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Date Shark #3
The Only Shark In The Sea
Vance Sullivan has always been the rock everyone turns to for help…
His work with patients recovering from traumatic events makes him the perfect person to help his friend, Guy Saint Laurent, with one of his Date Shark appointments. When Vance meets hesitant, frightened Natalie Price, he suspects she’s hiding the truth behind her fears, and he’s drawn in by a need to help her.
Haunted by a terrible event from her past, Natalie can’t even endure being touched without suffering a crippling panic attack…
She doesn’t know why, but Natalie feels Vance might be the only one who can help her put the pieces of her life back together. Despite the tension their arrangement causes with his girlfriend, their bi-weekly sessions seem to be helping…as long as he keeps his promise not to push her to reveal more than she’s ready to share.
Suddenly the tables have turned…
When Vance suffers his own unspeakable tragedy, asking for help is the last thing he wants to do. Drowning in grief and guilt, crushed by betrayal and lies, Vance needs a lifeline.
Natalie has no idea why anyone thinks she can help him, given her own deep-rooted fears—but she knows she has to try.
A twisted notion of justice makes the danger all too real, and Vance and Natalie realize it might take one broken soul to mend another…
His work with patients recovering from traumatic events makes him the perfect person to help his friend, Guy Saint Laurent, with one of his Date Shark appointments. When Vance meets hesitant, frightened Natalie Price, he suspects she’s hiding the truth behind her fears, and he’s drawn in by a need to help her.
Haunted by a terrible event from her past, Natalie can’t even endure being touched without suffering a crippling panic attack…
She doesn’t know why, but Natalie feels Vance might be the only one who can help her put the pieces of her life back together. Despite the tension their arrangement causes with his girlfriend, their bi-weekly sessions seem to be helping…as long as he keeps his promise not to push her to reveal more than she’s ready to share.
Suddenly the tables have turned…
When Vance suffers his own unspeakable tragedy, asking for help is the last thing he wants to do. Drowning in grief and guilt, crushed by betrayal and lies, Vance needs a lifeline.
Natalie has no idea why anyone thinks she can help him, given her own deep-rooted fears—but she knows she has to try.
A twisted notion of justice makes the danger all too real, and Vance and Natalie realize it might take one broken soul to mend another…
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
DelSheree Gladden
48 books447 followersDelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. She didn't speak a single word for the first three months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting it before having it published.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 15, 2017
I would have given the story five stars, but it ventured too far from her previous clean novels (just a bit too heated to me in words and content). That said, I truly loved the characters and their struggles. They grew together and made a deeply moving match. Definitely not a simple read.
January 28, 2018
89/100
This book boarders on too sad to continue reading a couple of times. There was much more grief and pain packed in this book than expected and I loved it nonetheless.
This book boarders on too sad to continue reading a couple of times. There was much more grief and pain packed in this book than expected and I loved it nonetheless.
October 19, 2015
I was provided with a copy of The Only Shark in the Sea in exchange for an honest review. I will honesty say that this is a very emotional and touching story. It begins with a man named Vance who is supposed to me a potential patient named Natalie. Since he is a psychiatrist, he is filling in for a friend whose flight has been delayed. When he meets Natalie, she is completely terrified of any and all human interaction. She is fidgety and ungodly shy, but Vance finds her to be intriguing and his curiosity wins over the warning signs. His girlfriend, Stephanie, is not too happy about his new patient—but she goes along with it, knowing that Natalie needs the best and Vance…well, he is one of the best. With Vance ignoring the warning signs of oncoming attraction with Natalie, he knows that a he is quickly breaching doctor/patient protocol, but Natalie just really needs someone who she can trust—a friend. Lies, compassion, war, tests and complete loss of one’s self are all struggles that Vance, Natalie and Stephanie all face. What amount of pain must be paid in order to have true happiness in every sense of the word?
My favorite characters are Natalie, Vance and Sabine. Natalie is so strong, yet she has always seen herself as weak due to her complete fear of human interaction. She is in her twenties, but her past still completely controls her life and haunts her with every move she makes. She has a terrible past that could still catch up with her, but she has come so far to avoid the pain. When she seeks Guy out for help—that alone is strength. Vance is smart, fearless and compassionate. The faith that he holds for his patients is purely optimistic and hopeful, but he is a very patient man as well. He understands that not everyone will be the same and some cases may take longer than others. Sabine is pure joy to read about! She is very optimistic and a true friend to Vance and Stephanie, even Natalie after meeting with her. Her presence is very relaxing and alluring, but she is still smart and very trusting of Vance—even though she knows his inner struggles with Stephanie’s inability to move forward from her crippling past. The happiness that Vance and Stephanie share is limited and no one knows better than Sabine about how much of a debilitating crutch it lingers over the both of them.
I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys adult and psychological fiction. In my opinion, I rate The Only Shark in the Sea with five stars due to the highly original content and emotional, complexity of character development. The creativity is outstanding, but this read is not to be taken lightly. Some of the content is truly perplexing and hard to take in, due to the actions of certain individuals within the character’s lives. Since everyone does take things differently and you never really know how you would handle a situation until you are in it, I did not take judgment on any of the characters by their reactions nor did it change my perception of them—even though some situations may have seemed exaggerated. The pace of this is a little slower than I would have liked, but the author’s writing style is flawless and superb—I never lost any interest in this novel. It is a mesmerizing and emotional read. I look forward to reading more by this astounding author!
My favorite characters are Natalie, Vance and Sabine. Natalie is so strong, yet she has always seen herself as weak due to her complete fear of human interaction. She is in her twenties, but her past still completely controls her life and haunts her with every move she makes. She has a terrible past that could still catch up with her, but she has come so far to avoid the pain. When she seeks Guy out for help—that alone is strength. Vance is smart, fearless and compassionate. The faith that he holds for his patients is purely optimistic and hopeful, but he is a very patient man as well. He understands that not everyone will be the same and some cases may take longer than others. Sabine is pure joy to read about! She is very optimistic and a true friend to Vance and Stephanie, even Natalie after meeting with her. Her presence is very relaxing and alluring, but she is still smart and very trusting of Vance—even though she knows his inner struggles with Stephanie’s inability to move forward from her crippling past. The happiness that Vance and Stephanie share is limited and no one knows better than Sabine about how much of a debilitating crutch it lingers over the both of them.
I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys adult and psychological fiction. In my opinion, I rate The Only Shark in the Sea with five stars due to the highly original content and emotional, complexity of character development. The creativity is outstanding, but this read is not to be taken lightly. Some of the content is truly perplexing and hard to take in, due to the actions of certain individuals within the character’s lives. Since everyone does take things differently and you never really know how you would handle a situation until you are in it, I did not take judgment on any of the characters by their reactions nor did it change my perception of them—even though some situations may have seemed exaggerated. The pace of this is a little slower than I would have liked, but the author’s writing style is flawless and superb—I never lost any interest in this novel. It is a mesmerizing and emotional read. I look forward to reading more by this astounding author!
October 16, 2015
*** ARC kindly provided by the author via Indie Girl Promotions ***
The Only Shark in the Sea is an intense and emotional read, telling us the story of Natalie and Vance.
Natalie can't stand to be surrounded by people or being touched. She was seeking help from The Date Shark to overcome her biggest fears. She has a troubled and dark past, and the memories of her childhood are still here. She has to move in if she wanted to have a life. Maybe she ran away from her old life, in her small town, where people was afraid of her father, but she's tough and her will to get better shows us how strong she is.
Vance is hired by his friend, Guy who runs the Shark company. He's a psychologist. He's living happily with his high school sweetheart. He got it all, in love and helping people but it was only a surface. Having Nathalie has a patient awaken in him a strong protectiveness and tenderness for a woman he never met.
In her process to heal, Vance is struck by a tragedy and this time, Natalie has to fight for him and to help him.
The author did a good job about the psychology's side. It was very introspective and well written. Both Nathalie and Vance found happiness with each other. Their relationship was built with trust, it wasn't insta-love but they were slowly and naturally getting together.
Surprisingly, Nathalie was the one who knew all Vance's secrets, he was too ashamed about his behavior that he couldn't talk with his best friends. Through Vance's recovery, she was healing herself too. I appreciated the reversed situation. They connected in a powerful way, even if they weren't involved romantically firsthand.
This story was beautifully written, complex with a solid headline, great support characters. It was a challenging and emotional journey about relationships and overcoming obstacles. To be honest, I was sceptical in the beginning about Vance's life, how everything crushed down and his connection with Natalie, but I learnt to like the MC as the story unfolds. It just took me too long to really enjoy it and to connect with the characters.
The Only Shark in the Sea is an intense and emotional read, telling us the story of Natalie and Vance.
Natalie can't stand to be surrounded by people or being touched. She was seeking help from The Date Shark to overcome her biggest fears. She has a troubled and dark past, and the memories of her childhood are still here. She has to move in if she wanted to have a life. Maybe she ran away from her old life, in her small town, where people was afraid of her father, but she's tough and her will to get better shows us how strong she is.
Vance is hired by his friend, Guy who runs the Shark company. He's a psychologist. He's living happily with his high school sweetheart. He got it all, in love and helping people but it was only a surface. Having Nathalie has a patient awaken in him a strong protectiveness and tenderness for a woman he never met.
In her process to heal, Vance is struck by a tragedy and this time, Natalie has to fight for him and to help him.
The author did a good job about the psychology's side. It was very introspective and well written. Both Nathalie and Vance found happiness with each other. Their relationship was built with trust, it wasn't insta-love but they were slowly and naturally getting together.
Surprisingly, Nathalie was the one who knew all Vance's secrets, he was too ashamed about his behavior that he couldn't talk with his best friends. Through Vance's recovery, she was healing herself too. I appreciated the reversed situation. They connected in a powerful way, even if they weren't involved romantically firsthand.
This story was beautifully written, complex with a solid headline, great support characters. It was a challenging and emotional journey about relationships and overcoming obstacles. To be honest, I was sceptical in the beginning about Vance's life, how everything crushed down and his connection with Natalie, but I learnt to like the MC as the story unfolds. It just took me too long to really enjoy it and to connect with the characters.
*** My rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 16, 2015
The Only Shark in the Sea was my first book by DelSheree Gladden, but it won't be my last. The premise was intriguing and sucked me right in, unsure of exactly how things would proceed.
Vance is a noble guy, he wants to do nothing but help others through their problems and be able to lead normal lives once they move on from being stuck in the past. He not only feels this way about his patients but also people in his own life. When Vance finds himself working with Natalie, he's struck differently about her than other patients. She's like others he has helped, but in many ways, absolutely different.
Natalie is afraid of everything and everyone it seems. Contact bothers her, being around people frightens her, let alone allowing someone close enough to touch her. But she wants to get over this innate sense of self-protection. She wants to normalize herself, not to have a relationship, but to just feel human.
There is alot going on with both Vance and Natalie, and I won't go into details, because that would spoil the story, but the fact remains, they are the perfect person to help the other work through things. There is a lot of emotions, a lot of hurt and pain in their pasts and present, and with each other they find someone to just talk it through with. Someone to open up to and allow inside. A genuine true friend, needed at just the right moment its most important.
Natalie overcame a lot, and I enjoyed watching as she opened herself up more and more and told her story. She was such a strong person, suffering from guilt and shame, when she had no reason to be. I hurt for her, but I also rejoiced for her as she stood up for herself and struggled to get over her own setbacks and realign her limitations to look toward the future.
This book had lots of sweet moments, but overall was emotionally charged with a few little twists here and there. The charcters were so well defined, that it gave great joy to see them somewhat happy after harrowing times.
Vance is a noble guy, he wants to do nothing but help others through their problems and be able to lead normal lives once they move on from being stuck in the past. He not only feels this way about his patients but also people in his own life. When Vance finds himself working with Natalie, he's struck differently about her than other patients. She's like others he has helped, but in many ways, absolutely different.
Natalie is afraid of everything and everyone it seems. Contact bothers her, being around people frightens her, let alone allowing someone close enough to touch her. But she wants to get over this innate sense of self-protection. She wants to normalize herself, not to have a relationship, but to just feel human.
There is alot going on with both Vance and Natalie, and I won't go into details, because that would spoil the story, but the fact remains, they are the perfect person to help the other work through things. There is a lot of emotions, a lot of hurt and pain in their pasts and present, and with each other they find someone to just talk it through with. Someone to open up to and allow inside. A genuine true friend, needed at just the right moment its most important.
