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Rowan Gray #2
Murky Seas
Rowan Gray has a new job, home and potential boyfriend. Things should be going swimmingly, especially given the fact that she now calls a cruise ship home. All of that changes when a group of feisty women from a cosmetics company take over the Bounding Storm for a week of sun, fun and murder.For Quinn Davenport, things aren’t at all what he expected. He didn’t want a relationship and yet he can’t seem to stay away from the Bounding Storm’s new photographer. He knows she has a secret – and it’s a doozy – but he’s willing to keep it because he’s convinced he finds himself desperate to keep her.When Rowan spots a death omen in a photograph, she calls Quinn into action and they set about to keep the woman in question safe. Unfortunately for Rowan, the death omen switches to another person … and so does the attention of half the ship. That means when death finally comes calling, it hits someone she wasn’t expecting.It’s up to Quinn and Rowan to pick through a tangled web of lies, deception and corporate power struggles to figure out exactly who wanted who dead … and why. When the answers finally become clear, Rowan finds herself in an ocean of trouble and Quinn has no choice but to dive in headfirst in an effort to save her.When the storm settles, who will sink to the bottom and who will be left standing?
204 pages, ebook
First published January 8, 2017
563 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 19, 2022
4 Stars:)
May 27, 2017
Still a good mystery
I loved this book. The mystery is great, the pitfalls on the way to romance are fun, and the characters likable. But....
One small point of info. Marines don't have time off during basic training and would never be allowed to "party" on the weekend. They neither have days off nor are they allowed off base during basic. While this is a casual statement made by Quinn, that he "partied on the weekend" during basic, it is so jarring to members of the sea services, (Navy and Marine Corps), that it is almost a deal breaker. This fact is so well known amongst us that it totally spoils the Marine image Ms. Hart is trying to establish. Please ladies, if your book contains a military person, get someone from that service to beta read it, and if no active duty people are available to you, there are lots of us retired folks out here who could improve it. This book would have been a five without this error but with it, I almost put it down. Let me suggest that you remove that sentence before a Marine reads it. I'm only Navy and retired, and I flipped out. Being in the military is NOTHING like civilian life with weekends off and partying during training periods. I'm sure it made sense to you, but to us it's a jaw dropping
Still it's a great mystery and civilian readers have nothing to worry about since they won't see the problem as a problem. I loved the complexity of this particular mystery, and do hope to see more of this crime solving team.
I loved this book. The mystery is great, the pitfalls on the way to romance are fun, and the characters likable. But....
One small point of info. Marines don't have time off during basic training and would never be allowed to "party" on the weekend. They neither have days off nor are they allowed off base during basic. While this is a casual statement made by Quinn, that he "partied on the weekend" during basic, it is so jarring to members of the sea services, (Navy and Marine Corps), that it is almost a deal breaker. This fact is so well known amongst us that it totally spoils the Marine image Ms. Hart is trying to establish. Please ladies, if your book contains a military person, get someone from that service to beta read it, and if no active duty people are available to you, there are lots of us retired folks out here who could improve it. This book would have been a five without this error but with it, I almost put it down. Let me suggest that you remove that sentence before a Marine reads it. I'm only Navy and retired, and I flipped out. Being in the military is NOTHING like civilian life with weekends off and partying during training periods. I'm sure it made sense to you, but to us it's a jaw dropping
Still it's a great mystery and civilian readers have nothing to worry about since they won't see the problem as a problem. I loved the complexity of this particular mystery, and do hope to see more of this crime solving team.
July 9, 2021
I must say, I'm finding a difference between the Amanda M Lee books, and the Lily Harper Hart paranormal suspense mysteries. I thought them very similar at first, but as time goes by: I find each authors books are different. Not majorly so, but enough that I've decided, I like Amanda M Lee more (though I will really have a hard time giving up the Ivy Morgan series) than Lily Harper Hart.
