surface that matter. He works, quiet and strong, and never once lets me down.
Until he confesses that he may be falling in love with me. I can’t deny that there is something between us. But a relationship? I just can’t. I’ve used up all my chances at love. My past relationships have ended in death or disaster, and now I have to live with all of that.
I’m Riley James, and there are depths to Lake—depths to myself—that I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand.
The McCain Saga
EVER AFTER DRAKE
MOMENTS OF JULIAN
DEPTHS OF LAKE
PLAYING IT KALE (January 20, 2014)
Unknown Binding
First published October 3, 2014
354 people are currently reading
741 people want to read
About the author
Keary Taylor
82 books2,104 followersKeary Taylor is the USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now splits her time between a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest and Utah, with her husband and their two children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 9, 2023
2.5 Stars
This was an easy read for the most part. The patriotism was pretty funny ngl. Our main couple didn’t really have a lot of chemistry and their sudden feelings seemingly came from nowhere. To be quite honest, the book was a bit of a mess but it still entertained me so I give it a pass.
This was an easy read for the most part. The patriotism was pretty funny ngl. Our main couple didn’t really have a lot of chemistry and their sudden feelings seemingly came from nowhere. To be quite honest, the book was a bit of a mess but it still entertained me so I give it a pass.
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August 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/24/2019)! 🎁
August 27, 2019
Enjoyable story.
Just not a fan of romance with no sex scenes.
Just not a fan of romance with no sex scenes.
August 28, 2019
Enjoyable
Well written story. I enjoyed the characters and their stories. Looking forward to reading more from this author. No foul language no sex.
Well written story. I enjoyed the characters and their stories. Looking forward to reading more from this author. No foul language no sex.
August 11, 2016
Depths of Lake - Book 3 in the McCain Saga
This is such a moving love story. Lake McCain and Riley James have both lived through terrible events in their pasts.
Riley's father and her fiance, Cal, were both casualties of war. Her dad retired from the Marines, only to have an old piece of shrapnel dislodge into his brain stem. Cal jumped in front of an IED blast preventing several other Marine soldiers from being killed. He was a hero and he was Lake's best friend.
Lake, considering himself forever in Cal's debt, but having no way of ever repaying him, seeks Riley out at her family's ranch as a means to say 'thank you' to Cal for his bravery.
Upon arriving at the ranch, he is offered a job by Riley's mother, much to Riley's dismay.
Riley's past love life is littered with failure, heartbreak, and unwanted attention. She isn't sure of her feelings for Lake, but she is adamant that she doesn't deserve anymore chances at love.
Excerpt:
“Why do you care?” I whisper. Lake’s eyes are bright and serious and suddenly seem unsure. His hands tighten at his hips, and he shifts his weight from one leg to the other.
“Because you’re the most amazing damn woman I’ve ever met, Riley,” he finally says. His voice is soft and quiet. But it’s calm and sure. “Because the thought of any other man touching you makes my stomach sick. But the sight of you treating yourself like less than you are, the way you did tonight, that was about as damn bad as watching my best friend get blown to pieces.”
My throat feels tight and tears threaten to fall down my face. “Why?” I say. The word comes out broken and strangled. “Why would you tell me this? You know…” my voice cuts out as one single tear falls down my cheek. “You know, and Cal… And then you go and say something like that.”
Lake takes a step closer to me. He holds my eyes the whole time, firm and steady. There’s been a wall up in Lake, keeping me and everyone in the world out, and it just got blown to high noon. “I do feel like a traitor,” he says quietly. “I know it’s wrong, and it will never be okay, falling for the woman my best friend was going to marry. But I’m also tired of feeling like I’m drowning. Every damn day. And because I’m tired of watching you drown, too. I wanna breathe again, Riley. And I don’t want you to suffocate either.”
There is no thought or evaluation behind it. There is only my rush forward and my lips on his.
There were several men in Riley's life that had a hand in building the path that Riley is on today. Will Lake be the one at the end of that path?
Excerpt:
There was Kyle. My first lover who showed me passion. With his aggressive, hot desire and devil-may-care smile.
There was Cal. Who showed me what real love was and showed me that it was okay to take things slow and get them right.
And here is Lake. Who’s been waiting and waiting. Who saved me from the brink of destruction.
There shouldn’t be three men in my head. And Lake is wrong. My legs have been blown off. If we go here, I won’t stand back up again.
