Under the Surface

by J.D. Setzer

Ethan Hayes has spent his life trapped in his own mind, battling the shadows of a traumatic childhood and a toxic relationship that nearly destroyed him. After a devastating breakup with his manipulative ex-girlfriend, he spirals into a deep depression, culminating in a suicide attempt that lands him in the hospital. Just when he’s convinced there’s nothing left worth living for, he meets Lena Carter—a woman with her own scars but a heart full of light.



Lena sees Ethan’s pain in ways no one else does. She refuses to let him drown in it. As their connection deepens, Ethan learns to trust, love, and believe in himself again. But healing isn’t linear, and as old wounds resurface and Ethan’s past threatens to pull him under again, he must will he fight for the future Lena is showing him, or let his past consume him?


A heartbreaking yet hopeful romance about love, healing, and the courage to fight for another chance at life.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2025

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For everyone who has felt less-than. For everyone who struggles with a painful past that affects their today...this is your book. A mixture of failure, hope, love and promise...this book makes you feel all the feels.

[Brittany Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most raw and vulnerable emotions are displayed in this book. The strength it takes to pull yourself up to rebuild everything in you that has been beaten and broken. Determination, patience, love, unwavering support and faith. I got such goosebumps reading this one. I felt every page deep in my soul. A deep understanding of this book. I feel like J.D allows his readers into his life with this one. Tough topics, self-love, strength, knowledge, courage. He brings so much to his readers in this one. I'm locked in as a fan and can't wait to read more by him.