Knight's Storm

Sanctuary Falls #1

by Katie Reus

Discover book 1 of the all-new small-town romantic suspense series set in Sanctuary Falls, by USA Today bestselling author, Katie Reus!

Someone is trying to frame her for murder.

When Berkley Knight wakes up in a dead man’s house with no memory of how she got there, she runs. Given her checkered past, she doesn’t trust the cops, so she calls her brother for help. They retrace her steps, trying to figure out who could have dumped her there and why. But when they start digging, they wind up with even more questions—and in more danger.

He’ll do whatever it takes to clear her name.

Unfortunately, the same thing happens again, only this time Berkley wakes up in her murdered ex-husband’s house. Now she’s the prime suspect, but soon realizes that whoever is terrorizing her has just begun to systematically destroy her life. The one thing she never imagined was turning to her enemy for help, but Nick Storm is exactly who she needs to fight the maniac who’s terrorizing her. It turns out that the danger is much closer than either of them realize. And the only way they both survive is to trust each other.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Reviews

[Faye Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all three of Katie Reus' books from the Holiday With A Hitman series for Christmas last year and loved them all, so when I saw Knight's Storm on NetGalley yesterday, I applied straight away. And as soon as that approval came in, I binged it!

Knight's Storm is a fast paced, small town romantic suspense and it's full of twists and turns in the plot. I really liked the set up for future books in the Sanctuary Falls series too. The third person POV mainly focused on FMC Berkley and MMC Nick, but also moved to some of Berkley's siblings. Although those shifts moved the story forwards, I think I wanted to see more of Berkley and Nick together during the 250 pages, and I definitely could have seen him do some more grovelling!

I really enjoyed the story though and will be picking up the second book to see what will happen next in Sanctuary Falls!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I really like Katie Reus, and it always pains me to write a nonstellar review, but this book just didn't do it for me. It's very readable, don't get me wrong. The short story is that there wasn't a ton of chemistry between Berkley and Nick, and the suspense wasn't all that gripping. Everyone we're supposed to like is likable and everyone we're not supposed to like, isn't.

Romance part: Nick pulls an asshat move in the meet-cute prolog that I have a hard time forgiving him for. He decides Berkley is horrible after a short convo with her ex; the reason for it isn't good enough for me because other than a few passing moments reflecting on an asshole parent and a well-earned reaming by his sister, he's pretty much a happy-go-lucky guy who skates on his looks. For her part, Berkley responds to his asshattery by being miffed at the same time she drools over him. Yeah, he steps up to be there for her, but it seems odd given his he's ignored her for a year and doesn't really know anything about her.

Suspense part: I guessed the culprit about two pages after they were introduced. The motivation wasn't convincing, and how the crimes were pulled off were never fully explained nor believable.

What we need: More time explaining the MCs backgrounds—not prosaically, but maybe evolving throughout the book. If there really needs to be a one year separation from the prolog to the body of the story, then, we need a better reason than Nick being an ass. A little more reaction from Berkley after finding herself in houses with dead people. She's pretty blasé about it, although occasionally, there's a line about her being freaked out, Show us. More chemistry. More suspense. Better red herrings.

I'm not sure if I'll continue reading this new series, though I really want to give this author another chance. Her work is usually much better thought out than this..

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series by one of my favorite authors? Groveling overprotective hero and heroine who knows how to take care of business herself? Bring it on!

I loved this fast pacing story featering Berkley, known as a former bad girl but who's cleaned up her act and now has her own service and estate clean out company. She's about to sign a contract for a huge estate with Nick Storm, who owns a construction company with his sister. She met him after her divorce and really liked him but things turned sour due to a misunderstanding instigated by her ex-husband.

Then Berkley finds herself waking up not just once but twice next to a dead body. The first one she doesn't know at all so she runs and calls her brother Micah for help. But the second is her ex-husband so she's got no other choice then to go to the police station. Seems like someone is out to get her.

In swoops Nick bringing with him a lawyer to represent her and he promises to do everything in his power to help her. After finding out Berkley is actually the nice woman he fell for head over heals, he knows he's got some groveling to do but he wins her over bit by bit just by being there for her all the time.

I really loved this one, there's a good fair bit of action, there's a few surprises in the story and of course lots of romance. We're also introduced to a lot of side characters whom will hopefully all get their own story.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berkley Knight wakes up in a strange house with no memory of how she got there. She looks for the owner and finds him dead. She runs because of her past and goes to her brother. Her sister Krystle is a detective and Micah, her brother, works in the gray area. Micah will stop at nothing to find out what happened. Then it happens again but this time she wakes up in her ex husband’s house and he’s been killed the same way the other guy. When Berkley turns herself in, her lawyer waltzes in with Nick Storm behind her. Nick owns a construction company and has hired Berkley to clean out the house he has bought. When it’s discovered that someone has been following Berkley and getting into her house, Nick hires protection and convinces her to stay with him. Will they find the person terrorizing Berkley before it’s too late?

First book in a new series and you don’t want to miss this! Excellent story. Action. Suspense. Enemies to lovers. Steamy. Several different point of views. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, who could be targeting Berkeley Knight and why? She’s been framed for more than one murder, knocked out and placed at the crime scenes. With the help of Nick Storm, she might just be able to prove her innocence. I had no clue for the majority of the story who could be targeting her, she was a model citizen with a devoted network of family and friends. Some wonderful characters, I really loved her brothers (I see future stories there), I loved Nick and how he protected Berkeley, after the initial blip in their ‘relationship’ that is, he definitely redeemed himself. A murder mystery with a plot twist that I did not see coming. An entertaining sweet suspense with a super slow burn romance in the mix. I loved it. Looking forward to seeing where book 2 takes us. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I sat down to read this and couldn't put it down. If I'd started it in the evening, I would have stayed up all night to finish it.

I loved the characters. Berkley is an interesting woman with a past. As a former bad girl she doesn't trust cops, which is more than a bit awkward since her sister is a cop....

When she wakes up in a deadly man's house, she doesn't know what's happening. When it happens again, she knows someone is after her....then things get really crazy.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat flipping pages just as quickly as possible. This is a fantastic start to a new series. This one is a must read for fans of the genre. The author is on my must read authors' list.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast paced start to a fabulous new series! Berkley Knight has always been considered the ‘wild one’ after a few teenage transgressions, but she’s got her act together and a thriving business that keeps her grounded. It’s not long before Berkley is caught up in something she can’t possibly begin to explain. As her family rallies, Nick Storm can’t help but feel the pull towards Berkley despite what he’s been led to believe about the beauty. Family secrets, half truths, danger and a simmering hot romance pull this well written story together along with the super supporting cast of characters. A plot twist you may not expect keeps the reader fully engaged to the last page. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series Starter

I loved everything about this storyline which has some ups and downs, danger, action, romantic interest and a mystery with twists which will keep you guessing.

A great start to the series with lots of wonderful characters, a few surprises, some swoon-worthy moments in a new town you’ll soon become addicted to.

I am really looking forward to the next story in the series.

Recommended engaging, entertaining fast-paced read

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Sanctuary Falls series. I can't wait to read more!! Loved it!!

I loved the characters - Nick & Berkley.... Nick is 100% a swoonworthy protector and Berkley is a woman who knows what she wants & isn't afraid to go after it & stand up for herself.

I loved the extra characters also & Berkley's siblings are so fun! Can't wait to read their stories!

There is a good amount of suspense & intriguing plot twists and the book is fast paced.

Thank you to the author (Katie Reus), publisher (KR Press, LLC) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Berkley and Nick. Berkley is a lot of fun and softens Nick up. Her family is really interesting. There are a lot of twists and turns. I was surprised by who the murderer was. The writing is awesome.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and fast-paced romantic suspense written in a style that is engaging and fun to read. Good storyline with a compelling mix of drama, action, suspense, and slow-burn romance. Can't wait to read more in this series!.

[Anita]

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.