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Tidehaven #1
Beneath Still Waters
In the fog–drenched marshes of Tidehaven, a burnt-out scientist and a guarded ex–Navy SEAL must navigate deadly secrets and slow–burn desire, where falling in love might be the riskiest choice of all.
Emery Caldwell needs a change.
After seven years of teaching marine biology, having grant after grant denied, and growing tired of her mediocre relationship, she’s burnt out. When a sabbatical offers the chance to reset, Emery heads south to the quiet fishing village of Tidehaven, South Carolina, hoping to gather research for a new journal article—and maybe find the direction her life desperately needs.
Reid Morgan has fought hard for peace.
After leaving the Navy SEALs behind, he’s built a quiet life working at the Driftwood Marina, where the days are predictable, and the past feels farther away. The last thing he wants is trouble, or the curious, determined scientist who stirs up things better left buried.
But when Emery witnesses something she shouldn’t in the fog–thick marshes, suddenly both of their lives are in danger. As a deadly threat stalks Emery, Reid steps in to protect her—but getting close means letting her break down all the barriers he’s worked so hard to build.
As danger grows, so does their unexpected connection. But facing the truth—and each other—may be the biggest risk of all.
Emery Caldwell needs a change.
After seven years of teaching marine biology, having grant after grant denied, and growing tired of her mediocre relationship, she’s burnt out. When a sabbatical offers the chance to reset, Emery heads south to the quiet fishing village of Tidehaven, South Carolina, hoping to gather research for a new journal article—and maybe find the direction her life desperately needs.
Reid Morgan has fought hard for peace.
After leaving the Navy SEALs behind, he’s built a quiet life working at the Driftwood Marina, where the days are predictable, and the past feels farther away. The last thing he wants is trouble, or the curious, determined scientist who stirs up things better left buried.
But when Emery witnesses something she shouldn’t in the fog–thick marshes, suddenly both of their lives are in danger. As a deadly threat stalks Emery, Reid steps in to protect her—but getting close means letting her break down all the barriers he’s worked so hard to build.
As danger grows, so does their unexpected connection. But facing the truth—and each other—may be the biggest risk of all.
336 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2026
About the author
Linny Mack
5 books380 followersLinny Mack grew up a voracious reader and writer. She spent her days of adolescence up in her room writing her own stories, cutting her characters out of the Delia’s catalog, and then forcing her family to listen to her read them aloud. Now, Linny is a debut author of contemporary romance. When she isn’t writing your next book boyfriend, she is spending time with her real-life romantic hero and their three children in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
April 19, 2026
Put whatever you're reading down and add this to your TBR list immediately! I haven't read a suspense ARC yet and this one was IT! Linny Mack is an incredible author and had me on the edge of my Kindle the whole time. Think Where the Crawdads Sing and the first few episodes of the TV show, The Outerbanks! I immediately connected with the storyline being a science nerd myself as we dive into a story of the decline of sea turtles in a small marsh town. Taking place in South Carolina, a researcher named Emery is about to start her sabbatical. But it's not an ordinary one. She's finishing where a former one disappeared and was found dead. The quant town of Tidehaven is on edge at what happened and definitely aren't quick to accept a newbie. Enter Reid, a former SEAL. He's cautious to help Emery restart the research project but he falls hard and fast. Together, they witness some pretty sketchy interactions in town, a murder, survive a hurricane and uncover wayyyyyy more than they were expecting in just a few months of Emery's arrival. There's more than wild life beneath the still waters of the marsh town and you're going to want to find out!
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April 1, 2026A richly atmospheric start to a gripping new series. I can't wait to see where Linny Mack takes this tale of idyllic coastal charm and lurking danger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars.
Another Linny Mack winner! "Beneath Still Waters" is a great small-town romantic suspense novel. This book starts with a bang and rarely, if ever, lets up. I really liked the main characters, Emery (FMC) and Reid (MMC). Emery is a burnt-out marine biologist who has recently taken a sabbatical to work on the late Dr. Penelope Young's research on turtles in the Tidehaven marshes. Reid is a former Navy SEAL whose life was altered in the service. He is back in Tidehaven working at the Driftwood Marina, always looking over his shoulder for something amiss. He doesn't want to rock the boat after Penny's death. At first, Reid doesn't take a liking to Emery. He is grumpy, standoffish, and even rude to her. She rarely, if ever, listens to his concerns about her working in the marsh and researching turtles, and it really gets his goat. Despite this, he cannot stay away from her. When she witnesses something she shouldn't, his overly protective nature comes out in full force, and he will do anything to protect her. They work together to solve the mystery of what's going on with the marsh turtles, and who, if anyone, in Tidehaven, could be guilty of betrayal, stalking, and even murd3r. As I mentioned above, this book has A LOT of tension. The mystery of who is stalking Emery and Reid is quite gripping. Linny Mack kept me guessing from start to finish, and just when you think you've solved it, BAM!, some new evidence is introduced to make you question what you think you know. The romantic aspect is also really good. I like how Reid and Emery start the book as "enemies" at work. Reid is sufficiently grumpy, but there is still redemption for him. We come to understand why he is the way he is, and it involves some childhood trauma he endured, as well as his time as a SEAL. We come to know why Emery is the way she is about relationships, especially considering the one she just left. The suspense aspect isn't the only tension-filled element of this story: there is also a ton of tension, drama, and eventually, pining, between the two of them. This book is fairly dramatic (complementary). I also liked the secondary characters. The setting is murky and humid, which makes it all the more exciting when things go wrong/go south. You can really feel the descriptions of the marsh and the marina in your bones. You can smell the dampness, feel the thick air, and almost touch the reeds on your fingers and the water on your skin. Such good descriptive writing! The ultimate reveal made me want so much more from this series. AGH, SO GOOD. If you like Catherine Cowles, you're going to love this new series from Linny Mack!