Both are not very, very deep mysteries or suspense novels, but very enjoyable, none the less. However, I've recently realized the Amanda M Lee books are deeper, in a sense, than the Lily Harper Hart books, which seem more light. They seem to gloss over more deeper emotions that occur in relationships, but the LHP (Lily Harper Hart) series seems to not go into more depth than the AML (Amanda M Lee) series does. Maybe I'm not reading this right; I'm willing to understand more alternate views.
My basis for this series it the Rowan Gray series of Lily Harper Hart. They are both (her and her protagonist/love interest (Quinn Davenport) are not looking for a long-term relationship. Yet that is were they seem to be heading by the first book. Yes, after three books, they still have not had sexual relations yet, since Quinn want to get to know her better. However, this doesn't stop him from using his 'skeleton' key from entering her room and sleeping with her (only). This stills seems like a big invasion of privacy and even respect for Rowan. I much more respect the acknowledgment that Bay and Brandon have of their relationship. They do fall into bed quickly, but are still on task the next morning (the current mystery). Rowan and Quinn seem more caught up in their developing relationship and seem to neglect current problem more. Maybe this is better, since Quinn is opting to know Rowan better. However, they seem much, much more distracted by their romaine than Brandon and Bay.
Just my thoughts.
Both are not very, very deep mysteries or suspense novels, but very enjoyable, none the less. However, I've recently realized the Amanda M Lee books are deeper, in a sense, than the Lily Harper Hart books, which seem more light. They seem to gloss over more deeper emotions that occur in relationships, but the LHP (Lily Harper Hart) series seems to not go into more depth than the AML (Amanda M Lee) series does. Maybe I'm not reading this right; I'm willing to understand more alternate views.
My basis for this series it the Rowan Gray series of Lily Harper Hart. They are both (her and her protagonist/love interest (Quinn Davenport) are not looking for a long-term relationship. Yet that is were they seem to be heading by the first book. Yes, after three books, they still have not had sexual relations yet, since Quinn want to get to know her better. However, this doesn't stop him from using his 'skeleton' key from entering her room and sleeping with her (only). This stills seems like a big invasion of privacy and even respect for Rowan. I much more respect the acknowledgment that Bay and Brandon have of their relationship. They do fall into bed quickly, but are still on task the next morning (the current mystery). Rowan and Quinn seem more caught up in their developing relationship and seem to neglect current problem more. Maybe this is better, since Quinn is opting to know Rowan better. However, they seem much, much more distracted by their romaine than Brandon and Bay.
Just my thoughts.
May 24, 2017
This started out as a typical light cozy mystery. I liked the characters from the first book and the small paranormal twist--Rowan seeing death omens in photos she takes--was fun. The dialogue often was downright clunky, but the mystery was decent and it was on its way to a comfortable three star rating. Until the "climax."
In any story, there must be some degree of suspension of disbelief, particularly so in paranormal cozies. But some idiocy just blasts well beyond those limits.
This is a fun premise for a mystery series, but if this is the kind of frustrating nonsense I can expect in the next book, I'll be skipping it.
In any story, there must be some degree of suspension of disbelief, particularly so in paranormal cozies. But some idiocy just blasts well beyond those limits.
This is a fun premise for a mystery series, but if this is the kind of frustrating nonsense I can expect in the next book, I'll be skipping it.
June 14, 2020
Rowan and Grey are having their first date together afterwards a body is found on the beach. They don't think much of it, as they are docked getting ready for the next round of passengers to arrive before they set sail. The next day a whole group of cosmetics selling women decend on the ship.. The leader Daphne Dubois is a total buttwhole. She is one of those ladies that like to put other people down , she sees grey and starts to agressivley hit on him. even when he tells her to straight up go away..