Natalie overcame a lot, and I enjoyed watching as she opened herself up more and more and told her story. She was such a strong person, suffering from guilt and shame, when she had no reason to be. I hurt for her, but I also rejoiced for her as she stood up for herself and struggled to get over her own setbacks and realign her limitations to look toward the future.
This book had lots of sweet moments, but overall was emotionally charged with a few little twists here and there. The charcters were so well defined, that it gave great joy to see them somewhat happy after harrowing times.
October 12, 2015
OMG! I loved this book! As I was reading it, I couldn’t help thinking, ‘Why haven’t I heard of this series before? Why haven’t I read something written by this author?’.
To say The Only Shark in the Sea is an intense book is an understatement, but this wasn’t an ‘in your face’ story. I loved the way this book slowly unravelled to reveal a story that touched my heart (much like unwrapping a present). I loved Vance as soon as the author introduced him to me and, as the book progressed, I began to love Natalie. I just couldn’t work out how they could become a couple. This book definitely was not predictable.
There were so many characters in this book to love and I couldn’t help wishing I’d read the first two books in this series. I wanted to know more about them even though DelSheree Gladden gave enough back story so I didn’t feel lost. Will I read them? Probably not, but that’s because I don’t like going backwards, but if you haven’t read the first two books, I suggest you read them before starting this one.
I honestly did not want to put this book down once I started it. Unfortunately, real life got in the way.
I gave The Only Shark in the Sea 5 stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
To say The Only Shark in the Sea is an intense book is an understatement, but this wasn’t an ‘in your face’ story. I loved the way this book slowly unravelled to reveal a story that touched my heart (much like unwrapping a present). I loved Vance as soon as the author introduced him to me and, as the book progressed, I began to love Natalie. I just couldn’t work out how they could become a couple. This book definitely was not predictable.
There were so many characters in this book to love and I couldn’t help wishing I’d read the first two books in this series. I wanted to know more about them even though DelSheree Gladden gave enough back story so I didn’t feel lost. Will I read them? Probably not, but that’s because I don’t like going backwards, but if you haven’t read the first two books, I suggest you read them before starting this one.
I honestly did not want to put this book down once I started it. Unfortunately, real life got in the way.
I gave The Only Shark in the Sea 5 stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
October 13, 2015
The Only Shark in the Sea, was not what I expected it to be. Wonderfully written and complex, this is a book about relationships and overcoming obstacles vs a traditional romance novel.
Vance and Natalie first come together when he seems to have it all and she is beginning to put her life back together. As we get to know them, we discover that she isn't as broken as she thinks and that his life isn't as perfect as it appears. Their relationship definitely see saws between him helping her and then Natalie helping Vance before they begin to find an equilibrium.
I enjoyed getting to know both of these characters and found myself rooting for them as they navigated their trials and tribulations.
There is a strong secondary cast and there seem to be existing story lines being referenced, but this works very well as a stand alone. This is my first book by Ms. Gladden, but I will definitely be back for more.
Vance and Natalie first come together when he seems to have it all and she is beginning to put her life back together. As we get to know them, we discover that she isn't as broken as she thinks and that his life isn't as perfect as it appears. Their relationship definitely see saws between him helping her and then Natalie helping Vance before they begin to find an equilibrium.
I enjoyed getting to know both of these characters and found myself rooting for them as they navigated their trials and tribulations.
There is a strong secondary cast and there seem to be existing story lines being referenced, but this works very well as a stand alone. This is my first book by Ms. Gladden, but I will definitely be back for more.
October 3, 2015
The Only Shark in the Sea by DelSheree Gladden
This was a very meaningful story. I love the characters Natalie and Vance, it's great how Vance helps Natalie with her fears. They both help each other, initially it's Vance helping Natalie with her extreme fear of people. As time goes on the tables turn and it's Vance that needs Natalie, she is the only one that can help him but can she over come her fears of people touching her? Can she have a life that she longs for but has been unable to have due to the way she has been brought up.
I really enjoyed following Natalie and Vance on their very emotional journey. I will be on the look out for more books from this author, this was the first one of hers I have read and it won't be the last!!
This was a very meaningful story. I love the characters Natalie and Vance, it's great how Vance helps Natalie with her fears. They both help each other, initially it's Vance helping Natalie with her extreme fear of people. As time goes on the tables turn and it's Vance that needs Natalie, she is the only one that can help him but can she over come her fears of people touching her? Can she have a life that she longs for but has been unable to have due to the way she has been brought up.
I really enjoyed following Natalie and Vance on their very emotional journey. I will be on the look out for more books from this author, this was the first one of hers I have read and it won't be the last!!
November 6, 2015
The Only Shark In The Sea 5 stars
I was given an ARC for an honest review for UIBB.
Let me start that have not read any of the other Date Shark books. With that being said I loved this book! It is an intense, emotional read. Natalie is a true warrior, she overcomes her fears daily, her strength is amazing. Vance wants to help Natalie but in a turn of events Natalie is the one that helps Vance. Vance is very understanding and patient with Natalie. The characters and storyline are wonderfully devolved. I enjoyed going on the emotional journey with them. The Only Shark In The Sea will grab you from the beginning and pull you in emotionally until the end.
I was given an ARC for an honest review for UIBB.
Let me start that have not read any of the other Date Shark books. With that being said I loved this book! It is an intense, emotional read. Natalie is a true warrior, she overcomes her fears daily, her strength is amazing. Vance wants to help Natalie but in a turn of events Natalie is the one that helps Vance. Vance is very understanding and patient with Natalie. The characters and storyline are wonderfully devolved. I enjoyed going on the emotional journey with them. The Only Shark In The Sea will grab you from the beginning and pull you in emotionally until the end.
December 29, 2015
I was given an ARC for an honest review for UIBB.
Review by Raychel
Let me start that have not read any of the other Date Shark books. With that being said I loved this book! It is an intense, emotional read. Natalie is a true warrior, she overcomes her fears daily, her strength is amazing. Vance wants to help Natalie but in a turn of events Natalie is the one that helps Vance. Vance is very understanding and patient with Natalie. The characters and storyline are wonderfully devolved. I enjoyed going on the emotional journey with them. The Only Shark In The Sea will grab you from the beginning and pull you in emotionally until the end.
Review by Raychel
Let me start that have not read any of the other Date Shark books. With that being said I loved this book! It is an intense, emotional read. Natalie is a true warrior, she overcomes her fears daily, her strength is amazing. Vance wants to help Natalie but in a turn of events Natalie is the one that helps Vance. Vance is very understanding and patient with Natalie. The characters and storyline are wonderfully devolved. I enjoyed going on the emotional journey with them. The Only Shark In The Sea will grab you from the beginning and pull you in emotionally until the end.
September 15, 2015
I received Shark Out of Water as an ARC version from the author. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. A very emotional, layered romance dealing with betrayal and grief. This story is not a light-hearted romp, it's a complex, slow-building (yet well-paced) journey of two people taking chances and learning to trust. A wonderful tale, and my favorite of the Shark series.
October 6, 2015
What’s a love story without a few challenges?
Natelie and Vance are great characters. Natalie constantly pulled on my heartstrings. The story shows give and take in equal measure. The way a great couple works.
For full review please see original post on my blog: https://heavenisabookshop.wordpress.c...
Natelie and Vance are great characters. Natalie constantly pulled on my heartstrings. The story shows give and take in equal measure. The way a great couple works.
For full review please see original post on my blog: https://heavenisabookshop.wordpress.c...
August 21, 2015
This time it's Vance's turn to play Date Shark! Can't wait to share Vance and Natalie's story with everyone :)
September 26, 2015
Great book!! I hate giving things away in reviews so I won't, but I loved how despite the many challenges Vance and Natalie had to deal with the story ends up in the best possible way.
October 9, 2015
The only thing that would made this book a 10 star was a epilogue that included a baby. This book was ah-mazing!
June 12, 2017
The series continues with more great well built characters ... loved vance and natalie and how natalie evolved and tried with all her might to overcome her past .. also i love how realistic it was to mot make her magically recover but made it a slow process still .. def worth reading
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