Thank you to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Another Linny Mack winner! "Beneath Still Waters" is a great small-town romantic suspense novel. This book starts with a bang and rarely, if ever, lets up. I really liked the main characters, Emery (FMC) and Reid (MMC). Emery is a burnt-out marine biologist who has recently taken a sabbatical to work on the late Dr. Penelope Young's research on turtles in the Tidehaven marshes. Reid is a former Navy SEAL whose life was altered in the service. He is back in Tidehaven working at the Driftwood Marina, always looking over his shoulder for something amiss. He doesn't want to rock the boat after Penny's death. At first, Reid doesn't take a liking to Emery. He is grumpy, standoffish, and even rude to her. She rarely, if ever, listens to his concerns about her working in the marsh and researching turtles, and it really gets his goat. Despite this, he cannot stay away from her. When she witnesses something she shouldn't, his overly protective nature comes out in full force, and he will do anything to protect her. They work together to solve the mystery of what's going on with the marsh turtles, and who, if anyone, in Tidehaven, could be guilty of betrayal, stalking, and even murd3r. As I mentioned above, this book has A LOT of tension. The mystery of who is stalking Emery and Reid is quite gripping. Linny Mack kept me guessing from start to finish, and just when you think you've solved it, BAM!, some new evidence is introduced to make you question what you think you know. The romantic aspect is also really good. I like how Reid and Emery start the book as "enemies" at work. Reid is sufficiently grumpy, but there is still redemption for him. We come to understand why he is the way he is, and it involves some childhood trauma he endured, as well as his time as a SEAL. We come to know why Emery is the way she is about relationships, especially considering the one she just left. The suspense aspect isn't the only tension-filled element of this story: there is also a ton of tension, drama, and eventually, pining, between the two of them. This book is fairly dramatic (complementary). I also liked the secondary characters. The setting is murky and humid, which makes it all the more exciting when things go wrong/go south. You can really feel the descriptions of the marsh and the marina in your bones. You can smell the dampness, feel the thick air, and almost touch the reeds on your fingers and the water on your skin. Such good descriptive writing! The ultimate reveal made me want so much more from this series. AGH, SO GOOD. If you like Catherine Cowles, you're going to love this new series from Linny Mack!
Thank you to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 9, 2026
You know when something clings to you and just feels heavy - that was this book from the very beginning - something was just off….the tension the builds slowly from the beginning and the secrets that make you hold your breath!
This book was so good! I always wanted to be a marine biologist so having the FMC trying to escape her past and start anew - all while looking into the sea turtles…a girl of my own heart to a certain extent.
Emery is filling a sabbatical spot of someone that was found dead - that in itself is like 👀 Reid is a grumpy, former NAVY SEAL that likes to keep his softness hidden. The slow burn between these two slowwww burns. There’s so much tension, not just between Emery and Reid, but the small town in general - they always have secrets and someone’s always watching. When they pay attention and start to uncover things they never expected…they may just get tangled in more than just turtle research!!
The suspense and wanting to find out what is going to happen next will have you saying “just one more chapter” until you’re miraculously at the end! This was so good and I can’t wait for the next book! Absolutely recommend - it’s honestly a good summer suspense to read at the beach!! Thank you Linny and Page and Vine Books for the early read. All opinions are my own.
This book was so good! I always wanted to be a marine biologist so having the FMC trying to escape her past and start anew - all while looking into the sea turtles…a girl of my own heart to a certain extent.
Emery is filling a sabbatical spot of someone that was found dead - that in itself is like 👀 Reid is a grumpy, former NAVY SEAL that likes to keep his softness hidden. The slow burn between these two slowwww burns. There’s so much tension, not just between Emery and Reid, but the small town in general - they always have secrets and someone’s always watching. When they pay attention and start to uncover things they never expected…they may just get tangled in more than just turtle research!!
The suspense and wanting to find out what is going to happen next will have you saying “just one more chapter” until you’re miraculously at the end! This was so good and I can’t wait for the next book! Absolutely recommend - it’s honestly a good summer suspense to read at the beach!! Thank you Linny and Page and Vine Books for the early read. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2026
I went into Beneath Still Waters by Linny Mack expecting a coastal romance, but what I got was something much more, a story wrapped in tension, quiet uneasiness, and secrets that never quite let you relax.
From the first chapter, there’s an underlying sense that something isn’t right, and that feeling follows you through the entire read. The atmosphere is heavy in the best way: suspense simmering beneath calm waters, emotional walls slowly cracking, and danger always lurking just out of sight.
The characters really carried this story for me. The grumpy ex–Navy SEAL hero is exactly the kind of guarded, battle-worn character I love, tough on the outside but clearly carrying more than he says. Pairing him with a marine biologist desperate for a fresh start was perfect. She isn’t just escaping her past; she’s trying to rebuild herself, and watching their connection develop was incredibly satisfying.
This is definitely a slow burn, both romantically and in the suspense plot. The pacing allows the tension to build naturally, and the deadly secrets woven throughout kept me turning pages because I needed to know how everything would unravel.
And that ending? Absolutely worth the journey. It delivered emotionally and left me excited rather than frustrated — the kind of finale that makes you immediately want the next installment.
I’m already counting down to the next book in the Tide Haven series, especially Whispers in the Dunes. If it continues the same atmosphere, character depth, and creeping suspense, this series is going to be a favorite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moody, suspenseful, and quietly addictive.
From the first chapter, there’s an underlying sense that something isn’t right, and that feeling follows you through the entire read. The atmosphere is heavy in the best way: suspense simmering beneath calm waters, emotional walls slowly cracking, and danger always lurking just out of sight.