I would never survive losing Lake.
This is such a moving love story. Lake McCain and Riley James have both lived through terrible events in their pasts.
Riley's father and her fiance, Cal, were both casualties of war. Her dad retired from the Marines, only to have an old piece of shrapnel dislodge into his brain stem. Cal jumped in front of an IED blast preventing several other Marine soldiers from being killed. He was a hero and he was Lake's best friend.
Lake, considering himself forever in Cal's debt, but having no way of ever repaying him, seeks Riley out at her family's ranch as a means to say 'thank you' to Cal for his bravery.
Upon arriving at the ranch, he is offered a job by Riley's mother, much to Riley's dismay.
Riley's past love life is littered with failure, heartbreak, and unwanted attention. She isn't sure of her feelings for Lake, but she is adamant that she doesn't deserve anymore chances at love.
Excerpt:
“Why do you care?” I whisper. Lake’s eyes are bright and serious and suddenly seem unsure. His hands tighten at his hips, and he shifts his weight from one leg to the other.
“Because you’re the most amazing damn woman I’ve ever met, Riley,” he finally says. His voice is soft and quiet. But it’s calm and sure. “Because the thought of any other man touching you makes my stomach sick. But the sight of you treating yourself like less than you are, the way you did tonight, that was about as damn bad as watching my best friend get blown to pieces.”
My throat feels tight and tears threaten to fall down my face. “Why?” I say. The word comes out broken and strangled. “Why would you tell me this? You know…” my voice cuts out as one single tear falls down my cheek. “You know, and Cal… And then you go and say something like that.”
Lake takes a step closer to me. He holds my eyes the whole time, firm and steady. There’s been a wall up in Lake, keeping me and everyone in the world out, and it just got blown to high noon. “I do feel like a traitor,” he says quietly. “I know it’s wrong, and it will never be okay, falling for the woman my best friend was going to marry. But I’m also tired of feeling like I’m drowning. Every damn day. And because I’m tired of watching you drown, too. I wanna breathe again, Riley. And I don’t want you to suffocate either.”
There is no thought or evaluation behind it. There is only my rush forward and my lips on his.
There were several men in Riley's life that had a hand in building the path that Riley is on today. Will Lake be the one at the end of that path?
Excerpt:
There was Kyle. My first lover who showed me passion. With his aggressive, hot desire and devil-may-care smile.
There was Cal. Who showed me what real love was and showed me that it was okay to take things slow and get them right.
And here is Lake. Who’s been waiting and waiting. Who saved me from the brink of destruction.
There shouldn’t be three men in my head. And Lake is wrong. My legs have been blown off. If we go here, I won’t stand back up again.
I would never survive losing Lake.
June 17, 2015
Enjoyed, but not as much as book two. I thought there might be more to Lake's story than there really was. I felt for him, but I felt like by the end his backstory wasn't given as much depth as I had hoped to see. Riley was a nice enough character. This one was a bit more of a predictable story, unlike how I felt about Sage and Julian. Unfortunately, since I have also read book four now, this was probably my least favorite. But it was still a good read.
Content: clean but with a few remarks that are "suggestive" and mention of sex, but no description of any in book between the characters
Content: clean but with a few remarks that are "suggestive" and mention of sex, but no description of any in book between the characters
October 15, 2014
I am one of the truly lucky ones that got to read Depths of Lake before its release. It's been a long time since I picked up a book and was not able to put it down until I finished it...but the story of Riley James and Lake McCain sucked me in and wouldn't let go of me. The way that Keary Taylor tells you their story really makes you feel like you are there. It's like a could smell the cedar and hay of the barns. If you are looking for a story about real love, and sacrifice, and friendship, then you will love Depths of Lake. I know I did...and I do not normally read these types of books! I also want to add that I have read a number of Keary's books and I must say, it is absolutely wonderful to watch her grow as a writer. Her ability to paint you a picture with words and make you feel things that the characters are feeling is amazing. I can't wait to read more of what is to come from this talented author.
February 20, 2016
Another great addition the the McCain Saga. With each book, I fall more and more in love with this family. They are not perfect, but there is so much love and support for and from each and every member. Lake returns from active duty, and feels he owes a debt to his best friend's fiancee. Riley is still reeling from the loss of, what she believes, is her last chance at love. They both are so wounded and not really living, but rather, just going through the motions. I think Taylor did a great job of conveying this desperation, and loss. I love Riley and Lake together, and I loved the boyish excitement Riley brought out in him. This book had a great balance of all those elements to yield a sweet and heartfelt romance.