While Rowan is taking her pictures of the passengers as they arrive, she notices the death omen on daphnes picture. However later on the symbol hops to Daphnes assistant Penny... But then Daphne is the one that ends up dead.. While trying to solve the crime, Grey and Rowan uncovers some secrets about Daphne.. Including that her finger prints actually match a grifter/ criminal from I think Minnesota.. So they realize that this woman has been impersonating the real Daphne, and now they are trying to find out what happened to the real Daphne...
Everytime they figure out one thing it brings up more questions. When it came to solving the crime I did end up figuring out the people responsible, but I had no Idea of the motive behind it until it was revealed..
This was another great book!!
While Rowan is taking her pictures of the passengers as they arrive, she notices the death omen on daphnes picture. However later on the symbol hops to Daphnes assistant Penny... But then Daphne is the one that ends up dead.. While trying to solve the crime, Grey and Rowan uncovers some secrets about Daphne.. Including that her finger prints actually match a grifter/ criminal from I think Minnesota.. So they realize that this woman has been impersonating the real Daphne, and now they are trying to find out what happened to the real Daphne...
Everytime they figure out one thing it brings up more questions. When it came to solving the crime I did end up figuring out the people responsible, but I had no Idea of the motive behind it until it was revealed..
This was another great book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2020
Cosmetic seas..
As the Cara G Cosmetic company takes its annual sales convention on board the Bounding Storm Rowan is swamped in a sea of pink, battling women all trying to get to the top spot.
With Daphne Du Bois, the boss, chasing Quinn, bullying her assistant Penny and being a demanding, shrew who puts down everyone she comes into contact with it's hardly surprising that she has the death omen.
It seems however her future isn't fixed when Rowan sees that it's moved from Daphne to Penny. While Rowan tries to keep Penny safe, Daphne claims that she's been attacked and makes a scene, as no one saw anything they find it hard to believe.
As an increasingly difficult Daphne appears determined to get Quinn into her bed, she starts throwing threats to have them removed from their jobs.
When she publicly insists Quinn comply with her demands he refuses and because she is now raging drunk escorts her to her room and leaves her there alone. Rowan and Quinn retire for a peaceful nights sleep together only to wake up to news that Daphne has been strangled in the night.
The omen had jumped again and now they have to work out who, on a boat full of women who hated Daphne, killed her and the fingers are being pointed at Quinn as the last person to see her.
As the Cara G Cosmetic company takes its annual sales convention on board the Bounding Storm Rowan is swamped in a sea of pink, battling women all trying to get to the top spot.
With Daphne Du Bois, the boss, chasing Quinn, bullying her assistant Penny and being a demanding, shrew who puts down everyone she comes into contact with it's hardly surprising that she has the death omen.
It seems however her future isn't fixed when Rowan sees that it's moved from Daphne to Penny. While Rowan tries to keep Penny safe, Daphne claims that she's been attacked and makes a scene, as no one saw anything they find it hard to believe.
As an increasingly difficult Daphne appears determined to get Quinn into her bed, she starts throwing threats to have them removed from their jobs.
When she publicly insists Quinn comply with her demands he refuses and because she is now raging drunk escorts her to her room and leaves her there alone. Rowan and Quinn retire for a peaceful nights sleep together only to wake up to news that Daphne has been strangled in the night.
The omen had jumped again and now they have to work out who, on a boat full of women who hated Daphne, killed her and the fingers are being pointed at Quinn as the last person to see her.
March 8, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Rowen Gray is young woman group in Detroit and was a news photographer for newspapers in Detroit until she was laid off when newspapers publication started dwindling. She got a job on a cruise line as a cruise photographer. Rowen has the unique ability of seeing depth omens in her photographs. If someone is slated to die Their photo shows a death woman when she takes a photo of them. She can sometimes find ways to change that possibility and sometimes it works out. On the cruise ship the security Director who is becoming her boyfriend is in on the secret. Together they try to keep the passengers safe anytime there is a death omen in a photograph. Readon and see what the adventure is this time.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Rowen Gray is young woman group in Detroit and was a news photographer for newspapers in Detroit until she was laid off when newspapers publication started dwindling. She got a job on a cruise line as a cruise photographer. Rowen has the unique ability of seeing depth omens in her photographs. If someone is slated to die Their photo shows a death woman when she takes a photo of them. She can sometimes find ways to change that possibility and sometimes it works out. On the cruise ship the security Director who is becoming her boyfriend is in on the secret. Together they try to keep the passengers safe anytime there is a death omen in a photograph. Readon and see what the adventure is this time.
August 9, 2018
A shaky foundation will always fail
They have just recovered from their last cruise and its now time for the next one. A cruise filled with women who all sale cosmetics. The head of the company is abrasive, entitled and obnoxious. She makes a play for the security chief even though she knows that he is taken. Her assistant seems downtrodden and the symbol first appears on the photograph of the head and later her assistant. Will they try to keep both women safe and out of the clutches of the man shark, two men are circling the females on the cruise. A dead body, unknown fingerprints and a whole pack of lies are mixed into a great read. Loved the romantic angle of the relationship between our photographer and the Chief.
They have just recovered from their last cruise and its now time for the next one. A cruise filled with women who all sale cosmetics. The head of the company is abrasive, entitled and obnoxious. She makes a play for the security chief even though she knows that he is taken. Her assistant seems downtrodden and the symbol first appears on the photograph of the head and later her assistant. Will they try to keep both women safe and out of the clutches of the man shark, two men are circling the females on the cruise. A dead body, unknown fingerprints and a whole pack of lies are mixed into a great read. Loved the romantic angle of the relationship between our photographer and the Chief.
June 3, 2018
Murky Seas
I am enjoying this series so far. The motive and culprit was much more thought out than the previous book.
The author has a habit of rewriting the same characters over and over again, but so far it isn't as bad in this series. Some of the same things are there- heroine from Michigan, loved tomato juice and Little House on the Prairie, hero is in law enforcement of some kind.
Yes the similarities to her other books are there, but it is more subtle. I am hoping that is going to be the extent of it. I do love her writing style and the sarcasm, but I like variety in my characters.
Rowan's gift is interesting and I am looking forward to reading more about it.
I am enjoying this series so far. The motive and culprit was much more thought out than the previous book.
The author has a habit of rewriting the same characters over and over again, but so far it isn't as bad in this series. Some of the same things are there- heroine from Michigan, loved tomato juice and Little House on the Prairie, hero is in law enforcement of some kind.
Yes the similarities to her other books are there, but it is more subtle. I am hoping that is going to be the extent of it. I do love her writing style and the sarcasm, but I like variety in my characters.
Rowan's gift is interesting and I am looking forward to reading more about it.
July 24, 2019
Great
Except for the fact that anyone who reads this book will probably have nightmares about Pink, this novel has a great mystery. It is my belief that you will be astonished at the solution to it. Oh, and Sally and DeMarcus are quickly becoming my favorite characters. Hope that isn’t too much of a spoiler. I have two issues, however that could be construed as spoilers, and both of them really bother me: the pink rose was never explained, and the person who died on board the ship was SUPPOSED to have a guard outside the room that night. Perhaps I missed something; i truly look forward to other readers responding to these two issues.
Except for the fact that anyone who reads this book will probably have nightmares about Pink, this novel has a great mystery. It is my belief that you will be astonished at the solution to it. Oh, and Sally and DeMarcus are quickly becoming my favorite characters. Hope that isn’t too much of a spoiler. I have two issues, however that could be construed as spoilers, and both of them really bother me: the pink rose was never explained, and the person who died on board the ship was SUPPOSED to have a guard outside the room that night. Perhaps I missed something; i truly look forward to other readers responding to these two issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2018
I have read every series by this author, and I must say that Rowan and Quinn are one of my favorite couples! They know each other, trust each other, and have conversations right away when something is bothering them. Their open communication and honesty really sets them apart for me. There are no games, no lies, no whining, etc. I really just adore them!