The characters really carried this story for me. The grumpy ex–Navy SEAL hero is exactly the kind of guarded, battle-worn character I love, tough on the outside but clearly carrying more than he says. Pairing him with a marine biologist desperate for a fresh start was perfect. She isn’t just escaping her past; she’s trying to rebuild herself, and watching their connection develop was incredibly satisfying.
This is definitely a slow burn, both romantically and in the suspense plot. The pacing allows the tension to build naturally, and the deadly secrets woven throughout kept me turning pages because I needed to know how everything would unravel.
And that ending? Absolutely worth the journey. It delivered emotionally and left me excited rather than frustrated — the kind of finale that makes you immediately want the next installment.
I’m already counting down to the next book in the Tide Haven series, especially Whispers in the Dunes. If it continues the same atmosphere, character depth, and creeping suspense, this series is going to be a favorite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moody, suspenseful, and quietly addictive.
May 9, 2026
Wow! Emery and Reid hold a special place in my heart. This story is full of twists and turns and edge of your seat moments, plus a little bit of spice. This story starts out with a bang (literally 🔫) and just doesn’t stop. We have stalking, 💀 body and a town that has its own deadly secrets.
We meet Reid, broody (and I mean so broody), ex navy seal who is so down bad for his girl. Reid was a golden retriever hiding behind a scowl.
Emery, Marine Biologist, who up roots her life in hopes to figure out what she needs for herself. Emery was fierce to be reckoned with even with all the things that were thrown at her.
The chemistry between Emery and Reid was electric the moment they saw each other. Though it took them time to get there when they finally did it was just had me kicking my feet and squealing.
The mystery had me gripped the entire time and that twist? I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! It’s going to come together so well!
Overall if you love romantic suspense with an interconnected story, deadly secrets, broody mmc, touch her and 💀 then I highly recommend this series!
We meet Reid, broody (and I mean so broody), ex navy seal who is so down bad for his girl. Reid was a golden retriever hiding behind a scowl.
Emery, Marine Biologist, who up roots her life in hopes to figure out what she needs for herself. Emery was fierce to be reckoned with even with all the things that were thrown at her.
The chemistry between Emery and Reid was electric the moment they saw each other. Though it took them time to get there when they finally did it was just had me kicking my feet and squealing.
The mystery had me gripped the entire time and that twist? I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! It’s going to come together so well!
Overall if you love romantic suspense with an interconnected story, deadly secrets, broody mmc, touch her and 💀 then I highly recommend this series!
June 9, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, Beneath Still Waters. This is about Emery, she's feeling burnt out between her job teaching marine biology and her dead end relationship. When offered a sabbatical doing research on endangered turtles in the small coastal town of Tidehaven, she decides some life changes are just what she needs. When she gets to Tidehaven she meets Reid, he's a grumpy ex-navy seal who helps take care of the research center and is also her new neighbor. These two have a bit of a rough start but when they experience a traumatic event, they begin to spend time together finding peace and safety in each other's presence. But something sinister is going on in this town and Emery starts being threatened and targeted. Reid wants to keep her safe and they feel like the only people they can trust is each other, breaking down their walls and bringing them even closer together. But with danger getting closer, can he keep her safe and figure out what is really going on in his town before it's too late?
This was such a fantastic romantic suspense! I read this in less than a day, I was hooked and couldn't put it down! The chemistry between Emery and Reid was so well written, and I really loved having both of their POVs throughout the story! There's nothing quite like trauma to bring people together and form an unbreakable bond. This story was the perfect mix of romance, suspense, mystery, beachy small town vibes, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity. I loved everything about this story and I'm so eager for the next book!!
(When things got particularly stressful in the book, Emery stress baked banana bread, so of course I made some for my book review pic! And then I did my best to recreate the scene of her open laptop on the coffee table, alongside plates of banana bread with pads of butter on top. I also included a turtle necklace in tissue paper, from another part of the story. And all my bookish goodies: my physical ARC, town map, & signed bookplate!) 💜📚
Thank you Linny Mack, Page & Vine, and Netgalley for this physical ARC and eARC of Beneath Still Waters, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fantastic romantic suspense! I read this in less than a day, I was hooked and couldn't put it down! The chemistry between Emery and Reid was so well written, and I really loved having both of their POVs throughout the story! There's nothing quite like trauma to bring people together and form an unbreakable bond. This story was the perfect mix of romance, suspense, mystery, beachy small town vibes, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity. I loved everything about this story and I'm so eager for the next book!!
(When things got particularly stressful in the book, Emery stress baked banana bread, so of course I made some for my book review pic! And then I did my best to recreate the scene of her open laptop on the coffee table, alongside plates of banana bread with pads of butter on top. I also included a turtle necklace in tissue paper, from another part of the story. And all my bookish goodies: my physical ARC, town map, & signed bookplate!) 💜📚
Thank you Linny Mack, Page & Vine, and Netgalley for this physical ARC and eARC of Beneath Still Waters, in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2026
Beneath Still Waters by Linny Mack
4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
Thank you to the author Linny Mack for this eARC. Beneath Still Waters is my first romantic suspense story and I believe you’ve converted me to a lifelong fan.
The novel follows Emery, a 35 year old, marine biologist who is sick of teaching college students and just wants to do what she loves— research. She arrives to a small fishing town to run a research program for 6 months but quickly uncovers a mystery that results in her life being endangered (literally). Poor Emery only wanted to research turtles! Don’t worry though because she meets Reid, a former Navy SEAL, who works the marina and becomes her bodyguard. Romance quickly finds them as they navigate this small towns hidden secrets.