October 12, 2014
This talented young author delivers yet again and proves that she deserves to be on our MUST READ list. In Depths Of Lake our hearts are opened to the very real fear of relationship failure, deep loss and learning to breathe again. The added shadow of a dark character from the past adds an unexpected bite. This book is the third in the series The McCain Saga and I am loving how each of the siblings gives a totally different vibe back to the reader. Have to say, Lake is my favorite so far...love those military boys. Feeling blessed to have had an early read on this one.
August 30, 2019
Language: R (42 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG13 (nudity and mentions of sex); Violence: PG13 (stalking and mentions of war, death, and PTSD)
The story was a fun read most of the time, though I was a little annoyed there in the middle with some of Riley's choices. I put the book down for a couple of days and still wasn't looking forward to continuing how it was. Thankfully, things got better, and I enjoyed the happy ending that brought it all together. Overall, I don't not like this book, I just don't love it.
The story was a fun read most of the time, though I was a little annoyed there in the middle with some of Riley's choices. I put the book down for a couple of days and still wasn't looking forward to continuing how it was. Thankfully, things got better, and I enjoyed the happy ending that brought it all together. Overall, I don't not like this book, I just don't love it.
January 8, 2016
“So you keep your ocean, I'll take the Lake.”
― Colleen Hoover, Slammed
This one is second best in this series, I really liked it. Both Lake and Riley had to move on from their past and they are perfect for each other. Now, it only leaves us Kale and I hope his story is good too.
― Colleen Hoover, Slammed
This one is second best in this series, I really liked it. Both Lake and Riley had to move on from their past and they are perfect for each other. Now, it only leaves us Kale and I hope his story is good too.
November 25, 2019
Grief materialises in different ways. It can bring together strangers grieving for the same loss.
Lake lost his best friend, Cal in the Marines, and hold himself responsible for his death. In his quest to make amends, he seeks Cal's fiancée to find a way of atoning himself.
Riley is passionate about her work, and somehow this helps her with her grief. She is in desperate need of hired help, and Lake doesn't hesitate to come to the rescue.
Together, Riley and her mother keep their ranch going. It's what Riley lives for, but she doesn't know that she is being threatened, and that her mother is dealing with the situation. As a result, their hard work might be in vain as they might lose everything that they have worked for.
Even though the relationship between Lake and Riley is tentative at best, he comes up with ideas that could save them. This means working more closely to each other. They develop a comfortable friendship. Lake realises that he wants more, and Riley doesn't believe that she deserves happiness. She feels that she has burnt her bridges. Will she be courageous enough to accept the situation and move on?
I admire Lake's quiet confidence and his willingness to help his plans come to fruition even when Riley keeps pushing him away. It's sad watching her struggling with her feelings, but her courage shines when she decides to tackle the threat. Lake's perseverence and Riley's realisation that she can be happy despite the hardship that she has faced are poignant, but brings their journey to a satisfying conclusion.
There were times when I had mix feelings about Riley's attitude, but the idea behind this story made it all worthwhile.
Lake lost his best friend, Cal in the Marines, and hold himself responsible for his death. In his quest to make amends, he seeks Cal's fiancée to find a way of atoning himself.
Riley is passionate about her work, and somehow this helps her with her grief. She is in desperate need of hired help, and Lake doesn't hesitate to come to the rescue.
Together, Riley and her mother keep their ranch going. It's what Riley lives for, but she doesn't know that she is being threatened, and that her mother is dealing with the situation. As a result, their hard work might be in vain as they might lose everything that they have worked for.
Even though the relationship between Lake and Riley is tentative at best, he comes up with ideas that could save them. This means working more closely to each other. They develop a comfortable friendship. Lake realises that he wants more, and Riley doesn't believe that she deserves happiness. She feels that she has burnt her bridges. Will she be courageous enough to accept the situation and move on?
I admire Lake's quiet confidence and his willingness to help his plans come to fruition even when Riley keeps pushing him away. It's sad watching her struggling with her feelings, but her courage shines when she decides to tackle the threat. Lake's perseverence and Riley's realisation that she can be happy despite the hardship that she has faced are poignant, but brings their journey to a satisfying conclusion.
There were times when I had mix feelings about Riley's attitude, but the idea behind this story made it all worthwhile.
September 21, 2019
Sweet clean story. I had trouble relating to the whole army/war/soldier and blind faith in the choices world leaders make. The characters were well developed and give some in sight to what it's like to carry on living when you lost a loved one. If you're interested in stories like that then you would enjoy this book. I don't regret reading it but not my cup of tea.
January 7, 2020
Mostly liked the book
I liked the book but definitely had some issues with how the characters handled Travis. I was really confused as to why they didn’t go to police or why she didn’t tell Lake when he was threatened. He is a trained soldier and definitely seemed like he could handle himself.
I liked the book but definitely had some issues with how the characters handled Travis. I was really confused as to why they didn’t go to police or why she didn’t tell Lake when he was threatened. He is a trained soldier and definitely seemed like he could handle himself.
August 26, 2019
A complete emotional roller coaster of a book that will stay with me forever.😭😭
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5⭐️’s are the least I can give it, it is so deserving of much more.
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I was rooting for this couple from page one and I really felt for these characters. I loved each and everyone of them.🥰
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5⭐️’s are the least I can give it, it is so deserving of much more.
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I was rooting for this couple from page one and I really felt for these characters. I loved each and everyone of them.🥰
September 3, 2019
Loved the characters. Very relative,
Relatable, down to earth.. the content is a very now issue that we all should stop and to always tell a veteran "thank you for your self and those you love." This book passionate without getting smutty.
Relatable, down to earth.. the content is a very now issue that we all should stop and to always tell a veteran "thank you for your self and those you love." This book passionate without getting smutty.
November 7, 2019
Riley runs/works her family’s horse ranch. But after her father’s death she needs help. In comes Lake, best friend of Riley’s late fiance. I enjoyed the book but never really felt the chemistry. Both of them seemed to be really down the whole book. Kind of depressing.
November 19, 2019
Red White And Blue
I love this story and its sweet lines. The story was very heartwarming. I loved the characters there struggles and there good times. It's so nice when things work out in the end and people can come out of the darkness.
I love this story and its sweet lines. The story was very heartwarming. I loved the characters there struggles and there good times. It's so nice when things work out in the end and people can come out of the darkness.
November 25, 2019
Most Heartwarming Story
This book tells Riley's and Lake's story so well that I felt like I was right there watching from the sidelines. There was a lot of heart put into this literary masterpiece. This is a book that I will keep and read again.
This book tells Riley's and Lake's story so well that I felt like I was right there watching from the sidelines. There was a lot of heart put into this literary masterpiece. This is a book that I will keep and read again.
July 3, 2017
Aww this was an enjoyable read
September 9, 2019
Heart
This story has a lot of heart. Enjoyed every word and every moment of this love story. I have not read the other McCain stories i plan to in the near future.
This story has a lot of heart. Enjoyed every word and every moment of this love story. I have not read the other McCain stories i plan to in the near future.
September 16, 2019
Fascinating insight into the problems of surviving military men upon their return home.
Interesting characters
Good story line
Good twist at the end
Good read
Interesting characters
Good story line
Good twist at the end
Good read
October 2, 2019
I loved Lake & Riley's story, brought together by tragedy and a debt, but I believe by a higher power! Probably my favorite read of The McCain Saga!
December 3, 2019
Fantasic story
This is one of the best story ever. I enjoyed all of it and hope to read more of your books thank you
This is one of the best story ever. I enjoyed all of it and hope to read more of your books thank you
April 11, 2020
Lake
First book by this author I read. I really enjoyed it too. I loved the storyline and the strong characters. Well done.
First book by this author I read. I really enjoyed it too. I loved the storyline and the strong characters. Well done.
February 4, 2025
Definitely recommend the McCain series , this is the 3rd book in the series
September 2, 2019
3.5 stars
September 20, 2019
Decent story
It was a decent story just the execution was off for me. I felt as if I was reading someone’s diary rather than a story in full swing narration. There were some parts where I felt too much going on with like the whole Travis stalker element. I felt like it could have been left out. Because the whole story of Riley and Lake was a worthy story of its own. I do love how Riley didn’t immediately jump into love. And I loved Lake’s patience and dedication. The best part was the recognition and sacrifice of American soldiers. This book did need editing.
