Whispers in the Water

Deep River Series #1

by Nyssa Kathryn

One small town. A love that never faded. And deadly secrets that lurk beneath the surface.

Maggie Sinclair didn’t think she’d ever return to Deep River. The town held too many memories—of her mother’s death, her aunt’s cruelty, and of Ethan Moore, the man she once loved. The man she ran from. But when life in LA begins to feel unsafe, she retreats back to the small town she knows. The same place where Ethan’s also returned. And he’s more of everything she remembers—stronger, more protective, and even easier to fall for all over again.

Former Navy SEAL Ethan Moore is home. But Deep River isn’t the town he once knew. People have started going missing—women, specifically. Some tourists, some local. And when the sheriff can’t be bothered to keep their town safe, the mayor—with help from an anonymous benefactor—hires Ethan and his friends to create an elite search and rescue team. That should be his only focus. But the moment he sets eyes on Maggie Sinclair, the woman who broke him years ago, old wounds reopen, and his heart starts to remember what his mind tried to forget.

Ethan never stopped loving Maggie. But he’s not the only one with eyes on her. Danger followed her to Deep River. As a threat closes in, Ethan will do whatever it takes to protect her. Because he’s not just fighting an invisible threat—he’s fighting for a second chance at forever.

A Small Town, Second Chance, Romantic Suspense.

Genres: Second Chance, Romantic Suspense, Military Fiction, Audiobook

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

About the author

Sign up for my newsletter here:
https://www.nyssakathryn.com/vip-newsletter

Australian Romantic Suspense Author, Nyssa Kathryn, is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance. Living in South Australia with her hubby and daughter, when she's not spending time with the family, she's either plotting her next story or got her head stuck in a book.

Follow Nyssa here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyssakathrynauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornyssakathryn/

Reviews

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new romantic suspense series set in a small town called Deep River. The lead characters,
Maggie Sinclair and Ethan Moore,
They are both great characters, but Maggie’s upbringing has severely damaged her self-confidence.

Maggie and Ethan—a former Navy SEAL—both return to their hometown but find some things have changed, including themselves. Having always been protective of Maggie, Ethan continues to try to ensure she is safe. Her stalker has other ideas, though. With plenty of emotion, their relationship, which is rocky to start with, struggles a bit but physically they feel the same sexual attraction as before.

Overall, the characters are fabulous, and I look forward to reading Polly and Joel’s story, as well as all of the other elite search and rescue team members.

The suspense element is twofold as women have gone missing. Is it Maggie’s stalker? I will let you read the book and find out but know that as the story unfolds so does the tension and excitement.

An amazing start to this brand new series.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book

Another great book and start to a new series. It has spice, suspense, quirky side characters... second chances and an old mystery. Seriously cant go wrong!

[𝒩𝒶𝒹𝒾𝒶𝒽 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advance reader copy of Whispers in the Water. All thoughts are my own.

This small-town romantic suspense delivers exactly what it promises: second chances, simmering tension, and a steadily building undercurrent of danger.

Maggie Sinclair’s return to Deep River sets the emotional tone from the start. Her past is heavy—marked by grief, betrayal, and a love she never truly let go of. Watching her navigate old wounds while trying to stand her ground added depth to the romance. Ethan Moore is a classic protective hero, but he’s more than just muscle and intensity. His unresolved feelings for Maggie feel authentic, and their chemistry rekindles quickly while still acknowledging the hurt between them.

The suspense element unfolds at a measured pace. The missing women storyline creates a persistent sense of unease, and I appreciated how the danger feels close and personal rather than distant. The formation of the search and rescue team adds structure to the plot and gives Ethan a clear external purpose that conflicts nicely with his emotional one.

The small-town setting is vivid and atmospheric. Deep River feels like a character in its own right—tight-knit, complicated, and layered with secrets. That said, there were moments where I would have liked a bit more unpredictability in the suspense arc, as some elements felt familiar within the genre.

Overall, Whispers in the Water is a strong start (or addition) to a romantic suspense series. If you enjoy protective heroes, second-chance romance, and small-town mysteries with emotional stakes, this one is worth picking up.

I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next.

[Krystal (dog_eared_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with narration, it was duet and both narrators were very good
While this was book 1 in an interconnected standalone series, there was a serial killer subplot that I was particularly invested in; I look forward to seeing where it goes. Overall I enjoyed this second chance romantic suspense; I liked Maggie and Ethan, though was Joel and Polly that stole the show for me - their banter and bickering made me excited for their book!
Starting with narration, it was duet and both narrators were very good

Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHISPERS!!

Maggie left her home me town years ago to get away from a cruel relative and the love of her life.

“That man was made for you, Maggie Sinclair.

Nathan has come home to run the SAR’s program with his team. He want’s Maggie back and to find out why she left.

With an incompetent sheriff and women are going missing he’s thrown right in the middle of a whirlwind.

“You never left me. Not for a single day. You lived here.” He took her wrist and lifted it so her palm sat over his heart.

Small town drama at its finest. This new series starts out with a huge bang. I can tell it’s gonna be another fantastic ride.

[Christine Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Water is book one of the brand new Deep River series by Nyssa Kathryn. I am in love with this book, what an incredible start to this brand new series! This book features Ethan and Maggie. Ethan and Maggie are both from Deep River and were once very much in love. But Maggie has deep psychological scars. Her father was an unknown in her life and her mother died tragically when she was around 10. Her aunt took her in but treated her terribly and constantly made her feel unloved and like a burden. Maggie carried these scars with her, even through her very loving relationship with Ethan. Then, one horrible night, after a horrible fight with her aunt during which her aunt said despicable, unforgivable things, Maggie breaks things off with Ethan, believing she's unworthy of him and that he can do much better. Ethan is heartbroken and has never cared for anyone else the way he cares for Maggie. It's several years later and a stalker has sent Maggie back home to Deep River. Ethan is also back home in Deep River. He has left the military with his four best friends and teammates and they are now serving as Deep River search and rescue operators. Deep River has had an influx of missing women and Ethan and his friends wish to help, despite significant disapproval from the sheriff of the town. Ethan and Maggie reconnect and the sparks between them are still as strong as ever. They never fell out of love with each other. Maggie only broke up with Ethan because of her own struggles with her own self worth. Ethan loves her so much and even though he worries she might break his heart again, he can't deny that his love for her still remains after all these years. Maggie never stopped loving him either and they ultimately decide to give their relationship another go. However, danger lurks and someone is out to harm not only the citizens of Deep River, but also Maggie herself.

This book was a page turner for sure, I couldn't put it down. Nonstop action and suspense, an ongoing mystery surrounding the town that will head into at least the next book if not the entirety of the series, and a wonderful second chance romance between Ethan and Maggie all make for an amazing read. I truly didn't want the book to end. Along with the incredible action/suspense/drama the book offered, there is an emotional depth to the characters and specifically to Ethan and Maggie's love story that made this read so compelling. Maggie has been made to feel like an unlovable burden and has to fight those demons as she tries to give a relationship with Ehtan a second go. She often feels unlovable and feels that Ethan deserves better, that he deserves someone who is confident and self assured and worthy of his love. Ethan loves her exactly as she is and wishes she could climb into his heart so she'd know just how much he loves her, has always loved her, just as she is. With Ethan, Maggie doesn't have to earn his love. She doesn't have to do anything. The love is just there, just like breath in his lungs or blood in his veins. She doesn't have to change anything about herself, he loves her just as she is and all he needs is her love in return. And she too has always loved him. Her struggle with her own self worth and a horrible childhood just got in the way for a while. But to realize her own self worth and to rest in the comfort and surety of Ethan's love, and for Ethan to be able to rest in hers and know she won't break his heart again, was beautiful. This component of the story is written so beautifully and is so relatable. Props to Nyssa Kathryn, this book totally blew me away and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting & Heartfelt Romantic Suspense! Fantastic Story & Narration🎧

Whispers In The Water
Deep River Book 1
By: Nyssa Kathryn
Narrated by: CJ Bloom, Walker Williams

Nyssa Kathryn welcomes you to Deep River for an amazing start to her new series, an enthralling small town second chance romantic suspense that hooks you in right from the start. The first book of the series features Ethan Moore and Maggie Sinclair, originally from Deep River. She left to escape her abusive aunt, who took guardianship of her when she was a young girl after her mother’s passing. Maggie became a flight attendant, travelled the world and started a travel blog. She and Ethan had been in a relationship since they were young, which turned into a long-distance relationship when she moved to California and he became a Navy SEAL. Her insecurities get the best of her, and she breaks up with Ethan, which breaks his heart. After two women go missing, Ethan returns to Deep River to man an elite search and rescue team funded by an undisclosed benefactor, bringing fellow SEALs with him to form the team, each bringing their own skills. The unknown benefactor knows that the town sheriff is useless, does not take things seriously, and does not put any effort into investigating anything. He and his son are against the new search and rescue team and want it gone. Returning to Deep River was never in Maggie’s life plan, but a stalker has escalated and she feels unsafe, so she stays with her best friend Polly. She was not sure how it would go when seeing Ethan for the first time, hearing he was dating, but then learned, like herself, he never moved on after her. I am a sucker for second chances, and it was great to watch Ethan and Maggie rekindle their relationship and see their love never fizzled out. I loved how protective he was of her and was rooting for them from the start. As the first book of the series, Kathryn masterfully lays down the foundation for the rest of the series, introducing the team, who will hopefully get their own books. She also keeps you thinking and on your toes with the romantic suspense storylines, adding elements of mystery to the ongoing investigation of the missing women and who the benefactor is. The stalker storyline has some surprise twists, ones you never saw coming. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic and all superbly done, as are the character growth and development. Nyssa Kathryn, thank you for another amazing story and emotional roller coaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous audiobook production and listen performed by two wonderfully talented voice artists, CJ Bloom and Walker Williams. They did an incredible job voicing the characters, each embodying their roles completely, Bloom was a natural in Maggie’s role, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her vulnerabilities to her strength and determination. Williams did the same in Ethan’s role and was just as amazing, showcasing his personality, nailed with his protectiveness too. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the secondary characters too, old and young. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance, conveying all the characters’ emotions and making you feel each one. These two are a fabulous team, with voices that complement each other and a captivating performance that rivets you to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✦💛🖤I loved Ethan and Maggie's second chance emotional healing story💕 🖤💛

We met Ethan in the last book of Ms Kathryn's most recent series, so in fact, she had me hooked and already waiting to meet the characters of her new Small-Town series set in Deep River. He featured heavily in UNFINISHED (Amber Ridge series) and we read that he had an interview with the town's mayor to set up a specialist Search and Rescue team, to try to find some recently missing women. This was flying in the face of the extreme hostility from the local Sheriff who appeared less than motivated to find them himself.

His backstory was heart-breaking. The woman he loved had shown up unexpectedly to see him where he was stationed. He didn't know she'd visited and even the one member of his team who'd seen her briefly arrive had no answer for her distress. He knew the history she had with her aunt, the lack in confidence and that she had doubt of his love for her, but he did love her unconditionally anyway. She then inexplicably left him and disappeared, resulting in lapsed concentration for missions and the risking of his place on his Seal Team.
Fast forward 11 years and now he is back in Deep River accompanied by some members of his former Seal Team, and in meeting this new cast of characters, I'm already in anticipation of the next few books.

WHISPERS ON THE WATER was more than a second chance romance. It's about adult emotional healing and recognition when the abusive treatment received as a child, and in Maggie's case it was her Aunt’s emotional abuse, belonged firmly to the perpetrator, and was not a reflection on them when they were young. In the years she was away, Maggie worked on her mental well-being and I absolutely admired her for it. She was now in a better and stronger place to withstand the challenges she faced over the course of WHISPERS and placed herself in a good stead to be the worthy partner (in her own mind) of the man she loved.

I think this is what I loved most about Ms Kathryn’s book. Past issues were not ‘magically' resolved but Maggie's self-awareness allowed her to move on when it counted.

With the release of WHISPERS ON THE WATER, I believe that Ms Kathryn has encompassed her original formula of where a more obvious underlying plot seems as though it will be threading through the entire series and will develop alongside the romance of each couple as team-member finds his HEA with the woman who will mean everything to him. As Ethan and Maggie work through their second-chance romance, his team have more than the original missing women to look for because it seems there is systemic crime goings-on happening and it is this that remains unresolved and moving on-ward into further books meaning I need to be here for it all.

I have no idea how Ms Kathryn keeps to her winning romantic-suspense formula that I absolutely love. Each book released is a fresh story and in each series, the characters are inter-connected As always, this book was seriously great reading at 5-new-romantic-suspense-series-Stars 💕 🖤💛

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Water is the first book in the new Deep River series by Nyssa Kathryn. It is a small town, second chance romance that pulls you in from the beginning and squeezes your heart with non-stop emotions. Ethan and Maggie’s story is full of suspense, surprise, mystery, danger, secrets and lies, twists and turns, strong chemistry, and more.

Deep River is first introduced in the final book of Nyssa’s Amber Ridge series, Unfinished. The main character Zane Merrick is from Deep River and has been friends–since childhood–with Ethan Moore, the hero in Whispers in the Water. Ethan is also scattered throughout Unfinished as he helps his friend.

Maggie Sinclair and Ethan Moore were childhood sweethearts and after a misunderstanding on her end, she breaks up with him and moves to California to start over away from her horrible aunt–who has verbally and emotionally abused Maggie since she came to live with her–and memories of being with him. The only person she keeps in contact with is her best friend, Polly. She’s able to start over, gets a dream job as a flight attendant and travels all over, and even starts a travel blog that gains a lot of followers. When disturbing incidents happen in her home while she’s away, along with worrying posts on her social media, Maggie runs back to Deep River to stay with her friend Polly; who’s been her only support. Finding out that Ethan has returned too is a bonus. However, danger has followed her home determined to end her second chance before it begins.

Ethan Moore is back in his hometown of Deep River after the military to start a search and rescue team with his former teammates. Upon his arrival he had learned several women had gone missing and the local law was doing nothing to find them. Thanks to an anonymous benefactor and with help of the mayor, Ethan and his team try to unravel the mystery of the missing women and learn a lot more than they bargained for in the process. He also runs into Maggie again and realizes the spark between them is still there and just as strong despite the years of separation and his broken heart. When he finds out about her stalker, he’s determined to protect her.

Things are not as they seem in the small town of Deep River; the more Ethan and his team dig for answers the more questions they find. As everything starts to unravel, Ethan is torn between his job and Maggie’s protection. Will Ethan and his team be able to solve the mystery of the missing women and protect Maggie? Will the stalker take the decision out of his hands?

This book will pull you in from the start. The chemistry and love between Ethan and Maggie are strong and undeniable. The mystery and suspense are woven into the story perfectly to keep you on edge. The stalker aspect has you questioning everyone and their motives until the end. The supporting characters add elements of friendly banter, brotherhood, loyalty, and protectiveness. This book is a fabulous start to the series.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ꍏ꒒ꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖤𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖬𝖺𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾
5 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Second chance, suspense and a whole lot of emotions. The perfect way to start a new series...

Maggie, when her mum passed, she went to stay with her aunt. And it was horrible. She went from a loving home, to one filled with cruelness and never ending insults. When she turned eighteen, she left Deep River and worked hard to achieve her dreams. She became an air hostess, and content creator.

She may have gotten her dream job, but a decade ago, she let all those insecurities get the best of her and left the one man her heart as ALWAYS belonged to.

Ethan, he became a navy seal and fought for his country. His loyal, and protects those he loves. Upon returning home, he finds out that women have been going missing and now it's time to protect his small town. With the backing of his Seal Team, who have also joined him in Deep River and the Major.

He loved being a Navy Seal, but he loved Maggie with everything. When she left, she broke him. But anger is the furthest thing he feels when he sees her. And he will fight to make her his once again.

The first book in this series, and Nyssa didn't disappoint. My heart broke for these two from the prologue.

Ethan and Maggie were always meant to be distance and years apart didn't change that, them getting to know their more mature versions of each other, but also having qualities that didn't change over the years were beautiful.

The love, chemistry, protectiveness and suspense, with both Maggie's stalker and what's going on in Deep River were weaved in perfectly.

{This is an interconnected storyline - so the missing woman aspect has not been solved as yet.}

The amount of notes I made while listening to this was unbelievable and I already played matchmaker for the guys! 😂

ꍏꈤꀷ ꓄ꀍꏂ ꍏꀎꀷꀤꂦ...10/10.

𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 -

𝑪𝑱 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒆.

Her voice was clear, soothing, but also soft which portrayed Maggie's character perfectly. The switch up in her voice to portray the other characters was amazing,

𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏.
This is my first time listening to this narrator and his voice was deep, clear, and held that commanding quality, which I loved. His narration for Ethan was perfect. And so good for the secondary characters.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🧳✈️🧳✈️🧳
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧

[Jenny Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review

Nyssa Kathryn kicks off her Deep River Series with book one, “Whispers in the Water”. This audiobook is performed in duet narration by CJ Bloom and Walker Williams and is a second-chance romantic suspense, filled with history and heart.

Maggie & Ethan were young loves who had a future that dissolved before it was able to truly take flight. Eleven years later they have both returned to Deep River, a chance meet-up rekindling the slow burning embers of love that never truly extinguished. When Maggie starts to piece together some unsettling scenarios that creep around her upon her return (not to mention the missing local women), it gives Deep River that Nyssa Kathryn romantic suspense journey we have grown to love.

CJ Bloom is a healed heroine with her portrayal as Maggie. You will learn of Maggie’s past emotional and psychological trauma due to an overbearing aunt — and CJ tenderly gives her a desperation (as a younger Maggie) and of determination as an older a wiser Maggie. My favorite part of Maggie’s own second chance is that she learned to trust again; CJ gives her a gradual release of that trust in her performanc.

CJ has a voice with so much versatility and believability — she is brilliant in this role.


Ethan is a former love of Maggie’s and former SEAL tuned Search a Rescue (SAR) hero. He takes his role seriously, and retuning to Deep River is a painful reminder of what once was and could never be.

I enjoyed Walker’s performance as Ethan so much — his voice wraps so warmly (and ruggedly) around this protective man. As Ethan reacquaints and folds himself back into Maggie’s world, Walker truly gets to flex that tough guy/soft heart vibe that Ethan is a walking definition of.

Nyssa provides a physical representation of a home that feels so real — Deep River is not an unfamiliar landscape and her characters have connections to Amber Ridge). This narrator casting really drove home the immersive feeling this story gave me — they felt as authentic as the landscape.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare that I listen to an entire audio in one day but I could not stop listening to this one. I have been waiting for Ethan's story and had zero chill when I got it in my ears!!

Maggie and Ethan have the type of love that consumes their souls even if they aren't together. If they cannot be with each other they won't be with anyone and Ethan has no problem telling Maggie that. Their love started in their teen years and grew with them into adulthood until a simple misunderstanding and Maggie's aunt getting in her head had Maggie walking away from Ethan. Eleven years later Maggie learns Ethan is back living in their hometown and she returns in hopes of reconnecting with him on any level he will give her. When Ethan sets his sights on her for the first time after all these years he is never taking them off of her again.

These two connect on a level so deep it is clear they belong together. He is open and honest with her from the very beginning but there are some against them being together. Maggie has to face some truths and confide in Ethan about them so he can protect her.

I loved every single second of this book having gotten hooked on it before it barely had a chance to start. I am a sucker for small town, second chance and these two lived up to my standards for sure. Nyssa has a way of writing her characters that will have you engrossed in their story before you even realize what is going on. Her side characters grabbed my attention just as much as the main characters, I see you Joel and Poppy!

********AUDIOBOOK REVIEW********
CJ Bloom and Walker Williams definitely played into me loving this story so much. I always, always enjoy listening to CJ and I feel with every audio she gets better and better. Walker is new to me but I instantly liked him. These two sounded great together in duet style. So many times they had me stopping what I was doing and just sitting and listening, which I rarely just sit and listen. I couldn't get enough of them and hope to hear them together in the future.

[Sarah Wass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anticipating Ethan and Maggie's story since we got a glimpse of Ethan in Zane's story with Bonnie in Unfinished.

Maggie left Deep River over 10 years ago when she saw her boyfriend Ethan who had come home from a mission being close with a female from his military group. As she suffers from low self-esteem kudos to her terrible Aunt, she believed that Ethan would be better off without her and left.

Ethan, who was deeply hurt by her sudden departure and lack of communication never stopped thinking about Maggie. 11 years later after serving in the military he has come back home to Deep River due to the unexplained disappearances of women and the lack of action from the local sheriff. Imagine his surprise when Maggie also returns home after travelling abroad for 11 years as a flight hostess and gathering an online following for her traveller blog. This time, Ethan is determined to not let Maggie slip away from him.

With outsider influences threatening their rekindling relationship, Maggie quickly finds herself targeted by her stalker who has followed her home. Her Aunt Lilith is as cruel as ever, and outsider jealousy threatens to break them apart before they can get back together.

Whispers in the water is packed with tropes of tension, angst, small town, second chance, friendship, protective alpha MMC, military ops, strong character growth and transformations, and can't forget the romantic suspense.

This book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend going back and read Nyssa's previous works as all of her series are interconnected with each other.

I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of Nyssa's ARC team and CANNOT wait to read about Polly and Joel in her next upcoming book following the Deep River series. I'm also kind of hoping we also see a surprise visit from Zane and Bonnie in future books...

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers In The Water
Deep River Book 1
By: Nyssa Kathryn
Narrated by: CJ Bloom, Walker Williams

I am so excited to start another series with Nyssa Kathryn. She knows exactly what I love, and her books always hit the spot. This is the first in the Deep River series and it features Ethan and Maggie. The two were together when they were young, but when Ethan joined the Seals, Maggie couldn't deal with the long distance and broke his heart. Now she has escaped her abusive aunt and is back in Deep River only to find Ethan there heading up an elite search and rescue team. He comes right at a time that women are going missing and when he sees Maggie, his alpha protectiveness comes out. And she is all in for getting back together with him. The two soulmates are happy briefly, but as another woman is found, the team, who I am loving to get to know is out searching. Each member has a tactical specialty, and together they are hoping to get to the bottom of it before more people go missing. When Ethan finds out why Maggie came back to town, he is concerned for her safety as well since the danger seems to have followed her. Is it all connected? Is it a serial killer? Will Maggie and Ethan find their happily ever after in the town they grew up in? This is an exciting start to the series and has built relationships that I hope to see in the upcoming books. This series is going to be a fantastic adventure.

CJ Bloom and Walker Williams start this series out with a bang. They have a fabulous chemistry that shines through Ethan and Maggie. Each voice for the other characters is perfectly fit for their personalities, from the snarky friends, to the teasing banter to the crazy townspeople. It's a phenomenal listen and just makes me want more.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to hear about a new Nyssa Kathryn series because I have enjoyed every single one. Whispers in the Water, book 1 in the new Deep River series, did not disappoint with its second chance romance theme. Who doesn’t love it when he says “I don’t know how not to think about you.” We met former Navy SEAL Ethan Moore in the last book of Ms. Kathryn’s last series (Amber Ridge – go read it now!). He and his former SEAL team have moved to Ethan’s hometown of Deep River to form a search and rescue team because several local women have gone missing. His long-lost love Maggie has also returned home, and it doesn’t take long for them to realize they belong together. Ms. Kathryn is great at weaving a mystery through her small-town romances and this book has more than one and leaves us panting for Book 2. There was great world-building in book 1 as we learned about this new town and its residents and history. I enjoyed the audio production of this book performed by CJ Bloom and new-to-me narrator, Walker Williams. Let me take this moment to talk about the wonderful talent that is CJ Bloom. I adore her narration and performance skills and for this book, she portrays Maggie’s deep-seated insecurities from a painful childhood with raw emotion and builds up her strength to the very last page. Walker Williams has a lovely, soothing male narration style and I look forward to listening to more books from him in the future. If I had to find one small nitpick it would be that he has some diction issues that occasionally make a word hard to understand…it’s just a matter of crispness sometimes. Overall, a 5-star read, 4-star performances and 2.5 spicy peppers.

[Mindy Diegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being wisked away to another small town called Deep River, love it so much. Of course, it’s full of its own band of characters, along with the couple and their friends. Maggie and Ethan have been connected for most of their lives that’s one of the perks for living in a small town. Growing up together, falling in love, but then the fallout of the break up and grow apart. Their second meet cute after all the years apart was worth the wait. It’s interesting to see them try to re-integrate into each other’s lives after so many years apart, somethings are the same and others are completely different. Maggie‘s best friend Polly is absolutely hysterical. I love her. They are two peas in a pod, ride or die. Never a dull moment between the two of them. They made me laugh so hard. Maggie is a woman with lots of issues in her past that she’s trying to overcome. And just when she thinks she’s over them they were jump in knocker down a peg. Ethan comes back into her life it’s like the world makes sense they are so perfect for each other, they are truly soulmates it’s magical seeing them together. Ethan is a protector. He will do anything for his friends and his family no matter what. I love seeing him with his team they are like a band of Brothers and they are so funny. When Ethan and Maggie finally get back together, it is a chefs kiss. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. They gotta go through a lot before they get their actual happily ever after but when they do, it’s worth it I absolutely love this new series. I cannot wait to see everyone else meet their partners, it will be epic.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the beginning!

This was a fantastic start to the series. It’s second chance and romantic suspense. It combines two of my favorite things, making me a happy girl.

Ethan and Maggie were high school and college sweethearts. They are reunited 11 years later when they both relocate back to town. Ethan is back and working for the new, elite search and rescue team with some of his Navy Seal team buddies. And boy or boy, the touch and her and die vibes are strong with this group. Maggie is back trying to start fresh after her safety is threatened by a stalker. It’s clear very quickly that the old feelings and attraction are still there. But will outside factors keep them apart?

Duet narration by CJ Bloom and Walker Williams. They delivered on this nonstop action, emotional ride. Their voices complimented each other. Both managed several additional side characters flawlessly along with elevating the MCs. CJ brought out Maggie’s strength and vulnerability. Walker was fierce as Ethan’s protective side came out and you felt every frustration dealing with the missing women and sheriff.

Multiple women have gone missing, seemingly without a trace. An incompetent sheriff with a lazy attitude. Strange events are eerily similar to Maggie’s past. Toxic relatives stirring up trouble. A mysterious benefactor financing the SAR team. All of this and more kept me riveted to the story. Beyond all this and Ethan and Maggie’s reunion, there is a wonderful found family vibe in this town that I can’t get enough of. Some questions are answered, some still to be revealed. There are hints of what’s coming and I can’t wait for more of this series.

[viv · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is already off to such a great start!!

Right from the beginning, when we get a glimpse into Maggie’s past, my heart honestly broke for her. Everything she went through and the way it shaped how she feels was so emotional to read. There were so many moments where I just wanted to jump into the story and defend her myself. And her aunt? Absolutely the worst. I really don’t see any redemption for her at this point.

I really loved Ethan too. The fact that he didn’t hold onto any anger or resentment toward Maggie, even after she left him out of nowhere with no explanation, made me love him even more. After all those years, all he felt was that pull toward her. The second he saw her again, it was like nothing else mattered. He just wanted her back.

The suspense was so good. It kept me hooked the entire time. I genuinely thought I had everything figured out, especially who the bad guy was, but I was completely wrong. I love when a book can surprise me like that. I’m also really curious to see how the missing women storyline plays out in the rest of the series, because it already feels like it’s going to be a big, important thread.

And Joel and Polly… don’t even get me started. They were so funny. Joel had me laughing so much, especially with how he purposely gets Polly all worked up just for fun. Their dynamic is so entertaining, and I already know their book is going to be amazing.

Overall, I loved this. It had emotion, suspense, and some really fun moments too. I’m really excited to keep going with this series!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Water, book one in the new series by Nyssa Kathryn called Deep River. Maggie Sinclair returned to Deep River after she caught a stalker of her best friend, Polly. Maggie thought no one would find her. However, she was wrong. Strange things started to happen again, and her childhood friend Ethan Moore, who was back in town to find two missing women. When Ethan realised that someone was terrorising Maggie, he stepped in to protect her. Maggie was not happy. Will Ethan and Maggie have a second chance at love? The readers will continue to follow Maggie Sinclair and Ethan Moore to discover what happens.

I was so excited when I found out that Nyssa Kathryn had started writing another romantic suspense series. When I opened the first page of Whispers in the Water, I was hooked on the story and the characters. I like the way Nyssa Kathryn introduced the twist in this book's plot so that readers didn't guess until the end. Reading Whispers in the Water, you will learn about living in a small rural community in the USA.

Whispers in the Water is well-written and well-researched by Nyssa Kathryn. I love Nyssa Kathryn's writing style and the way she portrays her characters and their interactions throughout this book. I feel part of the book's setting because of the way Nyssa Kathryn it.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you read and/or listen to this first story in this new series, you will be engage in the plot from beginning to end.
In this story, we are introduced to a group of former Navy SEALs teammates who have moved to town . Thanks to an anonymous donation to the town, these men have enough money to start a SAR (search and rescue) group. One that is especially needed not only since women have been disappearing for years, and the local sheriff seems to care only about himself and not the town.
This first story belongs to Ethan Moore. Ten years ago he unbeknown to him, he broke the heart of Maggie Sinclair, his then girlfriend,
Between what she witnessed and her cruel and belittling aunt that took her in after Maggie’s mom death, she left town to pursue her own dreams.
Neither forgot the other and now that they are both in town, the feelings resurrect.
But can Maggie trust Ethan? Will she tell Ethan the truth of why she left? How about the stalker that seems to have found her in town?
Meanwhile the mystery of the missing women continue and it seems that Maggie’s life is also in danger.
Once again, this talented author delivers another winner that promises to give us more wonderful stories filled with characters that are perfect in their imperfections and plots that will keep us guessing.
Bringing the story to life in the audio version are CJ Bloom and Walker Williams.
I was entrusted copies of this story. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from Nyssa Kathryn!! We met Ethan in Unfinished (Amber Ridge Series), and I've been looking forward to finding out more about him.

This is a small-town second chance romantic suspense, Maggie and Ethan share a lot of history and plenty of unresolved feelings.

Maggie has returned to her childhood home in Deep River, fleeing a situation in LA. She’s looking for a safe haven, and she ends up crossing paths with Ethan, her first love and a former Navy SEAL. He's back in town leading a specialised search and rescue team because women have started to go missing in the local area.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Maggie and Ethan. He's the ultimate protective hero, The mystery surrounding the missing women is intriguing and the current sheriff and the way the town is currently run will be interesting to see change over the series.

Maggie and Ethan were very quick to put the last 10 years behind them, regardless of the way they split up.

I want to see more from teammate Joel, he was the star of this book for me and I am so looking forward to #2

There is a lot going on with the town and I can't way to see how it all plays out.

🎧 The audio book is narrated by CJ Bloom and Walker Williams, and they do a fantastic job. The dual narration really helps bring Maggie and Ethan to life; CJ Bloom captures Maggie’s insecurities perfectly, while Walker Williams has that ideal deep, "alpha" tone for a former SEAL like Ethan.

[kn_cozy_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep River is starting off strong with Ethan and Maggie’s second chance story!

Maggie and Ethan are childhood sweethearts driven apart in their early 20s by years of mental abuse at the hands of her Aunt. Whispers in the Water explores that trauma and how it has shaped Maggie into the person she is. She has a huge inner voice and dialog that she spends years trying to overcome and her progress is tested when she returns to Deep River and runs into Ethan a decade after she ghosts him.

Ethan has never forgotten Maggie and immediately wants to mend what’s broken and be with her again. He is all in, never gives up on Maggie, providing commitment and reassurance over and over until she starts believing that she deserves him and is enough. **this is a huge part of their journey and while I loved to hate Maggie’s aunt for how she treats Maggie, loved Ethan for his unwavering commitment, support and protection, Maggie’s constant self doubt and running away from Ethan did drag on a bit long for me ** However, it is justified as she spent from age 10 being mentally abused by her aunt and overcoming that trauma made Maggie into a brave and strong FMC.

Nyssa throws in several options for Maggie’s stalker throughout the plot and I enjoyed trying to figure out who it was. The danger and suspense was top notch as always. I loved the cast of characters, her best friend Polly was so funny and I loved her personality, her rivalry with Basil, another local business owner was hilarious and I really enjoyed the introduction we get to the guys, their potential future women and the overarching story that I think will be the mystery the newly formed SAR team works to unravel.

Can’t wait for Polly and Joel. Polly is a spitfire and I already love her viewpoints. Her exception for Joel is going to be so fun to read.

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this one!! It’s a romantic suspense with a second chance romance in a small town, all tropes I love!!

This story is about Maggie and Ethan, who were high school sweethearts, but broke up due to unforeseen issues, but when you love someone so much, do you ever really let them go??

The small town vibes in this audio were amazing. The know it all neighbors, the spot to eat breakfast, it’s all explained so well in this story that I just felt like I was watching this unfold in real time. The banter between Polly and Joel had me cracking up. I can’t wait to read their story, because my gosh, the tension 🥵🥵

The suspense aspect of the book is really what caught my attention. I loved seeing a relationship rekindle and become stronger, but the odd things happening in this small town was just too intriguing. I had so many ideas on what was happening, but let me tell you, that plot twist took me for a loop!! I was not expecting!! The author definitely tricked me!!

I was lucky enough to the get the ALC of this book from blue nose publishing, which I’m so thankful for. CJ Bloom and Walker Williams did an amazing job with these characters!! Although I’m not a huge fan of the third person writing, I still enjoyed this story and I felt that the audio was done perfectly. I highly recommend grabbing it if you want to read this one!!

[shanelle maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝒂 𝒖 𝒅 𝒊 𝒐 𝒓 𝒆 𝒄 & 𝒓 𝒆 𝒗 𝒊 𝒆 𝒘

🌟:5 🌶️:1.5 🎧:5

I could tell immediately after listening to the prologue that I was going to fall hard for this book… spoiler alert, I DID. 🙌🏼🥰

There is just nothing quite like a romantic suspense written by Nyssa. She blends everything together so well and leaves you in the edge of your seat, constantly questioning the “who??”. I’m a suckerrrr for second chance romance, and the reason I love it so much is because there’s always pining and yearning. Those together alone, make my heart so so happy. 😁 Ethan and Maggie broke up due to an amalgamation of reasons, and I was so heartbroken for them. They’re that couple that just belong together, and they’re like magnets when they’re around each other. I could just feel how much those two love each other. I loved listening to their road back to each other, and couldn’t have been happier with how they got to their HEA. 🥹

CJ Bloom and Walker Williams performed in duet on the audio, and they were such a perfect fit. The duet narration is perfect for Nyssa’s books, being as they’re in 3rd person. It adds such a necessary storytelling element, and both narrators truly made me love this book so much more through their performances.

This is the start of a new interconnected series of standalones, and imo, you can totally start here! Highly recommend this, and especially on audio!! 🥰🥰

[Amber Kathryn]

Whispers in the Water is the first book in the new Deep River series by Nyssa Kathryn, and it sets the tone in a way that feels both haunting and deeply emotional from the very start.

Maggie’s return to Deep River isn’t just about going home—it’s about facing everything she tried to outrun. The grief, the history, and especially Ethan. Their second-chance romance carries this quiet intensity, where every look and conversation feels loaded with years of love, hurt, and things left unsaid. It’s not rushed or overly dramatic—it lingers in the best way, letting you sit in those moments where you can feel how much they still matter to each other.

And then there’s the undercurrent of danger woven through it all. The missing women, the sense that something isn’t right beneath the surface—it creates this constant tension that makes the town itself feel like a character. You get that push and pull between comfort and unease, where even the familiar doesn’t feel entirely safe.

Ethan brings that steady, protective presence, but it’s the way he shows up for Maggie—without forcing, without forgetting—that really hits. It’s not just about rekindling something old, it’s about deciding if they’re willing to trust it again.

It’s the kind of story that pulls you in slowly, wraps you up in emotion and suspense, and leaves you completely invested in what happens next in Deep River.

[Daisy.readsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

🅐🅛🅒 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
🎧𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: CJ Bʟᴏᴏᴍ & Wᴀʟᴋᴇʀ Wɪʟʟɪᴀᴍs

ᗯᕼᗩT TO ᗴ᙭ᑭᗴᑕT:
🩵𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻
🩵𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🩵𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
"𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿" is another amazing story by 𝗡𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗿𝘆𝗻. I love a good second chance romance, and this one delivers. Maggie and Ethan have a complicated past, but 11 years ago, Maggie was living with her aunt, who subjected her to mental abuse. This made her believe she wasn't deserving of love, causing her to end things with Ethan. Now that she has returned to Deep River, those feelings have resurfaced even stronger, but a killer is lurking as Maggie and Ethan try to rekindle their romance.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲 all the time that transpired, Maggie and Ethan never forgot each other. I was amazed at the strong bond they still shared after so many years. Their relationship had elements of romance and a good sense of found family within their group of friends. The suspenseful aspect of the story kept me engaged, making it a great beginning to a new series.

I had the chance to listen to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the duet narration by 𝗖𝗝 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 and 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you need to give "Whispers in the Water" a listen. Big thanks to the author and Blue Nose Audio for this opportunity.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰.𝟮𝟱⭐️ |𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟱🎧 |𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 𝟯/𝟱🌶️

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we have the start of another fantastic series here. I can tell. We’ve met Ethan before (or, you have if you read the series before this one; if not, you should only because it’s great also). We knew he was pining for or suffering over someone he lost. But we didn’t know just how much worked against him and that person, both once upon a time and now. Between trying to resurrect a love that never really died and trying to keep more women from actually dying, he’s got his hands full.

As for Maggie, she broke my heart in the first pages. She deserved so much better than she got, and she still struggles to believe that she’ll ever be first choice to anyone. But she’s strong and resilient, so she’s still standing. And when Ethan makes it clear that he’s not walking away this time, there is some hope.

But there’s danger. Oodles of it. Someone or someone’s are stalking Maggie. Someone or someone’s are killing women. And it looks like there’s no simple answer in sight. I have theories, though, and I can’t wait to find out if any of them are anywhere near correct as this series progresses.

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa Kathryn has been one of my go-to authors for a long time, so I’m always excited to dive into a new series from her; and Whispers in the Water certainly did not disappoint.

Maggie and Ethan are fantastic characters. Maggie is vulnerable yet incredibly resilient, a true survivor, while Ethan is the perfect protector; strong, dependable, and impossible not to root for. Their dynamic adds both emotional depth and plenty of chemistry to the story.

The plot is gripping from start to finish, full of suspense and unexpected twists. I thought I had figured out who the villain was, but I was completely wrong, which made the reveal even more satisfying. Nyssa Kathryn does a great job of keeping readers guessing while building tension throughout the book.

Alongside the suspense, there’s plenty of romance and steam, balanced with a wonderful cast of side characters. I found myself constantly wondering who might feature in future books, which only added to the fun.

By the end, I already felt like part of the Deep River community and I can’t wait to return to it in the next instalments of the series.

[Jess the Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all when I say I was excited for this ARC to land, it is a huge understatement! Every book Nyssa writes is another wonderful escape into a cozy town where the characters feel like friends and the danger feels like it could be in your back yard.
Whispers in the Water is the first of the Deep River Series where we get to know Protector Ethan and the rest of the Elite Search and Rescue team, along with timid Maggie and her spitfire best friend Poppy, a diabolical Aunt, a good for nothing Sheriff and his son that’s too big for his own britches. Ethan and Maggie were High School Sweethearts until Maggie unexpectedly broke things off. Ethan knew something had to have happened, but not until 11 years later when they find themselves back in Deep River did Maggie open up. Instead of a peaceful reunion, they find themselves worried as women have been going missing, a stalker has followed Maggie home and the Sheriff is as useful as a wet paper sack. It’s a ‘just one more chapter turns to 10’ riveting start to the series.
We’ve got
🩶 Second Chance
🩶 Stalkers
🩶 Always Her
🩶 Suspense
🩶 IT HAS IT ALL 🩶

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Ethan were high school sweethearts. Maggie lacked self-confidence with her aunt putting her down since Maggie’s mother died and she had to live with her aunt. Ethan always stood by her and defended her. After high school, Ethan joined Navy and advanced to a SEAL. Maggie became a flight attendant, travelling around the world, and posted her travel experience on Facebook with a lot of followers. One night Maggie had a fight with her aunt and saw Ethan with a woman at the bar. She broke up with him via text. Eleven years later, they both are back to their hometown. Ethan rounded up his SEAL teammates to help clean up their town with funding from an anonymous sponsor. The local sheriff neglected his responsibilities to investigate the cases of missing women through the years. When Maggie’s stalker followed her to their town, she almost got killed. The plot is sophisticated and enjoyable to a surprise villain. However I am frustrated with Maggie most of the story. Ethan and Maggie finally get back together and they are surrounded by their best friends. I can’t wait to read the stories for each of Ethan’s buddies.