This novel has it ALL. I am talking grumpy x sunshine, small town drama, drug conspiracies, 💀 bodies, love at first sight, and so much more. I was captured in the first few pages trying to figure out this mystery. By the end I was itching to know more and flipped through the remaining chapters with ease.
The author wrote this in first person, and it really allows you to immerse yourself in emotional experiences of these characters. The writing is simple and easy to follow along, but still very much so atmospheric. I did notice some inconsistencies in the continuity of the story as I read through. Nothing too jarring and will likely be fixed in final edits before publishing, but enough so that I wanted to mention it. Some scenes lacked believability for me because of it, but it didn’t dampen my love of the overall plot. If you read my notes you’d know I was flabbergasted with the reveal at the end! Lowkey excited for Tate’s book and wondering if a certain agent will be his love interest 👀.
You should know that this is a series of 3 books each following different characters. Therefore, the mystery bleeds into the next book leaving some questions unanswered. I didn’t mind that at all and will definitely be reading the next book. Know that going in because not everything will wrapped up in a neat little bow (which I lowkey love).
Lastly, I think my favorite part of this book was witnessing Emery and Reid’s love story 🥹. It’s a true testament of, “when you know, you know.” I am not going to lie I am more of a slow burn lover and this is not that. I didn’t mind that though and found it to be a refreshing change. I’ll be thinking of these two living happily ever after (hopefully) for a long time to come.
Should this spill into your TBR?
Yes— if you are in the mood for a fast pace mystery with a whirlwind romance this one is for you.
4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
Thank you to the author Linny Mack for this eARC. Beneath Still Waters is my first romantic suspense story and I believe you’ve converted me to a lifelong fan.
The novel follows Emery, a 35 year old, marine biologist who is sick of teaching college students and just wants to do what she loves— research. She arrives to a small fishing town to run a research program for 6 months but quickly uncovers a mystery that results in her life being endangered (literally). Poor Emery only wanted to research turtles! Don’t worry though because she meets Reid, a former Navy SEAL, who works the marina and becomes her bodyguard. Romance quickly finds them as they navigate this small towns hidden secrets.
This novel has it ALL. I am talking grumpy x sunshine, small town drama, drug conspiracies, 💀 bodies, love at first sight, and so much more. I was captured in the first few pages trying to figure out this mystery. By the end I was itching to know more and flipped through the remaining chapters with ease.
The author wrote this in first person, and it really allows you to immerse yourself in emotional experiences of these characters. The writing is simple and easy to follow along, but still very much so atmospheric. I did notice some inconsistencies in the continuity of the story as I read through. Nothing too jarring and will likely be fixed in final edits before publishing, but enough so that I wanted to mention it. Some scenes lacked believability for me because of it, but it didn’t dampen my love of the overall plot. If you read my notes you’d know I was flabbergasted with the reveal at the end! Lowkey excited for Tate’s book and wondering if a certain agent will be his love interest 👀.
You should know that this is a series of 3 books each following different characters. Therefore, the mystery bleeds into the next book leaving some questions unanswered. I didn’t mind that at all and will definitely be reading the next book. Know that going in because not everything will wrapped up in a neat little bow (which I lowkey love).
Lastly, I think my favorite part of this book was witnessing Emery and Reid’s love story 🥹. It’s a true testament of, “when you know, you know.” I am not going to lie I am more of a slow burn lover and this is not that. I didn’t mind that though and found it to be a refreshing change. I’ll be thinking of these two living happily ever after (hopefully) for a long time to come.
Should this spill into your TBR?
Yes— if you are in the mood for a fast pace mystery with a whirlwind romance this one is for you.
April 17, 2026
Romantic suspense with mystery and scorching heat? Sign me up.
Beneath Still Waters is the first installment in a new trilogy from Linny Mack, and it might just be my favorite of hers yet. She’s officially cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me.
Emery is burned out from academia and takes a sabbatical as a research director in Tidehaven—a town that quickly proves it’s hiding more than a few secrets. Reid, a former Navy SEAL, has returned home with a strong sense that something isn’t right. The unease runs deep, and whatever darkness lingers in Tidehaven is carefully protected by those with power and money.
Linny doesn’t hold back. A murder occurs before you’re even 20% into the story, and from there, the pace never lets up. Emery’s fear and Reid’s mistrust feel authentic, and while they’re clearly trauma-bonded, it works in a way that completely draws the reader in.
And the chemistry? Absolutely scorching. There are moments where the tension and heat practically rise off the page.
The mystery kept me hooked and turning pages long past bedtime. Tidehaven is brimming with secrets, and I’m all in for uncovering them.
I cannot wait for book two in 2027.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Linny for an early copy, all opinions are my own
Beneath Still Waters is the first installment in a new trilogy from Linny Mack, and it might just be my favorite of hers yet. She’s officially cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me.
Emery is burned out from academia and takes a sabbatical as a research director in Tidehaven—a town that quickly proves it’s hiding more than a few secrets. Reid, a former Navy SEAL, has returned home with a strong sense that something isn’t right. The unease runs deep, and whatever darkness lingers in Tidehaven is carefully protected by those with power and money.
Linny doesn’t hold back. A murder occurs before you’re even 20% into the story, and from there, the pace never lets up. Emery’s fear and Reid’s mistrust feel authentic, and while they’re clearly trauma-bonded, it works in a way that completely draws the reader in.
And the chemistry? Absolutely scorching. There are moments where the tension and heat practically rise off the page.
The mystery kept me hooked and turning pages long past bedtime. Tidehaven is brimming with secrets, and I’m all in for uncovering them.
I cannot wait for book two in 2027.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Linny for an early copy, all opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
Book Review
Beneath Still Waters
A Novel Written By Lindy Mack
Fiction - Romantic Suspense
Published June 2026
370 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a new series for the author. This romance with mystery and suspense is new for the author.
Emery Caldwell is a marine biologist who has left her home in New Jersey to take a temporary position in South Carolina as the director of a research center. A setback at her current job and a dead end romance have prompted her to relocate.
Reid Morgan is a retired Navy Seal. He is grumpy.
When Emery resumes researching the population decline of terrapin turtles in the marsh in the area, she witnesses something sinister. This puts her life in danger. Reid becomes protective of her.
I like the build up of a romance between Emery and Reid. The mystery and suspense made this book a page turner for me. I liked both characters. Reid may have been grumpy, but he was a sweetheart. He thought she looked sexy in her round wire-rimmed glasses.
Come for the romance; stay for the mystery and suspense.
“And that in Tidewater, the most dangerous things don’t announce themselves. They wait.”
Beneath Still Waters
A Novel Written By Lindy Mack
Fiction - Romantic Suspense
Published June 2026
370 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a new series for the author. This romance with mystery and suspense is new for the author.
Emery Caldwell is a marine biologist who has left her home in New Jersey to take a temporary position in South Carolina as the director of a research center. A setback at her current job and a dead end romance have prompted her to relocate.
Reid Morgan is a retired Navy Seal. He is grumpy.
When Emery resumes researching the population decline of terrapin turtles in the marsh in the area, she witnesses something sinister. This puts her life in danger. Reid becomes protective of her.
I like the build up of a romance between Emery and Reid. The mystery and suspense made this book a page turner for me. I liked both characters. Reid may have been grumpy, but he was a sweetheart. He thought she looked sexy in her round wire-rimmed glasses.
Come for the romance; stay for the mystery and suspense.
“And that in Tidewater, the most dangerous things don’t announce themselves. They wait.”
May 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for a gifted eArc of Beneath Still Waters. I am relatively new to reading the romantic suspense genre. I've only read a handful of them, but I am finding that I absolutely love them. Linny Mack did an incredible job writing an epic romantic suspense. The tension, the mystery, and the action were all incredibly well written and plotted. I read Beneath Still Waters in just a few days because I could not and did not want to put it down! This story and these characters consumed me. I loved the dynamic between Emery, a burnt-out scientist, and the grumpy/guarded ex-Navy SEAL Reid. Their tension and romance were perfect! The action and mystery elements of this story did not let up, taking me on quite the wild ride. I would recommend this as a must-read for any romantic suspense lovers.
June 4, 2026
I’m so hooked on this new series. The town of Tidehaven quickly pulls you in. The mystery and suspense kept my attention and had on alert all the way through. I can’t wait to read how it all unfolds. Then Reid, omg such a protective alpha hero who would do anything to keep the woman he loves safe. Emery who while smart and capable all on her own was lucky to get all of Reid’s protection and love. The chemistry between those two is electric and well deserved for both of them.
July 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book. The coastal Carolina town was a vibe, really enjoyed the characters, and the suspense was just enough to keep me turning pages. The spice was there yet not distracting. I got to meet the author at a signing and she was delightful. I’m a fan now. BookEd grade B+
May 14, 2026
ARC Review
Beneath Still Waters @linnymackwrites
Pub Date: 06/09/2026 ☺️
Linny Mack!!!!! This was so good… I had such a great time in Tidehaven with Emery and Reid 💜
Emery, a marine biologist and teacher, heads to a small town in South Carolina for a fresh start…burnt out, questioning everything, just needing a change.
Enter Reid—ex Navy SEAL, quiet, a little broody, and very much the protective type…
Small town secrets, a mystery that just keeps building, and that constant suspense in the background. There’s tension, betrayal, and it all slowly unfolds.
Emery and Reid… there’s just so much tension there and I loved how she slowly broke down his walls. 🥹
I really enjoyed this one. The ending leads right into book 2, which I’m so excited about and can’t wait to read. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Linny Mack’s backlist in the meantime.
If you love romantic suspense with just the right amount of spice and tension, this one has those Catherine Cowles / Devney Perry vibes 💜
A huge thank you to the author for providing an early reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!! 🫶🏻
Beneath Still Waters @linnymackwrites
Pub Date: 06/09/2026 ☺️
Linny Mack!!!!! This was so good… I had such a great time in Tidehaven with Emery and Reid 💜
Emery, a marine biologist and teacher, heads to a small town in South Carolina for a fresh start…burnt out, questioning everything, just needing a change.
Enter Reid—ex Navy SEAL, quiet, a little broody, and very much the protective type…
Small town secrets, a mystery that just keeps building, and that constant suspense in the background. There’s tension, betrayal, and it all slowly unfolds.
Emery and Reid… there’s just so much tension there and I loved how she slowly broke down his walls. 🥹
I really enjoyed this one. The ending leads right into book 2, which I’m so excited about and can’t wait to read. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Linny Mack’s backlist in the meantime.
If you love romantic suspense with just the right amount of spice and tension, this one has those Catherine Cowles / Devney Perry vibes 💜
A huge thank you to the author for providing an early reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!! 🫶🏻
May 25, 2026
I was pulled into this book so quickly and had a hard time putting it down! Romantic suspense is something I don’t read often but this book changed that game for me.
Linny Mack delivers a fast paced plot driven story where you think you have it figured out and then, bam! You don’t!
And the story between Reid and Emery. Reid with his high walls and doubts about his instinct and Emery who comes along and doesn’t force Reid to take his walls down, but rather Reid trusts her enough to lets his walls crumble.
This book is one I highly recommend for contemporary romance readers and suspense readers alike.
Linny Mack delivers a fast paced plot driven story where you think you have it figured out and then, bam! You don’t!
And the story between Reid and Emery. Reid with his high walls and doubts about his instinct and Emery who comes along and doesn’t force Reid to take his walls down, but rather Reid trusts her enough to lets his walls crumble.
This book is one I highly recommend for contemporary romance readers and suspense readers alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
June 24, 2026DNF at 21%
Is this bad? No. Is this good? No.
Everything, so far, about this story was just ok. Nothing great and nothing bad. The characters are flat and the story is ok. I wasn't too interested in the suspense. It seems to be an open secret in this small town, which makes me frustrated. Its hard for me to be sympathetic with this small town, if they are knowingly hiding this kind of activity. Maybe I'm wrong and its better explained later on in the story. But even the suspense plot was not keeping me hooked.
Reid's character was ok, very typical Ex-SEAL (protective, moody, and observant). While Emery was a bit frustrating already. After witnessing a murder, she doesn't wants Reid's protection while she studies the turtles because...she has pepper spray. *closes Kindle*
Is this bad? No. Is this good? No.
Everything, so far, about this story was just ok. Nothing great and nothing bad. The characters are flat and the story is ok. I wasn't too interested in the suspense. It seems to be an open secret in this small town, which makes me frustrated. Its hard for me to be sympathetic with this small town, if they are knowingly hiding this kind of activity. Maybe I'm wrong and its better explained later on in the story. But even the suspense plot was not keeping me hooked.
Reid's character was ok, very typical Ex-SEAL (protective, moody, and observant). While Emery was a bit frustrating already. After witnessing a murder, she doesn't wants Reid's protection while she studies the turtles because...she has pepper spray. *closes Kindle*
April 23, 2026
Romantic suspense, grumpy/sunshine, Marine biologist and hunky Navy SEAL, murder and intrigue. Linny Mack has done it again. Another great story in a small coastal town but this time she adds suspense, drama and stalking. I love how we get to enjoy Emery and Reid’s growing relationship throughout the building drama. I look forward to the continuing suspense in Book 2. Thanks Linny Mack for my first eARC!!
April 22, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy from author
This book was SO! GOOD! Ex navy seal x marine biologist, grumpy(ish) MMC, small town, romantic suspense, town secrets…
I did not want to put this book down! The mystery had me hooked and I found myself flying through this book. It had the perfect level of spice and didn’t take away from the plot. I loved Reid & Emery’s relationship, he is definitely a protective MMC. Though their timeline moved fast, their relationship didn’t seem rushed. The perfect mix of romance and suspense.
This book was SO! GOOD! Ex navy seal x marine biologist, grumpy(ish) MMC, small town, romantic suspense, town secrets…
I did not want to put this book down! The mystery had me hooked and I found myself flying through this book. It had the perfect level of spice and didn’t take away from the plot. I loved Reid & Emery’s relationship, he is definitely a protective MMC. Though their timeline moved fast, their relationship didn’t seem rushed. The perfect mix of romance and suspense.
May 25, 2026
SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!! This story kept me on my toes the whole time!!!! When Emery starts her new job at the research center she immediately realizing something hinky is happening in this small sleepy little town; but don’t worry— hunky Ex Navy Seal Reid is right there to help keep her safe.🤩 I loved the pacing of this story so much, the two main characters have such an unshakable chemistry from the first moment which tugs at your heart!!!! The romance and the towns crimes & mysteries blend so seemlessly in one story!! Do not skip this summer read!!!!!
April 17, 2026
Review of advanced copy received by Author.
This book was fantastic. The story build, the characters, the romance and suspense loved it all. I couldn’t put this book down( my kindle even died while I was reading and I couldn’t wait for it to charge to pick it back up and finish reading) The chemistry between Reid and Emery 🥵 I loved how the author included so much detail even down to the smallest things 🐢. I would 100% recommend this book and all others by this author.
This book was fantastic. The story build, the characters, the romance and suspense loved it all. I couldn’t put this book down( my kindle even died while I was reading and I couldn’t wait for it to charge to pick it back up and finish reading) The chemistry between Reid and Emery 🥵 I loved how the author included so much detail even down to the smallest things 🐢. I would 100% recommend this book and all others by this author.
June 23, 2026
I have been having entirely too much FOMO when it comes to Linny Mack's books so I couldn't resist the urge to ARC read her newest, Beneath Still Waters. Did life make sure I had absolutely zero time to eyeball read early this month? Absolutely! Between the "Time Remaining" estimate on my Kindle and the suspense in the plot, this book had me dying to read during every spare second!
I love a woman in STEM and this book had multiple across several generations. I appreciated Emery's passion and her colleagues support of her career (and love life!). Emery isn't afraid to get messy and take chances! Her Jersey-girl-in-a-small-town experience was definitely relatable to me.
Reid is the grumpy to Emery's sunshine and has dealt with some really hard things that make him hesitant to pursue a relationship, but you just know they're going to be so good together.
Beneath Still Waters falls into the romantic suspense genre, which I found myself really enjoying. I haven't been vibing with too many true thrillers lately, but I liked the additional adventure of romantic suspense. I had my theories throughout, which were mostly correct, but was still surprised by the ending. I love that Linny Mack isn't afraid to kill a character (now you're wondering too, huh? 😂).
I'm so ready for Tidehaven Book 2!
Save to your TBR if you love:
▪️Romantic Suspense
▫️Grumpy Sunshine
▪️Forced Proximity
▫️Touch Her and 💀
▪️Small Town Vibes
▫️FMC in STEM
▪️Ex-military MMC
▫️Turtles 🐢
Thank you Linny Mack for the #gifted eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love a woman in STEM and this book had multiple across several generations. I appreciated Emery's passion and her colleagues support of her career (and love life!). Emery isn't afraid to get messy and take chances! Her Jersey-girl-in-a-small-town experience was definitely relatable to me.
Reid is the grumpy to Emery's sunshine and has dealt with some really hard things that make him hesitant to pursue a relationship, but you just know they're going to be so good together.
Beneath Still Waters falls into the romantic suspense genre, which I found myself really enjoying. I haven't been vibing with too many true thrillers lately, but I liked the additional adventure of romantic suspense. I had my theories throughout, which were mostly correct, but was still surprised by the ending. I love that Linny Mack isn't afraid to kill a character (now you're wondering too, huh? 😂).
I'm so ready for Tidehaven Book 2!
Save to your TBR if you love:
▪️Romantic Suspense
▫️Grumpy Sunshine
▪️Forced Proximity
▫️Touch Her and 💀
▪️Small Town Vibes
▫️FMC in STEM
▪️Ex-military MMC
▫️Turtles 🐢
Thank you Linny Mack for the #gifted eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2026
Thank you to Linny for the gifted PR and paperback. I will recommend this book to everyone and cannot wait to continue the series.
If you love romantic suspense, this is the story for you. I will shout this from the rooftop…I loved this book! Linny is a new author for me and I can now say I am a fan for life!
I am so obsessed with the way Reid was there for Emery from the very beginning. He had experienced trauma in his past, but his walls quickly crumbled the moment he met her. The way he protected her and wanted the best for her just made me swoon. Can we all have a Reid in our life!?!
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💜 Small Town
🤍 Deadly Secrets
💜 Touch Her & D!e
🤍 Broody MMC
💜 Ex Navy Seal/Marine Biologist
If you love romantic suspense, this is the story for you. I will shout this from the rooftop…I loved this book! Linny is a new author for me and I can now say I am a fan for life!
I am so obsessed with the way Reid was there for Emery from the very beginning. He had experienced trauma in his past, but his walls quickly crumbled the moment he met her. The way he protected her and wanted the best for her just made me swoon. Can we all have a Reid in our life!?!
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💜 Small Town
🤍 Deadly Secrets
💜 Touch Her & D!e
🤍 Broody MMC
💜 Ex Navy Seal/Marine Biologist
June 20, 2026
Thank you to author Linny Mack for giving some arcs to her e-newsletter subscribers! I am still pretty new to romantic suspense but I loved the last romance I read by Linny Mack so I thought I’d give this a try and I’m so glad I did! I don’t know who I liked more Emery with her curious and determined nature trying to figure out what’s next for her and her career or Reid who is so drawn to Emery that he lets her see the real him. Their relationship kept me reading but the adventure and what would happen next made it so I couldn’t put this book down. I also found the setting interesting especially because it is so unlike anywhere I’ve experienced. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
June 11, 2026
If you’re looking for a summer romance,
THIS IS IT, friends!
𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 by Linny Mack delivered!
Everything I needed in a romantic suspense: small town, beach scene, mystery, touch her & die vibes, and I’m in love with her writing style.
When I read Changing Tides, I knew she was going to be one of my fave authors, and I was right!! Love that for me hahaha.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!
I want to thank @pageandvinebooks @linnymackwrites so much for the #gifted e-copy and for the opportunity to read another outstanding book!
THIS IS IT, friends!
𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 by Linny Mack delivered!
Everything I needed in a romantic suspense: small town, beach scene, mystery, touch her & die vibes, and I’m in love with her writing style.
When I read Changing Tides, I knew she was going to be one of my fave authors, and I was right!! Love that for me hahaha.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!
I want to thank @pageandvinebooks @linnymackwrites so much for the #gifted e-copy and for the opportunity to read another outstanding book!
June 9, 2026
I was not prepared for a romantic suspense book but Linny Mack took me by surprise. Thank you to Linny and page&vine for the advance ARC because I completely was immersed in the world. The tension and on the edge of my seat feelings I got reading it was so good. I cannot wait for book 2! I loved the pacing of the book as slow burn is not really a genre I read but Miss. Mack may have turned me lol
June 22, 2026
Rating: ★★★.75
ARC Review: Yes
I received an advance copy of this book from Page & Vine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Standalone or Series: Book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones (Tidehaven #1)
POV: First Person, Dual
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pacing: Medium
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Cliffhanger: No
Reread-worthy: Maybe
Tropes:
✵Ex-Navy SEAL x Marine Biologist
✵Small Town
✵Forced Proximity
✵Touch Her and Die
My Thoughts: I have been reading a lot more romantic suspense recently and have been loving it! This was my first ever Linny Mack book but she has been on my radar for a while! When I heard she was stepping into the romance suspense genre, I had to pick this one up first! I am so glad I did! When Emery’s life hits a standstill in New Jersey, she decides to accept a six month sabbatical down in South Carolina. When she gets there, she never expects her new role to be wrapped up in the mysterious death of her predecessor. I was so intrigued by the mystery surrounding this small town. Emery was working with the local wildlife in the marsh, specifically turtles, and I was so excited to learn more about them!
After leaving the SEALs, Reid came to Tidehaven to live a quiet, peaceful life. But when he gets roped into the mystery with Emery, he takes on the role as her protector. I love a strong man who will do anything to keep the woman he loves safe. I loved reading their quiet moments together, watching jeopardy, and ignoring the world outside. Even when the storm was brewing, the two found peace in each other. That is the most powerful type of love in my opinion.
I did start to lose interest in the mystery closer to the end. It felt like the plot was dragging a bit and it felt like we were moving away from the resolution at times. I felt like there were too many characters with similar names and I had trouble at times figuring out who was doing what. I was satisfied by the ending once we got there, but I was hoping things would wrap up a little smoother.
I would recommend this one for anyone looking to start reading romantic suspense!
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more!
ARC Review: Yes
I received an advance copy of this book from Page & Vine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Standalone or Series: Book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones (Tidehaven #1)
POV: First Person, Dual
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pacing: Medium
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Cliffhanger: No
Reread-worthy: Maybe
Tropes:
✵Ex-Navy SEAL x Marine Biologist
✵Small Town
✵Forced Proximity
✵Touch Her and Die
My Thoughts: I have been reading a lot more romantic suspense recently and have been loving it! This was my first ever Linny Mack book but she has been on my radar for a while! When I heard she was stepping into the romance suspense genre, I had to pick this one up first! I am so glad I did! When Emery’s life hits a standstill in New Jersey, she decides to accept a six month sabbatical down in South Carolina. When she gets there, she never expects her new role to be wrapped up in the mysterious death of her predecessor. I was so intrigued by the mystery surrounding this small town. Emery was working with the local wildlife in the marsh, specifically turtles, and I was so excited to learn more about them!
After leaving the SEALs, Reid came to Tidehaven to live a quiet, peaceful life. But when he gets roped into the mystery with Emery, he takes on the role as her protector. I love a strong man who will do anything to keep the woman he loves safe. I loved reading their quiet moments together, watching jeopardy, and ignoring the world outside. Even when the storm was brewing, the two found peace in each other. That is the most powerful type of love in my opinion.
I did start to lose interest in the mystery closer to the end. It felt like the plot was dragging a bit and it felt like we were moving away from the resolution at times. I felt like there were too many characters with similar names and I had trouble at times figuring out who was doing what. I was satisfied by the ending once we got there, but I was hoping things would wrap up a little smoother.
I would recommend this one for anyone looking to start reading romantic suspense!
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more!
Did Not Finish
July 17, 2026Instalove. “You matter to me more than you know” in like 3 days? Come onnnn pls kill me
June 18, 2026
Loved this book. So much intrigue and a mystery and the romance! I can picture the town of Tidehaven and learned a little about turtles!
June 10, 2026
First off, thank you to Linny Mack and Page & Vine for the advanced reader's copy of "Beneath Still Waters". This book will be released on June 9, 2026.
I've read all of Linny Mack's books, but this book is her first dip into romantic suspense. This book is a strong mix between "Outer Banks" and "Where the Crawdad's Sing". Both of which are fan favorites and set the book up for success!
This book follows Emery (FMC) a marine biologist who is stuck in a boring relationship and a somewhat boring job. After she doesn't receive an academic grant for her research and breaks up with her boyfriend, she temporarily moves to the small town of Tidehaven to work on the marsh. Enter Reid (MMC), a former navy seal and partial owner of a boating dock, who just happens to be Emery's new neighbor. As Emery begins to take care of the turtles, she witnesses something she shouldn't. With a target now on her back, Reid will do anything to protect her. What happens when Emery keeps poking her nose where it doesn't belong??
Tropes:
- Touch Her & Die
- Small Town
- Deadly Secrets
- Broody MMC
The spice was spicy and the vibes were vibin'! The book cover is GORGEOUS, and the sprayed edges are BEAUTIFUL. Get your pre-order's in now so you don't miss out on this edition of the book! I just know it's going to be a hit!
I can't wait to see where the next book takes Colt's story. I loved reading the sneak peak of book two!!
I've read all of Linny Mack's books, but this book is her first dip into romantic suspense. This book is a strong mix between "Outer Banks" and "Where the Crawdad's Sing". Both of which are fan favorites and set the book up for success!
This book follows Emery (FMC) a marine biologist who is stuck in a boring relationship and a somewhat boring job. After she doesn't receive an academic grant for her research and breaks up with her boyfriend, she temporarily moves to the small town of Tidehaven to work on the marsh. Enter Reid (MMC), a former navy seal and partial owner of a boating dock, who just happens to be Emery's new neighbor. As Emery begins to take care of the turtles, she witnesses something she shouldn't. With a target now on her back, Reid will do anything to protect her. What happens when Emery keeps poking her nose where it doesn't belong??
Tropes:
- Touch Her & Die
- Small Town
- Deadly Secrets
- Broody MMC
The spice was spicy and the vibes were vibin'! The book cover is GORGEOUS, and the sprayed edges are BEAUTIFUL. Get your pre-order's in now so you don't miss out on this edition of the book! I just know it's going to be a hit!
I can't wait to see where the next book takes Colt's story. I loved reading the sneak peak of book two!!
May 26, 2026
3.5⭐️
2🔥
Romantic Suspense
Small Town Romance
Strangers to Lovers
Next Door Neighbors
Ex-Navy Seal x Marine Biologist
Dual POV
Open Door - Mild
This is a small coastal town, romantic suspense between a ex-navy seal & the new in town marine biologist that lives next door. Lots of protective hero moments & will-they-won't-they tension between the MCs. The relationship felt like it moved a little quicker than it actually did IMO, like we missed some of the romance's natural progression off page.
Overall, I enjoyed. I didn't see the ending coming & liked the set up for book two.
2🔥
Romantic Suspense
Small Town Romance
Strangers to Lovers
Next Door Neighbors
Ex-Navy Seal x Marine Biologist
Dual POV
Open Door - Mild
This is a small coastal town, romantic suspense between a ex-navy seal & the new in town marine biologist that lives next door. Lots of protective hero moments & will-they-won't-they tension between the MCs. The relationship felt like it moved a little quicker than it actually did IMO, like we missed some of the romance's natural progression off page.
Overall, I enjoyed. I didn't see the ending coming & liked the set up for book two.
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