It was a decent story just the execution was off for me. I felt as if I was reading someone’s diary rather than a story in full swing narration. There were some parts where I felt too much going on with like the whole Travis stalker element. I felt like it could have been left out. Because the whole story of Riley and Lake was a worthy story of its own. I do love how Riley didn’t immediately jump into love. And I loved Lake’s patience and dedication. The best part was the recognition and sacrifice of American soldiers. This book did need editing.
October 23, 2014
Sometime back, I had a soldier love story phase (for the lack of a better word) and during that phase I readed as much soldier love stories as I could manage in 24 hours of my day, right from 15 century sword wars to 21st century star wars.
Even though I am practically in love with this author and mcCain saga series, I assumed it will one of those books where guy suffers PTSD and girl "soothes his soul". But THANK GOD I was proven wrong!
Because Depths of lake is not just about soothing a soul or getting over the past or fighting with survivor guilty and PTSD.... Its about healing. I loved the way it was depicted. Because stories like these can easily get disoriented or off the track.. But somehow it was always there where it should have been.
Also, I was a little apprehensive that, with so many contents, elements and cross stories, it's going to be a big cluster or might be anti-climatic. But every story, back story and cross story was beautifully made to meet its end.
And if there wasn't enough things to love about it, lake's character was such a sweetheart and fiery and passionate that you just cannot help but fall for his disposition. It is said that its not easy to love a mcCain but till now I have managed to love all the mcCains till now..
If someone is looking for complete package of action, emotion and romance, then my recommendation goes to this one Guyzz..
Even though I am practically in love with this author and mcCain saga series, I assumed it will one of those books where guy suffers PTSD and girl "soothes his soul". But THANK GOD I was proven wrong!
Because Depths of lake is not just about soothing a soul or getting over the past or fighting with survivor guilty and PTSD.... Its about healing. I loved the way it was depicted. Because stories like these can easily get disoriented or off the track.. But somehow it was always there where it should have been.
Also, I was a little apprehensive that, with so many contents, elements and cross stories, it's going to be a big cluster or might be anti-climatic. But every story, back story and cross story was beautifully made to meet its end.
And if there wasn't enough things to love about it, lake's character was such a sweetheart and fiery and passionate that you just cannot help but fall for his disposition. It is said that its not easy to love a mcCain but till now I have managed to love all the mcCains till now..
If someone is looking for complete package of action, emotion and romance, then my recommendation goes to this one Guyzz..
February 22, 2016
Although this was an endearing, sweet romance, the style in which it was written made it a less than engaging read for me.
Technically speaking, the book was well written. It was grammatically correct, well punctuated, and with the exception of one glaring typo where a word was omitted, it was generally well edited overall. The problem for me lay in the flow of the narrative.
Riley’s voice was written in a very detached, often abruptly structured way that felt almost robotic at times. She lacked warmth and it made it hard to follow her point of view at times. I didn’t have a problem with her personality—on the contrary, I quite liked her—but still, it wasn’t always easy to follow her narrative, especially near the beginning and ending of the book.
Despite this flaw, I enjoyed the book for the most part. The characters, though not overly deep, were sweet and likeable. The setting was strong, and the romance seemed natural. I liked it. It wasn’t perfect—it lacked some of the engaging quality I’d expected, but it wasn’t a bad book. I’d recommend it as a light weekend read for anyone who might enjoy a contemporary romance between two broken protagonists.
Technically speaking, the book was well written. It was grammatically correct, well punctuated, and with the exception of one glaring typo where a word was omitted, it was generally well edited overall. The problem for me lay in the flow of the narrative.
Riley’s voice was written in a very detached, often abruptly structured way that felt almost robotic at times. She lacked warmth and it made it hard to follow her point of view at times. I didn’t have a problem with her personality—on the contrary, I quite liked her—but still, it wasn’t always easy to follow her narrative, especially near the beginning and ending of the book.
Despite this flaw, I enjoyed the book for the most part. The characters, though not overly deep, were sweet and likeable. The setting was strong, and the romance seemed natural. I liked it. It wasn’t perfect—it lacked some of the engaging quality I’d expected, but it wasn’t a bad book. I’d recommend it as a light weekend read for anyone who might enjoy a contemporary romance between two broken protagonists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews