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Secrets In Oak Creek #2
Beneath The Surface
He’s a star witness. She’s a mess. When violent crime and budding love collide, will passion find the road to recovery?
Ryan Collins’s famous photoshoots feel as superficial as his life. And the troubled young woman he’s just met has awakened a longing for a more permanent connection. But he must put his growing feelings for her aside, or his testimony in a high-stakes drug bust could render a death sentence for them both.
Emily Carmichael still struggles with the trauma of her abduction. And though she wants to be a part of Ryan’s life, her painful rehab doesn’t make her easy to be around. So when he confesses he’s been keeping dangerous secrets, her world shatters in the face of his lies.
As Ryan’s day in court looms closer, threats of violence escalate to include his distressed would-be girlfriend. And Emily dulls her anxieties with a numbing prescription of sleeping pills, unsure she’ll ever be happy again.
Can Ryan and Emily put their demons behind them and find love’s road together?
Ryan Collins’s famous photoshoots feel as superficial as his life. And the troubled young woman he’s just met has awakened a longing for a more permanent connection. But he must put his growing feelings for her aside, or his testimony in a high-stakes drug bust could render a death sentence for them both.
Emily Carmichael still struggles with the trauma of her abduction. And though she wants to be a part of Ryan’s life, her painful rehab doesn’t make her easy to be around. So when he confesses he’s been keeping dangerous secrets, her world shatters in the face of his lies.
As Ryan’s day in court looms closer, threats of violence escalate to include his distressed would-be girlfriend. And Emily dulls her anxieties with a numbing prescription of sleeping pills, unsure she’ll ever be happy again.
Can Ryan and Emily put their demons behind them and find love’s road together?
- GenresContemporary
299 pages, ebook
First published May 15, 2019
25 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
B.K. Stubblefield
13 books203 followersB.K. Stubblefield is a writer with a passion for dogs and dog rescue. Her dog, Harper, inspired her Oak Creek series, so it is to no surprise that each book features a loveable canine. B.K. Stubblefield was born and raised in Germany, where she met her husband. Supporting his military career, she moved between Europe and the United States for many years. Now she makes her home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where she draws inspiration from the slower pace of small-town living.
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https://BKStubblefield.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 7, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Book two in the Oak Creek Series is sure to delight fans.
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Book two in the Oak Creek Series is sure to delight fans.
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 26, 2019
Exceptionally Good Story
First let me say I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was asked for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story of Emily, Ryan and Rose. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but then I couldn't put it down. It's a second chance story that sees Ryan and Rose in Africa where they discover the grisly killing of elephants for their tusks. While there Ryan discovers how bad he messed up by leaving Emily. A very good read for any and all. It doesn't disappoint.
First let me say I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was asked for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story of Emily, Ryan and Rose. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but then I couldn't put it down. It's a second chance story that sees Ryan and Rose in Africa where they discover the grisly killing of elephants for their tusks. While there Ryan discovers how bad he messed up by leaving Emily. A very good read for any and all. It doesn't disappoint.
July 31, 2019
4 Cranky Stars
This is the second book in a series and I thoroughly enjoyed the first one, this one not quite so much. The characters are still lovely and the setting is beautiful and the fact that Emily had the farmhouse modernised in this book which was fascinating. I found it not to flow as easily as the first book. It seemed to jump weeks at a time without warning. I also hope there will be another round of edits because I noticed there were several mistakes that made it hard to follow at times.
The main storyline is tying the ends up from the first book. The court cases, a death, being shot at and murder all happen in this book.
After everything that the pair have been through Ryan starts to doubt the relationship. His past catches up with him in his head and he starts making rash decisions. He did not know what he wanted out of life or what direction his career should go. Emily tried her best at being supportive but Ryan was on self destruct. He ended up going on a photo shoot in South Africa with a friend which is when he spoke of his past for the first time and started to think straight but was it too late.
This is the second book in a series and I thoroughly enjoyed the first one, this one not quite so much. The characters are still lovely and the setting is beautiful and the fact that Emily had the farmhouse modernised in this book which was fascinating. I found it not to flow as easily as the first book. It seemed to jump weeks at a time without warning. I also hope there will be another round of edits because I noticed there were several mistakes that made it hard to follow at times.
The main storyline is tying the ends up from the first book. The court cases, a death, being shot at and murder all happen in this book.
After everything that the pair have been through Ryan starts to doubt the relationship. His past catches up with him in his head and he starts making rash decisions. He did not know what he wanted out of life or what direction his career should go. Emily tried her best at being supportive but Ryan was on self destruct. He ended up going on a photo shoot in South Africa with a friend which is when he spoke of his past for the first time and started to think straight but was it too late.
May 15, 2019
Ryan Collins never imagined how much his life would change when he and Emily became witnesses to an unexpected drug crime. Since then, they've had to contend with the ups and downs taking place all around them. Though he's done his best to make sense of everything, his mind is often at odds. Deep inside, he knows what he wants, yet he's afraid of taking the needed step in order to find exactly what he's looking for. If he's to succeed in finding his happiness, however, he'll have to confront the ghosts of a past he never thought would rise to the surface yet again.
A bittersweet love story, Beneath The Surface is one of those books that makes you think with every turn of the page. We're presented with Ryan and Emily, two people who clearly love one another, yet they're reluctant to take the next step in finding their ultimate happiness. These are two characters who've been through so much. Despite the odds, however, they're willing to be there for one another when possible.
B. K. has taken so many elements of the real world and injected them into her book in such a way that you can imagine what happens the further you get into the story. Her characters pain and heartaches, their indecisions and determinations, the choices they make throughout everything they do pop off the page. We truly feel what they feel.
I'm glad I took a chance on this book and author. The vivid pictures painted make it possible to envision the complex world that surrounds each character. This book doesn't disappoint. I think I've gained a new author to keep an eye on. Looking forward to what else B. K. is bringing to the table.
A bittersweet love story, Beneath The Surface is one of those books that makes you think with every turn of the page. We're presented with Ryan and Emily, two people who clearly love one another, yet they're reluctant to take the next step in finding their ultimate happiness. These are two characters who've been through so much. Despite the odds, however, they're willing to be there for one another when possible.
B. K. has taken so many elements of the real world and injected them into her book in such a way that you can imagine what happens the further you get into the story. Her characters pain and heartaches, their indecisions and determinations, the choices they make throughout everything they do pop off the page. We truly feel what they feel.
I'm glad I took a chance on this book and author. The vivid pictures painted make it possible to envision the complex world that surrounds each character. This book doesn't disappoint. I think I've gained a new author to keep an eye on. Looking forward to what else B. K. is bringing to the table.
May 14, 2019
This is one Fantastic read. Ryan has it all but he also has his demons. Emily also has her Demons they both are witnesses. This book starts out gripping you from the start. All the way to the end. There is never a dull moment in this read. If you love a fast paced and action packed read. This is definitely one of those. This Author really brings out the Characters and the thrill of the story. I didn't want to put this book down. Its definitely a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
May 19, 2019
Ohers can tell you what the story is about.
Here's what I have to say: OMG! I just wanted to get inside that story and slap some sense into Ryan! Get out of Africa already and go back to the woman you love.
Yep. You'll have to read it now won't you! You won't be sorry you bought this one.
Here's what I have to say: OMG! I just wanted to get inside that story and slap some sense into Ryan! Get out of Africa already and go back to the woman you love.
Yep. You'll have to read it now won't you! You won't be sorry you bought this one.
April 25, 2019
I was thrilled to be picked for an advance copy of the book. It was enjoyable and had underlying and intertwined stories to keep the reader going. I felt like I connected with the characters and the story was engaging. What is Oak Creek’s dirty little secret? And how did I think every woman would fall for Ryan?
May 10, 2019
"She felt better when taking meds. Yesterday, she'd taken a double dose of sleeping pills by mistake; the slipup shaking her badly. She could appreciate Ryan's concern. But he made it sound like she was on the road to addiction, although he had no reason to think so. And that had pissed her off. His mention of Joe meant precisely that. Well, she was not!"......
I read the first book in the “Oak Creek” series last summer. I really enjoyed it, and was so happy to be asked to read this one. Emily is back, along with the man who could became her love interest, Ryan Carmichael. There is still danger lurking in Oak Creek.
Emily and Ryan witness something that have altered their lives. Ryan is a photographer, a job that can lead him away from Oak Creek. Will it lead him away from Emily? Ryan may have to leave to sort out the things he's dealing with. The question is if it does lead him away from her, will he ever come back?
Danger and life in a small town. A house to be restored, and a beloved dog named Bentley. The trauma from previous events will need to be resolved before Emily and Ryan can move on with their lives, together or apart.
This was a wonderful continuation of life in Oak Creek. The things lingering just “Beneath the Surface” always find a way to find the light.
Thank you B.K. Stubblefield
I read the first book in the “Oak Creek” series last summer. I really enjoyed it, and was so happy to be asked to read this one. Emily is back, along with the man who could became her love interest, Ryan Carmichael. There is still danger lurking in Oak Creek.
Emily and Ryan witness something that have altered their lives. Ryan is a photographer, a job that can lead him away from Oak Creek. Will it lead him away from Emily? Ryan may have to leave to sort out the things he's dealing with. The question is if it does lead him away from her, will he ever come back?
Danger and life in a small town. A house to be restored, and a beloved dog named Bentley. The trauma from previous events will need to be resolved before Emily and Ryan can move on with their lives, together or apart.
This was a wonderful continuation of life in Oak Creek. The things lingering just “Beneath the Surface” always find a way to find the light.
Thank you B.K. Stubblefield
June 22, 2020
Beneath The Surface (Oat Tree Book 2)
Thanks to the author for staying true to the first book, Secrets In Oat Creek and picking up from there. Been waiting for it and definitely not disappointed. I enjoyed this well written book which drew me into the story from the first page, along with the wonderful and complex characters. Romance, secrets and bits of suspense makes for a very entertaining book and Beneath The Surface has it all. JudyE
Thanks to the author for staying true to the first book, Secrets In Oat Creek and picking up from there. Been waiting for it and definitely not disappointed. I enjoyed this well written book which drew me into the story from the first page, along with the wonderful and complex characters. Romance, secrets and bits of suspense makes for a very entertaining book and Beneath The Surface has it all. JudyE
May 10, 2022
Good story. Tied up a lot of loose ends. I got very impatient with Ryan. He chose to pursue a relationship with Emily, all the while hiding all his hurts and fears from childhood, cutting her off, putting off or deflecting her every attempt to know him better, while at the same time keeping her in the dark about information that concerned her. Emily was a bit naive about the reality of being a witness to a crime, but overall she showed strength. Ryan eventually stepped up but it sure took him long enough!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2022
This was my first read from this author. This was a good story, that pulled me in imeediately. However the reason I gave it four stars was because it was written in the third person point of view, sorry but this is a deal breaker for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2019
Oak Creek truly comes alive, and the characters are vivid too. The plot... saying more than it's intriguing would be a spoiler.
January 25, 2022
Very much enjoyed reading this book. It dove much deeper into Ryan & Emily's heart and mind. Enough drama to keep you hooked, but little enough to feel real. Will definitely be reading the 3rd. :)
June 7, 2022
Excerpt of editorial review
Reviewed by Deborah Loyd for Readers' Favorite
Beneath the Surface: Book 2 in the Oak Creek Series, written by B. K. Stubblefield, chronicles the loving and excruciating moments of the relationship between Ryan and Emily. The author presents many interesting characters in this novel, and each one is described well. How she portrays the troubling aspects of Ryan's childhood, and how these affect him in adult love relationships, is authentic and heartrending. The motivation underneath Emily's commitment to her aunt's home renovation also has authenticity within it. Although Beneath the Surface is part of a series, it stands alone well. The plot is intriguing, engaging the reader from the first page to the last. A wonderful read for a quiet day at home, or on the beach!
Reviewed by Deborah Loyd for Readers' Favorite
Beneath the Surface: Book 2 in the Oak Creek Series, written by B. K. Stubblefield, chronicles the loving and excruciating moments of the relationship between Ryan and Emily. The author presents many interesting characters in this novel, and each one is described well. How she portrays the troubling aspects of Ryan's childhood, and how these affect him in adult love relationships, is authentic and heartrending. The motivation underneath Emily's commitment to her aunt's home renovation also has authenticity within it. Although Beneath the Surface is part of a series, it stands alone well. The plot is intriguing, engaging the reader from the first page to the last. A wonderful read for a quiet day at home, or on the beach!
February 17, 2020
You never know what is just ... Beneath The Surface
This was a terrific book 2 and it certainly tied up some loose ends left by the first book. The reader can really feel the emotions of the main characters including their doubts and fears for the future. Both have demons from their past and have trust issues. Emily tries to be so strong and independent and she doesn't like to accept the help. If only she knew what those rejections did to Ryan.
Suspenseful and emotional, this book will have you laughing and crying along with the characters as their trials and tribulations come to the surface.
"Caution surrendered to an onslaught of emotions. The heartache she'd managed, surged on the waves of a tsunami."
"Was it the lull of the fire, the stars allure high above, or the Bourbon that unraveled him?"
This was a terrific book 2 and it certainly tied up some loose ends left by the first book. The reader can really feel the emotions of the main characters including their doubts and fears for the future. Both have demons from their past and have trust issues. Emily tries to be so strong and independent and she doesn't like to accept the help. If only she knew what those rejections did to Ryan.
Suspenseful and emotional, this book will have you laughing and crying along with the characters as their trials and tribulations come to the surface.
"Caution surrendered to an onslaught of emotions. The heartache she'd managed, surged on the waves of a tsunami."
"Was it the lull of the fire, the stars allure high above, or the Bourbon that unraveled him?"
September 9, 2019
I was intrigued by story line. I actually read the book in one reading/hours. The story draws you in. Even though looking from an outsider like through a glass window it's like the window disappears and your in the story your self.. Liking watching a movie and your shorting at the screen don't trust that person watch your back.
June 22, 2019
Nobody would guess if they copied me and accidentally started reading book two; all I needed to know from book one is introduced so cleverly it was a while before I realised. I throughly enjoyed it, so now I can't resist buying book one.
Oak Creek truly comes alive, and the characters are vivid too. The plot... saying more than it's intriguing would be a spoiler.
Oak Creek truly comes alive, and the characters are vivid too. The plot... saying more than it's intriguing would be a spoiler.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews