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Drown : The Flower City Series, Book Three
There’s a reason drowning is often considered a silent death.
Rick is a police lieutenant investigating the disappearance of three women. He’s an arrogant, tattooed loner who’s forced to rely on Jenny for help.
The problem?
She’s an alcoholic and he’s not sure she can be trusted.
He also can’t keep his hands off her.
Jenny’s battle with addiction started spiraling out of control years ago—and she has no interest in seeking help.
While she maintains her life as a functioning alcoholic, Jenny is forced to work with Rick, allowing him access to the construction job site she oversees, which is where the victims were found. The closer they get to cracking the case, the more they learn about each other and their demons, and their walls start to come down.
But if there’s one thing Rick knows, it’s that he can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be saved.
Will he be enough to make Jenny seek help, or will he have to let her hit bottom on her own?
**DROWN is book three of the interconnected Flower City Series but can absolutely be read as a standalone**
Rick is a police lieutenant investigating the disappearance of three women. He’s an arrogant, tattooed loner who’s forced to rely on Jenny for help.
The problem?
She’s an alcoholic and he’s not sure she can be trusted.
He also can’t keep his hands off her.
Jenny’s battle with addiction started spiraling out of control years ago—and she has no interest in seeking help.
While she maintains her life as a functioning alcoholic, Jenny is forced to work with Rick, allowing him access to the construction job site she oversees, which is where the victims were found. The closer they get to cracking the case, the more they learn about each other and their demons, and their walls start to come down.
But if there’s one thing Rick knows, it’s that he can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be saved.
Will he be enough to make Jenny seek help, or will he have to let her hit bottom on her own?
**DROWN is book three of the interconnected Flower City Series but can absolutely be read as a standalone**
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Holly Crocco
4 books16 followersWith each story, I strive to build a world for readers where they can escape. I aim to immerse readers in the lives of my characters. I want them to experience the same sights and sounds and, of course, all the feels. I seek to develop characters that are complex, flawed and, most importantly, real.
And I want them to be so relatable that readers have the characters, and their stories, on their minds long after they have closed their books (or shut off their devices).
But telling a compelling story doesn’t happen in 100 pages. So, if you prefer a quick read, I’m probably not the author for you. I don’t write to market, or “by the book.” (See what I did there?) I don’t follow the rules of hitting certain plot points at certain page numbers throughout the book. Rather, I prefer to steer away from the predictable formula.
Does it always work? You tell me.
I’m a stickler for story development. I want my readers to fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main ones. I want them to be able to close their eyes and envision the time and space the character is in. I want them so vested in the story that when the stakes are high, my readers are physically uncomfortable until they reach the resolution.
As a friend has told me, I like to be devastated.
And I want you to be, too.
So, if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that push boundaries and are sometimes messy, and – hopefully – often humorous, give me a shot.
And I want them to be so relatable that readers have the characters, and their stories, on their minds long after they have closed their books (or shut off their devices).
But telling a compelling story doesn’t happen in 100 pages. So, if you prefer a quick read, I’m probably not the author for you. I don’t write to market, or “by the book.” (See what I did there?) I don’t follow the rules of hitting certain plot points at certain page numbers throughout the book. Rather, I prefer to steer away from the predictable formula.
Does it always work? You tell me.
I’m a stickler for story development. I want my readers to fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main ones. I want them to be able to close their eyes and envision the time and space the character is in. I want them so vested in the story that when the stakes are high, my readers are physically uncomfortable until they reach the resolution.
As a friend has told me, I like to be devastated.
And I want you to be, too.
So, if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that push boundaries and are sometimes messy, and – hopefully – often humorous, give me a shot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 30, 2025
thank you to Ember Literary PR for sending me an ARC of Drown.
I have read anything from Holly before, so this is my first book from her. I can tell you it will not be my last. I'll be going back and reading the rest in the series. I absolutely loved this. Rick and Jenny were a mess in the best way possible. I was sobbing by the end of this book, and I have downloaded the epilogue available at the end of the book, too.
There was so much happening in this, I just loved it. I think the only thing that did bother me was Rick continuously calling Jenny, Jennifer 😂 a small thing, but it drove me mad. However, not enough to knock a star off. I loved every second of this.
I have read anything from Holly before, so this is my first book from her. I can tell you it will not be my last. I'll be going back and reading the rest in the series. I absolutely loved this. Rick and Jenny were a mess in the best way possible. I was sobbing by the end of this book, and I have downloaded the epilogue available at the end of the book, too.
There was so much happening in this, I just loved it. I think the only thing that did bother me was Rick continuously calling Jenny, Jennifer 😂 a small thing, but it drove me mad. However, not enough to knock a star off. I loved every second of this.
July 17, 2025
ARC Read
Tattooed cop MMC who needs to rely on the FMC who has a drinking problem to help solve a case? I'm listening... I thought the plot of this book was definitely interesting and I was intrigued. I think the back and forth banter between the two main characters was great! I loved the spicy scenes, however they helped drive the plot forward/the relationship between the two characters. If you're worried that it's too spicy, it makes sense towards the storyline. I think the murder case background kept the pace of the story and helped you to learn about other side characters. I was constantly thinking every new character introduced was the killer! I was pleased with the way that the conflict/case ended and was wrapped up. I also like the open ended feeling to the book to let the reader imagine what potentially happens next. There are 2 other stories prior to this but can be read as a standalone. They do feature characters we come across in this book so it helps to understand the world they live in but didn't feel like I needed to have read the others to understand what was happening in this story.
Tattooed cop MMC who needs to rely on the FMC who has a drinking problem to help solve a case? I'm listening... I thought the plot of this book was definitely interesting and I was intrigued. I think the back and forth banter between the two main characters was great! I loved the spicy scenes, however they helped drive the plot forward/the relationship between the two characters. If you're worried that it's too spicy, it makes sense towards the storyline. I think the murder case background kept the pace of the story and helped you to learn about other side characters. I was constantly thinking every new character introduced was the killer! I was pleased with the way that the conflict/case ended and was wrapped up. I also like the open ended feeling to the book to let the reader imagine what potentially happens next. There are 2 other stories prior to this but can be read as a standalone. They do feature characters we come across in this book so it helps to understand the world they live in but didn't feel like I needed to have read the others to understand what was happening in this story.
Want to read
May 30, 2025😱Is this Jenny Jenny?
Jenny, the other woman from
???
😱It IS that Jenny.
Jenny, the other woman from
???😱It IS that Jenny.
June 29, 2025
4.5 rounded up review to come
Rick is assigned the case of a dead body of a missing girl that showed up at a construction site. Needing to work with their front office to get details to help get to the bottom of the case, he's paired closely with Jenny. The same woman who he hooked up with weeks prior while she was very clearly drinking her life away. When he smells vodka on her breath first thing in the morning, he's disgusted to realize he has to work with an alcoholic while he tries to solve a murder that's come up with far too many, and far too few suspects.
*****
I was not expecting how deeply this novel would dive into alcoholism and addiction. It was a struggle between loving how brilliant and capable the FMC was, and also hating that she had no interest in healing enough to choose sobriety. Part of me did expect her to try to turn her life around at so many points early on during the novel, however seeing her continue to suffer and to inadvertently hurt those around her was oddly satisfying in its accurate portrayal of addiction.
As the juxtaposition of a man that doesn't have immense vices, Rick was such an interesting character. He was so genuinely horrible to Jenny and it takes a bit to truly realize why. Even then, his inability to open up, and his outward actions rife with both care and hatred was such a devastatingly interesting crux to be tied to. He just so desperately needed someone in his life to choose him, just as Jenny needed someone to see her, and their pairing was immaculate.
I loved that both Rick and Jenny worked to grow into what their characters were capable of, and how the last chapters really pulled the threads of their issues to the forefront as they healed. I'd definitely recommend downloading the final epilogue to get the full HEA out of the story as well, as otherwise you're left a little bit abruptly with hope but not much else.
*****
Thank you to Ember PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rick is assigned the case of a dead body of a missing girl that showed up at a construction site. Needing to work with their front office to get details to help get to the bottom of the case, he's paired closely with Jenny. The same woman who he hooked up with weeks prior while she was very clearly drinking her life away. When he smells vodka on her breath first thing in the morning, he's disgusted to realize he has to work with an alcoholic while he tries to solve a murder that's come up with far too many, and far too few suspects.
*****
I was not expecting how deeply this novel would dive into alcoholism and addiction. It was a struggle between loving how brilliant and capable the FMC was, and also hating that she had no interest in healing enough to choose sobriety. Part of me did expect her to try to turn her life around at so many points early on during the novel, however seeing her continue to suffer and to inadvertently hurt those around her was oddly satisfying in its accurate portrayal of addiction.
As the juxtaposition of a man that doesn't have immense vices, Rick was such an interesting character. He was so genuinely horrible to Jenny and it takes a bit to truly realize why. Even then, his inability to open up, and his outward actions rife with both care and hatred was such a devastatingly interesting crux to be tied to. He just so desperately needed someone in his life to choose him, just as Jenny needed someone to see her, and their pairing was immaculate.
I loved that both Rick and Jenny worked to grow into what their characters were capable of, and how the last chapters really pulled the threads of their issues to the forefront as they healed. I'd definitely recommend downloading the final epilogue to get the full HEA out of the story as well, as otherwise you're left a little bit abruptly with hope but not much else.
*****
Thank you to Ember PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2025
This book absolutely surprised me. I love that it ended up being a romantic suspense/mystery.
Rick and Jenny meet very early in the book, and I definitely despised Rick for the first quarter of the book. As you get into the book, it becomes clear why this is. Rick's prickliness did grow on me as the book went on.
A body of a woman was found on a construction site that is connected to Jenny's work. Rick is assigned to the case with his partner Walker.
I love how drawn to each other Jenny and Rick were. From enemies to lovers is the way it worked with these two. There are some hot scenes between these two. Their drive and passion for each other was intense. The spice was excellent!
I enjoyed Jenny's family a lot, and you could see how much their looked out for her. Her alcoholism plays a big part in this book, and her family is there as much as possible to make sure she's safe.
I really enjoyed the mix of crime solving and romance in this book. I'd definitely read more books with Detective Rick!
Thanks to Holly Crocco and Ember Literary PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rick and Jenny meet very early in the book, and I definitely despised Rick for the first quarter of the book. As you get into the book, it becomes clear why this is. Rick's prickliness did grow on me as the book went on.
A body of a woman was found on a construction site that is connected to Jenny's work. Rick is assigned to the case with his partner Walker.
I love how drawn to each other Jenny and Rick were. From enemies to lovers is the way it worked with these two. There are some hot scenes between these two. Their drive and passion for each other was intense. The spice was excellent!
I enjoyed Jenny's family a lot, and you could see how much their looked out for her. Her alcoholism plays a big part in this book, and her family is there as much as possible to make sure she's safe.
I really enjoyed the mix of crime solving and romance in this book. I'd definitely read more books with Detective Rick!
Thanks to Holly Crocco and Ember Literary PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
This is book 3 in the Flower City series and can be read as a standalone.
Rick is a lieutenant who is investigating the disappearance of three women and Jenny is an alcoholic who are forced to work together. The chemistry is undeniable between the main characters. The MCs feel authentic and are both flawed. The pacing was great and the twists are as well. The struggle with alcoholism is pretty intense in this book. Overall I thought it was a great read, harsh, complicated, and hopeful.
Rick is a lieutenant who is investigating the disappearance of three women and Jenny is an alcoholic who are forced to work together. The chemistry is undeniable between the main characters. The MCs feel authentic and are both flawed. The pacing was great and the twists are as well. The struggle with alcoholism is pretty intense in this book. Overall I thought it was a great read, harsh, complicated, and hopeful.
June 26, 2025
Holly is a new-to-me author, so I went into this not knowing her writing style and I absolutely devoured this book! I love the suspense/banter/smut and writing! I didn’t read the others in this series, so going into this blindly and not knowing the characters perspective from the other books worked well for me. I truly loved everything about this book and these characters. The plot was amazing and I will definitely be reading more of Holly’s books!
July 3, 2025
Drown is emotionally intense and packs a serious punch. It tackles addiction, heartbreak, and a m*rder investigation that’ll have you second guessing your theories. The characters are messy in all the best ways. If you’re into raw, emotional reads with twists and tension, this one’s for you.
June 28, 2025
Ohhhh my gosh. I received this ARC and this one sucked me in HARD within the first few chapters. The spice, the drama, the suspense?! Obsessed. I will be reading this again quite often
June 28, 2025
I found this book really compelling. It focuses more on the interpersonal dynamics between the two main characters than on the mystery itself, which offered a fresh take on the typical crime novel. I love crime stories, but having the personal drama front and center—and the case more in the background—felt unique and engaging.
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is because some of the “spicier” scenes were a bit much for me personally (I’m not usually into that), so it made me blush a bit! Still, the story was strong and well-paced. I especially loved how it connects to the other two books in the series, and the bonus epilogue was a sweet touch that helped everything come together.
Holly Crocco also portrays alcoholism in a very raw and realistic way—showing both the impact on the person struggling and the toll it takes on those around them. That emotional depth really stood out to me.
I read this book in a day, so… yeah, that says a lot!
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is because some of the “spicier” scenes were a bit much for me personally (I’m not usually into that), so it made me blush a bit! Still, the story was strong and well-paced. I especially loved how it connects to the other two books in the series, and the bonus epilogue was a sweet touch that helped everything come together.
Holly Crocco also portrays alcoholism in a very raw and realistic way—showing both the impact on the person struggling and the toll it takes on those around them. That emotional depth really stood out to me.
I read this book in a day, so… yeah, that says a lot!
July 4, 2025
Drown is a fantastic blend of romance, comedy, and intrigue, with each element woven together in a way that feels natural and fresh. I loved how the author subtly included all three without overwhelming the story.
Holly Crocco does an amazing job connecting events, characters, and timelines from the previous books in the series, yet never makes it feel repetitive. Whether you’ve read the earlier books or are picking this up as a standalone, you’ll have enough context to dive right in without feeling lost.
One of the highlights for me was the seamless way returning characters are brought into the narrative. These moments tugged on my heartstrings and made me tear up, especially considering everything these characters have survived in earlier books in the series. There are also subtle hints about who the next main characters might be, which adds an exciting layer of anticipation for future books.
I also really liked the creative use of multiple text formats — the text message exchanges were hilarious and added a realistic, relatable touch to the story.
And that title! The double meaning of Drown is so clever, and when it finally “clicks,” it hits hard in the best possible way.
Overall, Drown is a heartfelt, funny, and engaging story that left me eager for more. Highly recommend it to fans of interconnected romances with a dash of intrigue.
can not wait for the next book, Binge!!
Holly Crocco does an amazing job connecting events, characters, and timelines from the previous books in the series, yet never makes it feel repetitive. Whether you’ve read the earlier books or are picking this up as a standalone, you’ll have enough context to dive right in without feeling lost.
One of the highlights for me was the seamless way returning characters are brought into the narrative. These moments tugged on my heartstrings and made me tear up, especially considering everything these characters have survived in earlier books in the series. There are also subtle hints about who the next main characters might be, which adds an exciting layer of anticipation for future books.
I also really liked the creative use of multiple text formats — the text message exchanges were hilarious and added a realistic, relatable touch to the story.
And that title! The double meaning of Drown is so clever, and when it finally “clicks,” it hits hard in the best possible way.
Overall, Drown is a heartfelt, funny, and engaging story that left me eager for more. Highly recommend it to fans of interconnected romances with a dash of intrigue.
can not wait for the next book, Binge!!
June 26, 2025
Okay, I freaking love this book! 🩷 Devoured it in less than 48 hours!
Rick and Jenny’s relationship is messy, complicated, real, and somehow, still sweet in its own way 🩷 They love each other. They hurt each other. They’re a disaster. And honestly? I couldn’t get enough!
And the murder investigation? I thought I had it figured out from the first page - Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes!! Holly had me second-guessing myself right up to the end, and I loved every twist of it 🕵🏻♀️
Also… shoutout to Mr. Hayes! Can we protect him at all costs? Because I lived for his scenes 😂 His dry humour and chaotic dad energy? Perfection! 😂🤣
And can I just say… it’s kinda refreshing to read a book with normal names like 'Rick' and 'Jenny'? Don’t come for me... but I loved that little detail, too! 😄
A solid 5 ☆ read. Emotionally heavy, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. And a new fictional uniform kink unlocked 😏🙈
ps: Don’t skip the bonus epilogue! 😉
⚠️ Fair Warning:
Drown hits hard - with addiction, heartbreak, messy love, and a murder mystery that’ll keep your brain spinning. Read with your heart wide open. But trust me… it’s worth drowning in this one 🩷
Rick and Jenny’s relationship is messy, complicated, real, and somehow, still sweet in its own way 🩷 They love each other. They hurt each other. They’re a disaster. And honestly? I couldn’t get enough!
And the murder investigation? I thought I had it figured out from the first page - Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes!! Holly had me second-guessing myself right up to the end, and I loved every twist of it 🕵🏻♀️
Also… shoutout to Mr. Hayes! Can we protect him at all costs? Because I lived for his scenes 😂 His dry humour and chaotic dad energy? Perfection! 😂🤣
And can I just say… it’s kinda refreshing to read a book with normal names like 'Rick' and 'Jenny'? Don’t come for me... but I loved that little detail, too! 😄
A solid 5 ☆ read. Emotionally heavy, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. And a new fictional uniform kink unlocked 😏🙈
ps: Don’t skip the bonus epilogue! 😉
⚠️ Fair Warning:
Drown hits hard - with addiction, heartbreak, messy love, and a murder mystery that’ll keep your brain spinning. Read with your heart wide open. But trust me… it’s worth drowning in this one 🩷
October 5, 2025
Wow. Wow wow wow. Drown was quite the book. While I didn’t love Jennifer and Rick’s relationship, this book went so much deeper than romance. As someone who sometimes struggles with drinking too much, there was a line in this book that felt life-changing to me: Rick asks “What do I need to do to make you choose me?” I don’t know why, but this really resonated with me and made something click in my brain. I can choose my family instead of wine. For that alone, I loved this book!
Now, as for the relationship, I did think there was a TON of chemistry between Rick and Jennifer, but it didn’t really translate well to a relationship. They were both so cold toward each other and there wasn’t much dialogue between them, so I couldn’t really see the growth in their story. Obviously Jennifer had so much growth as a character, but I didn’t think Rick did. In fact, he was kind of an asshole (ok, a lot of an asshole), until he just suddenly wasn’t. There was no journey for him to get there.
I tho k the author did a fabulous job with this book, and I will be reading her again. Thank you to Ember Literary for a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Now, as for the relationship, I did think there was a TON of chemistry between Rick and Jennifer, but it didn’t really translate well to a relationship. They were both so cold toward each other and there wasn’t much dialogue between them, so I couldn’t really see the growth in their story. Obviously Jennifer had so much growth as a character, but I didn’t think Rick did. In fact, he was kind of an asshole (ok, a lot of an asshole), until he just suddenly wasn’t. There was no journey for him to get there.
I tho k the author did a fabulous job with this book, and I will be reading her again. Thank you to Ember Literary for a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 28, 2025
Tattooed cop MMC with baggage? Check. Unfiltered FMC who’s barely holding it together but still somehow the key to cracking the case? Say less.
This setup had me instantly curious and I wasn’t disappointed. The tension between these two?? Chef’s kiss. Their banter had me grinning, and the spice? Yeah… it was giving. But it also made sense—nothing felt random or thrown in just for the sake of it. Every scene pushed their connection further (and made me yell at my Kindle a little).
The murder mystery itself kept things moving. I was suspicious of everyone and had zero clue who actually did it until the end. Loved that. And the side characters?? So good. They added layers without stealing the spotlight.
The ending tied things up nicely but still left room for more—which I love. Even though this is technically part of a series, I didn’t feel lost at all. That said… I definitely want to go back and see what I missed in the earlier books.
Huge thanks to ember literary pr & holly for the arc!
This setup had me instantly curious and I wasn’t disappointed. The tension between these two?? Chef’s kiss. Their banter had me grinning, and the spice? Yeah… it was giving. But it also made sense—nothing felt random or thrown in just for the sake of it. Every scene pushed their connection further (and made me yell at my Kindle a little).
The murder mystery itself kept things moving. I was suspicious of everyone and had zero clue who actually did it until the end. Loved that. And the side characters?? So good. They added layers without stealing the spotlight.
The ending tied things up nicely but still left room for more—which I love. Even though this is technically part of a series, I didn’t feel lost at all. That said… I definitely want to go back and see what I missed in the earlier books.
Huge thanks to ember literary pr & holly for the arc!
June 28, 2025
This book surprised me, as someone who reads lots of spice heavy books I didn’t know if it would keep me entertained, I was so wrong!
The characters were excellent, I loved the banter between Jenny and Rick, they really didn’t want to like each other! The side characters were fab, Walker, Jenny’s family and the kids added some much needed fun in a story with some tough subjects.
I loved the whole police investigation backstory, the way it dragged Jenny and Rick together when they tried to stay away from each other.
The ending fitted the story perfectly and the epilogue was 👌
Overall I just really enjoyed this book, alcoholism is tough subject matter and it just seemed ‘realistic’ the way it was covered.
I had not read any of Holly’s books before this but I’m going to go back and read book 1 and 2 of the series and will be definitely reading whatever she comes up with next!
4.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
The characters were excellent, I loved the banter between Jenny and Rick, they really didn’t want to like each other! The side characters were fab, Walker, Jenny’s family and the kids added some much needed fun in a story with some tough subjects.
I loved the whole police investigation backstory, the way it dragged Jenny and Rick together when they tried to stay away from each other.
The ending fitted the story perfectly and the epilogue was 👌
Overall I just really enjoyed this book, alcoholism is tough subject matter and it just seemed ‘realistic’ the way it was covered.
I had not read any of Holly’s books before this but I’m going to go back and read book 1 and 2 of the series and will be definitely reading whatever she comes up with next!
4.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
June 29, 2025
This book really surprised me in a good way. I didn’t read any other books from the author before, so I had no idea what to expect, but I ended up loving it a lot. The writing was easy to follow but still emotional. Rick and Jenny were such a mess but in the best way. I liked that they were not perfect, but still sweet together. Their banter was really funny sometimes, and then suddenly the story hit with deep feelings. The police investigation was a big part and made everything more intense. I kept changing my mind about who did it, and it was exciting until the very end. The ending was great, and the bonus epilogue made me so happy. Definitely 5 stars from me. Thank you so much to the author and Ember Literary PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
June 30, 2025
Drown is the third book in the Flower City series by Holly Crocco. Drown is an emotional rollercoaster ride that delves into difficult topics such as addiction and alcoholism. Holly did a good job of writing complex characters. It was refreshing to read about Jenny, a female main character, who wasn’t perfect. And Rick especially with how at times he treats Jenny isn’t a perfect main male character. The relationship dynamics between Rick and Jenny was real, so at times it was messy and toxic. Not only was the romance aspect of the book well written , but the mystery plot was as well. It kept me guessing until the end. Thanks Ember Pr for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 15, 2025
First read from Holly Crocco and omg and I in love! This book has one of the best plots I have read in a long time! This is different from my typical read and I am so so so glad I was picked to read this! This was definitely a romantic suspense and I wasn’t sure about it at first glance but I am so glad to have found this book. Rick and Jenny meet at a bar and share a *hot scene*. Rick is a police officer investigating the disappearance of 3 women and Jenny oversees the construction site where the women were found, hence having to be around each other
This book hit on some very difficult topics and these were handled with such care in my opinion. This story felt so real and I literally couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Thank you Ember PR! 🖤
This book hit on some very difficult topics and these were handled with such care in my opinion. This story felt so real and I literally couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Thank you Ember PR! 🖤
June 26, 2025
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
As a detective, Rick’s mind never shuts off, even off the clock. So when he spies a woman at the bar feeling uncomfortable, and showing signs of wanting to run, he swoops in with a kiss and a rendezvous in the bathroom.
Jenny oversees a construction site who turned informant who assists in the case at the station that Rick works at. She also happens to be an alcoholic and is trying to work on that for herself.
When they need to work together on a case, they grow closer, much to their original dismay.
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
As a detective, Rick’s mind never shuts off, even off the clock. So when he spies a woman at the bar feeling uncomfortable, and showing signs of wanting to run, he swoops in with a kiss and a rendezvous in the bathroom.
Jenny oversees a construction site who turned informant who assists in the case at the station that Rick works at. She also happens to be an alcoholic and is trying to work on that for herself.
When they need to work together on a case, they grow closer, much to their original dismay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
This is a first by this author and I loved every minute! Their love is heart breakingly beautiful. The unlikely pairing of a police officer with demons of his own needing to rely on a functioning alcoholic to solve a murder investigation who both ended up falling hard for each other and making the hard decisions to save the other. This story showcases the cruelty of addiction and shows it is a different light than what most books I have read with this topic do. it was really refreshing to see a different take. Their love, the spice, the family banter, the suspense I loved it! I look forward to seeing what is next for this world 🖤
July 4, 2025
Book three in this in this series, and it really grew on me as I read it. Not going to lie, both of these characters were really hard to like. If you’ve read book 1, well we know you really dislike Jenny. She was the other woman, after all. Rick was a very tough character to read. He did not give out warm and fuzzy vibes, was just a ‘hard’ character.
But stick with this one. The story is a suspense/murder mystery underneath and that’s quite interesting! Holly also tackles alcoholism. The ending was … I thought it was perfect actually. For everything that these two went through, it was perfect.
But stick with this one. The story is a suspense/murder mystery underneath and that’s quite interesting! Holly also tackles alcoholism. The ending was … I thought it was perfect actually. For everything that these two went through, it was perfect.
July 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional, messy, and full of twists.
This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a raw look at addiction and complicated love. Jenny is an alcoholic trying to recover, but it’s not a straight line. Her push-and-pull with Rick is frustrating and beautiful. I loved the nickname “Toots” and how he kept showing up, even when he didn’t know how to love her right.
The twist totally caught me off guard (I was sure it was someone else!), and the spice hits mid-to-late in a way that feels earned. If you read the bonus epilogue, you’ll see she does recover—and that made it even more worth it for me.
📚 Thank you to Ember PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Emotional, messy, and full of twists.
This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a raw look at addiction and complicated love. Jenny is an alcoholic trying to recover, but it’s not a straight line. Her push-and-pull with Rick is frustrating and beautiful. I loved the nickname “Toots” and how he kept showing up, even when he didn’t know how to love her right.
The twist totally caught me off guard (I was sure it was someone else!), and the spice hits mid-to-late in a way that feels earned. If you read the bonus epilogue, you’ll see she does recover—and that made it even more worth it for me.
📚 Thank you to Ember PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
Ooh this one got my heart rate up!
Suspenseful, mysterious, a little spicy - with a deep dive into the crushing weight of addiction. I thought this book was well written and compelling. I can’t remember the last time I read a romance with a murder mystery element, and I honestly can’t wait to find more books like this to read!
That being said, I would have loved a little more of the case-solving content. The pace of the middle portion of the book slowed down a little, but the final 25% really picked up! When we really got into the drama of putting the pieces together, it was so fun to think back and try to figure out who the killer was before the big reveal occurred. This book had a pretty suspenseful climax and I found myself feeling a little nervous to read on (in a good way!)
I loved the dynamic of the FMC’s family! Pure chaos, but with an unconditional love that transcends no matter what happens. And the way the author got us to slowly fall in love with the MMC…really well done.
I will be adding the previous books in the series to my TBR!
Suspenseful, mysterious, a little spicy - with a deep dive into the crushing weight of addiction. I thought this book was well written and compelling. I can’t remember the last time I read a romance with a murder mystery element, and I honestly can’t wait to find more books like this to read!
That being said, I would have loved a little more of the case-solving content. The pace of the middle portion of the book slowed down a little, but the final 25% really picked up! When we really got into the drama of putting the pieces together, it was so fun to think back and try to figure out who the killer was before the big reveal occurred. This book had a pretty suspenseful climax and I found myself feeling a little nervous to read on (in a good way!)
I loved the dynamic of the FMC’s family! Pure chaos, but with an unconditional love that transcends no matter what happens. And the way the author got us to slowly fall in love with the MMC…really well done.
I will be adding the previous books in the series to my TBR!
July 1, 2025
Drown by Holly Crocco is a stark and emotionally charged novel that explores addiction, grief, and the complicated ties that bind two broken people. Crocco doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions — instead, she delivers a deeply human story that feels raw and honest. Jenny’s descent and Rick’s quiet unraveling are portrayed with care and unflinching realism. It’s not a love story in the traditional sense, but rather a story about survival, need, and the fragile moments of connection in the midst of chaos. A powerful, difficult read.
July 16, 2025
Jenny is pure trash. I don’t care about her sob story. She is a total POS waste of space. Was rooting for her and the grim reaper tbh.
Why, in the name of all that is good, do authors insist on wanting to redeem the previous OW. It’s just gross. No one who read the first book wants to read that shit. I guess that’s why all the arc readers you chose conveniently never read that one.
Fuck Jenny, she is the biggest selfish cu*t. Rick was interesting, too bad he didn’t end up with quite literally anyone else.
Why, in the name of all that is good, do authors insist on wanting to redeem the previous OW. It’s just gross. No one who read the first book wants to read that shit. I guess that’s why all the arc readers you chose conveniently never read that one.
Fuck Jenny, she is the biggest selfish cu*t. Rick was interesting, too bad he didn’t end up with quite literally anyone else.
July 10, 2025
Arc Review!
I absolutely loved the romantic suspense of this book! It surprised me in so many ways. Jenny meets Rick early on, but when a body is found at her workplace Rick is placed on the case.
Enemies to lovers is the best way to describe their relationship.
This book tackles heartbreak, addiction, and the investigation. It is emotionally and the story is really raw. This story was so beautifully written. I can’t wait to read more books by Holly!
I absolutely loved the romantic suspense of this book! It surprised me in so many ways. Jenny meets Rick early on, but when a body is found at her workplace Rick is placed on the case.
Enemies to lovers is the best way to describe their relationship.
This book tackles heartbreak, addiction, and the investigation. It is emotionally and the story is really raw. This story was so beautifully written. I can’t wait to read more books by Holly!
August 19, 2025
Jenny is an alcoholic and has no interest in getting help. She is asked to help Rick, the police lieutenant, who is investigating the disappearance of three women.
Rick is suddenly interested in Jenny and he cannot escape his attraction to her.
Drown was a great enemies to lovers, slightly suspenseful novel.
Trope
Forced to Work Together
Law Enforcement MMC
Enemies to Loves
Tattooed MMC
Rick is suddenly interested in Jenny and he cannot escape his attraction to her.
Drown was a great enemies to lovers, slightly suspenseful novel.
Trope
Forced to Work Together
Law Enforcement MMC
Enemies to Loves
Tattooed MMC
June 25, 2025
This book was so good. If you like enemies to lovers this is definitely for you. I loved the ending after everything Jennifer and Rick went through. It was the perfect ending to their story.
September 14, 2025
I love Flower city series as they are soo good and very addictive ! I adore Jess and Ricky as they were absolute a mess but they were so perfect in their own way .
July 8, 2025
I was excited to read this one as soon as I knew it was about Jenny! I wanted to hate her, I really did, but reading about her struggles and what she was trying to fight through, changed my perspective! Loved Rick, how under that gruff exterior, the way he cared and fought for the women he loved! I started my journey with this series with Lizzie and Knox, but these books keep getting better and better!!
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