The mystery here was great as always. I really love the cruise ship setting and how that impacts the murders. There were some good twists here as well, and it was interesting to see things change with the omens.
Another 5 star read!
The mystery here was great as always. I really love the cruise ship setting and how that impacts the murders. There were some good twists here as well, and it was interesting to see things change with the omens.
Another 5 star read!
September 10, 2017
The characters that are so loved in the first book of this series are back and even better than ever. Quinn and Rowan are trying the dating thing, not sure what is going to happen with them but they decide to stop running. Things once again start to get interesting when more chaos ensues on the high sees. With the trouble that follows and interfering friends will their relationship last? Loved this book.
April 25, 2018
I like the characters and their interactions. I am interested to see where the different relationships go.
It's bad when I cheer when I find out who was murdered. I was a bit shocked by the murderer, though. I didn't figure that out until the end. More glaring inconsistencies, though - i.e. the fingerprints. Everyone was fingerprinted to come on board, but they did not have the fingerprints found in the stateroom in their system. Couldn't happen.
It's bad when I cheer when I find out who was murdered. I was a bit shocked by the murderer, though. I didn't figure that out until the end. More glaring inconsistencies, though - i.e. the fingerprints. Everyone was fingerprinted to come on board, but they did not have the fingerprints found in the stateroom in their system. Couldn't happen.
September 23, 2019
I Love Cruise Ship Mysteries, this one is great!
I love cruise ship mysteries and this book did not disappoint. The characters are fantastic, and lots of fun. Even though it's a mystery, there's plenty of romance & humor mixed in. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. I highly recommend this book, and also the series. Although they can be read separately, I recommend reading them in order.
I love cruise ship mysteries and this book did not disappoint. The characters are fantastic, and lots of fun. Even though it's a mystery, there's plenty of romance & humor mixed in. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. I highly recommend this book, and also the series. Although they can be read separately, I recommend reading them in order.
September 24, 2023
Seriously?
I'm supposed to believe that two adults who are in a monogamous relationship and physically attracted to each other sleep in the same bed night after night do nothing but kiss? Please... And when the woman finally outright offers sex, the man refuses? Can anybody seriously buy that? I sure can't. And infants did not get SS numbers till 1987, though I guess this book could be written in the future. a minor point...
I'm supposed to believe that two adults who are in a monogamous relationship and physically attracted to each other sleep in the same bed night after night do nothing but kiss? Please... And when the woman finally outright offers sex, the man refuses? Can anybody seriously buy that? I sure can't. And infants did not get SS numbers till 1987, though I guess this book could be written in the future. a minor point...
October 30, 2024
Enjoyable cozy mystery
Rowan and Quinn are exploring their new romance when it is disrupted by a shop full of cosmetic representatives, and the boss who really wants Quinn. Really all that pink is blinding. When the unpleasant company owner is murdered there are hundreds of suspects. A story full of twists and turns with great characters and a decent mystery. Narration is excellent.
Rowan and Quinn are exploring their new romance when it is disrupted by a shop full of cosmetic representatives, and the boss who really wants Quinn. Really all that pink is blinding. When the unpleasant company owner is murdered there are hundreds of suspects. A story full of twists and turns with great characters and a decent mystery. Narration is excellent.
July 3, 2019
Good read love these books
These books are just as good as Harper Harlow series. It will be interesting to see Rowan and Quinn's relationship develop. Demarcus reminds me of Harper's best friend too. Lily zHarper Hart tells a really good story. Ready for the next so I can get caught up .
These books are just as good as Harper Harlow series. It will be interesting to see Rowan and Quinn's relationship develop. Demarcus reminds me of Harper's best friend too. Lily zHarper Hart tells a really good story. Ready for the next so I can get caught up .
October 22, 2023
Good read
Book 2 finds our couple neck deep in cosmetic reps (kind of like MaryKay). Pink everything is everywhere and they all seem to lust after Quinn, especially the very mean and nasty head of the company. The death omen shows up in a couple of places and the mystery is on. There is humor, sass, snark, and kisses. And don't forget murder. Highly entertaining.
Book 2 finds our couple neck deep in cosmetic reps (kind of like MaryKay). Pink everything is everywhere and they all seem to lust after Quinn, especially the very mean and nasty head of the company. The death omen shows up in a couple of places and the mystery is on. There is humor, sass, snark, and kisses. And don't forget murder. Highly entertaining.
June 25, 2017
Rates more like an 8!!!
This is definitely an amazing series. The plot of this one is complex and there is a lot of humor between the darker parts. I recommend this book highly, but read the first one, "Welcoming Seas", first to have an understanding of parts of this one.
This is definitely an amazing series. The plot of this one is complex and there is a lot of humor between the darker parts. I recommend this book highly, but read the first one, "Welcoming Seas", first to have an understanding of parts of this one.
June 25, 2017
Fun
In this second book the plot remains twisty and the characters gain depth. The writing is the nice fast paced style that is expected from Ms. Hart, making this a fun and entertaining read.
In this second book the plot remains twisty and the characters gain depth. The writing is the nice fast paced style that is expected from Ms. Hart, making this a fun and entertaining read.
September 11, 2018
I prefer Baby Pink to Salmon Pink
This trip takes Rowan and Quinn on an adventure through a cosmetics convention cruise. The pair work through the twists and turns of a murder. I enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
This trip takes Rowan and Quinn on an adventure through a cosmetics convention cruise. The pair work through the twists and turns of a murder. I enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
January 5, 2019
Fun series
I am enjoying this series, I am one of those who lives to tear into a book and complete it a a days time. The characters are funny and the depth of their personalities is shown to the reader as the story evolves.
I am enjoying this series, I am one of those who lives to tear into a book and complete it a a days time. The characters are funny and the depth of their personalities is shown to the reader as the story evolves.
June 17, 2019
A fun, quick read. This cozy mystery takes place on a cruise ship/home make up sales convention. It doesn’t take long before the twist with respect to the victim takes this story places you didn’t anticipate. Love Rowan and her special photography skills and how Quinn appreciates them.
April 18, 2020
Hmmm ...
The basic premise of the story was ok, but there were a few too many typos. There was also the fact that in the first book Rowan wore a perfume called “Adrift” and in the second book Quinn commented that he knew she didn’t wear perfume.
The basic premise of the story was ok, but there were a few too many typos. There was also the fact that in the first book Rowan wore a perfume called “Adrift” and in the second book Quinn commented that he knew she didn’t wear perfume.
May 7, 2020
In this book Rowan and Quinn must discover who killed a cosmetics company CEO. She is hated by all of her sales people so it is difficult to narrow down the suspects. I enjoyed this book as an audible book.
September 3, 2021
Cosmetics cruise goes bad
A big group of cosmetics sales ladies have a working cruise. The omen appears. Then moves. Then moves again. Lots of twists and turns. Fun mystery and fun character interaction.
A big group of cosmetics sales ladies have a working cruise. The omen appears. Then moves. Then moves again. Lots of twists and turns. Fun mystery and fun character interaction.
May 9, 2017
I love all of Lily Harper Hart's books and this was no exception! I love how each book is a continuation of the characters lives and each one is funny and interesting.
May 23, 2017
another fun and light hearted series!
March 31, 2018
Luved it
Wonderfully fabulous. Loved ever single page. Could not stop reading, I had to know what was going to happen next. Cant wait to read the next one.
Wonderfully fabulous. Loved ever single page. Could not stop reading, I had to know what was going to happen next. Cant wait to read the next one.
August 8, 2018
Very cute mystery series. Love the characters....especially Demarcus....he’s so funny it makes him cute . Happy Reading :) hope
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews